Subaru BRZ ZD8

The second-generation BRZ fixes its predecessor's biggest flaw without betraying the character. In place of the FA20 sits the FA24 naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre boxer with 235 hp and 250 Nm — rear-wheel drive, Torsen LSD, six speeds by hand or auto. The first car's stubborn torque dip is largely gone: the 2.4 pulls noticeably more willingly through the mid-range, and the sprint to 100 km/h drops under six seconds. The honest bit stays, though: the ZD8 is no power monster either, but a handling machine whose appeal lives in a precise, light-footed chassis rather than brute force.

Buying advice: mechanically the ZD8 is very consistent across the 2022 to 2026 model years, with no year to clearly avoid. On early 2022 cars, the key check is whether the turn-signal recall WRM-23 was performed: in bright sunlight a voltage drop could disable the rear indicators — the dealer replaces both rear lamp assemblies free of charge. Later years also gained minor infotainment improvements; connectivity (Starlink, pairing) is among owners' most common gripes.

Typical weaknesses: as on the previous car, the throwout bearing is a theme and makes noise at clutch take-up. The EPS steering goes noticeably heavy under sustained track load. Interior rattles over rough roads are part of the deal, and a cold-start chain rattle is occasionally reported, briefly audible on first crank. An FA24 quirk: excess factory sealant can partly clog the oil strainer — many recommend a one-time oil-pan clean early in the car's life, somewhere between 8,000 and 16,000 km. The factory brakes fade on track and beg for better material.

2026 market price: the ZD8 occupies the upper end of the BRZ market. Realistically, clean used cars sit between 28,000 and 40,000 euros depending on mileage.

Test-drive red flags: check in bright sunlight that the rear turn signals work (WRM-23), listen for valvetrain rattle on the first cold start, a whining throwout bearing at clutch play, rattles over bumps, test infotainment pairing, and judge brake feel after a hard run. Insider pick: a 2022 manual with WRM-23 done and an early oil-strainer clean — the cheapest door into the matured icon.