What’s more reliable?

Cliffhanger

Cliffhanger

Cliffhanger

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Joined
4 Sep 2018
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113
Location
Black Country
I am definitely changing my car next month and narrowed it down to two cars, although they are different there have always been a favourite and ver much an eye catching car.

The cars are:
2015 Toyota GT86 25k Miles (manual)
2015 Mk7 VW Golf GTI 45k Miles (manual)

I have driven both these cars and they both have their different driving qualities. Also being 6ft4” I fit better.

I’ll be putting 8k a year on the car and planning to keep it for 5-6 years...

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks

Cliffhanger
 
I think we need to talk about your definition of the term 'eye catching'. Especially when you include a golf which is possibly the most bland looking car available and is literally the middle of the road measuring stick against which most other cars of its type are judged!
 
Yeh I do like the GT86 a little more as it’s more of a sports car, also have owned Toyotas for the last 15 years I am liking the reliability.
 
I've owned a GT86 since September 2013. Its on about 80K miles now, and I was doing about 50 miles per day in it until 2 years ago. I've had no real reliability issues to speak of, but theres a couple of common things to bear in mind:
- Weak OEM battery. Lots of reports of the battery discharging quickly meaning if the car was left for a week un-driven, it may fail to start. This never bothered me whilst I was driving it daily, but it did occur when I stopped commuting. Dealers would replace the battery with an uprated one during warranty...I just upgraded to a decent aftermarket one. No issues since, even after long periods of inactivity.
- Cam cover oil leak. Another common issue, although I never suffered it. Theres a metal cam cover which could weep oil, causing a smell after driving. A minor issue...we're not talking a major oil leak or anything...and it can easily be remedied using aftermarket parts with better sealing.
- Outstanding recall. Currently theres a recall for earlier model year cars to replace the valve springs. A big job on the GT86...engine out, and several days work. But if it hasn't been done already, it will be work completely covered FOC by the dealer. And most owners report the engine feeling much healthier after the work being done. Something to bear in mind when looking at early models...just Google "GT86 valve spring recall" for more info including the years affected. If it hasn't been done on a car you're looking at, and it's also a high mileage example, it's a good opportunity to get the clutch replaced too for just the cost of parts.

Can't really think of much else reliability wise. Running costs are good. Modification options are plentiful if that's your thing. Let me know if you need specific info, but the fact I've had mine for so long pretty much tells you my overall opinion of the car :)
 
Toyota of course.

Volkswagen doesn't have the reliability that people claim. Years ago yes but things have changed.
 
I would say the GT86, however I did test drive the GTD when the mrs was looking and it was very nice to drive and practical. But for 8K a year go with the gt86 all day long.
 
You buy the GTI because you want a fun car but life dictates that it also has to be a sensible family car that can seat the kids and the dog and still fit a bit of shopping in the boot. The GTI gives you all that but also a decent enough drive when you go for a drive on your own for fun.

If you don't have those constraints, it struggles to stand up next to something like a GT86 which was built to be an entertaining but affordable car.
 
I'm having a similar dilemma, I love the GT86, great fun to drive, love the seating position, proper sports car feel however I also love a hot hatch and the practicality / fun that they offer.

I'm stuck between a GT86 and a MK8 Fiesta ST.

I guess it comes down to what you value more, on a nice road the GT86 wins hands down for fun and feel however for daily driving on pothole ridden roads and traffic it's hard to beat what a decent hot hatch offers.
 
The ride in the gt86 is better than most hot hatches though, which can be really hard. It was a lot better than the mk7 Fiesta ST I had :)

The low centre of mavity means they don't need to use hard suspension to keep it level.
 
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