How long will a 2013 Subaru BRZ last?
With proper maintenance, a 2013 BRZ can routinely reach around 200,000 miles, and some enthusiasts report 250,000 miles or more with meticulous care.
The 2013 BRZ, developed in conjunction with Toyota as part of the GT86 family, uses a 2.0-liter flat-four engine and a timing chain. It is generally reliable for normal daily use, but longevity depends on regular service, driving conditions, climate, and whether the car has seen aggressive use or track days. This article examines typical lifespans, maintenance that matters most, and what real-world owners experience today.
What affects longevity
Several factors influence how long a BRZ can stay on the road. Routine maintenance, proven servicing history, and sensible driving are the biggest predictors, followed by climate, road conditions, and how often the car is driven aggressively or on the track.
Engine and drivetrain reliability
The BRZ’s 2.0-liter FA20 Boxer engine is known for a straightforward design and solid reliability when properly serviced. Key durability considerations include oil management, cooling system health, and timely replacement of wear items on the engine and transmission. While there are occasional reports of typical high-mileage wear across any aging performance car, the BRZ’s core components are not inherently prone to sudden catastrophic failure when maintained according to factory recommendations.
What can affect engine longevity
Driving style, maintenance quality, and environmental factors (such as extreme heat or road salt) can influence how long the engine and related parts last. Regular oil changes with the recommended grade, proper coolant maintenance, and timely spark plug and ignition system service are central to longevity. If a BRZ shows signs of neglect—missing oil changes, overheating, or unusual noises—longevity is likely to be reduced.
Maintenance and care
Routine upkeep is the backbone of a BRZ’s expected lifespan. The following maintenance milestones and habits help maximize longevity.
- Follow Subaru’s recommended oil-change intervals using quality synthetic oil (often 0W-20) and service at the designated intervals.
- Replace spark plugs at the manufacturer-recommended interval (typically around 60,000–100,000 miles for the FA20, depending on model and usage).
- Monitor the cooling system, keep coolant at proper levels, and perform coolant flushes as scheduled to prevent overheating damage.
- Perform transmission fluid changes and, for manual transmissions, inspect or replace the clutch as needed based on wear and driving style.
- Regularly inspect brakes, brake fluid, rotors, and pads; replace components as they wear to avoid related damage.
- Ensure proper tire maintenance (pressure, rotation, alignment) to avoid uneven wear and suspension stress.
- Address any oil consumption or exhaust concerns promptly with diagnostic checks if you notice changes in consumption or smoke.
Adhering to these maintenance practices helps preserve longevity; neglect can accelerate wear and reduce the car's useful lifespan.
Lifespan scenarios for a 2013 BRZ
Real-world estimates for how long a BRZ can last vary with maintenance and how the car is used. The following scenarios reflect common outcomes among owners.
- 150,000–200,000 miles: Achievable for many BRZs with regular maintenance and normal driving, particularly when service history is strong and the vehicle is not subjected to heavy track use.
- 200,000–250,000 miles: Common among enthusiasts who stay on top of routine service, avoid neglect, and address wear parts promptly. Proper care often yields longer life than average for a sports car of this era.
- 250,000+ miles: Possible in rare cases with exceptional maintenance, favorable climate, conservative driving, and careful component replacement over time. Such examples are not the norm but are cited by diligent owners.
These ranges reflect typical real-world experiences rather than a guaranteed outcome. Individual results depend on maintenance quality, driving discipline, and environmental factors.
Summary
The 2013 Subaru BRZ is a relatively simple, robust platform for a modern sports coupe. With diligent maintenance—regular oil changes, proper cooling-system care, timely spark plug and transmission service, and careful monitoring of wear items—a BRZ can be expected to reach well into the 200,000-mile range, with some instances exceeding 250,000 miles. Buyers and owners should prioritize a thorough service history, proactive maintenance, and mindful driving to maximize longevity.
What are common problems with the 2013 BRZ?
The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
How many miles can a BRZ last?
200,000 miles
The Subaru BRZ, known for its sporty design and performance, can also offer impressive longevity with proper care. With regular maintenance, a BRZ can easily surpass 200,000 miles. Key factors that contribute to its longevity include regular oil changes, fluid checks, and mindful driving habits.
Is the 2013 BRZ expensive to maintain?
A Subaru BRZ will cost about $6,848 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular coupe models by $525. There is also a 19.35% chance that a BRZ will require a major repair during that time. This is 0.93% worse than similar vehicles in this segment.
What year to avoid Subaru BRZ?
2013
Subaru BRZ years to avoid and common problems
When the BRZ was first released in 2013, drivers noticed that the valve springs were prone to failure, causing engine stalling. The NHTSA issued a recall, but not before multiple car owners had been stranded on the highway and paid thousands of dollars for engine repairs.
