Likes
- Enjoyable driving characteristics
- Overall good performance
- Excellent reliability
- A genuine ‘one car garage’
Used Toyota 86 review
2012 - 2021
Dislikes
- Many have been driven extremely hard
- Beware of poorly modified examples
- Poor straight line performance
- Automatic versions miss the point
Stuff you should know
The Toyota 86 launched to the public with great hype and fanfare in 2012 with Toyota and Subaru claiming that the product of their joint venture was an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with compelling styling and exceptionally balanced performance and handling.
Since its launch, the 86 (and variants) has received a host of updates on a near yearly basis and while available in various special and limited editions, the 86 here in Australia has been available in primarily 2 different trim levels, the GT and GTS.
However the 86 continues to be a divisive sports car with fans applauding its balance and handling while critics claim its underwhelming engine detracts from the overall experience.
The 86 was continually upgraded and improved during its lifecycle, most notably in 2017 where it received a redesigned front bar and subtly revised aesthetics. Extra spot welds in the C-pillars, revised intake and exhaust systems, modified pistons, a more rigid cylinder block and a differential gear-ratio change were also added.
Chassis improvements arrived including retuned shock absorbers and coil springs, along with a thicker rear stabiliser bar.
Interior changes for the upgrade featured a colour 4.2-inch multi-information display for the instrument cluster. New trim materials while the GT adopts the carbon-look trim that surrounds the gauges of the previous GTS model (full details listed below).
Buying an 86 (like any performance car) requires care and attention as many examples have been driven potentially far too enthusiastically, with quite a few being thoroughly abused.
What goes wrong
- Thoroughly check for any previous accident damage. This is still a reasonably powerful rear-wheel-drive sports car that relishes going sideways. Unfortunately, many owners lack the skillset required to bring it back to the straight and narrow and can potentially end up in the scenery
- Tail lights can suffer from condensation build up. This is generally an easy fix and aftermarket tail lights are readily available
- Check near the front quarter light and under the bonnet strip for any signs of rust. This is very uncommon
- Check for signs of gutter rash or impacts on all the wheels and make sure to check the condition of suspension components. Look for signs of repairs or any new items that do not match the age of the car
- Look at tyre wear. If the rear tyres have far less tread remaining vs the front tyres, this owner enjoys burnouts and/or drifting. If the tyres are heavily worn on the outside edge, the 86 has been driven hard
- 86s built between 9 April 2012 and 24 May 2013 had a problem with valve spring retainers breaking in the engine. A recall was issued to replace the valve springs of affected cars with improved components, so check the vehicle’s service history to make sure this has been remedied
- Another recall for early examples of the Toyota GT86 built from 4 April 2012 to 18 March 2015 surrounds the power steering system. It can fail due to a problem with the wiring harness to the electric power steering system. Affected cars required a new wiring harness and this solution should have been carried out by the local Toyota dealer
- We are aware of occasional reports of fuel pump issues and clutch release bearing faults however these are not common concerns
- There are reports of stalling and rough idling or running problems. A ‘check-engine’ light can sometimes accompany these symptoms and in some cases, the car’s ECU requires a reflash at the dealership to cure the problem
- In more serious cases, the engine’s variable-valve-timing equipment has been found to be at fault, requiring a replacement of the camshaft gear and actuators. However, this is not a common fault
- Being fundamentally a Subaru engine and driveline, some examples can suffer from excessive oil consumption and gearbox syncro and selector problems. However, this can be due to a lack of mechanical sympathy if driven hard rather than an inherent fault
- Be extremely cautious of modifications. If looking at a modified example, be sure to check that all modifications have been carried out to the highest possible quality and consist of premium quality components
- Thoroughly check for any previous accident damage. This is still a reasonably powerful rear-wheel-drive sports car that relishes going sideways. Unfortunately, many owners lack the skillset required to bring it back to the straight and narrow and can potentially end up in the scenery
- Tail lights can suffer from condensation build up. This is generally an easy fix and aftermarket tail lights are readily available
- Check near the front quarter light and under the bonnet strip for any signs of rust. This is very uncommon
- Check for signs of gutter rash or impacts on all the wheels and make sure to check the condition of suspension components. Look for signs of repairs or any new items that do not match the age of the car
- Look at tyre wear. If the rear tyres have far less tread remaining vs the front tyres, this owner enjoys burnouts and/or drifting. If the tyres are heavily worn on the outside edge, the 86 has been driven hard
- 86s built between 9 April 2012 and 24 May 2013 had a problem with valve spring retainers breaking in the engine. A recall was issued to replace the valve springs of affected cars with improved components, so check the vehicle’s service history to make sure this has been remedied
- Another recall for early examples of the Toyota GT86 built from 4 April 2012 to 18 March 2015 surrounds the power steering system. It can fail due to a problem with the wiring harness to the electric power steering system. Affected cars required a new wiring harness and this solution should have been carried out by the local Toyota dealer
- We are aware of occasional reports of fuel pump issues and clutch release bearing faults however these are not common concerns
- There are reports of stalling and rough idling or running problems. A ‘check-engine’ light can sometimes accompany these symptoms and in some cases, the car’s ECU requires a reflash at the dealership to cure the problem
- In more serious cases, the engine’s variable-valve-timing equipment has been found to be at fault, requiring a replacement of the camshaft gear and actuators. However, this is not a common fault
- Being fundamentally a Subaru engine and driveline, some examples can suffer from excessive oil consumption and gearbox syncro and selector problems. However, this can be due to a lack of mechanical sympathy if driven hard rather than an inherent fault
- Be extremely cautious of modifications. If looking at a modified example, be sure to check that all modifications have been carried out to the highest possible quality and consist of premium quality components
- Thoroughly check for any previous accident damage. This is still a reasonably powerful rear-wheel-drive sports car that relishes going sideways. Unfortunately, many owners lack the skillset required to bring it back to the straight and narrow and can potentially end up in the scenery
- Tail lights can suffer from condensation build up. This is generally an easy fix and aftermarket tail lights are readily available
- Check near the front quarter light and under the bonnet strip for any signs of rust. This is very uncommon
- Check for signs of gutter rash or impacts on all the wheels and make sure to check the condition of suspension components. Look for signs of repairs or any new items that do not match the age of the car
- Look at tyre wear. If the rear tyres have far less tread remaining vs the front tyres, this owner enjoys burnouts and/or drifting. If the tyres are heavily worn on the outside edge, the 86 has been driven hard
- 86s built between 9 April 2012 and 24 May 2013 had a problem with valve spring retainers breaking in the engine. A recall was issued to replace the valve springs of affected cars with improved components, so check the vehicle’s service history to make sure this has been remedied
- Another recall for early examples of the Toyota GT86 built from 4 April 2012 to 18 March 2015 surrounds the power steering system. It can fail due to a problem with the wiring harness to the electric power steering system. Affected cars required a new wiring harness and this solution should have been carried out by the local Toyota dealer
- We are aware of occasional reports of fuel pump issues and clutch release bearing faults however these are not common concerns
- There are reports of stalling and rough idling or running problems. A ‘check-engine’ light can sometimes accompany these symptoms and in some cases, the car’s ECU requires a reflash at the dealership to cure the problem
- In more serious cases, the engine’s variable-valve-timing equipment has been found to be at fault, requiring a replacement of the camshaft gear and actuators. However, this is not a common fault
- Being fundamentally a Subaru engine and driveline, some examples can suffer from excessive oil consumption and gearbox syncro and selector problems. However, this can be due to a lack of mechanical sympathy if driven hard rather than an inherent fault
- Be extremely cautious of modifications. If looking at a modified example, be sure to check that all modifications have been carried out to the highest possible quality and consist of premium quality components
Should you buy it?
The 86 (and its variants) are still thoroughly enjoyable and reliable sports cars and we highly recommend buying one.
However, we only recommend buying an 86 on the condition that it is as original as possible, is in excellent condition, has a full and thorough service history and shows no signs of abuse or damage.
Cheap and dodgy modifications can ruin these cars nearly as quickly as drivers with a lack of performance driving skills can send them into an accident. So while the 86 is a hugely enjoyable, safe, reliable and a relatively practical car, poor examples are common and are to be avoided at all costs.
The 86 (and its variants) are still thoroughly enjoyable and reliable sports cars and we highly recommend buying one.
However, we only recommend buying an 86 on the condition that it is as original as possible, is in excellent condition, has a full and thorough service history and shows no signs of abuse or damage.
Cheap and dodgy modifications can ruin these cars nearly as quickly as drivers with a lack of performance driving skills can send them into an accident. So while the 86 is a hugely enjoyable, safe, reliable and a relatively practical car, poor examples are common and are to be avoided at all costs.
Should you buy it?
The 86 (and its variants) are still thoroughly enjoyable and reliable sports cars and we highly recommend buying one.
However, we only recommend buying an 86 on the condition that it is as original as possible, is in excellent condition, has a full and thorough service history and shows no signs of abuse or damage.
Cheap and dodgy modifications can ruin these cars nearly as quickly as drivers with a lack of performance driving skills can send them into an accident. So while the 86 is a hugely enjoyable, safe, reliable and a relatively practical car, poor examples are common and are to be avoided at all costs.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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