About the Toyota 86
Andrew purchased this Toyota 86 used for $21,000 (including all on-road costs) in 2016. Andrew would buy this car again because the vehicle has performed above expectations during the ownership period.
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
Zero mechanical issues. A couple of small cosmetic issues that were fixed free of charge both within and outside of the warranty period.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
The car has exceeded expectations on all fronts.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
Yes
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Economy is great considering the spirited driving it receives. Performance ( drivability ) has been improved with a tune.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
Perfectly acceptable for the price.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
Handling is excellent. Ride comfort is good considering the handling. Full day 800 + klm drives are easily done.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
The 86 was bought as an enjoyable car to drive with no thoughts towards economy or practicality but it has proved surprisingly capable of achieving very good economy with constant spirited driving. It is also extremely practical, it is capable of carrying a large amount of baggage and shopping when needed.
I deliberately set out to buy a white GT model because minimalist. The GT came without push button start and proximity locking, leather inserts in the seats, alloy pedals and sill trims as well as dual zone climate control.
None of those items were ever on my highly desired list and I like being able to adjust the air conditioner or heater and radio controls with basic dials. The infotainment is basic at best and rather 1990s at worst but the radio works, the phone hooks up before I can get my seat belt done up so music is never a problem.
There is also a CD player but I am still wondering where anybody could actually store a large enough amount of CDs to provide more than about 60 mins of tunes. And as a bonus every non Toyota owner should be envious of there is THAT clock.
The GT also came with 16-inch pizza cutter wheels and tyres of a Prius, I’m keeping the wheels as when fitted with a set of Michelin PS4 the original nature of the car is retained but with extra grip and durability.
Much has been written / said about the performance of the 86 range in general and most has been rather uncomplimentary about the power delivery characteristics with particular reference to the torque dip that occurs around the 3000 to 5000rpm mark.
I am sure it would annoy plenty of people, especially city dwellers, but I never found it to be as bad as most people made it out to be. There is an answer that goes a long way towards addressing the drivability of the car, a laptop, an expensive cable to connect the laptop and the car’s OBD port and an inexpensive tune file delivered via email from a well respected bloke in QLD that has spent the time to figure out what works and what doesn’t with 86 or BRZ.
I’m a country dweller so 0-100 times and traffic light drags are irrelevant to me, the adequate power levels and the handling ability of the car work for me.
I have no plans to get rid of it in the foreseeable future.