GT86/BRZ Prices
Discussion
Just currently in the early stages of hunting for 'preferably' a Subaru BRZ of the 86 twins. I just prefer the look of them over the GT86. Im not sure if this has always been the case but im finding the prices of these really sporadic. It either seems to be £10-12k then a jump to about £19-24k with not lots of choice inbetween. Im going in hoping to spend not much north of £15k for a lowish-average mileage manual. BRZ's do seem to be rarer however.
The facelift ones of course demand a premium, im still deciding if its worth it but there seems to be only a choice of very low mileage examples commanding strong prices or pretty high mileage ones sitting around the £10k mark. There seems to be a bit of aa blackspot with average mileage examples aswell.
The other caveat im coming across is a good selection of them seem to be modded - some better than others. The below being a prime example....
Aside from the questionable stuck on bits this is basically what im after but is it too much to expect completely stock examples of these cars?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509036...
The main thing I am finding is that there is not a major difference in price between cars for anything pre facelift but a large jump anything post 2017 with low miles. Where is the sweet spot with these cars where you start overpaying - im aware 2013 cars had the valve spring recall.
The facelift ones of course demand a premium, im still deciding if its worth it but there seems to be only a choice of very low mileage examples commanding strong prices or pretty high mileage ones sitting around the £10k mark. There seems to be a bit of aa blackspot with average mileage examples aswell.
The other caveat im coming across is a good selection of them seem to be modded - some better than others. The below being a prime example....
Aside from the questionable stuck on bits this is basically what im after but is it too much to expect completely stock examples of these cars?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509036...
The main thing I am finding is that there is not a major difference in price between cars for anything pre facelift but a large jump anything post 2017 with low miles. Where is the sweet spot with these cars where you start overpaying - im aware 2013 cars had the valve spring recall.
Edited by E82_125i on Tuesday 9th September 22:11
Difficult to find a standard BRZ/GT86 with reasonable mileage for a decent price, and BRZs tend to go for more due to their relative ‘rarity’ compared to the GT86 - that’s what I found when I was looking for mine, anyway.
I think they wear the miles well on the whole - mine certainly did - just make sure that any early ones have had the recall done, as you said.
The used market’s all over the place in terms of what sellers are wanting anyway, and that’s for standard, unmodified cars, never mind a model that was always ripe for bolt-ons and personalisation.
I think they wear the miles well on the whole - mine certainly did - just make sure that any early ones have had the recall done, as you said.
The used market’s all over the place in terms of what sellers are wanting anyway, and that’s for standard, unmodified cars, never mind a model that was always ripe for bolt-ons and personalisation.
I bought a standard(ish) - looks stock, has an aftermarket exhaust manifold and a remap - 54k 2013 GT86 last February. It cost me just under £11k. I've kind of kept half an eye on prices since, and it feels like no one really knows what to ask, with prices all over the place. 
The higher price ones did tend to hang around for longer, with good cars in the £10-£12k bracket getting snapped up fairly quickly. I imagine the lower priced cars are the sellers who are motivated to sell, and the higher priced cars are those chancing their arm or not in a rush to sell.
I also noticed the BRZs seemed to attract a premium ... and seeing as I was happy with either, it made no sense for me to pay more money for what (to me) felt like 'the same' car.
Good luck with your search. I'm sure a few cheeky offers, and keeping an eye on cars for ones that have recently dropped in price, will see you in what you're looking for soon enough.
The higher price ones did tend to hang around for longer, with good cars in the £10-£12k bracket getting snapped up fairly quickly. I imagine the lower priced cars are the sellers who are motivated to sell, and the higher priced cars are those chancing their arm or not in a rush to sell.I also noticed the BRZs seemed to attract a premium ... and seeing as I was happy with either, it made no sense for me to pay more money for what (to me) felt like 'the same' car.
Good luck with your search. I'm sure a few cheeky offers, and keeping an eye on cars for ones that have recently dropped in price, will see you in what you're looking for soon enough.
Yes i thought i chance things with the BRZ as you dont see many about, i prefer the colours they come in too.
Well maybe i shouldnt be too hung up on mods as it does appear that a good chunk of them have at least a few aesthetic mods. I definitely think a manual is a must on these as the gearchange is spot on!
Having another glance today theres some really early cars going for nearly the same amount as later gen 1 cars just because of the mileage (even the infamous recall year ones) autos also still command decent prices.
Im trying to keep things below £15k for now unless a good facelift one pops up - however there doesn’t seem to be a plethora of GT86/BRZ facelifts available so maybe people keep hold of them?
Well maybe i shouldnt be too hung up on mods as it does appear that a good chunk of them have at least a few aesthetic mods. I definitely think a manual is a must on these as the gearchange is spot on!
Having another glance today theres some really early cars going for nearly the same amount as later gen 1 cars just because of the mileage (even the infamous recall year ones) autos also still command decent prices.
Im trying to keep things below £15k for now unless a good facelift one pops up - however there doesn’t seem to be a plethora of GT86/BRZ facelifts available so maybe people keep hold of them?
Ive started actively looking for one of these and already of to a good start! Gone into to detail in another post but basically just dodged a BRZ that the dealer presented fake service history. To the point where the dealer has agreed to return my deposit.
Back to search and its proving to be difficult, im looking at around 11-14k but am met with high mileage, Cat S write off’s or located half way across the country (im in the South East). Am I expecting too much or is my budget a bit too optimistic for a low mileage example with good service history.
Theres also model years 2012-13 which apparently are the years to avoid due to the valve spring recall?
If there are any that to appear it’s usually these but is it wise to rule them out?
Anything post 13 reg seems to jump in price to point where youre paying £15k plus for low mileage. This one below is a good example.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025090460...
but to me it seems like a lot for what it is. Is this just dealers chancing their luck. Same applies to the GT86 just with a few more available, to be honest i just prefer the BRZ as i prefer the bumper and the choice of colours.
Back to search and its proving to be difficult, im looking at around 11-14k but am met with high mileage, Cat S write off’s or located half way across the country (im in the South East). Am I expecting too much or is my budget a bit too optimistic for a low mileage example with good service history.
Theres also model years 2012-13 which apparently are the years to avoid due to the valve spring recall?
If there are any that to appear it’s usually these but is it wise to rule them out?
Anything post 13 reg seems to jump in price to point where youre paying £15k plus for low mileage. This one below is a good example.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025090460...
but to me it seems like a lot for what it is. Is this just dealers chancing their luck. Same applies to the GT86 just with a few more available, to be honest i just prefer the BRZ as i prefer the bumper and the choice of colours.
Yes i think its trade prices that are all over the place. Ive seen cars of same mileage, age and amount of owner within 2-3k of each other. Its been a while since Ive bought a car but really am staggered at how much things have held their price in general.
However do question are GT86s/BRZs overpriced in general?
However do question are GT86s/BRZs overpriced in general?
E82_125i said:
...
Theres also model years 2012-13 which apparently are the years to avoid due to the valve spring recall?
If there are any that to appear it s usually these but is it wise to rule them out?
...
Why do you believe you should avoid them?Theres also model years 2012-13 which apparently are the years to avoid due to the valve spring recall?
If there are any that to appear it s usually these but is it wise to rule them out?
...
My understanding of the problem is that a very small number of valve springs 'could' be faulty. But that batch could have gone into any one of the cars made in that period, hence the recall. The recall itself had a bad reputation initially because dealership staff were a bit slaphappy with the gasket sealant that then flaked off, gummed up the oil pickup, and caused a few engine failures shortly after having the recall done.
When I was looking, if a car was in the affected batch, I was looking for one of two things ... either the car had not had the recall done (in which case I could shop around and find a dealership who would do it properly) or had covered at least 5k (and/or an oil change) since having the recall done.
In my case I ended up buying a car from 2013 that had not yet had the recall done. I'm about half way between 2 Toyota main dealers (mine is a GT86), and spoke to the techs at one, and he completely put my mind at rest. He knew of the potential issue with the sealant, and said he used exactly the right amount to avoid issues. I trusted him, and 13 months later my engine is yet to explode!
Your appetite for risk might be different to mine, so I'm not going to tell you whether it's wise or not to avoid them. Obviously I didn't think that avoiding them was a wise thing to do, but if you believe that avoiding them is the only way to put your mind at rest, then you do that.
Ah, so this is why Autotrader is telling me more people are searching for these at the moment, we're all looking
I'm finding the same with pricing, there's no specific pattern and some fairly wild variances, I'm actually looking for one that's been modified already because it'll save me the effort of doing the inevitable but obviously tastes vary a lot and there are lots of paths to tread.
I'm more geared towards the Toyota versions but I did come across a rather unique BRZ recently, it's too bespoke for my needs but it's a pretty wild build and has got me thinking about engine options more than just the supercharged / turbo cars...
https://www.japclassifieds.com/cars-for-sale/2014-...
Currently £12,995 on FB Marketplace:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/37864710...
Definitely one for someone happy to tinker that isn't a purist (and doesn't care about details like everything working and the mileage being accurate) but I bet it's an absolute scream to drive.
I'm finding the same with pricing, there's no specific pattern and some fairly wild variances, I'm actually looking for one that's been modified already because it'll save me the effort of doing the inevitable but obviously tastes vary a lot and there are lots of paths to tread.
I'm more geared towards the Toyota versions but I did come across a rather unique BRZ recently, it's too bespoke for my needs but it's a pretty wild build and has got me thinking about engine options more than just the supercharged / turbo cars...
https://www.japclassifieds.com/cars-for-sale/2014-...
Currently £12,995 on FB Marketplace:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/37864710...
Definitely one for someone happy to tinker that isn't a purist (and doesn't care about details like everything working and the mileage being accurate) but I bet it's an absolute scream to drive.
Rotary Potato said:
Why do you believe you should avoid them?
My understanding of the problem is that a very small number of valve springs 'could' be faulty. But that batch could have gone into any one of the cars made in that period, hence the recall. The recall itself had a bad reputation initially because dealership staff were a bit slaphappy with the gasket sealant that then flaked off, gummed up the oil pickup, and caused a few engine failures shortly after having the recall done.
When I was looking, if a car was in the affected batch, I was looking for one of two things ... either the car had not had the recall done (in which case I could shop around and find a dealership who would do it properly) or had covered at least 5k (and/or an oil change) since having the recall done.
In my case I ended up buying a car from 2013 that had not yet had the recall done. I'm about half way between 2 Toyota main dealers (mine is a GT86), and spoke to the techs at one, and he completely put my mind at rest. He knew of the potential issue with the sealant, and said he used exactly the right amount to avoid issues. I trusted him, and 13 months later my engine is yet to explode!
Your appetite for risk might be different to mine, so I'm not going to tell you whether it's wise or not to avoid them. Obviously I didn't think that avoiding them was a wise thing to do, but if you believe that avoiding them is the only way to put your mind at rest, then you do that.
Various buyers guides say to generally avoid them but when the vast majority for sale are 13 reg then its seems difficult to do so, plus surely isn't it better to go for a better looked after lower mileage 13 plate example If say one of these came up against a newer car that maybe had not been as well cared for.My understanding of the problem is that a very small number of valve springs 'could' be faulty. But that batch could have gone into any one of the cars made in that period, hence the recall. The recall itself had a bad reputation initially because dealership staff were a bit slaphappy with the gasket sealant that then flaked off, gummed up the oil pickup, and caused a few engine failures shortly after having the recall done.
When I was looking, if a car was in the affected batch, I was looking for one of two things ... either the car had not had the recall done (in which case I could shop around and find a dealership who would do it properly) or had covered at least 5k (and/or an oil change) since having the recall done.
In my case I ended up buying a car from 2013 that had not yet had the recall done. I'm about half way between 2 Toyota main dealers (mine is a GT86), and spoke to the techs at one, and he completely put my mind at rest. He knew of the potential issue with the sealant, and said he used exactly the right amount to avoid issues. I trusted him, and 13 months later my engine is yet to explode!
Your appetite for risk might be different to mine, so I'm not going to tell you whether it's wise or not to avoid them. Obviously I didn't think that avoiding them was a wise thing to do, but if you believe that avoiding them is the only way to put your mind at rest, then you do that.
Im probably overthinking it but if the valve spring recall has been done quite some time ago then surely it's safe to say it'll likely be a low risk option now. I am quite risk adverse but I think thats maybe because I never seem to have the best of luck with cars despite trying my best to maintain them.
To be honest I think having the choice of a model year right now is a luxury as there really isn't an abundance of what im looking for coming up. Especially with the BRZ so I may have to call it a day on those and entertain the GT86 instead. A shame really as I do prefer how they look and you dont see as many about but if it means having a bigger choice of better quality cars then I suppose I probably should go for that with the 86.
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