Discussion
C.A.R. said:
Such a nice colour. I too would want to change the wheels though, they're a bit, erm, "Halfords"!
I read that and thought you were inferring the OZ Ultraleggera was a Halfords wheel!!!18x8 inch OZs
BBS or OZ split rims for me, really not a fan of Rotas and a lot of JDM wheels.
aka_kerrly said:
I read that and thought you were inferring the OZ Ultraleggera was a Halfords wheel!!!
18x8 inch OZs
BBS or OZ split rims for me, really not a fan of Rotas and a lot of JDM wheels.
I went for a test drive in one of these at the weekend as a possible replacement to my Clio200. Some aspects of it were much better IMO. The driving position, the low sports car stance, the nice small steering wheel, the overal build quality... 18x8 inch OZs
BBS or OZ split rims for me, really not a fan of Rotas and a lot of JDM wheels.
But I came away with a few issues that have left me cautious about buying one...
1. It is crying out for some bigger wheels, and maybe a 30mm drop. I had ruled out the GT86 but the picture above recaptured my interest, it looks stunning! (also I prefer it without the spoiler)
2. Power, or lack of it. The age old debate but I floored from 30-70mph and compared to the Clio200 it lacked mid range punch and it was only in the last 1000rpm that it got a bit more interesting. I get it that this is a car that you need to work the engine and some owners will love that, but I left with a feeling that just an extra 20-30bhp would give the extra oomph without detracting from the cars personality. I have seen that litchfield make a tuning pack and exhaust upgrade so that's not to say it couldn't be done.
3. Price and residuals. The '86 I drove was originally just over £30,000 or so the salesman told me. It had every possible option fitted to it (including all the dealer fit ones) yet they offered it to me at £21,500 and I feel that I could see another £750 at least off that. This is a car with 6000miles on the clock. So that is an £8500 drop! As a prospective buyer i find that drop scary!
I love cars like the GT86 and I really wanted the test drive to be a huge success, but I would have to spend ~£4000 on it to make it the car I feel it should be.
Personally I think if they are sitting around £12,500 after 3 years then they will be a used car bargain as they will still have 2 years manufacturers warranty on them and then I wouldn't mind spending the extra on upgrading bits here and there.
Either way I am very much undecided...
Edited by Rochester TVR on Tuesday 5th February 16:16
Rochester TVR said:
Power, or lack of it. The age old debate but I floored from 30-70mph and compared to the Clio200 it lacked mid range punch and it was only in the last 1000rpm that it got a bit more interesting... just an extra 20-30bhp would give the extra oomph without detracting from the cars personality.
Torque, not power, is what would give the mid-range that you seem to find lacking. More horsepower won't cure this, more lb-ft will. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Someone at work has bought one (black on black), and the more I see it the more I like it, but I've still yet to sample one where it counts - behind the wheel.Lordgrover - still enjoying it?
I try not to harp on about it like some of the GT86 sycophants, but it has genuinely been a revelation to me. A [relatively] cheap, fun, daily driver with RWD is here, yet being either ignored or poo-poo'd by many of those who claim cars/driving in C21 has become safe, dull and boring [unless you're able to shell out for a porsche, lambo or similar exotica]. I've even given up on the blinkered dullards on an/the 'owners club' forum - most of them don't get it either.
It's pretty. As such, there will be some who disagree - we can't all agree on everything. I happen to think Jodie Foster is about the sexiest woman on the planet (I know she bats for the other side) and Jennifer Aniston is stunning, but I wouldn't climb over you to get to Angelina Jolie - not my type. Many will disagree.
The GT86, and I assume the BRZ is a sheep in wolf's clothing - no argument from me on that one. It's not going to win any traffic light GP. My TVR would muller it - even the gargantuan lump that is the 350Z will blitz it. But I don't care. The Toyota's more fun.
The GT86 is well [enough] equipped, plenty of safety nets if/when required, relatively lightweight, nimble, responsive and all manner of other good things that a good car should be.
I love it.
It's not the most practical car, though with the rear seats flat I can carry a set of four track day wheels, toolbox and jack with ease.
It's not a great off-roader but with the Nexen winter tyres I've not been stuck or embarrassed once this winter, unlike previous years in the TVR, BMWs and 350Z.
So in answer to your question, yep - still like it.
PS - I did a short review a while ago here: click.
Have a nice day, y'all.
At least you "get it" and are enjoying your purchase which is by far the most important factor. 
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