Toyota GT86 - advice please?
Discussion
Evening folks,
I’m after a bit of advice? I’ve been a car nut since year dot, however I’ve not bought one in over ten years!
I’ve had my current Corrado for those 10 years, I owned one previously for 13 years.
I’ve owned my Elise nearly 20 years, and my Mk 1 Scirocco 27 years.
It’s just really suited my purposes, the Elise and Scirocco have been weekend toys / garage queens - the Corrado has always been the stalwart daily runner. Through experience of the absolute reliability and simplicity.
However, times have changed.
My current Corrado is 27 years old and has covered 109k - and I am using it much more. It’s totally unrealistic to rely on it..And ruin it.
The past two years I’ve been WFH but now I’m expected to be in the office ‘most of the time’ unfixed. My commute to work is a 60 mile round trip.
Previously I was in an travelling to work arrangement where 4 of us were in a car school and we just ran a shed for as long as it lasted. That won’t be happening again.
I’d like a newish car as I know they have moved on so far from my experience.
But I’m also scared about this modern stuff and how crap they can be!
I’m eyeing up a Toyota GT86 locally ( never driven one). It’s the only affordable car to me that I have found extremely pleasing on the eye - so important. That I feel I could actually be happy driving.
But, I see the GT86 returns about ~ 30 mph, VED is about £220.
Or, do I go for a new stile Mini diesel?
Forget what it looks like and how it drives etc and go for economy?
As we know fuel is through the roof right now?
I don’t need a big car or to make statement.
I know there is loads of knowledge and experience on here, I’d appreciate any thoughts
Thanks Jim.
I’m after a bit of advice? I’ve been a car nut since year dot, however I’ve not bought one in over ten years!
I’ve had my current Corrado for those 10 years, I owned one previously for 13 years.
I’ve owned my Elise nearly 20 years, and my Mk 1 Scirocco 27 years.
It’s just really suited my purposes, the Elise and Scirocco have been weekend toys / garage queens - the Corrado has always been the stalwart daily runner. Through experience of the absolute reliability and simplicity.
However, times have changed.
My current Corrado is 27 years old and has covered 109k - and I am using it much more. It’s totally unrealistic to rely on it..And ruin it.
The past two years I’ve been WFH but now I’m expected to be in the office ‘most of the time’ unfixed. My commute to work is a 60 mile round trip.
Previously I was in an travelling to work arrangement where 4 of us were in a car school and we just ran a shed for as long as it lasted. That won’t be happening again.
I’d like a newish car as I know they have moved on so far from my experience.
But I’m also scared about this modern stuff and how crap they can be!
I’m eyeing up a Toyota GT86 locally ( never driven one). It’s the only affordable car to me that I have found extremely pleasing on the eye - so important. That I feel I could actually be happy driving.
But, I see the GT86 returns about ~ 30 mph, VED is about £220.
Or, do I go for a new stile Mini diesel?
Forget what it looks like and how it drives etc and go for economy?
As we know fuel is through the roof right now?
I don’t need a big car or to make statement.
I know there is loads of knowledge and experience on here, I’d appreciate any thoughts
Thanks Jim.
Tricky one, there are pros and cons.
The upside is the GT86 is pretty reliable, and potentially under warranty up to 11 years old if serviced with Toyota. You don't say what sort of roads your commute is, but if mostly motorway it could easily do mid-30s+ mpg I think.
It's fairly spacious for the driver.
It's a fun car to drive, both in that it feels taut and responsive at any speed, and that it will happily move about at the limit. And of course, it looks good in a way that hatches or saloons just don't.
Compared to a more normal car, it's probably likely to hang onto its value a bit better - I suspect the cheapest ones are probably not that far off their long-term value floor.
The downsides are that it's a relatively "cheap" car, so it's not that refined in terms of interior appointments, noise insulation etc. Combined with a low seating position, relative lack of torque etc it may be a bit more effort on the commute. Also no Apple Carplay/Android Auto.
For me, it would depend on the nature of your commute, and what sort of other mileage you might do with the car. If I was lucky enough to have a commute with a good stretch of fairly quiet country roads that can be enjoyed, then I'd definitely look for a GT86 as a good balance of fun with daily usability. I used to thrash a (slow) Pug 306 down the Castle Howard road on my daily commute, and always enjoyed that part of my working day.
Or if you want to do the odd trackday or something in it, a GT86 is a good option.
On the other hand if this car's just going to be sat on a motorway and/or stuck in traffic, I probably wouldn't think it worth the downsides, I'd probably look for something more comfortable and easy to live with, a slightly higher driving position, comfy seats etc.
Depending on budget, I'd also suggest casting the net a bit wider than just those two cars.
If your Corrado is your main car I like the cut of your jib, sir. It's not that I'm a VW enthusiast, but seeing someone make good daily use of an interesting car always makes me smile. A Corroda will stand out among the mediocrity of modern motoring.
Why worry about ruining it? If it still delivers, drive away at it and enjoy.
Of course, if it feels like the Corrado is getting on a bit for what you need from it, find a new daily by all means. If the GT86 appeals, join a forum and ask around if you can take a look at another owner's car. With an Elise and a Corrado, you sound like the type of chap I'd happily let have a look around my car.
I also have an old Elise and had a Subara BRZ for a bit, so I like where you're coming from. Good luck.
Why worry about ruining it? If it still delivers, drive away at it and enjoy.
Of course, if it feels like the Corrado is getting on a bit for what you need from it, find a new daily by all means. If the GT86 appeals, join a forum and ask around if you can take a look at another owner's car. With an Elise and a Corrado, you sound like the type of chap I'd happily let have a look around my car.
I also have an old Elise and had a Subara BRZ for a bit, so I like where you're coming from. Good luck.
I had a BRZ for about a year and loved it but ultimately had to sell it as I was probably going to either lose my licence or kill myself. On an empty, twisty road it was just divine. Add other cars to the mix and they held you up on the twisty bits, and then (boggo turbo diesels) left you for dead on the straights. Not a recipe for enjoyment. I suspect a modded or supercharged GT86/BRZ would be a more relaxed drive.
My penultimate drive from Elgin to Perth via Braemar summed it up. Through the mountains every gear was held to the redline, braking late, loading up the steering, visceral seat of the pants stuff....but could I shake the Dacia Duster behind me? Nope (well not without stupidly exceeding NSL) and the Dacia eventually hunted me down like the HGV in Duel and wopped past me when I dutifully slowed down for a 40 section. Selling the BRZ was bitter sweet.
Had a Mini turbo diesel as a hire car, fast, fun, practical, and exactly the same (look if not bhp) as all the other millions of Minis on the roads. The BRZ would not see it for dust, but the BRZ was unique, enigmatic and the left field choice.
My penultimate drive from Elgin to Perth via Braemar summed it up. Through the mountains every gear was held to the redline, braking late, loading up the steering, visceral seat of the pants stuff....but could I shake the Dacia Duster behind me? Nope (well not without stupidly exceeding NSL) and the Dacia eventually hunted me down like the HGV in Duel and wopped past me when I dutifully slowed down for a 40 section. Selling the BRZ was bitter sweet.
Had a Mini turbo diesel as a hire car, fast, fun, practical, and exactly the same (look if not bhp) as all the other millions of Minis on the roads. The BRZ would not see it for dust, but the BRZ was unique, enigmatic and the left field choice.
I was driving through the security arrangement at work this week, and a guard stopped me and said, something like: “ awe jeez, I’ve not seen one of these in ages” They are a true classic “
A few months ago I had the same at a motorway service station.
A trucky came up to me and said. “Scuds me mate love your Corrado”
I’m proud I’m keeping and old classic as daily runner.
It’s hard to consider another vehicle which has been such a faithful drive for over 20 years - where do I go next?
And I enjoy the appraisal.
But, I have to run it on ALWYS + 95 octane , parts are hard to find.
A few months ago I had the same at a motorway service station.
A trucky came up to me and said. “Scuds me mate love your Corrado”
I’m proud I’m keeping and old classic as daily runner.
It’s hard to consider another vehicle which has been such a faithful drive for over 20 years - where do I go next?
And I enjoy the appraisal.
But, I have to run it on ALWYS + 95 octane , parts are hard to find.
Jim H said:
Evening folks,
I’m after a bit of advice? I’ve been a car nut since year dot, however I’ve not bought one in over ten years!
I’ve had my current Corrado for those 10 years, I owned one previously for 13 years.
I’ve owned my Elise nearly 20 years, and my Mk 1 Scirocco 27 years.
It’s just really suited my purposes, the Elise and Scirocco have been weekend toys / garage queens - the Corrado has always been the stalwart daily runner. Through experience of the absolute reliability and simplicity.
However, times have changed.
My current Corrado is 27 years old and has covered 109k - and I am using it much more. It’s totally unrealistic to rely on it..And ruin it.
The past two years I’ve been WFH but now I’m expected to be in the office ‘most of the time’ unfixed. My commute to work is a 60 mile round trip.
Previously I was in an travelling to work arrangement where 4 of us were in a car school and we just ran a shed for as long as it lasted. That won’t be happening again.
I’d like a newish car as I know they have moved on so far from my experience.
But I’m also scared about this modern stuff and how crap they can be!
I’m eyeing up a Toyota GT86 locally ( never driven one). It’s the only affordable car to me that I have found extremely pleasing on the eye - so important. That I feel I could actually be happy driving.
But, I see the GT86 returns about ~ 30 mph, VED is about £220.
Or, do I go for a new stile Mini diesel?
Forget what it looks like and how it drives etc and go for economy?
As we know fuel is through the roof right now?
I don’t need a big car or to make statement.
I know there is loads of knowledge and experience on here, I’d appreciate any thoughts
Thanks Jim.
With the cheapest GT86 being around 10k there are some very smart modern steers that are reliable good on fuel & still enjoyable steers.I’m after a bit of advice? I’ve been a car nut since year dot, however I’ve not bought one in over ten years!
I’ve had my current Corrado for those 10 years, I owned one previously for 13 years.
I’ve owned my Elise nearly 20 years, and my Mk 1 Scirocco 27 years.
It’s just really suited my purposes, the Elise and Scirocco have been weekend toys / garage queens - the Corrado has always been the stalwart daily runner. Through experience of the absolute reliability and simplicity.
However, times have changed.
My current Corrado is 27 years old and has covered 109k - and I am using it much more. It’s totally unrealistic to rely on it..And ruin it.
The past two years I’ve been WFH but now I’m expected to be in the office ‘most of the time’ unfixed. My commute to work is a 60 mile round trip.
Previously I was in an travelling to work arrangement where 4 of us were in a car school and we just ran a shed for as long as it lasted. That won’t be happening again.
I’d like a newish car as I know they have moved on so far from my experience.
But I’m also scared about this modern stuff and how crap they can be!
I’m eyeing up a Toyota GT86 locally ( never driven one). It’s the only affordable car to me that I have found extremely pleasing on the eye - so important. That I feel I could actually be happy driving.
But, I see the GT86 returns about ~ 30 mph, VED is about £220.
Or, do I go for a new stile Mini diesel?
Forget what it looks like and how it drives etc and go for economy?
As we know fuel is through the roof right now?
I don’t need a big car or to make statement.
I know there is loads of knowledge and experience on here, I’d appreciate any thoughts
Thanks Jim.
Astra GTC VXR great steer good on fuel & the 86 wouldn't see where it went on the twisty stuff let alone straights:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109227...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...
208 Peugeot Sport GTI:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202172...
DS3 Performance Same car as the PS GTI above:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201291...
Giulietta Cloverleaf an entertaining steer with a sweet 1.8t engine:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111129...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202082...
60 mile commute, presumably 5 days a week?
As a daily hack I don’t think I’d bother with anything overly sporty. What you need is something swift, comfy and probably diesel if you’re concerned about economy.
You could always stick with Vauxhall in honour of your current car!
Something like this maybe..
https://www.chromemotors.co.uk/used-vauxhall-astra...
Only 9 years old and about half the price of a GT86. I know it’s not quite the same thing but they’re cheap to buy and run and offer good useable performance in a nice looking body, especially with those wheels.
As a daily hack I don’t think I’d bother with anything overly sporty. What you need is something swift, comfy and probably diesel if you’re concerned about economy.
You could always stick with Vauxhall in honour of your current car!
Something like this maybe..
https://www.chromemotors.co.uk/used-vauxhall-astra...
Only 9 years old and about half the price of a GT86. I know it’s not quite the same thing but they’re cheap to buy and run and offer good useable performance in a nice looking body, especially with those wheels.
I sold my GT86 recently. My commute was between two town centres, so lots of stop start traffic. I averaged 22mpg over my 14 month ownership. About the same as I got out of a 3.0 Z4.
The GT86 is a great car if you had the right commute and time to use it properly, but the way I saw it, it's not special or fast enough to be getting that MPG
In hindsight, I shouldn't have bought it as it wasn't suited to me, but I enjoyed it for what it was.
Chopped it in for a hybrid Lexus, because spending my life at the fuel station was getting rather tedious
The GT86 is a great car if you had the right commute and time to use it properly, but the way I saw it, it's not special or fast enough to be getting that MPG
In hindsight, I shouldn't have bought it as it wasn't suited to me, but I enjoyed it for what it was.
Chopped it in for a hybrid Lexus, because spending my life at the fuel station was getting rather tedious
Canon_Fodder said:
OP please let us know your commute - it matters
Good morning Gentlemen,My daily commute is windy twisty B roads, over fells, through the glorious Cumbrian picturesque countryside .
I’ll be doing it about 3 days per week.
Lovely in a real drivers car, but practical I fear not.
The rest of the time the car would be used on shopping trips, and up and down the motorway to Manchester airport around 4 times a year.
Thank you for all advice so far.
I’m beginning to think a GT86 is not the right idea?
180 miles per week is hardly justification for buying a diesel.
If it's just you, and you don't need to carry more than one passenger then a GT86 sounds ideal. The back seats aren't usable unless you're quite short/small/thin.
In reality, you could do that commute in anything from a motorbike to a 7 seater MPV.
Just buy the car you like!
A GT86/BRZ is still on my list.
If it's just you, and you don't need to carry more than one passenger then a GT86 sounds ideal. The back seats aren't usable unless you're quite short/small/thin.
In reality, you could do that commute in anything from a motorbike to a 7 seater MPV.
Just buy the car you like!
A GT86/BRZ is still on my list.
Jim H said:
My daily commute is windy twisty B roads, over fells, through the glorious Cumbrian picturesque countryside .
I’ll be doing it about 3 days per week.
Lovely in a real drivers car, but practical I fear not.
If I were you, I'd totally buy a GT86 for that commute, it would seem to be a really good balance of making the most of those roads, while still being reasonably affordable to run. It's a great opportunity to have an actual sports car and actually get to enjoy it where it is at its best.I’ll be doing it about 3 days per week.
Lovely in a real drivers car, but practical I fear not.
If not that, I'd be looking at other sports cars like MX-5, MR2 or a Boxster. Or looking on the more practical side, probably a Fiesta or Focus as the best-driving 'normal' car.
In any case, suggest you try and get a test drive in a GT86, you'll probably be sure one way or the other after doing so.
Jim H said:
Good morning Gentlemen,
My daily commute is windy twisty B roads, over fells, through the glorious Cumbrian picturesque countryside .
I’ll be doing it about 3 days per week.
Lovely in a real drivers car, but practical I fear not.
The rest of the time the car would be used on shopping trips, and up and down the motorway to Manchester airport around 4 times a year.
Thank you for all advice so far.
I’m beginning to think a GT86 is not the right idea?
So I used the BRZ to go up and down the A1 once a week. Be parked in railway stations and take me an luggage for business trips up to Yorkshire and the Highlands. It was reliable and practical IMHO. Where it fell down was the gutless nature of the engine, that made doing a dual carriage way or motorway overtake a drop 3 gears affair. Even cruising in traffic in 6th gear, if the car ahead picked up speed I would need to drop to 5th or even 4th to catch up. Not relaxing.My daily commute is windy twisty B roads, over fells, through the glorious Cumbrian picturesque countryside .
I’ll be doing it about 3 days per week.
Lovely in a real drivers car, but practical I fear not.
The rest of the time the car would be used on shopping trips, and up and down the motorway to Manchester airport around 4 times a year.
Thank you for all advice so far.
I’m beginning to think a GT86 is not the right idea?
However, if you were to spend some money on modding a GT86/BRZ to give better mid-range, then you would fix that, and make a better B road fun car.
TVRBRZ said:
Jim H said:
Good morning Gentlemen,
My daily commute is windy twisty B roads, over fells, through the glorious Cumbrian picturesque countryside .
I’ll be doing it about 3 days per week.
Lovely in a real drivers car, but practical I fear not.
The rest of the time the car would be used on shopping trips, and up and down the motorway to Manchester airport around 4 times a year.
Thank you for all advice so far.
I’m beginning to think a GT86 is not the right idea?
So I used the BRZ to go up and down the A1 once a week. Be parked in railway stations and take me an luggage for business trips up to Yorkshire and the Highlands. It was reliable and practical IMHO. Where it fell down was the gutless nature of the engine, that made doing a dual carriage way or motorway overtake a drop 3 gears affair. Even cruising in traffic in 6th gear, if the car ahead picked up speed I would need to drop to 5th or even 4th to catch up. Not relaxing.My daily commute is windy twisty B roads, over fells, through the glorious Cumbrian picturesque countryside .
I’ll be doing it about 3 days per week.
Lovely in a real drivers car, but practical I fear not.
The rest of the time the car would be used on shopping trips, and up and down the motorway to Manchester airport around 4 times a year.
Thank you for all advice so far.
I’m beginning to think a GT86 is not the right idea?
However, if you were to spend some money on modding a GT86/BRZ to give better mid-range, then you would fix that, and make a better B road fun car.
That’s an interesting point. At one time I was considering changing my Elise K series for a Toyota powered model as I was concerned about the fallibility of the K lump.
The Toyota powered car was a much different car, no mid range torque and you had to use all the gears to keep it high up in revs to get any real performance - I wasn’t impressed at all.
I guess I’ll have a run out in a GT86 to make my mind up, but I know where that can lead, I only had one test drive in the Elise and I bought the sodding thing there and then. I wasn’t even looking for one!
I’m not really keen on MX 5’s I just can’t see me in one. It’s funny, I’ve got an extremely wealthy mate who’s had all sort of exotica, Porsche, Bentley etc. And he swears his MX5 is the best car he’s ever owned.
My Elise is K-Series too and I often thought of moving up to Toyota reliability. Now I value the character of the power delivery of the K.
I tested a few GT86/BRZ. One BRZ had me wooping within 50 feet of the dealer's gates, but when I bought one, I struggled with the car. That one just didn't deliver as I expected. Try to get a run out or a test drive in one to see if it meets your expectations.
Is it hard to get Corrado parts? Surely they're a bit VW parts-bin, and I mean that in a good way for part availabilty?
I tested a few GT86/BRZ. One BRZ had me wooping within 50 feet of the dealer's gates, but when I bought one, I struggled with the car. That one just didn't deliver as I expected. Try to get a run out or a test drive in one to see if it meets your expectations.
Is it hard to get Corrado parts? Surely they're a bit VW parts-bin, and I mean that in a good way for part availabilty?
DWDarkWheels said:
My Elise is K-Series too and I often thought of moving up to Toyota reliability. Now I value the character of the power delivery of the K.
I tested a few GT86/BRZ. One BRZ had me wooping within 50 feet of the dealer's gates, but when I bought one, I struggled with the car. That one just didn't deliver as I expected. Try to get a run out or a test drive in one to see if it meets your expectations.
Is it hard to get Corrado parts? Surely they're a bit VW parts-bin, and I mean that in a good way for part availabilty?
Morning bud,I tested a few GT86/BRZ. One BRZ had me wooping within 50 feet of the dealer's gates, but when I bought one, I struggled with the car. That one just didn't deliver as I expected. Try to get a run out or a test drive in one to see if it meets your expectations.
Is it hard to get Corrado parts? Surely they're a bit VW parts-bin, and I mean that in a good way for part availabilty?
Yeah, some parts for the Corrado are pretty much unobtanium. Things like head lights, front indicators, fogs etc. I’m pretty sure the brake master cylinder is too. That’s one of my main worries.
I nearly never bought another Corrado after my first was written off after someone pulling across the front of me at a junction, parts were hard to find 10 years ago.
But, I figured that the car had been absolutely bullet-proof in 13 years. It only ever let me down once (failed distributor).
The one I have now had been absolutely cherished by its original former keeper, it had been garaged all its life, only 60 K miles. Even the battery that came with it is still the same one - I’ve never experienced one lasting 10 years.
It’s never let me down once in 10 years. Just tyres, brakes, cam belts etc (general serviceable items). It certainly will be a tough act to follow.
Belle427 said:
Sounds an ideal car to me for your planned journey.
Would your budget allow you to creep into a Boxster as a left field choice to enjoy the drive even more?
Obviously running costs would be higher but those roads are ideal for some roof down motoring.
Morning,Would your budget allow you to creep into a Boxster as a left field choice to enjoy the drive even more?
Obviously running costs would be higher but those roads are ideal for some roof down motoring.
I’ve never really liked Boxster’s to look at. They just don’t do it for me? For me part of the ownership has to be it must be pleasing on the eye! You’ve kinda got to enjoy looking at it everyday- and when you come to wash it.
That’s why I’ve never changed cars much, I’ve never really found anything attractive over the last decade or so, until the GT86 came along.
It’s the first car I’ve looked at in a long time and thought “wow” barring serious exotic stuff.
The Boxster is a good shout though, but my Elise ticks that box for that sort of thing.
My Corrado.
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