How long do Subaru BRZ last?
With proper care, a Subaru BRZ can realistically reach 150,000 miles or more, and many owners report 200,000 miles or beyond. The exact lifespan depends on maintenance, how the car is driven, and climate conditions.
Understanding BRZ longevity
The BRZ has evolved in engine and chassis design to emphasize reliability alongside performance. Early models used the FA20 2.0-liter engine, while the 2022 and later cars moved to the FA24 2.4-liter engine. Both generations rely on a timing chain rather than a belt, which generally reduces long-term maintenance needs. Lifespan is ultimately determined by maintenance discipline, driving style, and storage conditions as much as by engineering alone.
Engine design and reliability
Both FA20 and FA24 engines are built with durability in mind, but maintenance quality—especially oil quality, timely fluid changes, and spark plug replacements—plays the biggest role in how long the powertrain lasts. The BRZ’s rear-wheel-drive layout and manual option (where equipped) add to the driving experience but also concentrate wear on the clutch in manual-transmission variants. Overall, a BRZ that is serviced on schedule and used for reasonable, non-abusive daily driving can be expected to endure many years of operation.
Maintenance essentials to maximize life
To help owners plan around these needs, here is a concise checklist of maintenance tasks that most affect longevity.
- Regular oil and filter changes with the recommended synthetic oil, at the intervals specified in your model year’s manual. Using the correct viscosity and grade is important for engine longevity.
- Spark plug replacement as recommended by Subaru for your engine variant (typically around 60,000 miles for the FA20 and later ranges for FA24, depending on plug type and service history).
- Coolant checks and replacement per the maintenance schedule to prevent overheating and corrosion in the cooling system.
- Transmission and differential fluid changes as applicable (automatic transmissions and differentials have their own service intervals).
- Brake fluid replacement at the intervals noted in the manual (commonly every 1–2 years) to maintain braking performance and prevent moisture-related corrosion.
- Clutch inspection and potential replacement for manual transmissions, based on pedal feel, slipping, and mileage.
- Tire health, rotation, alignment, and brake components (pads/rotors) to ensure safe handling and even wear.
Sticking to the maintenance schedule and addressing issues promptly can significantly extend a BRZ’s usable life and preserve performance and safety.
Real-world longevity: what owners are saying
In everyday ownership, well-maintained BRZs often surpass the 150,000-mile mark, and many reach or exceed 200,000 miles. Manual-transmission models can require clutch work around mid-to-high mileage if driven aggressively, yet numerous owners report reaching three-figure mileage with careful driving and regular service. Engine reliability has remained solid across generations when maintenance is kept up, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential to assess engine health, leaks, and overall wear before buying used.
Warranty and official guidance
In the United States, Subaru’s baseline warranty for new BRZ models typically includes a bumper-to-bumper coverage period of 3 years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles. Warranties may vary by market and model year, and extended or certified pre-owned programs can offer additional coverage. Routine maintenance is generally not covered by warranty, and coverage can be impacted by neglect or improper use. Always verify the current terms with Subaru or your local dealer for your exact vehicle.
Conclusion and takeaways
Bottom line: with consistent maintenance, a Subaru BRZ can provide reliable service well beyond 150,000 miles and often past 200,000 miles. The two engine generations share a focus on durability, but long life mainly comes from diligent care, sensible driving, and timely replacement of wear items. When shopping for a used BRZ, prioritize documented maintenance history and a thorough pre-purchase inspection to gauge expected longevity.
Summary
In practice, a BRZ designed for reliability and cared for with regular service can be expected to last many years and hundreds of thousands of miles. The key is maintenance discipline, mindful driving, and timely attention to wear-related components, regardless of whether you own the 2.0L FA20 or the 2.4L FA24 variant. A well-maintained BRZ offers longevity that rewards attentive owners.
What years do you avoid BRZ?
Avoid: 2013 Subaru BRZ
If you're thinking about buying a used Subaru BRZ, it's wise to avoid the 2013 model year. As the first year of the BRZ in the U.S., it's not unusual for initial “teething” issues to arise, and the 2013 BRZ has more reported complaints than any other model year.
How many miles can you get on a Subaru BRZ?
200,000 miles
The community responded by sharing that BRZs can last for over 200,000 miles if maintained properly. Moreover, many users reported that their BRZs had reached high mileage without significant issues. Some users mentioned their daily-driven BRZs with 115,000 and 130,000 miles, respectively.
Is the BRZ a good daily car?
I daily my BRZ and in my opinion it's one of the better sports cars to daily, especially for its price as well. Your biggest limitation would probably be the trunk and backseats. The trunk space is decent but the opening to put things into the drunk is small and the backseats are basically non-existent.
Can Subarus last 300,000 miles?
On average, a well-maintained Subaru Outback can last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles!
