Soldato
GT86/GR86/BRZ
- Thread starter Delta3D
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Not quite a GT86, but going to sneak this in here anyway as its pretty much the same car. I'm still loving mine, really fancy adding forced induction at somepoint but currently just enjoying it. Its my 3rd one and this one has lasted the longest as I've built it exactly how I want it. Its not to everyones taste, as its in your face but it makes me smile every time I see it, let alone when I press that start button.
Untitled by James Baker, on Flickr
Untitled by James Baker, on Flickr
Untitled by James Baker, on Flickr
A bit of a transformation from the day I purchased it just before lock down:
Untitled by James Baker, on Flickr
Untitled by James Baker, on FlickrUntitled by James Baker, on FlickrUntitled by James Baker, on FlickrA bit of a transformation from the day I purchased it just before lock down:
Untitled by James Baker, on Flickr
Soldato
Not a fan of modded cars in general but I must say that has been tastefully done and not OTT, wheels in particular suit it nicely, good stuff.
After a long delay, it seems like things might finally be moving with the GR86. Apparently there had been a hold on all European deliveries due to a software update for the VSC module. Not had much info from Toyota UK (my car arrived in the country a month ago and I've heard little since), but it looks like press cars are out and about, and I've received an email today just confirming my chosen payment method, if I need part exchange, private plates, etc. So hopefully not going to be too much longer before I get the car 
First review of the car in the UK is out too, from Top Gear. I guess we might see some more reviews and maybe videos appearing soon too.
www.topgear.com
First review of the car in the UK is out too, from Top Gear. I guess we might see some more reviews and maybe videos appearing soon too.
Toyota GR86 review: two-door coupe driven in the UK Reviews 2023 | Top Gear
Why are we here? Well, we’ve discussed the Toyota GR86 from the confines of the international launch and found it excellent, but suspicious souls that we are, we wanted to try it on UK roads where the tarmac is a little less forgiving than the Spanish launch test route. Hence we’ve just driven...
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Always been impressed with your build
Personally, I'd suggest we change the thread title to incorporate "BRZ" as well, given they are essentially the same car.
DoneAlways been impressed with your build
Personally, I'd suggest we change the thread title to incorporate "BRZ" as well, given they are essentially the same car.
I looked at a Cayman S 981 for a while, almost sniped a dream spec one with the buckets and all the works but it sold after I had tried to place a deposit on it, it's the closest thing you'll get in terms of driver experience whilst having a bit more "go" to it. I have a friend in a 981 who absolutely loves his, and his friend has a 987.2 who also loves that
Just watch out for the IMS bearing on 987's, have a read into it!
Soldato
Very nice, bravoNot quite a GT86, but going to sneak this in here anyway as its pretty much the same car. I'm still loving mine, really fancy adding forced induction at somepoint but currently just enjoying it. Its my 3rd one and this one has lasted the longest as I've built it exactly how I want it. Its not to everyones taste, as its in your face but it makes me smile every time I see it, let alone when I press that start button.
A bit of a transformation from the day I purchased it just before lock down:
Pistonheads have put out a review alongside the BBR MX5 ND. I'd been finding it difficult to get excited about receiving the car; there's been constant delays, and even now I'm not sure that I'll be seeing the car in November as I was last told. Reading this has raised my spirits a bit though...it should be well worth the wait
www.pistonheads.com
Toyota GR86 vs BBR MX-5 (ND) Supercharged
What could be better than one lightweight, rear-drive, manual sports car in 2022? A heaven-sent brace of them
www.pistonheads.com
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Seen that comparison and the BBR MX5 is always tempting, NC too.
Spotted this BRZ: https://www.rrcarsni.co.uk/detail/used-subaru-brz-rr-cars-ballyclare-northern-ireland-34b230123f
Its in NI, but not far from me across the water, price is good and I have friends in Belfast who could view, but any comments from the experts here?
Spotted this BRZ: https://www.rrcarsni.co.uk/detail/used-subaru-brz-rr-cars-ballyclare-northern-ireland-34b230123f
Its in NI, but not far from me across the water, price is good and I have friends in Belfast who could view, but any comments from the experts here?
Price looks about right for the age and mileage I'd say. And it does look in good condition. Aftermarket head unit; but the stock one is a bit tosh, so that's a plus. I'm also pretty sure those headlights are aftermarket too (Vland I think).
One definite thing to check. That's a 2012 model so would have been subject to the valve spring recall, but there's no mention of it being done. It's an engine out job and there was quite a lot of controversy with perfectly healthy cars going pop soon after having it done. So many owners didn't bother, as it seemed that there was less chance of a valve spring failing than the the engine failing due to the recall to replace them. But anecdotally I think it was more GT86s suffering the problem than BRZs. Presumably Subaru techs are more experienced with the engine.
If the work has already been done, great, as any potential problems would have occurred very soon after. If not, factor in getting it done. Its a recall so you won't have to pay, but you'll need to leave it with a dealer for a week or so.
One definite thing to check. That's a 2012 model so would have been subject to the valve spring recall, but there's no mention of it being done. It's an engine out job and there was quite a lot of controversy with perfectly healthy cars going pop soon after having it done. So many owners didn't bother, as it seemed that there was less chance of a valve spring failing than the the engine failing due to the recall to replace them. But anecdotally I think it was more GT86s suffering the problem than BRZs. Presumably Subaru techs are more experienced with the engine.
If the work has already been done, great, as any potential problems would have occurred very soon after. If not, factor in getting it done. Its a recall so you won't have to pay, but you'll need to leave it with a dealer for a week or so.
Soldato
The recall didn't start until 2013 models on DVLA's site (NI records not available), so if it's a 2012 car it might not have required it but as above you're probably safer not doing it if it hasn't been done by now. Headlights look stock for a BRZ
I'd agree with this, at 80k+ region you can pretty much bet they'll be fine.
My 86 didn't do too well after the recall!
Soldato
still annoying that there are only 500 gr86's allocated to the uk, it would quite suit my current needs and I dont want to invest in the "old model" of the GT86 knowing there's a better one out there
It applied to mine which was registered 2013 the car had a 2012 build date...I'm pretty sure it affected all cars built before 2014 or something.
And yes you're right about the headlights. Forgot the BRZ had indicators in the main cluster but didn't know the DRL was a different shape.
Finally, after several weeks of frustrating radio silence about my order:
Toyota's handling of the ordering process has been pretty woeful. A complete lack of information about the car (which I know was built and delivered 2 months ago), and nothing but a virtual shrug of the shoulders whenever I chased for an update on when the car might be delivered, and to be honest, I was starting to lose any of the excitement about getting a new car.
I picked up the latest copy of Evo yesterday, where Steve Sutcliffe has given the car a absolutely glowing review compared against an Alpine/MX5. That, plus getting this email has reinvigorated my excitement. Can't wait for December
Toyota's handling of the ordering process has been pretty woeful. A complete lack of information about the car (which I know was built and delivered 2 months ago), and nothing but a virtual shrug of the shoulders whenever I chased for an update on when the car might be delivered, and to be honest, I was starting to lose any of the excitement about getting a new car.
I picked up the latest copy of Evo yesterday, where Steve Sutcliffe has given the car a absolutely glowing review compared against an Alpine/MX5. That, plus getting this email has reinvigorated my excitement. Can't wait for December
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Soldato
Nice! they’ll go for silly money on used market. I checked Japan and you can get one imported to uk for around £30k. Their “base” spec one that they sell in Japan is even cheaper.
Soldato
it'd need a VOSA test which is basically for cars newer than 10 years old.. but any competent importer can sort that out.
Basically the cons would be :
no warrianty from toyota uk
spec is JDM so may be different, they've got more choice than we did here
price won't be much different to what they were new here.
used market is unknown but I bet they'll be into 40s simply because of how rare/hard they're to get here and if the reviews come out glowing it'll be even worse - aka GR yaris bad.