Subaru unveiled the forthcoming 2022 BR-Z back in November of last year and while many enthusiasts might be champing at the bit to see one of their local dealerships, the truth is that it might cost more than they can afford when it does. In that case, the older Scion FR-S could provide similar thrills, but at a much lower price point.

You can find a used Scion FR-S for a reasonable price now

In case you don’t remember the Scion FR-S, it was a coupe that debuted the same time the Subaru BR-Z did at the start of the 2013 model year. Both cars were essentially the “love children” of their parent companies, Toyota and Subaru, as they were basically the same car. However, the Scion brand went the way of the Dodo bird back in 2016 and the FR-S turned into the Toyota 86 that everyone knows today.

Although it’s been discontinued, the Scion FR-S still poses an excellent value proposition on the used market. After all, it’s a rear-drive coupe powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that produces 200 hp at a sky-high 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 6,600 rpm, which means that it’s practically a motorcycle with four wheels and four seats. That’s another thing, aside from its cool, low-slung outside appearance, the FR-S had a no-nonsense interior that featured your basic amenities along with a semi-functional backseat that was big enough to fit two toddlers.

Otherwise, the Scion FR-S came standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, an eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, HD radio, and an auxiliary input jack. One of the cool aspects about the car being a Scion was that there were different audio setups to choose from in addition to a few special “release” versions of the FR-S, which the brand was known for. Nowadays, you can find plenty of used Scion FR-S models for around $13,000 to $20,000, depending on the car’s location, age, and condition.

How does the Scion FR-S compare to the new Subaru BR-Z?

When comparing them side-by-side, the Scion FR-S looks dated compared to the new 2022 BR-Z. Now in its second generation, the Subaru BR-Z sports a larger 2.4-liter, flat-four engine that puts out 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and, according to Car and Driver, it boasts a more modern interior with improved technology. There’s still a cramped backseat, however, the BR-Z does have a pair of heavily bolstered front seats that hug you well in the corners as well as a 7-inch digital instrument display with a Track drive mode for those times when you can really put it through its paces.

The 2022 Subaru BR-Z is the goal

In case you find yourself lusting after the all-new 2022 Subaru BR-Z, we wouldn’t blame you. After all, the new BR-Z is lower, longer, and more powerful than the last iteration of the car and is in some ways leaps and bounds better than the Scion FR-S ever was.

However, it will reportedly cost around $31,000, which is most likely a little out of reach for some enthusiasts that would want it. And if you’re one of them, then we suggest setting it as a goal to get one someday. But if you can’t wait, or just want to get your hands on a rear-drive coupe to do donuts in the nearest parking lot, then the older Scion FR-S could easily fit the bill.