Initial thoughts

I picked up my 2013 Subaru BRZ from Wilde Subaru on the 24th of May.  Here are my initial thoughts after the first week of driving.


Interior 
Very solid build quality Amazing touch points.  It feels much better than my friend's '11 Civic Si. Seats are great, I'm 5'8" 160lbs and they fit like a glove. Driving position is spot on. The driving position reminds me most of some of the dedicated track cars I've built. Radio/Nav/Sat is easy to use. I setup my bluetooth handsfree phone quickly and it's easy to use. We get free XM radio...not sure for how long, 1 month? I wish there was a USB jack in the glove box, it's on the main panel below the AC controls. Good cubby space, but no where to put a phone when plugged into the USB jack. I'll likely hack that cable and run it to the glove box.

Exterior
Wheel gap is pretty big and I think visually it could use a drop...but it feels SO good I don't want to mess with it. Body panels are all tight and aligned well. The hood is deceptively light. The engine bay has more open space than I expected. Whoever said their wasn't room for FI was crazy. The side marker lights don't blink when the turn signal is on. I'll likely re-wire that. Wheels look much darker in person than any photo I've seen. Great color and I like them much better in person. No matter how many times you've seen it at an auto show, it is smaller than you think.

Driving Impressions
I'm following the 4K RPM limit until 1000m so I've yet to get on it. The ride is firm, but not jarring. It's similar to an aftermarket lowered sport suspension on tight valved struts, or any of the more modern sports cars. It is happy to put along at 40mph in 6th with no issue. It has more torque than you think it does. Only reving to 4k it is plenty to move around town. I've been flooring it to 4K rpm a bunch and Im averaging 28.6 mpg, mixed driving. I think you should pull a solid 32-34 freeway. The shifter is crisp, short and has a great mechanical feel. It is the most accurate shifter I've felt in a car of this cost.  I can compare it to an '02 Civic Si and an '05 Mini Cooper S, and an '11 CSI all of which I've owned or driven and this is better than all three. It's a little light, but heavier than those I mentioned.  But...just a tiny bit lighter than I'd like. Great for a DD though. The clutch IS light. Again, great for a DD but lighter than I expected.

 Overall I am extremely pleased with all the basic aspects of the car. It's living up to all my high expectations, and exceeding many of them. I've owned the car for less than 24 hours and have already gotten 5 thumbs up, and two people pull out phones and take pics from their car while next to me. It looks great, and gets lots of attention. I am 100% happy with the money I spent.