SUBAROYDA or TOYBARU or whatever its called, its finally out

[VinniE30]

It's great that toyota is doing this and going back to the basics but don't fool yourself that this is something that hasn't been done before or that it's revolutionary in any way. In fact, it's the opposite, it's going backwards with leaving out a lot, but that's why it's great.
It has comparable specs to an E30 M3, 25 years later.

If you're looking for a new or lightly used car though, the Mazda RX-8 is about the same starting price new and about the same weight with more power, and they did that 10 years ago. And it is known for exceptionally good handling, it was in C&D best handling cars for under 100k, etc. And it's got that cool back/front doors thing. And looks way better IMO. The only thing I can think of that the toyota/subaru has the advantage in is gas mileage.

[slammin.e28]

It's great that toyota is doing this and going back to the basics but don't fool yourself that this is something that hasn't been done before or that it's revolutionary in any way. In fact, it's the opposite, it's going backwards with leaving out a lot, but that's why it's great.
It has comparable specs to an E30 M3, 25 years later.

If you're looking for a new or lightly used car though, the Mazda RX-8 is about the same starting price new and about the same weight with more power, and they did that 10 years ago. And it is known for exceptionally good handling, it was in C&D best handling cars for under 100k, etc. And it's got that cool back/front doors thing. And looks way better IMO. The only thing I can think of that the toyota/subaru has the advantage in is gas mileage.

Toyota won't throw apex seals across the highway and decapitate civilians either....

[tbruz]

People were raving the same way about the tc, now a rear wheel drive tinycock Pfft please go buy a better car for ur money.

[InuFaye]

Toyota won't throw apex seals across the highway and decapitate civilians either....

RX8 also weighs 3000 lbs, not 2700.

[slammin.e28]

RX8 also weighs 3000 lbs, not 2700.

That's before apex seal/rotor separation. I'm sure the guts those seals pick up and carry out the exhaust make up for the extra 300 lbs.

[InuFaye]

Simple fact is that this is the only lightweight(for today's standards) Rear Wheel Drive, front engine car you can buy for 24k, new.

[slammin.e28]

Simple fact is that this is the only lightweight(for today's standards) Rear Wheel Drive, front engine car you can buy for 24k, new.

I'll wait about 4 years. They'll work out the kinks, recalls, ect, facelift it, and the price will drop to the mid teens for a 50k mile'd car that's pretty well maintained.

[InuFaye]

I'll wait about 4 years. They'll work out the kinks, recalls, ect, facelift it, and the price will drop to the mid teens for a 50k mile'd car that's pretty well maintained.

I think thats what my plan is also, I just want to test drive one and confirm that they are indeed awesome.

[slammin.e28]

I think thats what my plan is also, I just want to test drive one and confirm that they are indeed awesome.

Makes sense. I agree.

[tbruz]

Simple fact is that this is the only lightweight(for today's standards) Rear Wheel Drive, front engine car you can buy for 24k, new.

Or pay 5k more and get a BMW 1series....

[Nsquared97]

Or pay 5k more and get a BMW 1series....

A 1 series is not anywhere near as light as the FT86. And there is no way you are going to find a (new) one for only $5k more.

[Stephen]

$25k (MSRP at least) will get you a pretty well equipted mdoel. The base stripper won't be sold here, but it's far cheaper than $25k.

With the current exchange rate, 1.99 million yen comes out to just over 25k. Add the fact that we wont likely see this and the initial hype markup, and you're probably looking at 30, real world.

Some googling suggests the MSRP on the base in US will be 24,200, with a destination charge of 730$. So, 25k+ dealer add ons and markups.

[tbruz]

A 1 series is not anywhere near as light as the FT86. And there is no way you are going to find a (new) one for only $5k more.

They start at 31k...and it looks better, built better, and I'm pretty positive they drive better too

[bmwstephen]

They start at 31k...and it looks better, built better, and I'm pretty positive they drive better too

[InuFaye]

Or pay 5k more and get a BMW 1series....

A 128i is slow, has a poor suspension, no LSD, and feels mushy as hell.

also you aren't touching a 1er for less than 38k, new.
Which is 14k more.

Im talking to a dealer now that will selling me an FRS for 24k, not a cent over MSRP.