Toyota GR86 review. Pure RWD fun; or is it a bit of a let-down?

[@marcob1729]

Harry complaining about all the doodads in modern cars but also disliking the "dated" interior of this car is one of the few times that I think he's missing the point

[@TheEightSixEight]

There’s a middle ground that could be high quality analogue switches and natural surfaces.

[@AlainSTO]

It's like those people who complain that new off-roading SUVs are too complicated but then said the Land Cruiser was too dated and then Toyota stopped selling it and people complained that they did that

[@johnsmith1474]

You don't state a point yourself, while you are missing his point, trying to make hay of it, and failing.

[@johnsmith1474]

@@AlainSTO - When you refer to all possible people yeah you will get the full variety of opinion. And Harry has never shied from complication, he shies away from poor design. You may not know the difference.

[@neilrobson3064]

We’ll miss these when they’re gone……

[@tom4626]

Agreed - we’re left with the MX5 and this - tbh it’s ashame Toyota didn’t give it a little more update inside.

[@neilrobson3064]

@@tom4626A dying breed…..

[@mickwrinkles2318]

Unlike the "enhanced" engine sound coming from it's speakers.

[@esr243]

That is why I bought one of the last on sale

[@cozza819]

And people still don't buy them in big numbers. The manufactures are right. What's the point.

[@songasport]

I'm into the third year of ownership and I'll be keeping my GR86 as long as I can. The "dated" interior is a positive for me, I don't want a massive touchscreen, electronic handbrake and assorted bongs! My first and probably last new car purchase.

[@jeremydunn2364]

Don't say 'dated', say 90's JDM retro! I think its cool!

[@colinturnbull505]

Same. Year 2 for me. Some switchgear is dated but it's simple and it works. No heavy stop start system. Superb seats. It has wired Car Play / Android Auto and I just converted it to Bluetooth with a £30 dongle from Amazon (MMB).

[@famouspheasant]

Only dated as it has no piano back and actual buttons.

[@grahamatsea3575]

If it's a keeper get in cavity sealed , I've a Shogun bought new in 2013, always knew it would be my last new towing car, had it dinitrol treated before it saw the salt. 12 years later the underside is still mint, most are rotten at this age. I've just bought a 2020 Z4 20i g29 which is a keeper , it'll be off to get treated when I declare the sorn over .

[@abdullahahmedlootah]

You're choice is suitable for quite calm driving way.

[@alanwebb86]

I really like the fact that it’s “old school” inside. Real buttons !

[@EvoraGT430]

Another Toyota-engined cracker of a car spotted at 7:50!!

[@ld9387]

Finally a car on this channel that is attainable

[@EvoraGT430]

Another Toyota-engined cracker of a car spotted at 7:50!!

[@alistermccallum]

GR Yaris similar price and had a permanent spot in the garage.

[@alessiogiovannoli1913]

it is not

[@gambiting]

@@alessiogiovannoli1913 How is it not? It's not a Dacia, sure, but at 30k it's not an expensive car by any measure.

[@mrlionrocks]

Work harder

[@sasajungic89]

This interior is a massive plus. I’m sick of new car interior design. It’s all about touch screen and capacitive buttons and the tech. This has no distractions, just pure old fashioned rwd sports car

[@leopoldocarbone]

This, MX5 and Alpine, the last of a dying breed

[@edombre4637]

I would add Alfa Romeo Giulia to the list.

[@MetalTrabant]

And the Nissan Z.

[@Fastvoice]

@@MetalTrabant ... which is not available in Europe. So it's out of the equation.

[@MetalTrabant]

@ It's a crying shame, really... 😕

[@5ebra1]

Handbrake, manual, no lane assist, no stop -go, real switches and buttons and Apple Car Play. Subaru engine, Toyota reliability. This car sounds perfect.

[@realnapster1522]

It needs a Honda K24 engine.

[@pb5x5]

@@realnapster1522 Probably wouldn't fit under the bonnet due to the Honda unit being a in line four. So may be to tall.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

No reliability I can see

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

@pb5x5it will fit cause there is a shop here they specialize in the twins and they put Honda engines in it

[@elnyoutube123]

Definitely not Toyota reliability 😂

[@redjacc7581]

so refreshing to see a different manufacturer being show. fed up with BMW, porsche and ferrari.

[@LawrenceSmithIII-b6o]

I agree.

[@BLITZKRIEG1]

me too

[@robertlloyd7493]

And me 😊

[@gryphon123456]

Bravo to this.

[@ralphmillais5237]

I don't think he does enough EV reviews, after all, they are all so very different with their own distinct character....

[@BirdYYC]

I own the BRZ, the Subaru variant of this car, along with a 992.1 Carrera T. If I had to go down to one car, I would keep the BRZ, that's how good it is. This is a 90s JDM car that you can buy right now, and as Harry mentioned, if you get a '22 or '23 there are no ADAS nannies. Is it the purest JDM sports car? No, Miata is always the answer, but the twins are actually usable to do things with. Thanks for the video, Harry. Been waiting for this one for a long time.

[@EvoraGT430]

Another Toyota-engined cracker of a car spotted at 7:50!!

[@bossadave]

Is the Porsche over hyped?

[@tomasvdb]

I have the Subaru too, and even though I’m always looking for “what’s next” . I just haven’t found anything better at this point. It’s a basic car, but just such a good all rounder, and it’s just *fun* to drive. A trip to the grocery store (which you can because of the sizable boot) already brings a smile to your face And price be damned, this car is pretty unique. I’ve so far done over 20k km driving in Europe and not seen 1 other BRZ… only a few gr86s. So I also hope to keep it for many years to come, I’d definitely not replace it with something else.

[@BirdYYC]

​@@bossadave No, it's a phenomenal car and deserves every bit of praise it gets.

[@markir9]

I have a 2012 BRZ with HKS supercharger kit. Makes it have similar power and torque to the current model. While it isn't that fast really (my 3.0R Legacy is probably just as quick) the driving experience is just amazing, as you are sitting really low and the chassis has wonderful feedback - feels like a race car even just going to the shops...

[@DonLee1980]

Feels like a car that is more fun to drive than many cars that are more than twice the price

[@L_J_D23]

Proof you don’t need 600 bhp too, at least with this you can have fun through some gears without losing your license

[@siddheshpillai3807]

​@@L_J_D23well unless you drew peacock

[@DonLee1980]

@@L_J_D23 honestly, I think 500hp is already too much, let alone 600+. It's horribly sad to have a sports car that you can't even floor it for more than 4 seconds without worrying about going to jail sort of speak. Not saying it's more fun to drive something with 100hp, but as a sports car, most of the fun comes from riding the right pedal, and feeling the car turn. Definitely not from coasting at the speed limit or hovering your foot over the brake pedal.

[@65hi863dhyu]

It is.

[@theboyneeds]

Lovely to see a review of a special but 'normal' car. So much more relatable than silly expensive 'super' cars and heavyweight luxury SUVs. More of this stuff please Harry!

[@frankpinto1012]

I am so happy to see you driving a car like this for a change. I bought a 2024, 6 months ago, I daily it and love it. Thanks for confirming I made the right choice.

[@biafo4541]

N/a engine, rwd, manual, lightweight...textbook right there Thank you Toyota for understanding that not all of can afford a Porsche GT3 manual 😂 and we appreciate

[@onniroy4975]

Even those who can afford a GT3 would do well to buy one as a daily. I run my GR alongside some exotica.

[@Jay-xr3sb]

Try a 981

[@TimOtPatrik]

Someone built a nice looking, fun driving, affordable sports car; So I supported the cause and went out and ordered one. Took 26 months, but worth the wait. Love mine 24’ grabber blue, 20 mm wheel spacers and an AWE track exhaust. I’ll add a cold air this spring, nothing crazy. You know you got a cool car when young lads on their bikes get excited when you drive by.

[@AccentShmaccent]

Props to Toyota and Mazda for still making lightweight RWD fun cars!!!

[@Brickhazard]

As a man approaching my 40's this is the first and most likely only car I will ever buy new as EV's mean nothing to me. 18 months on and it still puts a massive smile on my face every time I get into it. We use this as a daily fun/commuter car and have already put 10k miles on it in 18 months. We have a big estate family car and my rally rep for the weekends but as a daily fun driver you cannot beat it. It is also very rare and people do not believe how cheap it was when they ask me how much it cost. Was waiting to see your views on it and am glad you like it too :)

[@eugenux]

any notable problems in these 18 months?

[@Brickhazard]

@@eugenux Nothing apart from my rear tyres need changing quite soon ;)

[@davidrubin2612]

what do you do for a living

[@Willbrse]

@@Brickhazard LOL

[@jeremyb4493]

From what I've read the 2.4 is putting down around 200whp or more which is plenty of power in a car this size and weight for realistic fun on a daily basis.

[@Flared]

Owned a GT86 for 3 years before moving on to a GR Yaris back in 2021, and I still say its the best car I've ever driven in terms of handling. So pure and connected. Even going round a roundabout was a joy. Such a shame that these kind of cars are a dying breed, we will miss them when they are gone. If the GR Yaris didn't exist I would have bought one of these in a heartbeat.

[@cholomondeleybiscuitt]

Thanks for the great review. I'm 60 and have one in the eye-catching Bright Blue. The simple interior doesn’t bother me at all; having fitted a Non-Resonated Cat-Back exhaust I now just prefer to listen to the car's lovely Boxer burble when I’m driving, not some blethering millennial on the radio. Simple yes, pleasurable definitely! Smiles per mile the GR86 is well up there. 😊

[@muskistutter]

Good choice on the bright blue. This white shown is so bland.

[@jeremydunn2364]

Which exhaust did you go for, please? The lack of sound is a strange one for such a focussed drivers' car. ...

[@user-ht9fr6eh9u]

bahhhhhh

[@francfurian8215]

I have 24 model & it's fitted with an XForce Varex adjustable catback exhaust. I'm like you I just listen to the music that the engine makes. Cheers 😊

[@cobhamlondon]

Harry, will you do a test of Mazda Mx-5 ND maybe?

[@the1beard]

The Convertible .. would be better

[@64Alvis]

I believe Harry is right on the limit of those who can get in and drive it. I like the MX-5 but I just don't fit.

[@davidrbrtsn]

​@@64Alvis Yes, I'm just under 6ft tall and I'm at the comfort limit in my MX-5 NC (which has the biggest interior out of all of them)

[@philstan5506]

I’m 6ft 2in and own an ND2 convertible with the Brembo, BBS and Recaro package. Fits me like a glove and is quite comfortable. That said, I couldn’t fit in the hardtop. Harry, you need to try it! I also own a 2018 Porsche GT3 and can say, hand on heart, the Mazda is more fun.

[@colinturnbull505]

I owned a ND RF from new and loved it but at 6'1 my neck was not happy after a couple of years. It is a seriously tiny car, I think it's shorter than a Ka. Shoulder room and boot are very limited. I had a couple of things in between then got a new GR86. Would not go back to the Mazda. Two practical things that Harry didn't mention. The rear seats fold and it's allegedly designed to carry four wheels with tyres for track days - practical. And the warranty is up to 10 yrs (3yrs plus a year for each annual service you have done by Toyota up to 10). Their prices and their dealers are decent. The warranty is way better than comparable machines.

[@manonabeachjourneys]

Perhaps a tad harsh? It looks clean and stylish and built fir fun, well balanced. I like it.

[@johnnyboyj1929]

The smile on your face Harry says it all.

[@richardskelton5119]

Reminds me of what they used to say about the Spitfire back in the day!

[@Kefuddle]

I bought a GT86 when they first came out. The base model that was not available in the UK, without that hideous spoiler and with the minilite style wheels. I used to have a Porsche 924S that was tricked out a bit. The GT86 had the same feel as that car, similar performance, but in a brand new package, 5 year warranty, 35 mpg, etc. Absolutely fabulous. Direct, pointy and involving.

[@seany8787]

I didn’t gel with mine, mostly because of the engine. Coming from a Civic Type R with the K20 you could tell the flat-4 was a mish-mash of costs & emissions getting in the way. The engine also sweated oil out of nearly every gasket, which didnt fill me with confidence. I enjoyed the handling however and even at 60-70k miles it still felt tight so no qualms with the chassis. I was interested in the GR86 but reports said the engine was very prone to oil starvation especially on track, and for me its engine is too similar to the GT86 for my liking. I’m now into Busso engined Alfas 😂

[@Kefuddle]

@@seany8787 I think that is fair enough. The engine had a flat spot and was not dazzling, just sufficient. Absolutely no signs of oil seepage for me though. There was a minor issue with spot welds causing knocking within the boot though.

[@seany8787]

@@Kefuddle I don’t think a Boxer engine really suited the car. A revvy inline 4 a’la S2000 would be fantastic, but tax & emissions would have dented sales. I too had the weld tick from the boot. Very annoying and I was shocked how it could leave the factory like that. I believe the total cure was to drill out the welds, put more sealant in between the panels then reweld. I settled for the halfway point of prising the join between panels with a screwdriver enough that I could spray in tons of lithium grease which got rid of 95% of the ticks. Mine had the spoiler on. I was in 60/40 favour of no spoiler. Was also a 10 year old car when I decided to get rid and the underside was starting to get a bit brown for my liking.

[@johnvr1]

Makes me wonder why I’ve never seen you drive the Mazda MX-5.

[@freespeech3673]

Harry is a bit of an elitist, that's why

The "definitive Caterham" was 100% a description of the MX-5.

[@jaisabai4155]

​@@freespeech3673 Yeah, Toyota is so very elite 🙄

[@kinghock]

@@jaisabai4155I wouldn’t call Harry an elitist, but let’s be honest, aside from the GR Yaris we haven’t seen many Toyotas on this channel

[@Hopgop1]

Think he'd struggle to fit

[@natashasmith9843]

I have a 2017 GT86 and will never sell mine. I love how gadget free, and how balanced it feels. Im putting him into semi retirement now so I can look after him because when there gone there gone forever

[@Tinman3008]

Harry get theMazda MX5 in that nearly won EVO car of the year please . Naturally aspirated 2 litre. Manual. Limited slip diff. Got to be a 'bit of us' for less than 40k fully spec'ed new.

[@richardlawes8893]

Yes, would be great to have that on here!

[@enzoUKSC]

Agreed

[@markwalton8644]

I'm not Sure he fits?

[@tomasvdb]

I test drove the Mx-5 a month ago, owning a BRZ. Too bad in the EU the Mx-5 now comes with the 1.5l engine only, only around 130hp and to me, it just felt slow. I wanted to like it because everyone has always told me it’s *the* drivers’ car but I was a bit disappointed coming out of a BRZ. It was a bit too small for my liking too (I’m 186)

[@jamescarson6681]

@@tomasvdb You drove the 1.5 litre - now drive the 2.0 litre with 184ps

[@pab3783]

Great to see a reachable car on the channel.

[@ianwilhelmsen7644]

I am 71 and ordered the first version GTS in 2012. I still enjoy every drive in this car and now have 160,000 + kms on it. I have found choice of tyres contributes to interior noise. I have Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE003 tyres on mine and they're much quieter than the Continentals I had on it previously. I did 10,000 kms in one month and took it to Tasmania and drove the Targa roads and had a smile from ear to ear the whole time.

[@iainturner7576]

I bought one in 2023 after all of the positive reviews, and it really didn't disappoint. The damping is phenomenal, as is the sharp turn in and poise. I've disconnected the augmented noise & fitted a Milltek cat back - it's given the car more character but it's still a little subdued for my liking. I was looking at selling as it's "One car too many" but having watched this video & re-read some of the press over the past couple of days which made me love it in the first place, I'm glad my buyer pulled out.

[@ForzaCarCompanyPA]

Might be a good time to get a new MX-5 in for comparison!

[@johndunne5911]

That’s a refreshing car. So welcome in a world where new likeable cars have become rare.

[@Punisher9419]

The interior might be dated but I would rather this interior than most modern cars today. An audio jack is really handy, why would you not include one in any car.

[@bw1376]

To me the interior is timeless. It'll age much better in the longer term than new cars with huge screens.

[@dreamcrusher112]

@@bw1376 it wont age because it is already aged. my 2008 c63 has a similar interior...

[@bw1376]

@dreamcrusher112 Decent car. I think the more modern Mercedes models will look all look terrible in twenty or thirty years compared to the GR86 and C63.

[@biafo4541]

​@dreamcrusher112 it's already aged yes, aged well.

[@jeremyb4493]

I always remember when Chris Harris bought that fairly new dark blue ferrari 2+2 and candidly showed everyone the pieces of interior trim stuffed in a console that had simply fallen off or broken already. So I never think much of overly high tech or 'hand stitched'. I also don't purchase things to please the internet. Unless they're offering to buy 😄

[@mayflowerfilm1980]

Finally a reasonable priced car! I was really fed up with all those not usable and ridiculous priced supercars

[@danielhowe6957]

Just put a deposit down on a late 23 plate and I'm beyond excited to collect in a few weeks. A 17 plate M2 was an option but this was just so much more for me. Was considering stretching another 7k to a 20 plate alpine but honestly, the quality of the manual shift and the LSD genuinely elevated this higher than all others for me. It is genuinely the.oerfect UK road car.

[@dominicrusho]

I adored my GT86. The best car I’ve ever owned, flaws and all. Only had to sell due to the arrival of a baby!

[@Chazillor]

I saw one today and thought what a nice thing. Rear end slightly reminiscent of first gen Vanquish. These 22/23 cars, proper handbrake, no ISA/lane keep, no stop start etc - I would be willing to bet will be incredibly sought after. This and the MX5 RF are the last of their kind.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

That blue '20 model was facelifted: -Not the the original 2012 GT86 that I had, Harry! ...But so glad you finally drove this affordable sportscar! 👍🏻

[@TelepartyPlays]

Isn’t it amazing that this is the type of car we all want but aren’t allowed to have despite it being small, light and having an economic engine?

[@esr243]

That is a very good statement questionning governments. After a nine months wait in 2023, I got mine and love every mine with it, whether to go shopping downtown of for a rendez-vous in Geneva.

[@TelepartyPlays]

@ Good to hear! enjoy!

[@johnpart8229]

This little Toyota has more finesse than an M2! You heard it here first. Old school buttons and interior is surely a plus. Also it comes with a 10 year warranty, unlike no other brand.

[@huwd2292]

Absolute classic Harry. No unobtanium supercar, no EV, no chancer millionaire and his digger company, just Harry and a proper little performance car. Thank you.

[@phils2180]

A "grown up Caterham" speaks volumes for the driving experience this offers.👍 A lack of modes and driver assist tech is definitely more in this case IMO. Being an old analogue guy I'd have preferred analogue gauges but that's just me being picky. Overall, I like it!👍😀

[@davids9960]

This GR86 review and the R5 are the most interesting, because they are affordable. Also it appears they are quite good sporty cars. I must say the GR86 sound track is a lot better than most naturally aspirated flat fours, if a bit too loud. There are those of us who like the old school look, and the proper hand brake!

[@benjaminbenson8714]

First car in ages I'm actually interested in. Nothing wrong with simple and basic if it delivers the goods.

[@zoltrix7779]

Great watch, I sold a Caterham after 10 years and bought one of these. Totally agree. Don’t plan on ever selling it.

[@yup3398]

This is a car you can actually have fun in without losing your licence. It's what you actually want.

[@michaelgallagher7082]

MR H you could not hide the smile on your face. Lovely looking car..

[@sutats]

It's about time Harry!

[@deanchur]

Love how it shows what gear you're in on the instrument cluster as well. Sometimes you forget which gear you're in so having that there is really handy.

[@smilepermile8165]

Hi Harry, speaking of lightweight RWD japanese cars, it would be great to see you review the updated Mazda MX-5 2.0 - it scored well in ECOTY 2024 and I'm curious if you could notice its allegedly improved steering feel (if you have driven the recent MX-5s).

[@astatichiker204]

We've never been so close to his MX-5 review 🫣

[@mitchellsteindler]

He won't fit well in the nd unfortunately

[@Cobble123]

@@mitchellsteindler If only they sold one with a sunroof...

[@mitchellsteindler]

@@Cobble123 so you want him to complain about how he can't see because the windshield frame is in his way?

[@Mike-jm5wt]

He can drive a BBR NC Miata then, they are more accommodating inside

[@iantownsend500]

You can fit in a ND up to 6’3, any taller than that you have take your shoes off to drive, which probably isn’t a good idea

[@HaHaEntertainmentR]

Picked up a light blue GR86 last year. Gets more attention than I expected.

[@Killswitch85]

The massive irony being that toyota cant sell anymore due to safty regulations. As someone who has one, this car is as safe as they come. No massive screen /muliple screens, electric\haptic buttons, led strip lights on the dash, fake electric wing mirrors, no bings and bongs every 5 mins. You get in the car, you get your tunes playing and with no distractions you just drive. And what a wonderful drive it is.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

It's NOT out of production, they just don't sell it in europe anymore.

[@Timescratch1]

I was lucky to order and afford one 2 Years ago in germany. Best decision ever. Clearly a future classic.

[@1878EFC]

Wow, what timing.... I was on Autotrader earlier today thinking of getting this exact car as a back-to-basics toy

[@michaelfraser5723]

Nothing to lose; life being as short as it becomes.

[@anyau]

these will not depreciate. buy one while you cam

[@JohnEvans-zo7kk]

Good idea.

[@colinturnbull505]

The warranty is ten years if you take it to a Toyota garage each year.. not bad

[@francfurian8215]

Get it!

[@Slingshotgixxer]

Sold my newer Mazda 3 GT, wanted a manual again , bought a used low mileage 2018 BRZ , yes its a bit plain, no frills inside , and yes the torque dip is annoying, but man is it ever fun , a year in and I'm still looking forward to the drive to work every morning, and love the look of it , bang on review Harry .

[@dominicrusho]

I did the opposite. Had to sell my 2019 GT86 and have ended up with a Mazda3. Both great cars!

[@Slingshotgixxer]

@@dominicrusho ha thats awesome, I do miss the mazda's beautiful interior

[@timwilson5471]

@@dominicrusho no comparison. RWD > FWD 😀

[@beaglemusiclabs]

ooh, this is gonna be fun. Let's go!

[@bluesmartroadster]

Would love to see your take on the latest MX5 too please Harry

[@Sherlock749]

I’ve had one of these for year and half, and around 15k miles, doing daily driving, road trips, and track days, I’ve loved owning it for all the reasons you express, they are the car people complain about manufacturers not making any more! On the noise, they have a sound generator on them which plays through the speakers, it sounds naff and is really loud. The must-do mod on these in my opinion is disconnect the sound generator and get an aftermarket exhaust fitted, I’ve got a cobra back-box and it gives it that extra bit of character it’s missing from the factory.

[@colinturnbull505]

I asked the dealer to turn off the sound generator at the last service and I'm pleased. It is still not a quiet place to be and maybe I'll add some sound deadening under the rear seats or in the wheel well / rear arches. All adds weight though!

[@ruwoodbury]

Nice change of pace video, a momentum car instead of a horsepower monster that describes the contemporary performance car. More than ten years ago, at a PCA track day I parked next to an older guy in his BRZ amidst the Porsches. He had pulled a small trailer that carried extra rims mounted with race tires and tools. I spoke with him and found he had owned P-cars in the past but in retirement had switched brands for economic reasons. I noticed he was always first in line for his run group (advanced, same as me). I asked him about it, and he claimed in the couple years since bringing the BRZ to PCA track days when he started first, he had never been passed. At our next turn I planned to start directly behind him in my 991.1 C2S with PDK but ended up with three cars between us. I wasn't the fastest guy on the grid, but after ten years of two to five track days a year I was among the faster drivers. I was determined to catch and pass him. It took a few laps to dispatch the cars between us and found him with a surprisingly large gap ahead. I was miles faster coming out of corners and on the straights but under braking and through the bends he was faster than everyone because of his excellent driving and with those tires on a great handling chassis. I finally got close to him with less than two laps remaining in our stint and barely nipped him with two turns to go at the end of a couple straights connected by a fast corner--had it been a braking battle for that corner I wouldn't have. I passed him just ahead of the braking zone. I was so impressed following him for three or four laps and seeing him gap me under braking and through turns, I was able to reel him in on acceleration and speed. That last session was the hardest I drove all day. We had a nice chat afterwards and I made a point to keep my distance in line at subsequent track days.

[@jameswingrove7421]

The old school analogue approach is the reason I chose a 370z. There’s an honesty and simplicity to the car and the way it goes down the road. I love it. And the GR is a great bit of kit.

[@jeff.simmons]

I drive my 2023 GR86 in Colorado mountains , canyons. It's awesome to have a little sports car that has no mechanical issues and didn't cost 100k-- just drive, drive, drive, repeat.

[@jamesallison4875]

Am always happy to see you have a good time.

[@marklee7545]

That looks like a lot of fun … and it’s not a bloated SUV or an ‘appliance’. 10 year/100k Toyota warranty too 👏

[@pj9375]

Excellent Harry. I have a 2000 200sx manual, weight similar at 1265kg, turbo charged, RWD, manual with a bit more power than this (270bhp) and torque, but so much fun to drive. You can access so much more performance on the road than some other cars, plus a lovely chassis and a realistic footprint for our roads (not too big!) makes these real drivers cars. Well done Toyota for carrying on the formula, once gone we will certainly miss cars like this 😢❤

[@FezzaYT]

Love this. I had the GT86 and loved it, just a little underpowered. Such great, fun cars

[@JimmyHuynhdesign]

Can’t wait to get mine

[@johnedds2327]

Let's celebrate a bit of fun and a nod to the old days. Light, manouverable, and what's more fun.

[@mk1gti]

I had one for a few days a couple of years ago, drove it state to state twice, found myself getting off the freeway and taking country back roads to my destination, that's how much fun the driving experience was. At some point I will really have to put money down on one. I forgot which automotive journalist said it but the GR 86 is like a poor man's 911 GT3, it's just that good.

[@ahemgee9542]

The warbling flat 4 Imprezas had unequal length headers, hence the sound. The Japanese 2.0 versions did not and hence no warble. As you'll know having equal length headers is Important for maximising gas flow, this being high revving and NA equal length headers are quite necessary .

[@Dunky1994]

Pearl white 2015 GT86 owner here. I bought my GT86 because I wanted something sporty and not overly complicated. I don't really like screens in cars as distractions are bad but I must admit I have fallen for the Bluetooth connectivity and very basic touchscreen in my model. My previous car was a 2006 seat ibiza which I owned for 10 years so I'm used to very basic car. I feel like if the GT/GR86 was made in the mid-late 90s it would fit right in (minus the Bluetooth!) :). It's nice and refreshing opening the bonnet and it not completely covered in plastic. The first mod I did was 3d print a small bung (available on thingiverse) to cover up the sound pipe hole that enters the cabin by the pedals. It got rid of the fake oddly metallic sound which I didn't like. These cars on a quiet morning on a B road are brilliant!

[@tomasvdb]

On my old gt86, I just used the cover for the cigarette lighter to plug the induction opening. Fitted perfectly :)

[@andrewnorris5415]

Harry always gives such considered reviews.

[@thatsbod1041]

New car prices for something decent is out of hand

[@bigalalbig]

Finally! I was one of the lucky ones that did have an order in, but I withdrew after a couple of (enjoyable), test drives. I had the same comments regarding the throttle and lack of anything audible to listen too. Fix that and add a Scooby warble, and I'm in. Thanks Harry.

[@andyvalentine1243]

Admit it, you regret pulling out ;)

[@cafeandfighters]

Harry, just a bit about duel injectors. The injector in the head allows a lean mixture to improve emissions and millage. The port injector is necessary to clean the intake valves, which otherwise can become blocked with oil build up from the positive crankcase ventilation system. Direct injectors can also cause cylinder washing during startups with a cold engine. This can wear out a motor prematurely. Returning to the old style port injectors helps here also. A clear example of how the introduction of new technology often has unintended consequences, requirering walkback or the addition of yet again more technology to solve the problems WE created. The power created is really just power that would be lost due to ever Increasing emissions regulations. car though.

[@cafeandfighters]

Question: I didn't hear you say if the engine sound was real or "augmented " through the sound system?

These are so expensive in The Netherlands. Used these are way more than they are new in the USA. Absolute dream to have.

[@enekoprins]

I have mine for a little over a year now and I feel privileged to have one. Few cars provide such a good driving experience for the price. Chris Harris called it a pound shop GT3.

[@DaveP668]

A colleague had the previous version. The great thing is its a car which can be modded easily and cheaply to get far more out of it.

[@BlackLines]

As a Celica owner (7th gen) this is my dream car - in fact, the similarities inside are striking, even down to the terrible audio system. I'd have one in a heartbeat but for now I have to make do.

[@joshswan06]

Always the best reviewer, thanks mate

[@martyn6792]

Thanks for the review, I am thinking of one myself

[@bfife22]

The ducktail that is added on the car in other countries makes the rear and side profiles much better than without it

[@interamerichanic]

On the other hand, I hate those.

[@anthonyreynolds2522]

My life,loved it, great to have hand brake, takes me back when cars were great, brilliant video

[@JS.436]

Thank you! I have been thinking of a purchase (US spec) and had been looking for an honest review by someone who wasn't a 20-something.

[@cookiedoughdynamo2747]

Its understated looks are very much of its charm. It's almost intentionally leaving room for the car enthusiast to do some modification of their own.

[@colinturnbull505]

Bought one of these new with no test drive. The original allocation sold in three hours I think. Slightly nervous wait for a year but they didn't whack up the price and it has lived up to expectations. It is everything Harry says it is. And the boot is practical, the rear seats fold and the warranty is ten years if you take it to Toyota for each service - which is fine as the dealers are decent and not that expensive. To hear it compared to the M2 by Harry is praise indeed but remember the running costs of that more complex and heavy machine will be a lot more than this non turbo 1270kg car. I like the looks which are non shouty and relatively discreet till you get close. It gets a surprising amount of compliments when I park or refuel it.

[@andyvalentine1243]

I feel that my red one is pretty shout 😂

[@laurentiuprisacariu9905]

Id love to see an yearly Q&A Harry. Im sure you get lots of interesting questions

[@anthonyclarke7081]

Good review. 'Old fashioned' in today's context is high praise IMO. This is only car Harry has reviewed which I would and can afford to buy!!

[@interamerichanic]

The "drone" you hear is actually piped-in sound, not the engine. Terrible little trick more and more makers are using. The dealership can disable it from the computer, or you can simply disconnect the harness to the speakers, which is just behind the dashboard side panel (on the right side in left-hand drive versions, not sure how it's wired for the UK).

[@smorris12]

As a Z4 owner, this is the first new car I've seen in a long time that i could actually like.

[@andyvalentine1243]

I had the E86 Z4 Coupe, loved it, but the GR86 is so much more engaging.

[@TheSatsumaman]

I've got one in the same colour and I've put 10k miles on already. My only gripe with it is the battering the plastic takes for general everyday use. Where the seat belt falls back is a mess and where the passengers knees touch the glove box. Everything else is spot on in the vid.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Preferred the Headlights on the 2012. But the rest of the car is great. Love it.

[@mattdedasc]

I love these. Thanks for reviewing it

[@HowToSpec]

Have my drivers test tommorow, great video to end the week with!

[@michaelfraser5723]

PASS

Right after you've passed the test learn how to heel and toe. Thank me later.

[@brianiswrong]

Hope its in a manual,and that all goes well🤞

[@Johnny362000]

Thank you for what? Saying "learn how to do this relatively advanced technique right after learning the basics" like that's actually helpful?

[@HowToSpec]

@@brianiswrongyea I’m doing the manual test, learning in automatics makes people lazy. Plus, manual is more fun. Also, thank you! Just not looking forward to the insurance as I’m 18 LOL

[@richardhoulton4016]

I have a 2022 BRZ. It’s just about to turn 3 which is when I usually think about flipping…there’s nothing currently on the market that I’d want to swap it for. I had an MX5 RF before it and loved it, but the BRZ is a properly practical vehicle as well as a toy.

[@TurboTsunami19]

Thank you Harry, love your reviews

[@stephenlane9168]

Been looking forward to this review by harry 👌the lack of all technology makes it rather appealing.

[@Marc-qp4br]

A grown up Caterham praise indeed!! Cheers Harry!

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

As someone who's been in used BMW and Mercedes world for decades this is really appealing. Yeah an M2 would be around the same BUT the M2 ownership experience would be much different. I kinda am ready for a fun car that just starts and runs and is able to keep the oil on the oily bits and the coolant in the coolant bits.

[@SB-vb8ch]

"Flat four warble" came from dissimilar exhaust primary lengths as the turbo was mounted above one of the rear cylinders so it wasn't really a flat four thing more of a package constrained exhaust manifold!