Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Rear-wheel-drive coupé with a 200 hp 2.0 boxer engine, twin of the Toyota GT86, sold in France with a manual or automatic gearbox. The first model years (2012-2013) were the subject of a recall for a valve spring breakage that can stall the engine: make sure the work was carried out at a dealership.
- Reliability
- 5.0/5
- Indicative prices
- €16,000 – €30,500
- Monthly cost
- €557
- Euro NCAP
- Not tested
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: 2.0i 200 manuelle.
2.0i 200 manuelle
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Manual · 200 hp · 7.8 L/100 km · Crit'Air 1
2.0 naturally aspirated boxer with 200 hp, manual gearbox: the most common version, with a combined fuel consumption announced at 7.8 L/100 km (L'argus).
2.0i 200 automatique
Petrol · Automatic · 200 hp · Crit'Air 1
Same 200 hp engine with automatic gearbox (BVA), with a combined fuel consumption announced at 7.1 L/100 km (L'argus).
Market prices
€16,000 – €30,500
Indicative range: 2013 to 2019, 20,000 to 200,000 km, online listings from private and dealer sellers aggregated by LeParking.
Collected on 13 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
Worn ignition coils (early model years)
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingThe ignition coils of the first cars are cited among common problems: they can overheat and cause misfires, unstable idling and a warning light (ARG Performance, Retro Outlaws).
- Versions
- 2.0i 200 manuelle, 2.0i 200 automatique
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Valve spring breakage (2012-2013 recall)
Manufacturer recallA manufacturing defect in the valve springs can cause them to break; the engine may then stall while driving and fail to restart. The recall concerns the FA20 engines of the first model years (2012-2013) of the GT86 and BRZ. It is advisable to check that the work was carried out at a Toyota or Subaru dealership (Annuaire Voitures); in the United States, the NHTSA investigated cases of stalling after repairs carried out at dealerships (Torque News).
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- 2.0i 200 manuelle, 2.0i 200 automatique
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Subaru BRZ”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €192 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €105 |
| Maintenance | €27 |
| Depreciation | €233 |
| Total per month | €557 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€192
2.0i 200 manuelle version: combined consumption of 7.8 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
7.8 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €192
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€105
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€27
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€233
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Subaru BRZ I (ZC) — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Require proof that the valve spring recall was carried out at a Toyota or Subaru dealership (serial number, invoice), especially for a 2012-2013 car.
- Look for signs of track use or modifications (exhaust, remapping, suspension) and ask for the full history.
- Have the fault codes read and listen to the cold idle (misfires, instability) to detect a worn ignition coil.
- Check that there is no engine oil leak and check the oil level.
- Test the clutch and the gear changes, when cold and when warm.
Questions to ask the seller
- Was the valve spring recall carried out, and where (dealership or independent garage)?
- Has the car been used on a track or been modified?
- Can you show the service book and the oil change invoices?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Herranderssvensson, CC BY-SA 3.0
Renault Mégane
IV · 2016–2023
- Price
- €9,500 – €23,900
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: Wikisympathisant, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mini Hatch
III (F55/F56, 2014-2024) · 2014–2024
- Price
- €9,500 – €26,000
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Electric
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Subaru BRZ I (ZC) (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Subaru BRZ the same car as the Toyota GT86?
Yes, they are two versions of the same car, with the same FA20 engine, according to Roulez-Serein and Annuaire Voitures; both were affected by the valve spring recall for the first model years.
What is the boot capacity of the Subaru BRZ?
243 litres according to L'argus and Automobile Dimension for the first generation; it is described as a 2+2 with very cramped rear seats.
Has the Subaru BRZ been rated by Euro NCAP?
No: the BRZ has not been tested by Euro NCAP, according to Parkers.
Found a listing?
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