Is The Small Sportscar Dead?

[@sunnyvalentino]

The laughter and complaints about the gear shift vibrating under idle is one of the reasons why cars are heavier, more, expensive, insulated and numb. Cant have it both ways guys, with good feedback, price, rawness and isolation. This car is nicely done.

[@semikolon6440]

I found that very weird as well 😅

[@the_ambient_light]

Yeah it kind of shows how out of touch this channel has become. They would rather DSG trombone about in a vag group offering 😂

[@Aldas001]

I owned an original GT86 and I can't say enough good things about it. The ownership experience was amazing and that fun interaction that you had with the MX5 happens all the time when you drive cars like this, it makes the experience of driving so much more enjoyable. Whenever I saw another GT86 we always showed a thumbs up to each other and people in general actually really liked the car and thought it was more expensive than it actually was.

[@robc9136]

The original one was / is brilliant.

[@danofficial117]

They’re crap mate

[@the_ambient_light]

@@danofficial117😂 If you say so.

[@phil1558]

This makes me so happy to see. I was so ready for Tony to hate it because of the “cheap” feel. I’ve been daily driving my ‘22 GR86 since new and have put on around 15k miles. I recognize that I am unique (I work WFH and it’s just myself) but I love it as a daily. The negatives they point out are valid. It’s a noisy cabin, but the Pilot Sports are quite noisy. You can remove the silly speaker that blasts fake engine noise. I even agree that it lacks some “soul”. The engine is boring. You don’t get to hear fun turbo noises or silly exhaust crackles (unless you go aftermarket of course). But even still, I can’t imagine a more fun car for the price. I genuinely enjoy driving it anytime I get in.

[@BingChillin-nd9ws]

If I had £35k to spend, I would buy a nearly new GR86 for £30k

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Oh that or a GR Yaris for me

[@eugenux]

@@CarsofGlasgownot the new, gen 1.5 gr yaris which is now 10k extra.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

@@eugenux the 1.5 is new new, the most recent one on used market is £28k so worth it. Still have 8 years warranty left

[@callamrain4372]

I went for a couple year old pearl white gr Yaris, 8k miles 29k Mainly for tuneability if I get bored/used to the power

[@danofficial117]

I’d buy a used m3 comp

[@fit_pharmd4830]

You two must be commended for how enjoyable it is to watch anything that involves the both of you, whether it be the podcast, rate my ride, drive my ride, and of course BTG. The quality of friendship between you two is so awesome to watch. You make a great team! Really, I think the more you two do together, the more profit there is to be made.

[@DanielJamieson-u4q]

Sam rocking the G Shock. Tony ballin with the Daytona...

[@Greedybelly1]

Might have a Daytona on his wrist but he still looks like Mr potato head😂

[@Strato777]

@@Greedybelly1🤣

[@adamxck]

I don't think 'explaining what my car is' to people has ever been a consideration tbh.

[@Triggaaar]

Indeed. If you feel the need to explain that your car is nice, I suggest the problem isn't the car, it's you.

[@andrewdavid6054]

@@Triggaaaror the ignorant idiots you’re trying to impress….

[@ojb8700]

@@Triggaaar AMEN

[@Dyltheboy]

"It's a small fun sports car" boom. Never been a problem

[@jayanthmalagi6410]

Love the change of format! Drive my Ride is awesome

[@NightfallDrives]

Day 236 of my campaign to get Tony in my Lotus Evora S 😉 Perfect car to enjoy British roads. Great episode chaps 👍

[@jacopoi7047]

A golf GTI new from list is NOT less than £35k

[@ethanlau2]

can't get a JCW for 35k but can get a GTI lol

[@ilikeheadcrabs]

@@ethanlau2 list price of the Mk8 GTI is just under £40k, but just been taken off sale as the 8.5 is around the corner

[@andygtv]

😂

[@MattDiffey]

The weird thing is Toyota makes 3 of the best cars in this "Car guy with £35k to spend on a nearly new car" bracket between the GR Yaris, Supra and 86. Heck there's that MX-5 rival they're meant to be bringing out soon too that could make it 4. The MX-5 is an option, but you're probably better off saving a bunch and getting one that's a couple years old if that is your choice unless you need the steering adjustments, or waiting for the new model that's gotta be coming soon. None of the Germans in the price bracket are interesting enough. Hot hatches are obviously there but to me if you were buying it as a do-it-all full size hatch like a Golf, you weren't really in the market for an 86 to begin with imo. As a 124 owner who wanted in on the GR86 before the limited UK run made second hand prices silly, I'm looking at buying in a couple years and between a GR86, the next MX-5 (or rumored Toyota rival) or a TTS.

[@nigel.w]

A hot hatch is not a sportscar; it is a hot version of a regular front-wheel-drive hatchback. And FYI, the new 8.5 Golf GTi will start at about £40,000. The GR86 is a purpose-built rear-wheel-drive sports coupe for £32,580, just as the MX-5 is a purpose-built RWD roadster. With regard to performance, 235bhp while modest for a performance car in 2024, it is hardly low-powered. It delivers similar performance to a 90s 911. The MX-5 is arguably low-powered in 2024, yet it is still highly regarded as a driver's car. A modern car is much harder to get into serious trouble simply because of all the traction control and other nannies. However, it is absolutely ridiculous and totally irresponsible to suggest you can drive a GR86 at maximum all the time and not get into trouble on UK roads. Maybe you guys should test your driving skills in something like a ~60bhp Triumph Spitfire? Give it zero respect because it only has circa 60bhp, especially if the roads aren't perfectly dry, and you won't be laughing very long. Why are cars like the GR86 not as popular as they once were? Coupes in general aren't as popular with young people as they used to be. Young people used to want cars that looked as close a possible to an Aston Martin or whatever. Today's young people are less interested in cars, and if they are are interested, it is generally in sporty versions of regular cars. Maybe they're more interested in practicality? Maybe they're more boring? Maybe they're more attracted by superficial bling and modification culture? But coupes in general are also less popular with senior executives, who again seem to be more interested in sporty versions of regular cars, like the M3 and M5, or big 4WDs. Lastly, there's a general cultural bias in the UK and Europe for European cars. If you go to the US, Australia, NZ, etc, there's much more respect and enthusiasm for Japanese cars.

[@Kempy89]

Proper rant that, Nigel 😅 I just think the majority of people want a "pub figures" car these days. Most of them don't want a driving experience that's actually enjoyable. They want to post their draggy stats on Instagram to impress strangers. It's a shame, but that's where we're at.

[@nigel.w]

@@Kempy89 You're probably right about what most people want. As far as a rant, I could do a lot better if I really wanted to rant. ;) As far as draggy, I only first heard about it in the last week or two. And I don't have an Instagram, Facebook, or X account. Impressing strangers or even your neighbours is the last reason anyone should buy a car, IMO. And given just how fast many cars are these days, it would take a lot to impress me down the pub. If a car impresses its owner that's all that really matters.

[@sultanoftippoo3857]

⁠​⁠@@nigel.w if a car impresses its owner that’s all that really matters - 100% agree.

[@BostonTaylor-xu7iw]

Calm down mate

[@nigel.w]

@@BostonTaylor-xu7iw Not the slightest bit uncalm!

[@level10boy]

I have a GR86 as a fun weekend and sometimes work commute car, and it is a lot of fun and I have a Lexus IS as my daily family bus. The biggest issue is the road noise and crappy sound system where the road noise actually eats up all the bass, but for a few hundred quid that can be fixed. The car definitely looks and drives above its price point, does indeed drive as well as a Porsche.

[@RumblestripDotNet]

The best thing about the GR86/BRZ is that it's a blank slate. All kinds of things you can do to personalize it to your taste.

[@RichardCrispRacing]

If I had £35k I’d get a Phase 2 Megane RS Trophy. Loads of character, great performance, 4 wheel steering! And that’s exactly what I bought. I daily drive my car, it’s now done around 30,000 miles, stunning presence with it in liquid yellow. Puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it without fail. Drove the car round Europe within weeks of taking delivery and I couldn’t fault it for a car to take on road trips! Only thing I could complain about is the fuel tank isn’t the largest.. so I was stopping to fill up every 200-250 miles. Aside from that it’s been a dream. The turn in on it with the 4 wheel steering is superb and it will very happily rotate/oversteer. Driven many road cars and been racing cars for years to a high level and the megane punches well above its weight. I took the car to the Nurburgring on my Europe trip and there was very few that could live with it in the corners, my experience of racing at the ring certainly helped, but for a car on stock tyres/brakes etc it was dead impressive!

[@enekoprins]

I own a GR86 and I am very happy about the brand recognition. If somebody doesn't immediately know what a GR86 is I just say: "It's just a simple Toyota" and change the subject. No use to talk about cars with people who don't know it and only think Porsches are sporty cars 😅😅

[@richboy900]

I'd love to try the gr86. Came close to buying the older original car years ago. Got an ND2 MX5 RF, you should try one of those, love the rawness if that's a word.

[@fmc7209]

Bought a 2019 MX-5 here in the US last year and has been my daily/fun car since. I love the car and gets insanely good fuel economy on my 136 mile daily commute

[@richboy900]

@@fmc7209 yea same, same year and as a daily driver. Fair play 😎

[@darkblueturbo]

I really wanted a GR86 when they first game out but the UK allocation all went and I didn’t get the chance to order one. I went with Sam’s 987 Cayman option and it was amazing for two years but… to Tony’s point: it wasn’t practice for every day. Partly the lack of rear seats. It was a second car but with three kids there were too many times that we needed more seats in the second car. Also getting older, getting in and out wasn’t easy if you just popped to the shops. And a car that was 18 years old, little short journeys didn’t feel like a good long term idea. I got the newest M140i I could find to replace it and thought exactly what Tony said. 9 times out of 10 it’s so much better, at just being ‘a car’’. And when it’s Sunday morning weekly b road blast it’s maybe 70/80% as fun as the Cayman. And being so much newer with a BMW warranty it’s worry free. I do miss the cayman and would still love one, or a GR86 (because newer but Tony makes me want one even more), as a third car just for Sunday fun. But I think three cars is a little bit taking the mick, so I’ll leave it for now. Great work guys. Love this.

[@robc9136]

I own a 2013 base spec 86. I fkn adore it. It drives so well, it’s cheap, I don’t get called a tosser for driving it like I do in some of my other cars. Imo it’s the definition of a Japanese sports car. Would love the new model but can’t part with the old one. But I agree with tony, it’s a very specific car and I wouldn’t own one if I didn’t have other cars to fulfil normal duties.. namely having room for children etc.

[@Nickcline99]

When Tony yelled ‘HELLOOOO’😂😂

[@Carl_Donaldson]

There's 20 nationally available on Toyota main used page, 8.5% APR near enough £500pm with £2.5k down. Too expensive

[@CarsofGlasgow]

10 year warranty with the Toyota too for people without unlimited funds

[@NickG24]

You eventually answered your own question! The cars you were describing was the old definition of a sports car. I say old, because people these days tend to throw hot hatches into that category. That wasn’t the point though, a sports car was supposed to be Small, light, 2 or 2+2 seater, rear wheel drive, manual, often but not always a soft top. They are definitely a dying breed and the more practical hot hatches of the 80’s and onwards probably played a large part in it because they were a better compromise for most people.

[@oileigh]

I really enjoyed watching this. You couldn’t ask for a better review. But I don’t understand ‘explaining my car’. I really wouldn’t care,

[@christopherhamilton1303]

Great format on the theme.. Keep them comming

[@exaelmendez9182]

I was rolling my eyes until Tony started giving this car the credit it deserves ❤

[@markrutherford4962]

Looking forward to hearing what you think!!!

[@Sladey93]

Personally I would go for Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. There are currently 7 on Auto Trader for under £35k. They are all 17 and 18 plate, so not quite new enough but that would be my choice for 1 car that is fun and practical.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

We looked at this but went brand new hot hatch and 10-15k third car/ toy in the end. But would’ve been a cool 2 car garage with the X5. Actually thinking of selling the old 996 then px the i20N for a QV …

[@andrewschirmer3849]

A fair review team well played. I must be an avid supporter to watch but you did well.

[@Variateeeeee]

Gone are the days when Sams gotta drag T.Gravelwood into seeing the benefits of being a part of the show. Of course T.Gravelwood can make proper dosh without being a part of these extra curriculars but By George his got it. He gets it now and its lovely to see. Excellent Duo.

[@groan_of_tedium]

The points about the power are interesting. I had a golf R, and whilst the speed was amazingly fun, it felt like too much to use properly on the public road. I now have a GTI, which is nowhere near a fast (and isn't quite as fun), but the power is much more usable on the road and in less worried I'm going to lose my license.

[@chrish1734]

My S3 was 24 grand. 8V Sportback. :) Could not get any more value for money honestly. It does everything.

[@fit_pharmd4830]

Even if cars have become “your job” at the end of the day you both are legit petrol heads and of the same generation as myself. So all the cars you talk about I relate to as I was growing up and even now (I’m 40 btw). My point is keep it coming, bc I honestly believe you two could have your own show on TV that would literally make millions. If I was a producer I’d be in contact with you both literally immediately.

[@driftslide8848]

Great review like u both said Toyota has not got the prestige of a Porsche but Toyota reliability and 10 year warranty sealed the deal for me hence why I bought one. Mine is a weekend car too and just 800 cars in the UK it always turns heads. Cracking video you guys just make me smile and glad Tony loved the car still love Porsche but for now loving the GR86

[@naptownfizzle]

Understand the need for practicality for a hot hatch compared to a 2 door coupe being a reason for so few options for small cheaper coupes but I think the 86 looks so nice and in the states at least, you don’t have to explain why you may pick an 86 over like a GTI or an older cayman. You’re more likely to have to explain why you buy any Alfa here.

[@BGcontentproduction]

recognised some of the roads around Eynsford!

[@BGcontentproduction]

and for £35k i really do like the 981 but as an only car i'd maybe go MK8 Fiesta ST

[@bispal]

£35k new only 2 choices. GR86 or MX5. Used a 987 Cayman R (manual a bit leggy) or some form of Elise (perhaps not as an only car) Others I could live with fine as an only car for 2 of us having had 2 seaters for many years, MX5, Boxster's, McLaren's. If I need a big car for a tip run twice a year will borrow or hire.

[@larssonk22]

It really is a good sweet spot horse power wise, you'd have to do something really really stupid to crash it. GR86 needs a proper rear wing put on it, then nobody would be confused

[@Mintzilla-bv6rz]

It is really interesting to see the brits / uk market POV on this car. If you go to US or asia it's whole different story with thia car.

[@the_ambient_light]

Don’t take this review as an opinion for the whole of the UK please 😂 UK loves cars like these.

[@johnmason7536]

When’s the Artura spider review coming Sam? You mentioned you were going to the launch in the previous podcast.

[@Chainedtomato]

Tony please show us where a brand new Golf GTI can be had for 32.5k or 33k lol

[@nigel.w]

True. But plenty of 1yo examples for that. You can even get an R.

[@Chainedtomato]

@@nigel.w I know, but Tony said new specifically, not used.

[@nigel.w]

@@Chainedtomato V.true!

[@jonstoney8398]

Golf gti list is over 37k Tony

[@wgascoigne6538]

Don’t forget guys, GR Toyota won Le Mans in 2018

[@sultanoftippoo3857]

And WRC champions 2023, 22, 21

[@damoville66]

The gap in the middle of that armrest is destroying my ocd

[@MattDiffey]

"Last affordable new drivers cars" if only you could still buy them new in the UK! Not because I'd necessarily want a new one - but the asking prices on second hand GR86s are still silly. I need a slightly more grown up / practical replacement for my Abarth 124 and I'd hoped to pick up one of these once they got down to the low 20's but that's a while off yet. They're barely any less than Supras right now.

[@mrminiature11]

Yup same plan haha

[@chunkplunk]

I'll definitely snag a blue one in a few years

[@paultuckey-ij5fp]

You guys should now do the same in an MX5. The GR86 has Limited’s desirability compared to the MC5 with that great chassis, gearbox and a cabin in a different league. And the MX5 can drop the roof. The Toyota feels like I should have spent more time at work!

[@Brickhazard]

The GR86 cabin is a lot better than the MX5. The MX5 is a ten year old design.

[@corysladams]

Would buy one of the leftover Cooper JCW's from the previous generation

[@CanyonDanCars]

When you start powersliding this light RWD car, laughing your head off, it makes insulated, FWD "hot hatches" not really comparable. Not to mention thousands more.

[@THWTV]

Ive owned a Lexus is hybrid as I fancied a saloon but I can’t help but always buy a hot hatch even though they have discontinued it for the money out of the box you cannot go wrong with a Ford fiesta ST but it’s a shame being 25 still get that chav stigma 🤦‍♂️ I also owned an abarth got constantly told it’s a girls car but I loved it !

[@MrDmarkv6]

Stunning car. Pound for pound, better than any Ferrari. So much fun to drive

[@arzaluzx]

Gotta love Tony ripping the little 86!! 🤣🤣 the fact he does drive manual better than Sam! hahah just look at our bald millionaire boy!! Great video fellas

[@mackas69]

Toyota missed a trick dropping the MR2 from the range. It might have been mid-engined, but it was a recognisable Toyota sports car. Same for the Celica, and that had bona-fide rally heritage. They deliberately put skinny tyres on the GR86 so it is a nimble drive and has low grip. That's fine, but a lot of people will read that as 'it might put me in the bushes if I overcook it on a wet road....'. And then they buy a Golf GTI.

[@rickran1647]

If Toyota keep collaborating with other companies to make sports cars, they could have joined up with Lotus to create a small mid-engined sports car. Toyota badged cars will be called the MR2, and Lotus badged cars will be the Elise or Evora.

[@Triggaaar]

The GR86 isn't low grip. They put Prius tyres on the GT86, that was low grip. The PS4s on the GR are fine, and you can go 225mm and a bit stickier if you like (and obviously the GRs chassis has been improved).

[@Bmontepeque11]

Well, peiple don't buy Toyota Sports Cars like they didn't buy the A80/MK4 Supra, neither did anyone buy the Lexus LF-A giving Toyota the message that no one wants sports cars, so in order to not loose as much money they have to collaborate with other brands and what happens when they do that? Idiots on the internet complain about how trash a car they have never driven is. So people need to make up their minds.

[@mrminiature11]

Does an m2 comp count as nearly new?

[@lolmeercatz10]

I was also thinking this, seems a no brainer, even a normal m2 with the N55 is 10k cheaper for a 2018 car.

[@mrminiature11]

@@lolmeercatz10 yup you can even find good milage comps just under 30k! The only thing is, for younger people maybe the car would be too expensive because of insurance. I'm getting quoted 3.5k even though I have 5 years NCD.

[@lolmeercatz10]

@@mrminiature11 I'm 24 and my insurance is admittedly a lot higher for bmw's because of the general ownership demographic it makes the premiums higher. An M2 for me costs the same to insure a year as my Corvette and S2000 combined which is a bit nuts considering, same for the m140i too. And an m4 which is lets be honest less serious and dangerous than a Corvette would cost 6.5x more to insure 😂 insurance is such a pain.

[@mrminiature11]

@@lolmeercatz10 haha same age! I've considered getting an S2000 aswell. Surprised the annual tax is so high on it though, it's £700 according to Auto trader

[@lolmeercatz10]

@@mrminiature11 you should get one I only did recently because the prices are on the up so didn't want to wait any longer i've bought one to keep long term, the tax on mine is £340 a year, I think the later ones had the higher tax bracket mine is a 2004. On the topic of tax... the Corvette has the same tax as the s2k despite being a 6 litre V8, in the UK, import cars that weren't sold here don't have emissions data available so all fall under the same upper tax band which is currently £340 ish or just less. So you can tax a viper or a hellcat for less than an MX5, they are all ULEZ compliant too 🤣

[@boomdaus]

I would probably get a nearly new i30n with a manual gearbox, but that might be that I recently bought a s3 and would want to go back to manual for next car

[@benpenagonzales6014]

We got the i20N and it does school run and fun. With 5 years warranty and £10k in your pocket.

[@nigel.w]

But, FWD and just a hot i20, not a purpose-built RWD sports coupe. £10k in your pocket for sure and that's significant. And if you like it and it suits your needs that's all that matters.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

@@nigel.w as part of a 3 car garage it’s good. Proper bit of kit tbf, LSD and chassis with extra welding etc. thinking of chopping in the third car for alpine a110 or this. With kids having the back seat means you’ll have more opportunity to drive it!

[@Triggaaar]

The i20N was £5k less than the 86 (not £10k less). The 86 has a 10 years warranty (if you service with Toyota). I do really like the i20N though (would have to be in performance blue).

[@benpenagonzales6014]

It’s performance blue! I chose the car and wife chose the colour but it works clean and grubby. 3 kids so 2+2 is tricky! And yes they talked about 35k but if you were lucky enough to buy new it would have been cheaper

[@Triggaaar]

@@benpenagonzales6014 3 kids then 86 isn't even an option (unless it's a spare car). The GR86 was £30k in year one, then £32.5k in year 2, plus paint (and they were easy to get in the end). I considered saving money and getting a used Swift, and I tested the Polo GTi, Mini Cooper S 3 door, i20N, Mini Clubman JCW, and GR86. I liked them all in their own way. Obviously a hot hatch is the better choice for most people, which is why they sell so many.

[@BostonTaylor-xu7iw]

The problem is most people haven’t got £35k just sitting there to spend, the majority of people take out finance PCP for example, so when your taking about used vehicles you could get around the same price, you should say used vehicles that are still 18 plate+ as you can’t get a PCP on a car any older than that, so a £35k 2012 Porsche cayman for example, the only option would be to either buy it cash or buy it on a HP, but even if you put 10% deposit in, your still talking £700 a month, where are as if you got a PCP on a 18 reg+ car same price with 10% in your probably talking half that. That’s why PCP is the most popular form of car finance now

[@hughmcneillie1032]

Would have a low mileage last og the FK8 Civic Type R for £35k or probably spend £28k and get a low mileage 2021 model. Bomb proof !

[@razvansas4443]

" So if you had 35 grand don't buy this because u need another car aswell " that's a Top Gear top tip 😅

[@nigel.w]

That's Tony's perspective as a middle-aged man. And he'd say that about his GT3 as well. Most younger people would daily either.

[@andrewdavid6054]

Good consumer advice! 😂

[@damngoodenzo]

This was a much better ride my ride episode. But I still think this should be a shorter segment and "back to the studio". Off topic: just had a thought, you guys are at such level already, that, as much as we love you, sometimes stuff just gets repetitive, so maybe (you're gonna be the one that saves me) it's about time that you'd bring more guests?.. You used to do that successfully in the past, and I don't mean like at the beginning of Season 6, I mean way back. Sam, you have connections, try local, try Europe, try Queen B, Mr JWW, Shmee again, Seb, Jay emm, cars with Luke, idk, whoever's on fire right now, I just watch you... 😅

[@richfixescars]

I've got a GR86, it is great for a B road blast, but not an everyday car. I have an MG4 EV as my everyday transport.

[@benzinapaul7416]

As Sam points out the build quality of a £35k Toyota is far in excess of any German car of today. Soft touch plastics and flashy screens are not the be all and end all of build quality - it's what's underneath that matters

[@sultanoftippoo3857]

Totally agree. Maybe that’s why Toyota are happy to stand behind their products with a 10 year warranty and their German rivals aren’t.

[@the_ambient_light]

I know right. “Rudimentary heated seat buttons” ehhh knob off mate.

[@mattmclean6409]

How about a BMW 230i Msport?

[@kashv2500]

GT86 + a turbo kit, then it's excellent

[@bhyat]

I disagree about buying a second car. I think you missed the point of it, this is the type of car that could make random daily drives quite fun.

[@Mjguitar85]

Great new series

[@SWR112]

MINI Cooper S with the JCW parks is £43k……so Tony is right when the new JCW comes out Petrol it’s probably £45k plus that’s borderline silly.

[@christopherklanica4155]

I see Tony dressed up for this episode. 🤪

[@kane0508LCAC]

“There’s that term price range again”🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ReeceT20]

This is basically a RWD Suzuki swift sport, small cheap slow and an absolute riot

[@mitchellsteindler]

The suzuki swift has torsion beam rear...i dont think that compares to multilink. Not to mention weight distribution and center of gravity 😅

[@HG504X]

Way better than Swift Sport, that car is slow the GR86 is quick.

[@BingChillin-nd9ws]

@@mitchellsteindler I think they mean that it’s got kinda the same philosophy and also sits in a similar position within their own segments. I.e not the fastest, but a better handling car than it’s competitors. E.g. Abarth/UP GTI

[@Triggaaar]

What? Suzuki Swift Sport (which I like) is about 9 seconds 0-60, vs 6 seconds for the 86. That's not close.

[@ReeceT20]

@@Triggaaar it's about the philosophy and the drive, you can't look at a sheet and say they're XYZ, they're both light, cheap, slow and a riot to drive

[@simonsauter3229]

I would have a Audi ttrs from a few years ago.

[@robertpeet8880]

I love my BRZ. I find it a modern equivalent to say a Datsun 240Z. Faster and nicer than my Triumph GT-6. It performs better but with less room than a 1965 Mustang or a 1967 Cougar. (All cars I've owned or spent time driving). The American cars may have had more room inside, but they weren't more comfortable. Why am I comparing my BRZ to these old cars? Because that is the mold that the "twins" (GR86, BRZ) are fashioned after. Kind of the "pony" car, hard top roadster theme with modern safety and convivences. Let alone a warranty.

[@Taylor40667]

If anyones interested just announced in the last hour Lotus Electre R the suv 920 bhp the fastest one on a cheap lease deal 24 months £688 a month £8k deposit for 8k a year from one of the best reviewed lease firms central uk vehicle leasing Its a £130,000 car

[@BollocksToThat]

No thanks.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

That is actually pretty good. At that price point 2 years of monster monster for £24k all in. That’s not bad. You’d defo lose that on a new cayenne

[@eugenux]

@@benpenagonzales6014the only problems being: 1. that's not a Lotus but a Geely platform with a Lotus badge 2. if your idea of driver's car is 2.5 tons, 900 hp, EV SUV...yeah, you don't understand cars...or driving, for that matter.

[@SChapps]

They’re desperate to actually get rid of some that’s why

[@benpenagonzales6014]

@@eugenux err I never said it was a drivers car. I said it was “monster monster“ ( British phrase). I was saying if you’re in the market for that kind of thing, that you could burn a lot more money than that so a, comparatively, good deal.

[@jamespugh]

For that money lot choice. I been looking at a 2021 Mach-E "Ev" awd for sub 24k with 30k miles . You get a mach E Gt for 35k used. Regular mustang v8 or v6 or 4cly that money used. Dodge challengers that money used no longer being made. Mazda mx-5 awesome car not alot leg room. Golf Gti .

[@nigel.w]

Not that much choice up to 1yo! B a choice if new. ...At least that is if you stick to comparing apples with apples. Otherwise, it's what would you buy for 35 grand? And that amount covers almost every type of car on the used market if you don't have any limiting criteria.

[@danjo911]

It’s not built near as nice as the GR Yaris, you can tell it’s essentially a badged Subaru. I felt it was a bit underwhelming and far less special than it was made out to be with not a lot of GR ness , Engine quite wheezy. Had to thrash it which felt harsh rather than enjoyable, brakes worked ok but cheap as chips components. I got my deposit back tbh.

[@JC94]

Two blokes who have very lost touch with the common man

[@ojb8700]

Sam's never been in touch with the common man

[@GazMoby]

Yes I agree. Not that many normal families have £35k just to spend on a weekend toy these days.

[@georgemode3694]

Tony: "Whats a clutch. lol"

[@alexandram9477]

ya gotta sacrifice the hatchie practicality and get a 22+ GR86/BRZ while you still can, say no to FWD!! you can fold down the rear seat and it's kind of practical..much more than a Cayman or Miata or Z car. My BRZ is my only car, I get by!

[@davidgillham6847]

Personally I think the GR86 looks way better than the MX-5, much more of a serious sport/track car, way less body roll and engine has much better lower end pickup. Interior is slightly better though in he MX-5. Could still do with slightly more torque/power so you're not constantly wringing its neck, as to be honest, it doesn't sound the best.

[@andrewfwallace4582]

Gr86 exhaust tips are 86mm cool or what!

[@Kempy89]

Great car, and I'm sure great fun to drive... But the M2 is surely a more complete car for the £30k mark? I appreciate it doesnt make sense really to compare a new car to a used one, but when its so easy to get a PCP on a used car now, thats no doubt what goes through a buyer's mind.

[@patrickbateman7122]

I can see what you're saying but after driving both this and an M2 it's very clear which one's the sports car and which ones a tarted up saloon/coupe..

[@patrickbateman7122]

@@BingChillin-nd9ws still felt like a fat pig with much higher centre of gravity. .

[@eljayr4669]

Great entertaining video and I know it is all about the drive but as an onlooker you could have been driving anything. How about a picture of the car you are driving so we can relate more to the experience.

[@FranciscoSousa-ux5bd]

Drive a topspec of latest mx5 facelift that just came out! best competitor to the gr86!

[@max99x]

Love the podcast... normally agree with most thats said but Tony saying a GR86 is better than a 981 Cayman S to drive/handling ... pure nonsense haha Get in a 981 Cayman S with PSE and another beast compared to a GR86 ... his fav track (Nürburgring) the 981 got a 7.55 min lap, the GR86 was 8.27 min

[@bigphilswheels]

I think you may have missed this cars real issue. You can't buy one new. They all sold out in minutes and it's virtually impossible to buy a nearly new one. So it's not really a £35k car, you can name any price for one, so real world buying comparisons aren't there, only driving comparisons are. Great pod though. 👍

[@richfixescars]

They are still available from Toyota UK and plenty nearly new on Autotrader

[@Lewis14iz]

You ALWAYS forget about the Z cars from Nissan when having these conversations. Even on the topic of 'have these two seater RWD coupe cars always been a niche market', the fact Nissan hasn't bought the New Z to Europe is for that very reason. They don't do well and never really have.

[@chrisdenman1985]

😂😂😂 I'm flat out by the way.

[@PutSomeDsonThatBlink]

I wonder how the GT86 compares to an RX8

[@user-uv3cs4ox8s]

Glad I'm not the only one who's goat is got by "price range". That's just not how you English.

[@SChapps]

At the end of the video Sam just called the i30N boring, sorry but you’re talking out of your arse

[@niallmcardle-co2se]

The new mazda mx5 nd3 roadster

[@gordonsimpson3235]

There's being a 'Devils Advocate' Sam, and then there is being an argumentative old bugger! .....'GT 86's are so good Tony....I told you.....But Tony, I would have a Cayman....but Tony, I would have a Megane RS'

[@carlosorozco4786]

Since Sam said £35k/$40k, I would pick the 2023 Camaro LT1.

[@brettgosper6003]

Megane 300 Trophy Manual best of both worlds

[@Nickubus99]

Sorry but the build quality on Toyotas are second to none. And all the things that people moan about with these cars are the reason why we now have dumbed down, heavy, souless vehicles. These are a breath of fresh air, long may they live.

[@chemicaljuice3078]

At least you didn't come up with Ride Swappers

[@The29ervince]

Jag F type?

[@ticonow2771]

once again, Tony is correct

[@the_ambient_light]

Tony was doing so well until he said “if you were a single bloke” clearly women and girls don’t drive cars yeah……..😂

[@craystonj]

Caterham for the purpose of weekend fun.

[@Neil2022]

MX5