RE: Toyota GT86: PH Carpool

[kidastu]

Dunk130TC said:

Lovely car, except of course you've got in the wrong colour with the wrong badge. Here's mine:


Similarly to the reviewer, I do a fair few miles each year (c24k) and the thought of choosing an '80s Ferrari as a viable alternative, is as bonkers as suggesting an 80's Corolla is a good substitute for a Califonia.
As much as I adore cars, the thought of spending a bucket load on a new car leaves me cold. I've always bought at 3 years old and sold them when they approached 100k in a couple of years. Fiat Coupe, Impreza, 6MPS, alfa 156 and 159 and prior to the BRZ an Outback. I've always wanted a car I would enjoy driving, seeing as I spend so much time in it. The running costs are cheap, averaging 36mpg (tank to tank), service costs are sensible, warranty has been topped up to match the GT86 and a good px on the Outback led me to grab a BRZ. Yes, a Cayman is an alternative, but not if you want to be able to put the kids occasionally in the back, need a respectable mpg and service cost, together with a bullet proof warranty for peace of mind. For the first time ever in 25 yrs of driving, the BRZ was enough to make me buy new......well almost at a year old!
I'm just not sure what to do with my 944 now, as I've effectively bought the new version of my classic, maybe a Mondial?

You have hit the nail on the head with why you shouldn't buy a used Cayman, running them as a daily car is expensive! I know porsche owners who only drive their car to work one or two days a week because the cost of fuel, services and depreciation. The rest of the time they are driving hatchbacks. This is a car you can enjoy every day

[2354519y]

Dunk130TC said:

Lovely car, except of course you've got in the wrong colour with the wrong badge. Here's mine:


Similarly to the reviewer, I do a fair few miles each year (c24k) and the thought of choosing an '80s Ferrari as a viable alternative, is as bonkers as suggesting an 80's Corolla is a good substitute for a Califonia.
As much as I adore cars, the thought of spending a bucket load on a new car leaves me cold. I've always bought at 3 years old and sold them when they approached 100k in a couple of years. Fiat Coupe, Impreza, 6MPS, alfa 156 and 159 and prior to the BRZ an Outback. I've always wanted a car I would enjoy driving, seeing as I spend so much time in it. The running costs are cheap, averaging 36mpg (tank to tank), service costs are sensible, warranty has been topped up to match the GT86 and a good px on the Outback led me to grab a BRZ. Yes, a Cayman is an alternative, but not if you want to be able to put the kids occasionally in the back, need a respectable mpg and service cost, together with a bullet proof warranty for peace of mind. For the first time ever in 25 yrs of driving, the BRZ was enough to make me buy new......well almost at a year old!
I'm just not sure what to do with my 944 now, as I've effectively bought the new version of my classic, maybe a Mondial?

Edited by Dunk130TC on Monday 16th September 16:54

Edited by Dunk130TC on Monday 16th September 16:56

Useful points there thanks. Am in a similar position vis a vis young children and needing a 20000 miles plus annual commuter. Will defo get something less bland next time on my business lease, gt86 could be a contender. Only in bright red though. Too many black/silver cars about.

[DeaconFrost]

Good to read the thoughts of a fellow owner. I've had mine for about 6 months now and as a fun and useable day to day csr it's difficult to fault. Certainly feels faster than it is and is far more engaging to drive than most vaguely 'sensible' cars out there at the moment.

One thing I think was missing from the article is just how tuneable they are and how well they respond to it (and how difficult to resist it is!)

And definitely the wrong colour... :-)

[Froomee]

I like the GT86/BRZ and would have considered one but for the lack of power and I think they are slightly over-priced as a result (all in my opinion).

If you need four seats and intend on keeping it for over three years I think they make a lot of sense especially as servicing, fuel and consumables are cheap.

I opted for a AUC Z4M (2 years warranty) in the end for just over £15k as I felt depreciation (of lack of on the M) would offset some (if not all) of the running costs. I'm under no illusion though my servicing bills for three years doing 8k per year will average about £350 a year, my fuel is around 22-24mpg average, tax is £495 a year and tyres are £600 a set minimum (for 19's) and I don't have the option to carry passengers.

I strongly suspect an old Ferrari will have a tendency to throw up huge bills unexpectedly especially for parts that are model specific and running costs would be worse than my M for sure.

I think the GT86 makes a strong account for itself due to the low running costs which make it a suitable alternative to mainstream hatch even if the initial purchase price is slightly higher or the same for less power

[Amirhussain]

Mafioso said:

Argh I've just come home from work and thought I'd read about the GT86 which I have a LOT of admiration for and wanted to read comments from owners.

Instead, 300bhp has come on, as annoying as ever, and turned it into a slagging match talking about a non-comparable old Ferrari.

FFS get a grip. Take a good think about yourself mate and lay off the endless answering back and bullst talking. Thanks.

+1. Just fk off

[Ed Straker]

To get back to topic....
Can anyone who OWNS a GT86 give me their cut on the EVO bleat regarding wet grip?
I really don't want yet another car that has to be tippy-toed around all Winter. (Or Summer last year, for that matter :-()

[BBS-LM]

I love these cars, but when the reviewer says he cannot keep up with a Civic Type R, I have to wonder how weak the engine is in the GT86.

[Black S2K]

Ed Straker said:

To get back to topic....
Can anyone who OWNS a GT86 give me their cut on the EVO bleat regarding wet grip?
I really don't want yet another car that has to be tippy-toed around all Winter. (Or Summer last year, for that matter :-()

The rear end can break away slightly even if you turn in too sharply (if you cannot drive!) but is ridiculously easy to catch if you can and like applying slightly too much power. It's actually quite entertaining to have a slight wiggle, like MK 1 Escorts used to.

There are two settings; nanny puts the Xmas trees on instantly you try to have any fun and VSC allows you to slide around about right before the Xmas tree lights. If you're nuts/skilled, you could turn it all off and slide to your heart's content. Winter rubber makes it all a bit more boring, but it's still fun if you want it to be. It's never as boring as some old FWD Golf or whatever. But it's no pre-VSC S2000 on S-02s. Driving sensibly (what's that?) and it's not all over the shop.

Of course, EVO can only drive/worship GT3s upwards, so of course the Hachiroku is a bit cr ap. Even Senna was a pussy compared to Evo...

[Dunk130TC]

BBS-LM said:

I love these cars, but when the reviewer says he cannot keep up with a Civic Type R, I have to wonder how weak the engine is in the GT86.

The engine isn't weak, it's different to drive when you're used to turbo grunt or diesel torque. It is after all a normally aspirated 2.0 4 cylinder with 200 bhp that achieves 36mpg without trying. That combination makes it a practical daily drive, yes go and get more power, but then you wouldn't want one because it's too thirsty, pricey to service etc.
You need to use more than a single measure to judge success, it's the sum of the parts that count, not just her thrust in the sack.

[kidastu]

Ed Straker said:

To get back to topic....
Can anyone who OWNS a GT86 give me their cut on the EVO bleat regarding wet grip?
I really don't want yet another car that has to be tippy-toed around all Winter. (Or Summer last year, for that matter :-()

I've not seen what EVO have been moaning about but I can give you my experience in the recent heavy rain. Compared to the MX5 I had before I think their is about the same amount of grip (I was running on Toyo's). It will step out if you put your right foot all the way down when your tyre's are already loaded, meaning turning on a round about. What rear wheel car wouldn't? the only difference in the 86 is the electronics wont kick in straight away so the rear will move until you or the electronics catch you.

Edited by kidastu on Monday 16th September 20:13

[kidastu]

Dunk130TC said:

BBS-LM said:

I love these cars, but when the reviewer says he cannot keep up with a Civic Type R, I have to wonder how weak the engine is in the GT86.

The engine isn't weak, it's different to drive when you're used to turbo grunt or diesel torque. It is after all a normally aspirated 2.0 4 cylinder with 200 bhp that achieves 36mpg without trying. That combination makes it a practical daily drive, yes go and get more power, but then you wouldn't want one because it's too thirsty, pricey to service etc.
You need to use more than a single measure to judge success, it's the sum of the parts that count, not just her thrust in the sack.

I didn't say can't keep up. I was simply saying at a certain point in acceleration on the road the civic R have more go than a the 86, who knows what would of happened if we kept going. We are thinking of heading to a track/aerodrome to settle it once and for all. Any suggestions for an aerodrome near Cambridgeshire?

In terms of real world driving, the 86 is more than capable in terms of acceleration as long as you use the gear box. 2 litre diesels are generally fodder, apart for the 250CDI merc's on account of the torque.

[W124]

Evo have taken against the GT-86/BRZ and I'm convinced they've done so for editorial reasons. Much the same as Harris and his MX-5 thing.

[Zed Ed]

W124 said:

Evo have taken against the GT-86/BRZ and I'm convinced they've done so for editorial reasons. Much the same as Harris and his MX-5 thing.

They are coming round.

[Richyboy]

Why do these threads always result in someone pitting it against some crappy souped up shopping trolley or someone saying it doesn't have enough power or its too expensive. For the last time this car is not about straight line speed, its not about acceleration and its not that expensive. You get in this car, you turn the traction control off and you have fun; it doesn't bite you like a powerful car might and you don't need to be going silly speeds to enjoy it. I don't know what other present day road car offers this.

I do admit it does get a bit hairy in the wet with the traction control off.

And pearl white is the best colour.

[BBS-LM]

kidastu said:

I didn't say can't keep up. I was simply saying at a certain point in acceleration on the road the civic R have more go than a the 86, who knows what would of happened if we kept going. We are thinking of heading to a track/aerodrome to settle it once and for all. Any suggestions for an aerodrome near Cambridgeshire?

In terms of real world driving, the 86 is more than capable in terms of acceleration as long as you use the gear box. 2 litre diesels are generally fodder, apart for the 250CDI merc's on account of the torque.

I see, well thats good to hear considering they weight the same and have similar power.

[oop north]

Richyboy said:

Why do these threads always result in someone pitting it against some crappy souped up shopping trolley or someone saying it doesn't have enough power or its too expensive

For the same reasons that BMW M135i threads always have loads of people saying they are ugly?

I am so tempted by one of these. Must just keep telling myself "in 2014, not now"

[Till135]

Fabulous choice. BHP etc isn't everything. Rather sadly, of all of the (TOO MANY!) cars that I've had, I look back very fondly on my P 'reg Nissan Primera eGT, which was better than its replacement (an early Impreza 2000 turbo). Fun and personal choice of how to have fun, is what matters in these things.
Re the Fezza, I'm sure that some people like them.........what about this though!
http://www.thecaragents.com/used-vehicles/current-...

[PearlWhiteGT86]

I have had mine for six months now and I am still smiling
It is my first rear wheel drive car and I give it respect in the wet but i have learnt alot about how to drive it.
I have been on a number of PH meets and it has not been lacking in performance at all

I use it every day and after hard days work it great to sit in it and push the start button and think it has been worth it

I get total strangers talking to me at petrol stations and supermarkets and majority say it is great that Toyota have made a sports car

I will be having mine for at least for 3 years and right now I will get another one

[Merkypast]

300BHP: "Would you really not buy a £14-20k Mondial purely on the basis it hasn't got a full Ferrari or specialist service history? Personally I'm sure many would just buy on condition."

Would I really not buy one? Abso-f***ing-lutely. ESPECIALLY at £14-20,000. With no history you'd have to treat it as a disposable toy, ie: enjoy it while it lasted and then sell it either in whole or for parts once it packed up. And for that you need to buy it cheaply enough that you can afford to do this. Fourteen to twenty Grand isn't cheap enough.

300BHP:
Have you ever actually driven a Mondial? I have. They're really nothing special. They're nice enough cars I guess, but not involving to drive and not all that agile. An MX-5 will have one down any UK country road, believe me.
Fine if you want to put a prancing horse keyring down on the pub table, but in no way are they a driver's machine. And in all fairness Ferrari never marketed the Mondial as such, even when new.

[abbotsmike]

I really don't get some of the power comments. I've never felt that I needed any more power in my 130bhp diesel hatchback. Yes on the odd occasion I try to outpace a debadged s4 I get shown a clean pair of heels, but 130bhp is still plenty enough to get to some very naughty speeds on country lanes.

Surely the traction questions are obvious? On any car (including mine with FWD) if you put your foot down on a wet roundabout, the driven wheels slip. Not sure if there are any 2 wheel drive cars that wouldn't in that scenario!