[SavvyByNature]

True that!

Originally Posted by mike-y

with the OP's list of mods, I'd argue that his 325i is probably pretty fun to drive. Maybe not as fun as a BRZ, but I don't think he'd be happy with a stock BRZ and would want to spend more money on mods

Anyway, as far as insurance costs, I was going by actual experience.. insurnance on a 14 year old integra GSR was more than insurance on a 2 year old E90. Both had 100/300 coverage limits. the BRZ is a similar type of car as the integra (as far as demographics are concerned), so I'd imagine a new BRZ would have a high rate of insurance. Though rates do vary by location, and I imagine that living in L.A. had a lot to do with it.

As far as maintainence on the BMW, I have 108k miles and haven't needed anything other than oil changes and one set of brakes. at 100k, I had the trans fluid and pan changed ($240 in parts), and changed the spark plugs. He's got a ways before he needs any of that though.

And I doubt the BRZ comes with free maintenaince, so he'll need to pay for some of that anyway.

I'm sure he knows what the best financial option is, but it really comes down to how much he wants a BRZ. When you really want something, you tend to find a way to justify the purchase, even when deep down, you know it's not the best thing to do.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by Hooy

The 328 is noticeably quicker, but I didn't get it to go fast either. The coupe, imo, is much more attractive than the E90. It fit my needs perfectly whereas a 325 sedan wouldn't have. I'm now looking for an E46 M3, but if the FRS had more power, I would get that.

The 325 is nice, but a FRS/BRZ is fun. That's why I say it's a worthy jump.

Interesting...
First, the 328 is NOT noticeably quicker. 330 was, and 328 is fairly slower than the 330.
The rest is your subjective view that may not apply to the OP.

Finally, comparing M3 (any) to FRS just sums it up for me that our opinions differ greatly...

[Hooy]

Originally Posted by dr335is

Interesting...
First, the 328 is NOT noticeably quicker. 330 was, and 328 is fairly slower than the 330.
The rest is your subjective view that may not apply to the OP.

Finally, comparing M3 (any) to FRS just sums it up for me that our opinions differ greatly...

My 328 with just a flash was as fast as a stock 330.

What is wrong with the FRS? Dynamically the only problem is that it's lacking in power.

[hawaiianeze]

Originally Posted by Hooy

My 328 with just a flash was as fast as a stock 330.

What is wrong with the FRS? Dynamically the only problem is that it's lacking in power.

+1, I'd just wait till the turbo version comes out, it should become more of a "complete" car

[spacemonkey1112]

IMO, keep your e90. As a recent undergrad graduate, I'm glad & blessed to have my 06 e90. A BRZ or FRS would be fun like some people say on these forums. The way I see it though, I would rather commute to work in a BMW than a toyota. Maybe it's just me, but I see the FRS as a young teen's car (maybe too much car for some teens haha). A BMW keeps its class and is always going to be respectable towards your peers in the working world. That's just my 2 cents. Also I agree with what everyone about not having a car payment while you're in college; you don't want to deal with that.

[mlifxs]

keep the e90.

by the time you graduate, the turbo BRZ might appear

[Rival]

hell no.

[scflaw]

FRS looks nice but it feels like a toy and handles well. Maintenance is close to nil compared to the BMW. I'd still take the BMW, just my 0.02$. If its feasible get what you love and don't look back, simple as that.

[Hooy]

Since it's already paid off, keep it. It's reliable enough.

If you were looking for a new car, I'd pick the FRS over a 325. You can only have a car like that when you're young.

[2010 e90]

In all honesty you should sell your e90 privately if possible and get the brz. It's cheaper repairs, better gas mileage and almost as quick. With some aftermarket parts it will be quicker anyway. I love my e90 as much as the next but theres no need to carry that expense being as young as you are.

[Glim]

Top gear just reviewed the BRZ this weekend, said the factory put the tires of a Prius on it to be able to drift at 30mph.

Jeremy loved it

http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/Coupe-of-the-Year-GT86-vs-BRZ-2013-01-09

[sasebonian]

I think you should keep the car, and wait until you get a stable job after you graduate. I think this would be a good time to learn how to work on your car as well, to save some money by doing some of the work yourself. Perhaps the money you'd put into a new car payment for the BRZ, could go into the BMW maintenance you need?

[AGood22]

Im a BMW guy at heart but my brother actually had a TC Ive come to like them as well. I haven't personally ridden in a FR-S but the overall they are nice, they are cheeper to maintain but in my eyes a BMW is a much classier car. One thing that i love about the TC my brother had is that he flipped it end over end three times and the interior of the car was nearly not effected. They are very safe cars. If you didnt have a car already i would say go for the FR-S because most likely it will be cheeper to maintain and cheeper to modify, but since you do already have the BMW i would keep it and just save up for when your out of college and get a sportier BMW in the future. But with either choice you make it won't be a bad one!

[Jaylyons1]

I'm curious if some of the people commenting here have driven a twin yet. I sold my M3 for one and do not regret it. I have also owned a 328i and 335i. I see people saying that the 325 is the same performance wise. You are wrong. End of story. Not trying to be a dick, but my BRZ out performs my M3 every time I'm at the track(autocross, not circuit or anything). There are things I miss such as the strait line power or orgasmic exhaust note the screaming V8 yields, but I do not regret getting the Subaru. It really depends on your driving style.

I will say one thing. The stock tires on the Subaru are trash. They are purposely built with the "prius tires" so the car can drift on command. I replaced them a week after I bought the car with some decent tires, nothing fancy, and it really brings the car to life.

I understand the Op was comparing the 325 and has most likely made a decision since this thread is a bit dated. However, do not be fooled by the numbers you are seeing with this car. It is amazing. Bring on the flame!

(ok, so I do sometimes miss the M )

[Rollo`]

When I give my e92 to my son for his 16th birthday in a few years the BRZ will be on my shopping list. I loved my old bug-eye 2002 WRX, tastefully modded of course.

[RazRokz.!]

In my opinion, the FRZ is garbage compared to my 328i. I drove my coworkers the other day and it just doesn't feel right. If you try to take a quick u-turn it feels like the tail of the car wants to start sliding where as my BMW would stay Planted on the ground. This is probably due to the go cart tires they threw on that thing. And power, it's just not there. Even before 3stage, tune, eurobox+pipercross/scoops and PE. It still feels as if my stock e90 would pull against it. The interior feels like it is cheaply made but then again it's ultimately Toyota that manufactures these if I remember correctly. But then again, all of this is just my opinion. If you like the car and you can afford it, then by all means go for it....

[Efthreeoh]

I'll play Pops here for a moment, since I'm old enough to be your dad and I'm a car guy (with all the passion for it as you have) and BMW enthusiast. I well remember my younger days and understand the young male's desire to have a cool car. The problem is there is always a better car you think you want; it never ends.

If I were you, I'd keep the E90 until you finish school. It's a very reliable car (mine has 221K on it now and I drive the living crap out of it). It's very easy to fix, and the inherent problems it has, though minor, are well documented here on the forum and there are well-written DIYs to help you make the repairs. 74K on an E90 is not even halfway through the car's reasonable service life; these cars do not blow up past 100,000 miles like most people think they do. Aside from a possible water pump/T-stat repair, which is $500 and an afternoon's work, the next cost you have is at 100,000 for plugs, coolant, and driveline oil changes. I'm not sure how long it will take you to rack up 25,000 miles, but I'd bet you'll graduate before you hit 100,000 on your car. For reference, my car cost me $1,500 for maintenance between 75,000 and 100,000 miles, which included replacement of all four brakes and a new set of tires. That's just 3 or 4 car payments on the BRZ.

If you plan on being "back in a BMW" after you graduate, then why get out of one now; one that you have no car payment on, and put several hundred dollars of maintenance into already, let alone the tasteful, non-reliability-hurting, mods you've done. I doubt the BRZ will be that more of a better drive that you can legally, or reasonably illegally, appreciate on the street. Considering the financial picture and your current status in life, keeping the E90 is the better choice. One thing I've learned is the financial picture always matters in the end. A new BRZ will cost more in insurance for you considering your age category and the type of car it is. Also the stage that you car is at now, it will cost no difference in daily use than the BRZ; all cars have a cost/per mile to use them regardless of what age and condition they are in. And I doubt a BRZ will gain you any better chance of getting laid - just saying.

[mike-y]

Originally Posted by RazRokz.!

In my opinion, the FRZ is garbage compared to my 328i. I drove my coworkers the other day and it just doesn't feel right. If you try to take a quick u-turn it feels like the tail of the car wants to start sliding where as my BMW would stay Planted on the ground.

That's because the BMW is tuned for understeer, and the FRZ is not. The FRZ is a much more balanced car. it may not be a "nicer" car than the bmw, and maybe not faster in a straight line, but they sure do handle better.

[Rival]

start saving for a water pump and t stat. Plugs, air filters, cabin filters, fluids, etc are all not that costly.

yes, you hear BMW horror stories but those are 90% n54 guys now days. Id rather drive an e90 BMW than a FRZ any day.

[willypongtb]

i own e90 330i 2006 and brz i personally i love 330i drive and handling is good.
BRZ is not too bad but can not compare to 330i. BRZ insulation is bad lot of road noise but if i have a choice i will sell it and get f30 which is almost the same price add little more. but i can not sell right now loose too much money.
my suggestion for you is go have a test drive you will see for yourself.

[Amini77]

Originally Posted by Hooy

Car vs car, I'd take the FRS/BRZ. The 325 is a sloth and looks just boring as it goes.

It's a worthy jump. But you need to figure out the #'s.

OHEMGEE your car looks so much more exciting...baby blue and all with 2 doors WOW.

Anyways, OP. The FRS isn't any faster than your e90. I think those cars have a 7 sec 0-60 I'm not sure just going off the top of my head. And luxury of it isn't even half of the E90. It isn't a very practical car either. Stick with your E90 for now

[Neolandez]

as a student you will appreciate the e90 more due to the bigger space i can guarantee that!