HERE'S WHAT AN EARLY SUBARU BRZ COSTS YOU TODAY
The Subaru name is synonymous with all-wheel drive, and the brand happily hangs its whole reputation on its signature symmetrical AWD system, which sends the engine power directly to all four wheels. It's baked into the brand's identity right down to how the automaker names its SUVs. If the Outback and Crosstrek weren't all-wheel drive, you'd probably ask where they get the nerve to adopt such rugged monikers.
So, the Subaru BRZ has always been a bit of an oddball in the lineup, being a rear-wheel drive coupe that has more in common with something like a Mustang EcoSport or a Mazda Miata RF than it does with anything you'll find at a Subaru dealership, be it an all-wheel-drive SUV, or even the WRX. While the coupe might not be making headlines with its performance specs, the BRZ remains one of the most thrilling cars on the market for the money, and the first-gen model that kicked the nameplate off can be had at about a third of the original MSRP.
We are aware of the Subaru 360, and that it was technically the first RWD Subaru. We chose to leave it off the list because so few were sold in the USA that it was considered a massive fail.
A Look At Subaru's First Rear-Wheel Drive Model
The first-gen BRZ uses a naturally aspirated flat-four paired to a six-speed manual transmission in the base model, a configuration that Subaru has stuck with in the latest version of the car.
The 0-60 mph acceleration times are all over the place, depending on who you ask. When the car was brand-new, test drivers were getting everywhere from 6.4 seconds with the manual transmission to 7.7 seconds with the optional six-speed automatic.
The first-gen BRZ had a nice, long life cycle, running from the 2013 to 2020 model years. The nameplate took a brief hiatus in 2021 before coming back with the second-generation 2022 model.
The BRZ Has Always Been One Of The Best Deals On The Market
In our reviews of the original Subaru BRZ, we've called it a "stalwart of the low price, big fun rear-wheel drive fraternity," naming it a welcome alternative to turbocharged hot hatches and high-priced German coupes. We've long praised the BRZ as a much-needed counterpoint to the sports car segment's tendency towards improbable price tags and the ongoing war of increasingly ludicrous horsepower ratings.
Not that we don't appreciate supercars that crank out four-figure performance numbers, but the BRZ's potent acceleration and go-cart-like handling are more than enough to rekindle just about anyone's love for the open road.
Why The Heck Did Subaru Make A Rear-Wheel Drive Car, Anyway?
If you're familiar with the Toyota GR86, the BRZ's specs should look very familiar, because it's the same car. Toyota didn't initially sell the GR86 under the Toyota name in the US; instead, it was available as the Scion FR-S.
The car was always Toyota's brainchild more than it was Subaru's. Toyota first unveiled the car as the FT (Future Toyota) concept car at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. This early version of the car, the FT-HS, was a V6 hybrid 2+2 coupe. From here, Subaru was essentially dragged, kicking and screaming, into the collaboration by Toyota's project leader,, Tetsuya Tada.
Subaru simply didn't see a future for itself in the rear-wheel drive segment, so Toyota brought in journalists and test-drivers to give the car a try, eventually convincing Subaru that there was something worth developing in the Toyota FT. Toyota would go on to develop further prototypes with Subaru's help, borrowing a modified Impreza chassis here and a boxer engine there, eventually resulting in the Toyota 86, debuting at the December 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.
What's The Difference Between The Toyota GR86 And The Subaru BRZ?
The Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ have always shared a powertrain and the vast majority of mechanical components. The differences in the newer models come down to the finer touches. The Toyota version of the car is styled differently, with a bigger grille and a more aggressive look overall. The Toyota's suspension is tuned for the track, ready to drift and slide around corners if need be, while the BRZ is said to be a bit grippier, for more comfortable highway handling.
What Will A First-Gen BRZ Cost You In 2025?
According to Kelley Blue Book, here's what you can expect to pay for a used entry-level BRZ from the first generation, assuming an average of around 15,000 miles on the odometer every year.
If we head over to AutoTempest, here's what we find for current BRZ listings.
- A 118,900-mile 2014 model is in Idaho for $14,500.
- A 69,723-mile 2017 model is in New York for $21,998.
- A 95-528-mile 2016 model is in New Jersey for $19,987.
- A 110,694-mile 2013 model is in Pennsylvania for $11,999.
- A 51,869-mile 2013 model is in Pennsylvania for $17,518.
- A 99,294-mile 2014 model is in Virginia for $12,495.
Note that you should run your own search on AutoTempest. There's no telling which of these listings, if any, will still be up by the time you're ready to shop around.
As with any used car, you can expect to spend more money for an example with lower miles. The Subaru BRZ is essentially a Toyota in many ways, so it's built to last, meaning that there's no reason to turn your nose up at a 100,000-mile model for a fair price, as long as it's in good shape and passes the test drive.
Keep An Eye Out For Scions, Too
It might be a good idea to keep an eye out for a used Scion FR-S while you're shopping around for a BRZ. It's essentially the same car, with used models selling for around the same price as a comparable BRZ, according to the Kelley Blue Book. Actual market values sometimesallow you to get an FR-S at a steal. We were able to turn up some pretty good deals on used Scions.
- A 94,925-mile 2013 model is selling in New Jersey for $11,500.
- A 67,920-mile 2013 model is selling for $14,999 in New Jersey.
- A 64,669-mile 2015 model is selling in Virginia for $15,950.
- A 31,100-mile 2015 model is selling in Pennsylvania for $18,977.
- An 87,000-mile 2013 model is selling in Pennsylvania for $18,889.
Whether you call it a Toyota, a Scion, or a Subaru, the BRZ is simply a good time behind the wheel, and well worth the asking price.
2025-10-04T05:24:52ZSources: Subaru, Toyota, Kelley Blue Book, AutoTempest.