Used Toyota GT86: Buyer's Guide
The Toyota GT86 is a modern classic, celebrated for its purity and focus on the art of driving. It provides a truly engaging experience, thanks to its lightweight chassis and a responsive 2.0-litre boxer engine that can deliver up to 36 mpg. For the enthusiast looking for an authentic, reliable, and affordable sports car, the GT86 is an outstanding choice.
Used Toyota GT86 Popular Trims
GT86: The original and purest form of the car. It has all the essential dynamic hardware, including a limited-slip differential, plus 17-inch alloy wheels and a touchscreen media system. This is all you need for driving fun.
GT86 Pro: The post-2017 Pro model is the definitive 'sweet spot' of the range. It includes the improved suspension and chassis of the facelift, plus desirable heated seats with Alcantara and leather upholstery, making it the most complete package.
Club Series: For those who want to stand out, these special editions (e.g., 'Orange', 'Blue') offer vibrant, exclusive paint colours and matching interior details that enhance the car's fun personality.
Used Toyota GT86 Popular Engines
2.0-Litre Boxer Petrol: The 197bhp 2.0-litre boxer engine is the heart and soul of the GT86. Its modest power output is a deliberate choice, forcing the driver to focus on carrying momentum and exploiting the chassis's incredible balance.
Recommendation: The six-speed manual gearbox is the only choice for the true enthusiast. Its short, precise throw is a joy to use and fundamental to the car's appeal.
Running Costs:
Expect 32-36 mpg, annual road tax of around £335, and a competitive insurance group rating of 29-33.
Used Toyota GT86 Practicality
The GT86 is the sports car that fits into your life, offering a surprising degree of usability.
Boot Space: The boot is deceptively large for a coupe at 237 litres, easily handling luggage for a weekend getaway.
Folding Rear Seats: For larger items, the rear seats fold down as one piece, creating a versatile load space famously capable of holding a set of four spare tyres for a track day.
Focused Cockpit: The interior is a focused cockpit designed around the driver, but it's a comfortable place to be, with clever storage for daily essentials.
Used Toyota GT86 Key Features
Key Features
Rear-Wheel-Drive Layout
Limited-Slip Differential
Naturally Aspirated Boxer Engine
Frameless doors for a premium, stylish look
Folding rear seatsDesirable Options
Post-2017 Facelift Model: The chassis and interior upgrades make it the superior choice.
Pro Trim: The addition of heated seats and Alcantara upholstery makes the focused cabin more comfortable.
Special Edition Colours: The vibrant Orange and Blue editions are highly sought-after for their exclusivity.
Used Toyota GT86 Reliability Rating
The GT86 offers the excitement of a sports car with the peace of mind you get from Toyota's world-class engineering and reliability.
What to Check on a Test Drive:
Service History: A full and complete service history is critical to ensure the car has been properly maintained.
Oil Level: The boxer engine has a known tendency to consume oil; check the level is correct and ask the owner about consumption.
Subframe Condition: Inspect the front and rear subframes for any evidence of surface rust.
Headlight Seals: Check for any signs of moisture or condensation inside the headlight units.
Used Toyota GT86 Safety Rating
The GT86's greatest safety feature is its agile, communicative chassis. However, it is also equipped with seven airbags and a multi-stage Vehicle Stability Control system, which can be relaxed into a 'Track' mode or turned off completely for the ultimate driver control. While not tested by Euro NCAP, its sister car, the Subaru BRZ, received a 5-star ANCAP safety rating in Australia.
Awards for the Used Toyota GT86
Top Gear Magazine Car of the Year 2012
Auto Express Performance Car of the Year 2012
Evo Magazine Coupe of the Year 2012
Carbuyer Best Sports Car 2013
Who is the Used Toyota GT86 Best For?
Purists who value driver engagement and feedback above raw power.
Enthusiasts looking for a car that teaches and rewards good driving technique.
Drivers seeking an authentic, analogue sports car experience with sensible running costs.
Key Alternatives to Consider:
For a different dynamic flavour, you might also look at the Mazda MX-5 or the Ford Fiesta ST.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Used Toyota GT86
Can the Toyota GT86 be used as a practical daily driver?
Yes, the Toyota GT86 offers a surprising level of practicality that makes it a viable and enjoyable daily driver.
Utilise the Boot Space: The 237-litre boot is generous for a coupe and can handle weekly shopping or luggage for a trip away.
Fold the Rear Seats: For larger items, the rear seats fold down, creating a significant and highly usable load area.
Enjoy the Drive: Its comfortable driving position and manageable dimensions make it easy to live with in town and on the motorway.
What are the key maintenance checks for a used Toyota GT86?
The Toyota GT86 is a robustly engineered car, and a few simple checks will ensure it has been well cared for.
Oil Level: Check that the engine oil has been maintained at the correct level, as the boxer engine can use oil as part of normal operation.
Subframes: Inspect the front and rear subframes for any signs of surface corrosion.
Headlights: Check the headlight units for any signs of internal condensation.
Service History: Confirm the car has a full service history to show it has been maintained correctly.
Which gearbox is better in the Toyota GT86, manual or automatic?
The choice of gearbox in a Toyota GT86 depends on your driving priorities, but one is generally preferred by enthusiasts.
Choose the Manual for Engagement: The six-speed manual gearbox is highly recommended for its slick, precise shift action that provides a pure and involving driving experience.
Select the Automatic for Convenience: The six-speed automatic offers a more relaxed drive, particularly in heavy traffic, while still allowing for manual shifts using paddles.
How often should you check the oil level on a Toyota GT86?
It is a good ownership practice to monitor the oil level regularly on the Toyota GT86's boxer engine to ensure its long-term health.
Routine Checks: We recommend checking the oil level every few fuel stops to ensure it remains at the optimal level.
Pre-Trip Inspection: Always check the oil before embarking on a long journey or a spirited drive.
Use Correct Oil: Ensure you use the manufacturer-recommended grade of oil when topping up.
Does the Toyota GT86 have Bluetooth for music and phone calls?
Yes, the Toyota GT86 is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for both hands-free phone calls and audio streaming.
Connect Your Phone: Easily pair your smartphone to the car's infotainment system.
Stream Your Music: Play music from your favourite apps directly through the car's speakers.
Make Hands-Free Calls: Stay connected safely and legally while on the move.
Why does the Toyota GT86 come with low-grip tyres?
The Toyota GT86 was intentionally fitted with tyres that have modest grip levels to enhance its fun and engaging handling characteristics at sensible speeds.
Prioritise Fun: The standard tyres allow the driver to explore the car's balanced chassis and rear-wheel-drive handling in a safe and predictable way.
Improve Driver Skill: It makes the car more playful and communicative, helping drivers to learn about car control.
Keep Running Costs Low: These tyres are also less expensive to replace than ultra-high-performance alternatives.
How much luggage can a Toyota GT86 hold with the seats folded?
With the rear seats folded down, the Toyota GT86 offers a surprisingly large and practical luggage area for a sports coupe.
Create a Large Space: Folding the one-piece rear seatback opens up the 237-litre boot into the main cabin.
Carry Large Items: This expanded space is famously large enough to carry a full set of four spare wheels and tyres for a track day.
Maximise Versatility: This feature makes the GT86 much more versatile than many of its two-seater rivals.
What are the typical annual running costs for a Toyota GT86?
The Toyota GT86 offers accessible performance with running costs that are very reasonable for a sports car.
Fuel Economy: Expect to achieve between 32 and 36 mpg in real-world driving conditions.
Road Tax (VED): Annual road tax is typically around £335, depending on the specific model's CO2 emissions.
Insurance: The GT86 falls into insurance groups 29 to 33, which is competitive for this type of vehicle.
What improvements were made to the post-2017 Toyota GT86?
The 2017 facelift for the Toyota GT86 brought a range of welcome updates to the car's performance, handling, and interior.
Select a More Powerful Engine: Engine power was increased slightly to 205bhp, and the engine's torque delivery was improved.
Choose a Sharper Drive: The suspension and bodyshell were stiffened for even more responsive handling, and a new 'Track' mode was added.
Enjoy an Updated Interior: The cabin received higher quality materials, a smaller steering wheel, and an improved touchscreen infotainment system.
