Do BRZ hold its value?
Yes. The Subaru BRZ tends to hold its value better than many rivals in the same class, especially for well-maintained, low-mileage examples with minimal modifications.
Beyond that basic trend, resale value is shaped by the model year, drivetrain (manual transmissions are particularly prized by enthusiasts), mileage, condition, and broader market dynamics for affordable rear-drive sports cars. This article examines what drives BRZ value, how different generations have performed, and practical tips to protect resale potential.
What drives BRZ value in the used market
Understanding the factors that influence pricing helps explain why some BRZs hold value more than others.
- Enthusiast demand for a pure, engaging, rear-drive sports coupe with a manual option.
- Reliability and lower maintenance costs relative to some high-performance rivals.
- Production volumes and the availability of clean, stock examples in the market.
- Overall condition, mileage, service history, and accident history.
- Modifications versus stock originality; traders and buyers often favor original parts and factory specifications.
Together, these factors help determine how quickly a BRZ depreciates and where it tends to settle in the used market.
Generation and model-year considerations
resale dynamics differ between the first-generation BRZ (2013–2020) and the second-generation (2022–present), as well as between regional markets and supply conditions.
- First-generation BRZs generally faced steeper depreciation after the original launch period, but well-cared-for, low-mileage examples can remain attractive to collectors and enthusiasts.
- Second-generation BRZ (2022–present) introduced a larger 2.4L engine and updated styling, helping newer cars hold value more effectively, especially for manual transmissions.
- The related Toyota GR86 often tracks market values closely; shifts in pricing can reflect updates, reliability perceptions, and demand for modern features.
- Regional demand, supply constraints, and rising new-car prices influence used-car depreciation curves in different regions.
In general, newer BRZs tend to retain value better than older ones, though price gaps can tighten as older stock ages and new generations arrive.
Tips to maximize resale value
Practical steps you can take now to protect value when you plan to sell or trade in your BRZ.
- Maintain complete service records and keep receipts for all maintenance and repairs.
- Aim to keep the car as stock as possible; avoid aggressive aftermarket modifications that can deter buyers.
- Preserve exterior and interior condition with regular cleaning, protective coatings, and prompt fixes for dents, scratches, or worn interiors.
- Limit excessive mileage and avoid aggressive driving patterns that accelerate wear on tires, brakes, and the drivetrain.
- Include all original parts, keys, manuals, and the window sticker if available to reinforce originality and provenance.
By following these practices, BRZs generally retain value more effectively than many peers and mitigate typical depreciation pressures at trade-in or resale time.
Current market snapshot and outlook
Market dynamics shift by quarter and region, but several trends have persisted into the 2024–2025 window:
- Well-maintained, low-mileage manual BRZ models tend to command higher asking prices than auto-equipped or heavily modified examples.
- Newer second-generation cars typically hold value better than aging first-generation units in the used market.
- Regional demand, enthusiast communities, and track-day participation can push prices higher in certain markets.
When evaluating a BRZ for resale potential, compare local listings, review vehicle histories, and factor in ownership costs to estimate overall value over time.
Summary
Overall, the BRZ tends to hold its value relatively well compared with many affordable sports cars, aided by enthusiast interest, reliability, and the appeal of a pure, driver-focused coupe. Newer models generally retain value better, while well-maintained older cars can still perform strongly in the used market if kept stock and with reasonable mileage. For buyers and sellers, maintaining meticulous service records, keeping the car’s original parts, and staying mindful of regional market conditions are the best ways to protect resale value.
