GT86/BRZ back seats and refinement

[Duke Caboom]

Hi,

My BMW 428i has been written off. Truth is I never loved it as it was too refined to be truly engaging. However, I bought it to be more refined on family trips than my EP3 type r and wife's Yaris TSport. So now looking for a middle ground.

So I need PH to confirm two things please:

GT86: more refined than EP3 on longer journeys?
GT86: back seats big enough for 9 year olds in car seats on long journeys, brearing in mind short driver and passenger.

Thanks

[DoubleD]

I can't imagine that your 9 year old will need a booster seat for much longer?

Also consider a RS Megane

[LasseV]

DoubleD said:

I can't imagine that your 9 year old will need a booster seat for much longer?

Also consider a RS Megane

Rwd is superior to fwd.

[DoubleD]

LasseV said:

DoubleD said:

I can't imagine that your 9 year old will need a booster seat for much longer?

Also consider a RS Megane

Rwd is superior to fwd.

Often it is yes.

[Duke Caboom]

They already don't need seats, by law, but apparently it's still safer until they are about 11. ("They" because twins)

[Munter]

In my 86 there's about 1cm between the rear seat and the back of my seat. If 2 people with legs need to be put in the back it requires a short driver.

Our EP3 just died from tin worm, but I'd say there's not much in refinement from the EP3 to the 86. Plenty of road/wind noise.

[Duke Caboom]

Ok, thanks. That's helpful.

[checkmate91]

Just to add: I'm 5'10" and there's virtually no room behind me in mine, one of your 9yo's would need to sit "knees up". Mrs Checkmate is 5'1" and fits in the back with oldest son (6') reasonably comfortably in the front passenger seat with the seat quite a way forward but neither would thank me for a long journey in it. Said oldest has a fairly new 220d and the difference in a) space and b) refinement is significant, but you have BMW experience of course. I like his 220d but I LOVE my 86, however, your 9yos will soon be 10 and then 11 and so on, mine is a self-indulgent daily driver.

Oh and you have to shout at each other at speed on our roads in the 86, European road surfaces slightly less so.

[350Matt]

it all depends on how tall you are really and how tall your 9 yr old is if you much over 5'10 there's very little room behind you

a BRZ is not a refined car , its OK but its a not one to choose for a long journey

its meant for b road blasting


go for a trial test drive I'd say

perhaps consider an RX8 instead? as these are much more generous with rear seat room

[Varelco]

The GT86 is not more refined than an EP3, (GT86 owner and a friend has an EP3) I'd say they are very much equal. Back seats are OK for kids but getting in and out is a pain and leg room is non existent if you are a tall driver.

I'll be honest I don't think it suits your purpose. You will get frustrated with it.

[Duke Caboom]

Yes. I've parked it. Only option would be to replace EP3 with GT86 and find new family car. But I like the EP3 so unlikely.

Thanks for all the replies.