Topic: The Quick and the Dad: 2013 Subaru BRZ

[Autos_Editor]

The Toyobaru twins promise lightweight sports car performance for the family man. We'll just see about that.

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[vasyapirh]

I'll just leave it at this:

http://jalopnik.com/5928491/2013-scion-frs-will-it-baby

[Rupert]

   We found that the 89 Sable wagon was just the right vehicle for us and our two young kids. It did everything well and had very nice IRS. Why make trouble for yourself with totally the wrong vehicle for the job. This sporty well designed (for other purposes) vehicle, would rapidly become a pain. Of course, there are no wagons around anymore and SUVs et al are designed with the requirements of 4WD in mind...even if not included. Still I suppose that there are some crossovers available...and of course the Mazda 5 and Rondo which possibly do the job just fine....hmmm. the Caravan.
   Oh, I am a FWD man for practicality...can't help it...it's just right thinking, but every now and then a car comes along that rouses the 'fifty year ago' senses and this vehicle is one of those. BR-Z and FR-S and Miata...yes RWD with a purpose of being sporty. I just love the layout of this vehicle...even the large tach...which is apropriate here. If I had some spare cash, I would be getting one for one last fling before the zimmer frame...er turbo.
   I don't get the swank track pretentons of lux machinery costing zillions from whoever, either cross or arundle, with HP spilling out of their ears...they are all marginally silly. However this car is just great and as fitted for track use as all of them and more so. Light weight and just right. Affordable...yeah. In stock trim, I don't know how lap times would compare, but suspect pretty close. Properly tuned I think it would dust all of the lux boats and a trip to the track with other like minded owners might be more rewarding...at least I hope so..I hope so. 'Love it in spades' (special rating only used for exceptional vehicles)
   

[mixmanmash]

"It’s also time to kiss those sports car dreams goodbye; two-seaters just don’t work when there’s a baby in the picture."

Sure they do, so long as it isn't the primary vehicle.  My 2 seater Z still gets driven.  Of course, we have 2 other vehicles when we do need it.

[Fobroader]

I think as a dad you have to have a car like this. I couldnt imagine going from a sports car/bike straight to a beige box (CUV/Minivan) without having something to let loose with on the weekends. Sure, it would be great if we could all afford a 911 GT3 to have for the weekends, but this little BRZ....damn....what a fantastic car.

[nlm]

I think as a dad you have to have a car like this. I couldnt imagine going from a sports car/bike straight to a beige box (CUV/Minivan) without having something to let loose with on the weekends. Sure, it would be great if we could all afford a 911 GT3 to have for the weekends, but this little BRZ....damn....what a fantastic car.

That's what I like about the WRX/Sti: 4-doors and a hatch. But I guess the oem handling is still a compromise to a BRZ and up.

[carmaniac]

Lucky I've solved this problem already with an E36 M3 Sedan

[r4goods]

interesting to see a car seat stuffed in such tiny quarters.
Curious though if a front facing childseat would give you more space to move and maneuver around.
Had to give up 2 doors when my child came along but now that she's onto forward facing childseats then maybe there is hope for me  to get back into cars like this

[Solstice2006]

"It’s also time to kiss those sports car dreams goodbye; two-seaters just don’t work when there’s a baby in the picture."

Sure they do, so long as it isn't the primary vehicle.  My 2 seater Z still gets driven.  Of course, we have 2 other vehicles when we do need it.

For most of us, not everybody has the money to own 3 cars, or the space to keep them.  Sure I would have love to have a BRZ or MX-5 in addition to a Mazda5, not going to happen.  Instead, a comprise, no Caravan, a Mazda5 was a better choice.  When the kids are able to get in the seats themselves, then I can look at 2+2 vehicles. 

[johngenx]

not everybody has the money to own 3 cars, or the space to keep them.

Multiple cars don't have to break the bank, (if you're willing to buy older models) but space can be a huge issue especially if storage for a summer-only car isn't readily available.  I doubt I would have bought the Miata is I had to pay to store it somewhere.  With our large garage, it makes the multiple car thing much easier.

[tpl]

From the discussion, these rear facing seats are mandatory, yes?   For how long?

[Solstice2006]

Hard to find a Miata that's newer than 2002, with less than 125000kms for less than 10k.  Hopefully that will change in a few years.  Have to finish paying off the Mazda5 first, then by the time that's done, the Sentra will need replacing. 

[mixmanmash]

From the discussion, these rear facing seats are mandatory, yes?   For how long?

I believe till at least 22 pounds. 

Straight from TC:  "Don’t hurry. Keep your child in the rear-facing seat until he or she grows out of it. Your child seat user guide will tell you the maximum weight and height of a child for that seat. If your child grows out of the rear-facing seat, there may be another model that will still fit your child. Some rear-facing car seats are made for children up to 20 kg (45 lbs)!

It is okay if your child’s legs touch the back of your vehicle seat, as long as your child is still below the manufacturer’s weight and height limits.

Even if your child weighs 10 kg (22 lbs), is able to walk on his or her own and your provincial/territorial law says you can use a forward-facing seat, the rear-facing position is still safer. As long as your child is still below the weight and height limits of your current child seat, you should use that seat for as long as possible."

[Jaeger]

Want.  Badly.  But it's useless as a family car.  Will have to wait until we have space for three cars - but then the third will likely be whatever sensible compact our daughter drives for her first car.

[jyarkony]

Want.  Badly.  But it's useless as a family car.  Will have to wait until we have space for three cars - but then the third will likely be whatever sensible compact our daughter drives for her first car.

BRZ = sensible + compact