RE: Toyota GR86 sells out in 40 minutes

[ThisInJapanese]

Conscript said:

I'm not sure if that's what happened, I never really followed the GR Yaris at launch, so just speculation on my part. Either way it's been a shambles. I contacted my dealer when pricing was announced, they invited me down to talk about the car, finance options, part ex, etc. I left 2 hours later having paid a deposit and with an order form, thinking that was that, and I was guaranteed a new car.

Two weeks later the dealer has to phone up and say Toyota GB have said all orders are to be done online when the site goes live, with no clarification on whether people who walked into the dealer like I did and "ordered" will still get a car. So I just ordered online myself and got my deposit back from the dealer. But it seems like Toyota GB pulled the rug from under their feet a little.

This is similar to what happened with the Lotus Emira. All deposits that were paid at the dealer were cancelled and you had to pay centrally. The place in the queue was held though if you paid through the dealer, so you didn't lose out.

[WCZ]

when a gtd golf is £40k spec'd then it really shows how people like something that is reasonably priced

[CedricN]

Networkgeek said:

It pains me to say this, as I like the chassis Toyota have gone with for the GR86, but I just do not understand the hype.

The GR86 is expensive for what you get, which is a low powered car. For the same money, you can pick up a much faster BMW M2.

Yes, I've driven the old GT86 and it really didn't excite me. It felt flat, okay, it was good at B road bashing, but overall, I couldn't wait to get back into my current car at that time (BMW 135i coupe).

I can't help but feel that Toyota have completely missed a trick by not turbo / supercharging the new GR86. I would have bought one if they did, as I'm in the market for a new car and the only thing which is exciting me is a BMW M2.

Such a shame.

I would have loved some of the famous Toyota reliability, instead, I have to pay German car running costs and they aren't cheap when they go wrong.

Ive driven a M2C,the GT86 is much sharper to drive, better steering, better gear change and feels much lighter, becaus it is almost 400kg lighter. But much slower in a straight line of course. Even the old ones offer things no modern beemer can match.

They seem to have sold pretty much everything they can build in the states, being tracked modded etc with many happy owners, good for the continued support of the after market. I don't have any hopes over here up north in Europe, Toyota removed any info from their web site.. :/

[Volare]

Networkgeek said:

It pains me to say this, as I like the chassis Toyota have gone with for the GR86, but I just do not understand the hype.

The GR86 is expensive for what you get, which is a low powered car. For the same money, you can pick up a much faster BMW M2.

Yes, I've driven the old GT86 and it really didn't excite me. It felt flat, okay, it was good at B road bashing, but overall, I couldn't wait to get back into my current car at that time (BMW 135i coupe).

I can't help but feel that Toyota have completely missed a trick by not turbo / supercharging the new GR86. I would have bought one if they did, as I'm in the market for a new car and the only thing which is exciting me is a BMW M2.

Such a shame.

I would have loved some of the famous Toyota reliability, instead, I have to pay German car running costs and they aren't cheap when they go wrong.

When you consider a new Yaris is just shy of £21k, you can't consider it poor value.

Its pitched at certain people like every car is. I was tempted by an M2 but I was put off by the fact its weighs nearly 1.7 tonnes, it would be unusable to exploit on the road and consumables will be expensive. Sub 1300kg and 230bhp hits a sweet spot, its uncomplicated and useable.

It won't do what an M2 can do, but then again the M2 can't do what a GR86 can, they are just different.

Then you got fact you are comparing a used car against a brand new one with 10 years of warranty.

[Brabbi]

Conscript said:

I'm not sure if that's what happened, I never really followed the GR Yaris at launch, so just speculation on my part. Either way it's been a shambles. I contacted my dealer when pricing was announced, they invited me down to talk about the car, finance options, part ex, etc. I left 2 hours later having paid a deposit and with an order form, thinking that was that, and I was guaranteed a new car.

Two weeks later the dealer has to phone up and say Toyota GB have said all orders are to be done online when the site goes live, with no clarification on whether people who walked into the dealer like I did and "ordered" will still get a car. So I just ordered online myself and got my deposit back from the dealer. But it seems like Toyota GB pulled the rug from under their feet a little.

I had pretty much the same experience with the GR86. I talked to a dealer last week and put an order in, only to be told on Monday I needed to order it online on Wednesday. Didn't think I would need to do it in less than an hour of it going on sale, and so have missed out now. The dealer said it was to stop dealers ordering cars without a customer

[Gooly]

Networkgeek said:

It pains me to say this, as I like the chassis Toyota have gone with for the GR86, but I just do not understand the hype.

The GR86 is expensive for what you get, which is a low powered car. For the same money, you can pick up a much faster BMW M2.

Yes, I've driven the old GT86 and it really didn't excite me. It felt flat, okay, it was good at B road bashing, but overall, I couldn't wait to get back into my current car at that time (BMW 135i coupe).

I can't help but feel that Toyota have completely missed a trick by not turbo / supercharging the new GR86. I would have bought one if they did, as I'm in the market for a new car and the only thing which is exciting me is a BMW M2.

Such a shame.

I would have loved some of the famous Toyota reliability, instead, I have to pay German car running costs and they aren't cheap when they go wrong.

For the price of a second hand BMW M2 (which does certainly not have a 10 year warranty) you can pick up an even faster C63. Whats your point? A 135i Coupe is a lovely thing but it isn't exactly a dynamic masterpiece - if you couldn't wait to get back into it then I would suggest that a chassis focused car just isn't for you.

If the GR86 had more power, it would need a bigger diff, prop, gearbox and brakes, which would make it heavier and more expensive. At that point, it would start to look suspiciously similar in performance, price, and use case, to a certain Toyota Supra, which is available to buy right now.

The current car is putting down 210-220hp at the wheels on American dynos - the same dynos where GT86s were putting down 160ish. That indicates a 50WHP bump, which means the GR86 is likely somewhat underrated at 230BHP. That spec and power to weight puts it at the same sort of performance as a breathed on 200SX from the late 90s, which was a great car and bags of fun - personally I'm happy with that.

I love BMWs, and I love my M3, but on British roads it feels clumsy - too heavy, too big, overly long gearing, etc. The GR86 is just what I need and want - it might not be for you, but that's why other cars exist.

[Bloxxcreative]

Congrats to all those who got one. My wife agreed to let me but I've missed the boat on this allocation. Ahh well.

[rjfp1962]

Bloxxcreative said:

Congrats to all those who got one. My wife agreed to let me but I've missed the boat on this allocation. Ahh well.

Looks great and is a driver's car. Congrats to all who have secured one... I was tempted, but on a day like this, quite warm and some sunshine, I haven't finished scratching my MX-5 itch - More top-down miles to enjoy before I think of changing...

[Seano1878]

I don’t really get the underpowered and slow comments? My last car was an i30N and it felt pretty fast stock with a 0-62 of 6.1. Currently have a MK8 ST3 that again is great fun to drive and does 0-62 in 6.5.. the GR86 splits the difference at 6.3 seconds to 62 so it’s no slouch but it also has an amazing chassis, rwd, all the tech you could possibly need, looks good etc. US testers have timed the 0-60 times in the high 5’s which to me is perfect for a road car.

I ordered an electric blue manual and I’ve not been as excited for a car since I got my first! I don’t really race people anyway as I’m not a tit and I see speed cameras and camera vans on a daily basis so what’s the point. I’m buying this car for B road blasts and because other than the new CTR it was the only new car that appealed to me.

Toyota got something right going off the reviews from every other market where the car has already been launched and the fact it sold out as quick as it did.

[Simon Owen]

Gooly said:

Networkgeek said:

It pains me to say this, as I like the chassis Toyota have gone with for the GR86, but I just do not understand the hype.

The GR86 is expensive for what you get, which is a low powered car. For the same money, you can pick up a much faster BMW M2.

Yes, I've driven the old GT86 and it really didn't excite me. It felt flat, okay, it was good at B road bashing, but overall, I couldn't wait to get back into my current car at that time (BMW 135i coupe).

I can't help but feel that Toyota have completely missed a trick by not turbo / supercharging the new GR86. I would have bought one if they did, as I'm in the market for a new car and the only thing which is exciting me is a BMW M2.

Such a shame.

I would have loved some of the famous Toyota reliability, instead, I have to pay German car running costs and they aren't cheap when they go wrong.

For the price of a second hand BMW M2 (which does certainly not have a 10 year warranty) you can pick up an even faster C63. Whats your point? A 135i Coupe is a lovely thing but it isn't exactly a dynamic masterpiece - if you couldn't wait to get back into it then I would suggest that a chassis focused car just isn't for you.

If the GR86 had more power, it would need a bigger diff, prop, gearbox and brakes, which would make it heavier and more expensive. At that point, it would start to look suspiciously similar in performance, price, and use case, to a certain Toyota Supra, which is available to buy right now.

The current car is putting down 210-220hp at the wheels on American dynos - the same dynos where GT86s were putting down 160ish. That indicates a 50WHP bump, which means the GR86 is likely somewhat underrated at 230BHP. That spec and power to weight puts it at the same sort of performance as a breathed on 200SX from the late 90s, which was a great car and bags of fun - personally I'm happy with that.

I love BMWs, and I love my M3, but on British roads it feels clumsy - too heavy, too big, overly long gearing, etc. The GR86 is just what I need and want - it might not be for you, but that's why other cars exist.

Interesting comments on power thanks, if the reports are correct then the increase in performance of the GR86 may be greater than the numbers suggest ? My experience of lightly tuning the GT86 was that the stock car was woefully down on claimed BHP from the factory.

[cerb4.5lee]

I'm pleased for the people that have got their hands on one!

I've enjoyed reading about all the excitement that surrounds this car, and I was seriously tempted to swap the 370Z for one.

Exciting times ahead for you all, and I'm looking forward to reading/watching the UK reviews.

[grumbledoak]

Networkgeek said:

It pains me to say this, as I like the chassis Toyota have gone with for the GR86, but I just do not understand the hype.

The GR86 is expensive for what you get, which is a low powered car. For the same money, you can pick up a much faster BMW M2.

Yes, I've driven the old GT86 and it really didn't excite me. It felt flat, okay, it was good at B road bashing, but overall, I couldn't wait to get back into my current car at that time (BMW 135i coupe).

I can't help but feel that Toyota have completely missed a trick by not turbo / supercharging the new GR86. I would have bought one if they did, as I'm in the market for a new car and the only thing which is exciting me is a BMW M2.

Such a shame.

I would have loved some of the famous Toyota reliability, instead, I have to pay German car running costs and they aren't cheap when they go wrong.

And I struggle to see why anyone would buy an M2 ever. So what?

Congrats to those who got one. I did configure mine but I didn't push the button.

[filski666]

I just hope all the people that bought them are genuine enthusiasts and not just scalpers cashing in on demand....

[Olivera]

Regarding performance, it's got approximately as much power as an S2000/E30 M3 Evo 2/Escort Cosworth/Audi TT Quattro Sport, and as much torque as a noughties 2.5 V6, so if you can't have fun with that then you may as well give up PH.

And why would anyone prefer your typical anodyne low capacity turbo 4, all identical with a slug of torque low down but the performance dropping off a cliff by 5500rpm?

[gt40steve]

Networkgeek said:

It pains me to say this, as I like the chassis Toyota have gone with for the GR86, but I just do not understand the hype.

The GR86 is expensive for what you get, which is a low powered car. For the same money, you can pick up a much faster BMW M2.

Yes, I've driven the old GT86 and it really didn't excite me. It felt flat, okay, it was good at B road bashing, but overall, I couldn't wait to get back into my current car at that time (BMW 135i coupe).

I can't help but feel that Toyota have completely missed a trick by not turbo / supercharging the new GR86. I would have bought one if they did, as I'm in the market for a new car and the only thing which is exciting me is a BMW M2.

Such a shame.

I would have loved some of the famous Toyota reliability, instead, I have to pay German car running costs and they aren't cheap when they go wrong.

A very second hand M2 or Cayman or what ever...
I understand your personal choices & preferences but it would be more relevant to compare the Toyota with what else you can buy brand new for that price.

[callahan]

Brabbi said:

Conscript said:

I'm not sure if that's what happened, I never really followed the GR Yaris at launch, so just speculation on my part. Either way it's been a shambles. I contacted my dealer when pricing was announced, they invited me down to talk about the car, finance options, part ex, etc. I left 2 hours later having paid a deposit and with an order form, thinking that was that, and I was guaranteed a new car.

Two weeks later the dealer has to phone up and say Toyota GB have said all orders are to be done online when the site goes live, with no clarification on whether people who walked into the dealer like I did and "ordered" will still get a car. So I just ordered online myself and got my deposit back from the dealer. But it seems like Toyota GB pulled the rug from under their feet a little.

I had pretty much the same experience with the GR86. I talked to a dealer last week and put an order in, only to be told on Monday I needed to order it online on Wednesday. Didn't think I would need to do it in less than an hour of it going on sale, and so have missed out now. The dealer said it was to stop dealers ordering cars without a customer

Same experience for me too, it would have been nice if Toyota could at least have reserved you a place in the queue if you had placed a deposit at a GR Centre, rather than being gazumped by those who used the (incorrectly) launched purchase site that was spotted by someone on here a week early.

I managed to get my order in online (black manual) but now have no idea when I might get it.

It is exciting to see it sell out so quickly and that there are so many like-minded people (particularly on here and GR-Zoo) that got in so quickly, but my first experience of buying a new car privately could certainly have been handled differently.

[colin-xkigu]

I dithered till 10.30am and then paid up. Very glad I did. I bought the MX5 RF on spec in 2017 when it launched too and it was a very nice car for a couple of years but the early ones had a battery drain gremlin and weren't so fast, and it was a bit too small for me inside. The GR86 is exactly what I was after and might even be a forever car. If they start pricing per mile or petrol doubles in price I reckon it'll still put a smile on my face.

[Wab1974uk]

Bloxxcreative said:

Congrats to all those who got one. My wife agreed to let me but I've missed the boat on this allocation. Ahh well.

You need permission off your wife to buy yourself a car? Unless she's buying it for you, I really don't see why anyone would need permission.

[Trevor555]

LBW2020 said:

Trevor555 said:

Only 124 bhp and huge amounts of fun on a damp, deserted, roundabout.

you can do that with any car....so i am missing your point ...?

Fair question.

The limited slip diff, and the lightness I guess, meant that the rear end would slide out at very low throttle input.

It meant you could do very controlled fishtailing at low speed on a damp surface.

I've never driven another road car that was like it. Anyone?

But my point was really that another poster said the GR86 would need 250bhp to be fun.

Nonsense.

[Wab1974uk]

Conscript said:

clarki said:

I was too slow, grrrrrr!!

Do you think people will use these or are they bought to flip??

And the GR Yaris that people clearly bought to flip, do people really pay the prices advertised?? I see a lot of the same cars still for sale. Is it a case of the owners trying their luck but using the car anyway. If it sells, it sells, if it doesn't, it doesn't kinda approach.

Anyway, right up my street the GR86, shame to have missed out. Hopefully they'll bring over some more.

Can't speak for anyone else, but I intend to keep it long term. I bought it to own it and enjoy it.

Same. Bought mine as a long term keeper. There will always be people who flip cars, when the car in question is either special or made in limited numbers. Original post suggests everyone bought to flip.