Have GR86 invite - having 2nd thoughts

[JB33]

I was lucky enough to receive my email inviting me to reserve (which I did) and now have my official order invite. I’ve not finalised the order yet and have another week or so get this done online. But …. I had a couple of test drives in them over the last week from various demonstrators and I just don’t get excited by them. I didn’t expect to feel this way which is why I went back for another drive, but felt just as flat. I’m now considering giving up my allocation so someone else gets their email. I’m a little frustrated but also relieved. I got out of my current car and sat in the GR, I immediately notice I sit way higher up, like I was driving my wife’s civic which really surprised me. The steering wheel is skinny, it’s difficult to grip and get a good handle on it. The gearstick won’t find the gate and it’s not accurate when really booting it. The sound, while not bad, is a downgrade to mine. I just felt a little deflated and didn’t feel anything special. My GT86 I owned last time felt more fun.

I currently have a 2006 Z4 3.0si Sport Roadster. It’s bullet proof, paid for and is very reliable. I know the N52 well and have all my tools knowledge to work on it, which is enjoyable. The problem is, rust is setting in and its days are numbered, I also cannot get a child seat in as you cannot disable the passenger airbag and I’d like to take my boy a drive sometimes. The GR would be my ‘forever car’ and it’s a rare opportunity. The thought of going £32k into debt at 8.4% APR doesn’t sit well after working very hard to get debt free some years back. I could purchase outright, but the thought of my safety net vanishing scares me too. There’s obviously a few things going on here. I’d love to own on, but the test drives and time with it didn’t make me want to commit.

Has anyone ever felt this way but bought it anyway? Then grew to like it? My gut is telling me to stay with my Z4 and see what comes along in a few years.

Edited by JB33 on Sunday 11th June 06:45

[ThunderSpook]

So you’re worried you might miss out on the opportunity to buy a car you don’t particularly like?

You know full well this sounds silly. You don’t need to ask us.

[911Spanker]

You can't afford it by the sounds of things so don't do it.

[Alex Z]

911Spanker said:

You can't afford it by the sounds of things so don't do it.

He says he can buy it outright, albeit using his savings, so I’m not sure how you draw that conclusion?

[SAS Tom]

Other side of it is that even if you don’t like it, they’re that hyped up you’d probably make money selling it early on.

[Olivergt]

It sounds like you have already made your mind up and just want confirmation from others that you are making the right choice.

You are making the right choice, don't go ahead, if its not feeling right now, for whatever reason, it won't ever feel right.

Stick with the Z4, maybe look for another one that's been a bit of a garage queen and has zero rust, they are out there.

[Slowboathome]

You're not buying a white goods family bus, you're buying a car you want to love driving.

You've basically been on two dates, you're not feeling it and you're asking us if you should get engaged?

[JB33]

Slowboathome said:

You're not buying a white goods family bus, you're buying a car you want to love driving.

You've basically been on two dates, you're not feeling it and you're asking us if you should get engaged?

Haha - love this.

[grumbledoak]

Er, if you don't want one don't buy one?

What advice were you hoping for by asking here?

[JB33]

grumbledoak said:

Er, if you don't want one don't buy one?

What advice were you hoping for by asking here?

I’ve asked it in my last statement: has anyone ever bought a car feeling like this and then grew to love it?

Also, it’s not that I don’t want one, I just feel conflicted and surprised about my short drive in one

[grumbledoak]

JB33 said:

I’ve asked it in my last statement: has anyone ever bought a car feeling like this and then grew to love it?

Also, it’s not that I don’t want one, I just feel conflicted and surprised about my short drive in one

Apologies, I had possibly glazed over a little by then.

And no. Every sports car I have bought was as a result of loving it from the instant I sat in it for the test drive.

[Rodd Nock]

Even the best modern "drivers" cars feel very bland and boring compared to anything half-decent from a few years back.

The GR86 probably has half the nvh levels and emissions as your BMW, all of that comes at a cost.

(In true ph fashion, I haven't even sat in either of the vehicles being discussed but I'm certain that this is the issue )

[LarJammer]

JB33 said:

I’ve asked it in my last statement: has anyone ever bought a car feeling like this and then grew to love it?

No. I fell for the hype around the GR Yaris, a car that every single journalist & online review raved about. I really tried to love it, drove in its natural habitat in North Wales and on track in the rain.
My initial reservations about the car were compounded every time I went out in it. Needless to say, I didn't keep it long.
But ever a glutton for punishment I have a deposit on an emira (although I really enjoyed driving the demo car).
To answer the question, will you learn to love it over time? Probably not.

[ChrisH72]

You should probably give it up.

Or do what others have done with the first batch and just flip it for a profit. That seems to be the done thing nowadays.

I haven't driven either a GR86 or a Gt86 but can't help but think they're overpriced for what they are. And I'm a huge Toyota and Jap car fan. Maybe the issue for me is that 10 years ago I bought a used Celica for 2995 and it remains my favourite car of anything I've had. Should have kept it really. I've looked at the GT86 but even the earliest and ropiest ones are 10k plus. No deal.

[eddietiv1]

I've recently sold my z4 si and moved into something way more expensive with a v6 but in all honesty i really miss that straight 6 engine in the z4, think long and hard before moving into 4 cylinders, the gr 86 will probably give you some real laugh out moment's but the n52 engine would be the dominating factor for me at a fraction of the price.

[Honeywell]

I was quite set on buying a GR Yaris. I drove one. Then I drove another one. Didn't float my boat.

I think the reality is that the internet/YouTube etc either tells you product A is crap and useless and will fall apart or it tells you product B is the Jesus machine that is unimpeachable.

The reality is that some products just 'click' with you and others don't and that's fine. There is no right answer. Everything is a compromise - A Bugatti Chiron is a total pain in the arse to parallel park and and insure.

[JB33]

eddietiv1 said:

I've recently sold my z4 si and moved into something way more expensive with a v6 but in all honesty i really miss that straight 6 engine in the z4, think long and hard before moving into 4 cylinders, the gr 86 will probably give you some real laugh out moment's but the n52 engine would be the dominating factor for me at a fraction of the price.

Yeh, the engine note and response is what keeps me here and the fact it’s paid for. The heating core needs replacing and there is some rust setting in but it’s good for another few years easily.

[Norton850]

I have been in this situation of having second thoughts and still went ahead but fortunately i got out soon after owning it breaking even.

It felt wrong so i won't make that mistake again...

I think you know what to do..

[Trevor555]

If it didn't give you a "wow" when you drove it then stick with the Z4 for now.

Of all the cars I've owned in recent years, the one that really put a smile on my face was an Abarth 124 Spider.

So much so I bought another one, and maybe might seek out one to be a keeper.

[Slowboathome]

At the risk of turning your thread into a 'what car?' why not go look at some Z4M coupes?

To stretch the dating metaphor - a few nights out with some alternatives will clarify things pretty quickly I'd have thought.