Reliable, bought new by enthusiasts, cherished by subsequent keepers and supported by owners clubs and specialists, the Toyota GT86 and the almost identical Subaru BRZ make top used buys.
For its greater availability at prices ranging from £8500 to £26,000, plus the possibility of covering older examples with a Toyota used car warranty that’s great value for money, the GT86 gets our vote. There’s no official Subaru warranty but dealers offer something called AutoProtect.
See Toyota GT86 for sale on PistonHeads
Toyota servicing prices tend to be a little lower, too, and you’re more likely to have a Toyota dealer on your doorstep than a Subaru one.
Used GT86s are available in at least eight flavours ranging from the standard car through Giallo to Club Series Orange Edition. Standard models are well equipped, highlights being sports seats, cruise control and air conditioning. Options were plentiful across the range, the most popular being leather and a sat-nav.
The limited-edition TRD (Toyota Racing Development) of 2013 was an interesting variation with sportier wheels, a body kit and a quad exhaust system but no extra power. At the time of writing, the cheapest example is a 2013/13 with 46k miles for £15,500.
The BRZ was a simpler proposition offered only in SE and SE Lux trims. The only significant difference between the two was leather seats. Such conservative trim designations, more suited to an executive car than a 2+2 sports coupeÃ, reflect the BRZ’s slightly more restrained character compared with the extrovert GT86.
Both models were launched in 2012, powered by the same 197bhp 2.0-litre flat-four engine driving the rear wheels via a limited-slip diff with switchable vehicle stability control to keep things in check. The engine needs to be revved: peak power comes in at 7000rpm and peak torque, all 151lb ft of it, at 6400rpm.
Join the debate
Add your comment
It pains me to say it
As I said, I really like the
As I said, I really like the fact it's na, using all the revs is something I enjoy but I also agree re Subaru's turbos, one could or should have been offered above the standard engine, for me I'd be happy to stick with the na but I am sure many would appreciate even more performance. Also agree re the nissan Z cars, they also appeal greatly, totally different market and price point though.
nice little coupe but..
"Early ones had valve timing issues" Toyota? Shame on you.
Loved by journalists but sorry two words
Sundym wrote:
Bland? Each to their own, I really like them, slow? I really dont see how their performance is slow, maybe not as fast as some hot hatches but neither is an mx5, but it still isn't slow. Personally I love the fact it's naturally aspirated as that to me makes it more fun, using the revs rather than riding a torque wave like a diesel hatch. One day maybe.