Golf GTI -v- Toyota FT86

[WhiteJames]

Can't arque on the issue of practicality re: Golf. As for interior ambience ... I also found the BRZ's silver dash and **** Smith aftermarket style Bluetooth (non SatNav) and cheap radio offensive. But all this paled into insignificance once I drove the vehicles. Like for like ... the BRZ is $800 better value (inc. data dots & free 3 year servicing) than the FT86 GTS. Should I be so lucky to sell my GTI for low 30's K ... it's only a matter of coghing up around 8K for a new BRZ with new 3 year warranty & 3 years free servicing. The Toyota servicing is capped at $170 for 3 years during warranty. Add in an expensive 60K Golf GTI with DSG service, extended warranty after 3 years is up, perhaps new tyres, maybe new brakes on the GTI ... now the twins are looking a lot better value than ever before. Subaru are happy to return your 3K deposit up to 4 mths prior to delivery date (12 mths waiting time atm on BRZ) if your rescined on the contract. Toyota Dealer is asking for 1K deposit and similar terms of return of deposit a couple of weeks before FT86 is scheduled to be built. Can't fault resale and saleability of either Toyora or Subaru. If the twins were a Volvo, Peugot, Renault, Saab, Fiat, Citreon, Opel, Alpha Romeo, etc ... then I'd be worried. As for modifications ... I'd steer clear 2nd hand turbo cars in general. The N.A. FT86 and BRZ should be very robust vehicles, even with the occassional skin-pan or track day. Brakes on the twins seem to be holding up quite well for half-dozen laps on the track. The BRZ doesn't need any modification other than better tyres ... that's the beaty of the twins. The Toyota may be taxing on the softer front, but ride comfort & progressive chassis tune make up for the softer frend end. Now ... the serious decision ... order now ... or order later? Is it going to be BRZ or FT86?
Cheers.
WJ