Well balanced budget level sports car, lacks in acceleration but very agile in the corners Toyota's version is slightly over designed, good to use as a project car, great for tuning, aftermarket support is strong It's an all-around budget sports car Engine sound isn't good enough 7/10 as is 10/10 potential for a dream build
I love the 370 but I would still take my BRZ over one. The clutch on the 370 is heavy compared to the BRZ which makes it a pain to daily in the city or rush hour traffic. It has a huge blind spot in the entire back end. It has a heavy feel to it compared to the BRZ. You can feel the extra weight while turning. The plus for the 370 is power and stock tires are much wider therefore grip is awesome. And I absolutely hate the 370 shifter. It is sloppy compared to the brz. The BRZ shifter is direct and reminds me of a bolt action rifle. You know exactly what gear you are going into. Steering is also on point. I wish I could have both cars. A 370 is a much better track car stock for stock. And I would never ever buy a new brz. It is definitely not worth it!
I love my BRZ but I won't recommend anyone buy one new at 30k. A clean 2013-16 with around 100k miles can be had for less than 10k or you can get a 2017 with the revised motor for ~15k. Certainly wouldn't be afraid to buy used either. There are track day enthusiasts and autocrossers with over 200k miles on their cars with nothing more than routine maintenance and the odd failed coil pack.
@@XR4turbo yeah, I don't even have a particular car in mind when I say that. I just appreciate that it's light, simple, underpowered, with an emphasis on feel. We need more of that in today's cars. I plan on getting one. 👍👍
@@XR4turbo that was the fiesta ST....... But we don't get that anymore....... The s2000 is still the better car overall compared to the 86.... The s2000 is basically a Japanese e30 m3 Evo 2 with no roof....
This is indeed the final sendoff to the 86 sports car I think Toyota did a great in making this car as a successor to the iconic AE86 Can't wait to see the new GR86!
@@tuluifuknowurlucky1767 Drift Office right? Oh yea, the owner chats with our local FRS group frequently. I have a UEL header and OFT tune for the past couple of years which does a decent job. But after some asshole broke into my car recently and stole my OFT tuner device (and I don't wanna buy another one..), I'm thinking of making an appointment to get a proper tune after all these years to fine tune all the mods done after all these years....that is after the pandemic is over and borders/businesses open again. Might as well make a proper road trip once we're not quarantined anymore!
@@mc116 Yup, Bob. We are the blue 16 frs with white wheels. Buddy club v2 tails, greddy csgts v2 catback, seibon cb hood, #sapphirefrs at Ft86Van. Who r u?
@@tuluifuknowurlucky1767 mine is the red FRS with blacked out roof, xxr527s, trd canards and exhaust, rep sard wing, toms tails and spec-d headlights and verus diffuser. Haven't been to alot of meets since I'm always working but I comment occasionally on the FB group and spotted a couple of times. 😅
I've got one with a canned tune and headers. Gets rid of 90% of the torque dip. Cost about $750usd. I've been trying to justify buying a faster car for years. Every other car I try to buy under 65k aud is worse in some way. I just got to 100,000kms after 5 years, I only just replaced the pads. I'm on the same tyres for 3 years, and they're fine still. It's so cheap to run. I commute every day and can't wait to get into it everyday
I have had mine with header and tune for over 3 years now. I want to upgrade, but need to spend double to find something I actually like more. Either that, or spend about the same, and triple my maintenance costs and add some reliability concerns.
THIS! People don't realize how freaking expensive it is to run some of these vehicles. I bought an ISF for less than what it costs to buy one of these cars brand new. The car eats rear tires, mostly my fault and take 10 quarts of oil so oil changes are more expensive. No brake pads done so far but they're not cheap either. All in all for big speed and performance you certainly pay the price. The same is true of bikes as well. I have smaller toys to go with the big stuff too. Otherwise the running costs are really high.
Ryan Q 1991 NA Miata had a classic BRG special edition, which at the time I wanted but couldn’t afford. I ended up that same year with a simple silver base model @$13K new which I loved and kept until 2013 - “replaced” with the blandest of bland colored dark gray metallic (my tastes in car color has changed over the years, I prefer now to be as nondescript and invisible as possible) base BRZ in 2017 $26K new OTD - miss the old NA MX-5 but also have loved every moment of owning & driving the Toyobaru.
Going used is a good idea especially if the owner has service records and in good original factory condition. Imagine what you can do with that saved money on this car compared to a new one? Lots of power and cosmetic upgrades.
great review Zack. I did 1000+ miles across the western US in a 2013 BRZ when new (helping a friend drive it home after buying it from a distant dealer); the way it's balanced and pivots right around your hip, the shifter feel, the visibility, the fuel economy, the lack of ergonomic foibles...all true. Yeah, the torque hole is there, and it's pretty lame; though I ended up driving the car in two "modes" and it worked well: below the torque hole for regular driving duties, above the torque hole for sporty driving. Keep it on the boil above the torque hole and I think the 86 is properly quick, if not _fast._ I agree more people would get into 86s if they were a little less pricey, but given what's gone into the 86 (a bespoke sports car chassis with economy car amenities, and an economy-based engine with sports tuning), the price is really fair.
Zach, what I appreciated most in this video was your focus n' discipline between having a good, fun drive & staying 'on script' so to speak with all the info - car dynamics, practicality, market placement. In these 'talk n' drive' videos outside distractions n' drivers can sometimes derail the flow of the conversation too much & too often. You didn't let that happen! Kept it on point; good job dude.
A shop called auto service kanki in japan did this with an ez30. It was in one of the hot versions from best motoring comparing 86s. ruclips.net/video/svNz0HesGs8/видео.html&feature=emb_logo
The GT-86 cars are basically the 240sx reimagined. I do love this version however I'm more excited to see the next year model. I do love the color and the seats on this one. I may get the seats just to put them in my S2000. Also Zac you need to get some sunglasses
DirtDude117 I agree the gt86 cars are what the poeple wanted a cheap rwd car ! I hate how tiny the back seats are I guess just delete for better weight and power but people fit more comfortable in my ae86 back seats then the riding in the back of a 86. A dumb complaint I know it’s a sports car two seats or nothing !!!!!!
Ngl, I miss my BRZ. So much fun to rip 10/10 on a backroad and I averaged 31 mpg on the highway... Not fast, but so go-kart like and just fun. In the rain with the cheap tires too, so fun!
Genuine honest review from a real car guy. Luv the 86. I bought one because i couldn’t afford a good alfa junior. Its fun every day and works every day! Ive driven some amazing roads across europe, taken it to a couple of tracks and in tear two of ownership i’m still in love.
I had the opportunity to drive my BRZ on some very tight country roads back to back with a 991.1 GT3 RS. The Porsche was amazing, amazing, but due to a variety of things my BRZ felt better on those roads. 500hp was too much for dark, twisty, unfamiliar roads. The BRZ has better steering feel and the chassis communicates more at lower speeds. The twins are really special cars for drivers who savor the details.
Best car I have ever owned and driven. If you got the cash, boost also definitely worth adding. Not because it needs it but when it is boosted you literally have a completely new beast of a car.
As a salesman who has demonstrated spirited driving and or drifting in: Camaro 2ss Mustage GT Wrx and Sti NC miata (really like it) RX8 370z (love it honestly it's a tie) Many others I can't think of right now and owned both Fb and FC RX7s... I assure you that a BRZ/86/FRS will make you happy if: You love corners more than speed ... but... You need to re-gear the diff to 444, upgrade the exhaust, and chip tune it. Just remember, the car isn't slow, you are slow. Fix you first. Then supercharge it and quit bitching.
dachanist - as an old fart, a highway cop of long past youth, I saw even experienced carnage, live with the oh shit near death moments, my 86 merely gives a taste of lower gut ilk entering into a tight canyon curve. If I had anything bigger I might well end it all over the edge. My wife would heatedly disapprove. 🤥
Its interesting how no one complains about the power of a Miata yet they all go crazy on the 86.... the 86 has always had low NA power, its never been a turbo car. Its always been a car that is focused on the driving experience and not just instant torque.
I owned a Mustang GT, VW GTI, Scion TC , and a Mercedes E500. I now have a BRZ and its always a joy to drive. This car was designed nicely 👌 Its razor sharp handling is so addictive.
My guy, plenty of people replace their factory set with identical sets (or better sets) in sports cars! I usually go that route. It’s never worth skimping on tires when it’s your sole patch of contact with the ground.
@@adamterwilligar7673 Mpss tires on mine. Perfect tire for this car. People say the car is slow but try taking sharp turns at 60 miles an hour. Few cars can do that and not end up in the woods.
I remember these coming out in around 2012 and said one day I'll get one. Fast forward a few years, Id saved a chunk of money and finally decided to take the plunge. I'd driven Toyota Celicas for 15 years, Gen 6 and a Gen 7 so the 86 felt like a natural progression. I got behind the wheel of a Silver 86... And was instantly disappointed. All those years of waiting and I was greeted with cheap feeling plastics, a crappy looking entertainment system with a sluggish operating system. I was sitting in a car that was being sold for £15k and it felt not better/worse in parts than my 15 year old Toyota Celica. I figured it's all about the drive so maybe I won't mind the look or yogurt tub plastics of the switches... And it drove nice, I didn't get to give it some max revs for long but then again who does for 99% of their driving life. I'd driven the newer MX5 before this 86 and it felt so much better a pottering around town and better when giving it the beans. The interior of the MX5 also felt like it was made of better materials too. The dash and entertainment system looked modern too... The whole experience broke my heart, it was a case of never meet your heroes. So I still have the savings for a car and I'm still in my Celica.
Supposedly the Subaru equivalent has slightly better infotainment, with android and car play support. I was recently thinking about buying an ND miata, i test drove it and all, but it turned out they're not really in stock during winter in my country. I took the new 2019 mazda 3 into consideration too, so i test drove it, as well, and decided to buy it, since the MX-5 wasn't available, and the 3 had better interior, newer tech, better noise reduction, and the back seats and storage space are ultimately an obvious advantage (it has good reviews, too). If you're on the market for a small and nimble daily commuter with a gorgeous, well laid out, interior, and a lot of tech (HUD, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and LEDs, android auto & car play, road sign detection, 360 camera, wireless charger, 12 speaker BOSE audio system, etc.), then you can try it out. In highest trim with white leather interior, and their soul red paint looks really good, too. It's not super fast, but I wasn't really looking for a race car anyway, and the 180BHP skyactive-x engine is economical and is more than enough for daily commute.
It's a drift car... Not luxury. You're paying for a beautiful looking diving machine. If you wanted something more luxury, then get a Lexus or something... High end and power.
Had Celica '92 and had soft high quality interior. Cant stand cheap plastic...but is much more expensive for car makers to put quality soft plastic ? Most buyers would be happy to pay 1-2k more for it and it makes a huge difference the way it feels
Where I live there isn’t a straight road or flat road for miles and I’ve never thought these cars are slow. The only time I’ve noticed the torque dip is in first gear at wot but almost everyone will mods these so that will take care of that.
Can confirm, the Hakone Paint is AMAZING in person, that metal flake lotus green doesn't translate in video unless you get proper 4k HDR. I Fell for mine and had to walk with it the same day, amazingly fun car with a gorgeous visual package inside and out.
Wish you had included a statement about headers and tune. The torque dip is eliminated and feels torquier than a stock ND Miata (idk about headers and tune on a Miata though, probably feels pretty good there too).
BBR actually makes a kit for the ND2. It pumps up the hp to 220hp and revs up to 7800rpm (with new cams and spring though). the kit without cams and all brings it up to 200hp. But yeah, headers and tune is said to give a new life to the 86.
I've read that, but I've never driven one with that setup and I know OEMs can't sell the car with fewer cats than they currently do. Hopefully the turbo fixes it. ZK
I have a 2019 BRZ limited with performance package. I love it. Most of the reviews online are spot on... except one thing. Most are out west USA, and they complain about power on big long roads. I am on east coast in the mountains, and the roads are so curvy nothing can keep up with this car... nothing... and the HP isn't an issue, because there's no place you can actually punch it that hard. So, consider that potential buyers. But I love this platform and mine is absolutely amazing. I am never selling it.
I think you absolutely nailed it in every way. Every criticism that you have, thoughts about the weird price bracket that it's in, and reasons that you like the car are 100% spot on. I've owned my FR-S from new for about 5 years. I bought it for $26k, and that seemed about right. I don't think I would've been able to justify 200hp if it was $30k. The torque dip is unbearable. It kind of feels like turbo lag where the turbo just doesn't spool up. Fortunately, with a header and a tune, it goes away. Still though, the power and feel mine has now is what it should've come from the factory with. You're also 100% right about the magic about this car being more than power and straight line speed. My FR-S is 60-200hp down on every other car that I've owned, but I got bored with and sold all of my other cars after no more than 3 years. I've had the FR-S for 5 years, and I still love it. So much that I just bought a new WRX for daily driving and family duty and insisted on keeping the FR-S - I don't know if I'll ever sell it. Great video, great thoughts, keep up the awesome work 👍
The only reason people give the 86 so much crap about power is cause we're spoiled by all the dyno queens and LS Swapped S-Chassis and RX7s that show up on our instagram and youtube feeds. 200 to 300 hp is as much as the normal person needs to have fun since 98% of enthusiast either don't race on tracks or don't want to wrap themselves around a utility pole in the rain. Everyone demands power yet maybe 2/10 drivers can actually put it to the ground without wiping out in 2nd gear and eating the back of a Hyundai.
If you don't plan to track or autocross and the only roads around you are long and straight, these cars offer very little. A 16k Civic is a more comfortable and practical daily driver and a used v8 will be way more fun to slam down the highway or even one of the new turbo cars would be nice. One thing you can never take from these cars tho, is that they are real stunners, especially that green Hakone edition!
Could not agree more. I fixed the torque dip in my '17 BRZ Performance Package with a tune, headers and E85. It's a driver car 100%. Great review Zack!
I love mine to death. I think Zach captured it best when he talked about the feel of the car and how much it communicates to you. I've never driven anything that brings you into the driving experience in such a direct way.
Owned a 16 BRZ for 50k+miles... Header and tune helps but it's still a dog. Torque dip doesn't go away, you still feel it. It's better but still too slow unless you're going downhill on a mountain road. Driving around in AZ when it's 110f in the summer sucks, you really feel how much power it loses. The AC makes the revs drop faster so you're timing gets messed up too lol. You could boost it, but then you got to worry about all the potential headaches with that if it's your only car. Reliability is so so...it has typical subaru problems. The trans grinds when it's cold, the synchro are soft, you definitely don't want to beat on that trans. Fluid change helps but it still is clunky. Throw out bearings go out all the time right around 50k, mine was starting to get noisy. It can be hit or miss getting it covered by the warranty. Engine is prone to leaking oil around 50k+, needs to have the engine pulled to be resealed. Better hope it's under warranty, so be wary of high mile used ones that haven't had it done. Fuel economy is good, but you'd think it would be better for a car that light. I got about 28 mpg with sticky tires. Drops about 2 mpg from the stock tires. It doesn't change much if you drive it hard or just grandpa it around so you can guess what I did. If you do stickier tires, (I did 255 PSS) the stock brake pads quickly become the weak point. I cooked them pretty quick just mountain driving. The non brembo brakes don't feel that strong to begin with IMO. They're fine but nothing impressive. They allegedly do fine with pads and fluid for track driving though. Road noise gets old, they're pretty raw which is fun some days and annoying as hell others if you commute a lot. Even with a mild exhaust it's pretty easy to get old man headaches. Ride is fine, pretty neutral. Though the car's composure sucks over bumps. Mid corner bumps really mess with these things in my experience. They're almost too loose stock and kinda feel a bit sketch with the stock tires. Especially in the rain. Fun if you want to hoon, but you really have to be on it to push much. Teaches you good driving habits but you quickly want more grip. The TC in sport mode can be a bit too invasive, but full off is dicey for a public road. I don't miss mine at all honestly...it was fun at times but then you get to a hill on a mountain road and the smile goes away. It just doesn't even have enough power to get out of it's own way sometimes, even commuting. You're either puttering around or flogging it. It's a real bummer as the car does a lot of things really well and the whole point of NA is that it's engaging to drive. It sound great with the right exhaust set up, but it's just very lack luster. A S2000 feels like a Ferrari in comparison. Lot of people love them, but I would not recommend one unless you commute somewhere with a lot of curvy roads. Just normal driving most of the time I wished I was in a different car. Not like a Camry but hell a GTI or FIST was more pleasant to commute in. A lot of that is due to where I live, AZ roads are all flat and straight unless you go up to the mountains. Went to a SS 1LE and I feel it does almost everything better. Granted it's about 15k more... Still surprisingly communicative, tons of power, rides nice, sounds great etc. The biggest drawback as Zack mentioned is....running costs....tires are stupid expensive. And if you track regularly you better have a second set of wheels and some coin set aside. It's also in the category of too capable at times. You really need to be on a track to drive it anywhere near the limit. The 19+ Miata NDs are a way more fun toy, but you sacrifice quite a lot for a daily compared to the 86. I'm bored during quarantine so that's my experience FWIW....
I have a 2019 86 gt neptune blue. Always get complements! Seriously. It stands out. In 1 year I put over 40k miles. Runs great. Yeah. Sort of slow on hwy or passing. But fast enough. 38+ mpg. Hits turns like my C6 vette. Love it. Especially for the cost.
The arguments for and against an 86 are always going to be the same. For me the reason I love mine is because everything feels right, the steering the brakes the handling & even the cabin layout, that's just true for me & I chose one over something with a v8 is because if you chose something because of the engine there is always going to be something faster, something with more power &more torque. If something feels right it'll always feel right.
This is one the the best car reviews that I have watched in a long time. Even though I am double the age of the envisioned target audience for the 86, I am the kind of driver that would likely enjoy this car despite it's lack of power. The inconsistent delivery of torque as described on the other hand would be the kind of thing that would surely turn me off. Having never driven one of these cars, I would be more encouraged to explore them further if I knew that they were going to address the such a problem while leaving the engine naturally aspirated rather than sticking a turbo on it. Regardless, none of the above gets in the way of this being a very well executed review.
This is a tuners car. It was designed to be easy to drive and be tuned by the aftermarket. That’s the reason for the low hp numbers. You can drive at the limit and still be able to control the car.
I have had my 2016 FR-S for 4 years with a few mods. 17 intake manifold, hotchkiss strut brace, Ohlins road and track with top hats coil overs, IRP shifter (noisy as can be, but great for the track), Ptuning flex fuel sensor, Tomei UEL, and Invidia Q300. It has been tuned to 190 RWHP on pump gas and 203 on e85. It has been perfect for track day use, but I do daily drive it, so I am installing a built engine with an AVO turbo kit. I just want that extra oomph when I am on the highway so when I am driving 65+ mph and I need to speed up (Speed limits can be as high as 75 in my area), I don't have to downshift to 3rd to avoid being run over by an F150 doing 90 and not paying attention. The car has always been noisy, but with coilovers and the IRP, it is magnified. My wife has an 18 STI and I am super excited to see how it feels compared to that.
Still a great value. Not sure it's worth the extra price for this edition but the regular model is a great driver Between this car and the Miata, you have great choices in a under $30K two door drivers car
Oddly, I like the FT86 shifter better than the S2000 and the Miata. My favorite thing about the FT86 chassis versus other options is it's ROOMY (relatively speaking), and it's nice the seats are not a compromise.
Holy frak. I've described my BRZ to friends as "it's like a BMX bike". It's so perfectly balanced and nimble. I owned a '68 396ss h.o. Chevelle, after market parts over 400 h.p.... not nearly as fun. If something happened to mine my first thought would be "how am I going to get another?". For a daily driver it's perfect; I'm not drag racing...
These are great fun. If you love to drive out of the city they're a joy to Huck around a backroad, or take to a track day/auto-x. With very minimal modification I've been able to take mine on track and have an absolute blast for not much money, and cheap consumables. The biggest drawback to bigger faster cars is running costs and consumables. Most people only read a spec sheet and quickly realize afterwards that it ain't cheap keeping a high powered heavier car in good condition when you run them hard.
Tough to get this car when used ones are fetching 12K-15K. The car offers something more than the Miata does a trunk space. Personally the car just needs its midrange area to be fixed from factory it’s why the inline 4’s from Honda’s and Mazda feels stronger.
Used, for people who don't want to wrench, these are hands down the dollar to fun champ. I'm $10k usd + a 9yr old Kia Rio trade-in deep into mine and the 2 previous owners were kind enough to do suspension, rims, tires, and exhaust for me. The 2 previous owners know each other too and all it's needed in the past 6 yrs was a fuel pump under warranty - its 60k km 2014. If I want to double my $$ commitment, I can supercharge. I won't need that though, this is a daily.
Never had an issue with the torque dip because when I want to go fast, I stay above 5000rpm the whole time. Usually shift at no more than 3500 during normal driving so I rarely spend time in the torque dip
Header, Tune and if you really want flexfuel by a very reputable tuner and forget a turbo or supercharger. You'll loose the torque dip, hills are no longer an issue. LOVVVVE THESE CARS!
Been driving my BRZ for over 6 years now, you totally get what's great and what's not about it, excellent video! the BRZ/86 has soooo many driver feedback pleasure points. You def "feel" the low center of gravity and the wide track. Love the steering, reminds me of the Lotus Elise my dad had back when that was out.
LOVE your reviews because you get it! I went to buy a Stang GT, 370z, or c6 Vette and ended up in a Miata RF and everyday, every corner I'm reminded how it's the best decision I've made.
Bought mine new in late 2016 (first of the facelift models) and I love it! Currently have all the bolt ons and a good tune which has removed the torque dip. Have E85 coming next month - I enjoy the NA behaviour - building upon what was given to us rather than changing it 👌🏻 great review
Jarek Nowak for an 86 on the dyno I used, you’ll be looking at 106kw stock - I’m now at 128kw with bolt ons and 98 and with E85 I should be at around 140kw at the wheels making it a 23% power increase over stock. Torque also smoothens and jumps up quite a lot with E85 on the FA20 engine!
@@nineteen9694 Thats a one very strange engine. And 106wkw is a massive loss on gearbox. Usually in rwd setup You have aprox 15% loss of power. I had n/a Mitsubishi with 12:1 compression, it always run on 98oct, but engine was working good on 95oct.
Definitely one of the prettier versions, inside and out. I'm considering getting used one and doing a few upgrades to it - but this one looks very nice.
That color is so alluring. Might just want it on my Abarth. In the future I'll look at picking one of these bad boys up on the used market, I really like the 86's. Not fast but quick, but a coupe with fun and Toyota reliability? Count me in.
To lower the cost, get one used with 10 to 50 thousand dollars. The insurance is low from the low power, and you can add aftermarket power and keep paying low insurance.
I seriously considered this car for a minute, but got a 981. A base 981 Cayman 6sp is right there with a far better interior, more power (better sounding engine), same weight. Done depreciating. Operating costs are reasonable.
I had an FR-S for a while. I liked it a lot, but there were some disappointing things about it. Sure, the power was lackluster, but the 6 speed manual is pretty flimsy. It only had like 60k on it, but by the time I bought it, the syncros on 4th and 5th were pretty pooched.
L T well this car is a 2020 but after I gave it some more thought and given that I might have to wait longer... Hopefully the GR86 is better! Also there aren’t many new GT86s and Toyota is probably finished building them anyways. I think saving the manuals is the only reason I’d buy new lol
Nick Levin probably trade it for an E46 later lol. hey I like driving my cars hard and after going through 5 sets of tires on my C5. I found upkeep gets higher if you want to drive them hard the faster. The heavier and more powerful the car is, the more money you spend on it. That is not just tires but maintenance and repairs, and now that is why I know why a Miata, 86, GTI and Honda’s are so popular you send less money on the car and more driving them.
I have a 2020 BRZ tS. It would be a near PERFECT (for me) production car without that mysterious torque dip. I wish the seats were harder, lighter, and that it offered the possibility to seat even lower... Maybe a few more weight savings such as a carbon fiber drive shaft. Still a dream car that comes alive on the windy, curvy country roads. Handles much better than an array of more expensive sports cars. But that torque dip is a true mystery!!!!!! No need for turbo - the naturally aspirated immediate throttle response is what makes the foot on the accelerator pedal be part of the foot motions that control the car's behavior instantly (eg use the accelerator as a traction control instrument, even better switching OFF all the assistance or taking out the fuse to those assistance stuff). Very hard to find these days a better, simple, well balanced car than this one. The new generation 2.4 L engine is very wise to also be naturally aspirated in order to achieve that immediate control by accelerating/decelerating or even tapping so as to have immediate communication between one's brain and the tire rubber and the road surface.
I wish people would just quit blaming the engine, the engine itself is fine it just need a intake, exhaust and a tune and should feel more improved than completely stock.
What do you all think about the 86/FR-S/BRZ?
its ok would not get one though cause there are better cars around like 350z, 370z, silvia, supra, skyline... etc
Well balanced budget level sports car, lacks in acceleration but very agile in the corners
Toyota's version is slightly over designed, good to use as a project car, great for tuning, aftermarket support is strong
It's an all-around budget sports car
Engine sound isn't good enough
7/10 as is
10/10 potential for a dream build
I love the 370 but I would still take my BRZ over one. The clutch on the 370 is heavy compared to the BRZ which makes it a pain to daily in the city or rush hour traffic. It has a huge blind spot in the entire back end. It has a heavy feel to it compared to the BRZ. You can feel the extra weight while turning. The plus for the 370 is power and stock tires are much wider therefore grip is awesome. And I absolutely hate the 370 shifter. It is sloppy compared to the brz. The BRZ shifter is direct and reminds me of a bolt action rifle. You know exactly what gear you are going into. Steering is also on point. I wish I could have both cars. A 370 is a much better track car stock for stock. And I would never ever buy a new brz. It is definitely not worth it!
@@MrBeams707 the 370Z is outdated
I love my BRZ but I won't recommend anyone buy one new at 30k. A clean 2013-16 with around 100k miles can be had for less than 10k or you can get a 2017 with the revised motor for ~15k.
Certainly wouldn't be afraid to buy used either. There are track day enthusiasts and autocrossers with over 200k miles on their cars with nothing more than routine maintenance and the odd failed coil pack.
Well, I might as well say it again: the 86 is a modern version of a 90s car, and that's why I love it.
Craig R. ....rightly so!👍
Agreed. It's basically an Integra Type R with a less engaging drivetrain.
@@XR4turbo yeah, I don't even have a particular car in mind when I say that. I just appreciate that it's light, simple, underpowered, with an emphasis on feel. We need more of that in today's cars. I plan on getting one. 👍👍
I'm interested cause they're like rear-drive Celicas from the 70's/early 80s in concept. rear drive and all. Pity no hatchback. :)
@@XR4turbo that was the fiesta ST....... But we don't get that anymore....... The s2000 is still the better car overall compared to the 86.... The s2000 is basically a Japanese e30 m3 Evo 2 with no roof....
I don't care what people say but the 86 is a great car to drive
Speed is not everything!
Indeed. 200hp is enough for twisty roads.
Yep I bought one and I love it oh so much.
I agree, however sound and eagerness (in regard to the engine) are important qualities that push me away from this
BASITH PH I feel like everyone agrees with that
Yeah I cringe every time I hear people say “It NeEdS a TuRbO”
This is indeed the final sendoff to the 86 sports car
I think Toyota did a great in making this car as a successor to the iconic AE86
Can't wait to see the new GR86!
BASITH PH i yes! Now I don’t know if I should wait or try to get this 86
Moises Lopez you should try to get the 86 while you still can but you can also wait for the new GR86
@@moiseslopez7898 just get a s2000, 20 years old and still better. Subaru boxer fours are so uninspiring.....
Nah. The GT86 should've been called the Celica. The new 86 should've been a 3 door hothatch with the 2.4 XRS engine.
Markus nah the 86 is always the RWD sport coupe
The Celica became a FWD coupe
the Hakone Green looks gorgeous. The wheels really suit the car too.
As a FRS owner, the torque dip sucks but god dammit this handles like a dream on twisty roads and is one of the most fun daily friendly sports cars.
There's a good tuner that can get rid of that toque dip for you in Auburn,Wa. Sometimes he comes up to Raincouver. So worth it!
@@tuluifuknowurlucky1767 Drift Office right? Oh yea, the owner chats with our local FRS group frequently. I have a UEL header and OFT tune for the past couple of years which does a decent job.
But after some asshole broke into my car recently and stole my OFT tuner device (and I don't wanna buy another one..), I'm thinking of making an appointment to get a proper tune after all these years to fine tune all the mods done after all these years....that is after the pandemic is over and borders/businesses open again. Might as well make a proper road trip once we're not quarantined anymore!
@@mc116 Yup, Bob. We are the blue 16 frs with white wheels. Buddy club v2 tails, greddy csgts v2 catback, seibon cb hood, #sapphirefrs at Ft86Van. Who r u?
@@tuluifuknowurlucky1767 mine is the red FRS with blacked out roof, xxr527s, trd canards and exhaust, rep sard wing, toms tails and spec-d headlights and verus diffuser. Haven't been to alot of meets since I'm always working but I comment occasionally on the FB group and spotted a couple of times. 😅
Never could understand why that is true with 56% of the weight on the front axle. Personally, it is not anything I am interested in ever driving.
I think this guy's reviews are brilliant. Keep up the good work mate
It's like resetting a taste palette, Zach hasn't driven hundreds of high power cars and can appreciate a humble car.
I've got one with a canned tune and headers. Gets rid of 90% of the torque dip. Cost about $750usd. I've been trying to justify buying a faster car for years. Every other car I try to buy under 65k aud is worse in some way. I just got to 100,000kms after 5 years, I only just replaced the pads. I'm on the same tyres for 3 years, and they're fine still. It's so cheap to run. I commute every day and can't wait to get into it everyday
Good point on tire wear. The low torque and light weight really don't stress out the tires much at all.
I have had mine with header and tune for over 3 years now. I want to upgrade, but need to spend double to find something I actually like more. Either that, or spend about the same, and triple my maintenance costs and add some reliability concerns.
I wish I never got rid of mine. Supercharged with JDL UEL catless header, overpipe, frontpipe with HFC, and a perrin catback. Keep it .
James Evans and a canned exhaust lmfao
THIS! People don't realize how freaking expensive it is to run some of these vehicles. I bought an ISF for less than what it costs to buy one of these cars brand new. The car eats rear tires, mostly my fault and take 10 quarts of oil so oil changes are more expensive. No brake pads done so far but they're not cheap either. All in all for big speed and performance you certainly pay the price. The same is true of bikes as well. I have smaller toys to go with the big stuff too. Otherwise the running costs are really high.
Need more green cars. Looking at you Miata
It can be the owners choice to paint their car, even tho I believe you're talking about coming out of the factory. Then we're looking st you, Mazda.
Ryan Q 1991 NA Miata had a classic BRG special edition, which at the time I wanted but couldn’t afford. I ended up that same year with a simple silver base model @$13K new which I loved and kept until 2013 - “replaced” with the blandest of bland colored dark gray metallic (my tastes in car color has changed over the years, I prefer now to be as nondescript and invisible as possible) base BRZ in 2017 $26K new OTD - miss the old NA MX-5 but also have loved every moment of owning & driving the Toyobaru.
Joe Rosen NB also has BRG editions in 99 and (I think) 2002.
Don’t spend 30k on it though, Buy a used one
Exactly. Got a lightly used 2017 (12K miles) for $21k.
I Had to road trip all the way to LA to get it, but you do what you gotta do!
Paid 24 for a new BRZ back in '17.
Jaion Cebollero I’d spend on that
Bought a new one no regrets! Would rather not take the chance of bad past owners
Going used is a good idea especially if the owner has service records and in good original factory condition. Imagine what you can do with that saved money on this car compared to a new one? Lots of power and cosmetic upgrades.
great review Zack. I did 1000+ miles across the western US in a 2013 BRZ when new (helping a friend drive it home after buying it from a distant dealer); the way it's balanced and pivots right around your hip, the shifter feel, the visibility, the fuel economy, the lack of ergonomic foibles...all true. Yeah, the torque hole is there, and it's pretty lame; though I ended up driving the car in two "modes" and it worked well: below the torque hole for regular driving duties, above the torque hole for sporty driving. Keep it on the boil above the torque hole and I think the 86 is properly quick, if not _fast._
I agree more people would get into 86s if they were a little less pricey, but given what's gone into the 86 (a bespoke sports car chassis with economy car amenities, and an economy-based engine with sports tuning), the price is really fair.
Zach, what I appreciated most in this video was your focus n' discipline between having a good, fun drive & staying 'on script' so to speak with all the info - car dynamics, practicality, market placement. In these 'talk n' drive' videos outside distractions n' drivers can sometimes derail the flow of the conversation too much & too often. You didn't let that happen! Kept it on point; good job dude.
Those seats are beautiful! Always thought these cars are cool. Does seem a little more power would do it justice though.
Imagine if this had a 2.5L H6 with 250HP and a flat torque curve.
A shop called auto service kanki in japan did this with an ez30. It was in one of the hot versions from best motoring comparing 86s.
ruclips.net/video/svNz0HesGs8/видео.html&feature=emb_logo
Just a H4 with 2.5 could do 250hp and 250Nm since current engine makes 100hp per liter so extra 0.5L would make 50hp.
DuBstep115 Yeah it doesnt work that way chief
@@HGChannel2020 pls elaborate why not, I am waiting.
Why would you want to mess up the weight distribution with a heavier front? Want more power, get a supercharger
That’s one of the prettiest greens I’ve ever seen on a car👌🏽
The GT-86 cars are basically the 240sx reimagined. I do love this version however I'm more excited to see the next year model. I do love the color and the seats on this one. I may get the seats just to put them in my S2000.
Also Zac you need to get some sunglasses
DirtDude117 I agree the gt86 cars are what the poeple wanted a cheap rwd car ! I hate how tiny the back seats are I guess just delete for better weight and power but people fit more comfortable in my ae86 back seats then the riding in the back of a 86. A dumb complaint I know it’s a sports car two seats or nothing !!!!!!
The 86 is still one of the best cars I've ever driven. And I've driven a lot.
Hakone turnpike is one of the best roads I've ever driven (in an NSX too). Love the colour of this.
Ngl, I miss my BRZ. So much fun to rip 10/10 on a backroad and I averaged 31 mpg on the highway... Not fast, but so go-kart like and just fun. In the rain with the cheap tires too, so fun!
Genuine honest review from a real car guy. Luv the 86. I bought one because i couldn’t afford a good alfa junior. Its fun every day and works every day! Ive driven some amazing roads across europe, taken it to a couple of tracks and in tear two of ownership i’m still in love.
i was pretty sure i wanted a BRZ. then i saw the Hakone and i KNEW i needed one
side note, i loved all the critiquing of other drivers 😅
I had the opportunity to drive my BRZ on some very tight country roads back to back with a 991.1 GT3 RS. The Porsche was amazing, amazing, but due to a variety of things my BRZ felt better on those roads. 500hp was too much for dark, twisty, unfamiliar roads. The BRZ has better steering feel and the chassis communicates more at lower speeds.
The twins are really special cars for drivers who savor the details.
Best car I have ever owned and driven. If you got the cash, boost also definitely worth adding. Not because it needs it but when it is boosted you literally have a completely new beast of a car.
"We are going to go back down the hill, that way, the car feels faster" LOL sums it up pretty much.
I wished Toyota put in a sliding sunroof or a targa top on them.
Too heavy
As a salesman who has demonstrated spirited driving and or drifting in:
Camaro 2ss
Mustage GT
Wrx and Sti
NC miata (really like it)
RX8
370z (love it honestly it's a tie)
Many others I can't think of right now
and owned both Fb and FC RX7s...
I assure you that a BRZ/86/FRS will make you happy if:
You love corners more than speed ... but... You need to re-gear the diff to 444, upgrade the exhaust, and chip tune it.
Just remember, the car isn't slow, you are slow. Fix you first. Then supercharge it and quit bitching.
Not one Evo? Man, you are missing out!
@@DontForgetOldKolobok but I dont trust nissans reliability, if you want fun + hp + reliability, get a lexus is350 or isf
dachanist - as an old fart, a highway cop of long past youth, I saw even experienced carnage, live with the oh shit near death moments, my 86 merely gives a taste of lower gut ilk entering into a tight canyon curve. If I had anything bigger I might well end it all over the edge. My wife would heatedly disapprove. 🤥
Need the right road.
This is without a doubt the sexiest edition / version of the FRS/BRZ/86. Imagine if they made a convertible edition.
Imagine if they made a version with an actual fun drivetrain....
When did Dennis Reynolds start doing car reviews?!
that green looks a lot like the greens of the mk4 supra
Its interesting how no one complains about the power of a Miata yet they all go crazy on the 86.... the 86 has always had low NA power, its never been a turbo car. Its always been a car that is focused on the driving experience and not just instant torque.
I owned a Mustang GT, VW GTI, Scion TC , and a Mercedes E500. I now have a BRZ and its always a joy to drive. This car was designed nicely 👌
Its razor sharp handling is so addictive.
"Even though the tires are cheap"
Look up Michelin Primacy HP tire prices.
"cheap"
Good review either way!
Facts😂
Let's be serious here though, no one replaces the OEM Primacy tires with another set lol.
Tires are cheap? lol if it was using chinese tires then yes.
My guy, plenty of people replace their factory set with identical sets (or better sets) in sports cars! I usually go that route. It’s never worth skimping on tires when it’s your sole patch of contact with the ground.
@@adamterwilligar7673 Mpss tires on mine. Perfect tire for this car. People say the car is slow but try taking sharp turns at 60 miles an hour. Few cars can do that and not end up in the woods.
I remember these coming out in around 2012 and said one day I'll get one.
Fast forward a few years, Id saved a chunk of money and finally decided to take the plunge.
I'd driven Toyota Celicas for 15 years, Gen 6 and a Gen 7 so the 86 felt like a natural progression.
I got behind the wheel of a Silver 86... And was instantly disappointed. All those years of waiting and I was greeted with cheap feeling plastics, a crappy looking entertainment system with a sluggish operating system.
I was sitting in a car that was being sold for £15k and it felt not better/worse in parts than my 15 year old Toyota Celica.
I figured it's all about the drive so maybe I won't mind the look or yogurt tub plastics of the switches...
And it drove nice, I didn't get to give it some max revs for long but then again who does for 99% of their driving life. I'd driven the newer MX5 before this 86 and it felt so much better a pottering around town and better when giving it the beans.
The interior of the MX5 also felt like it was made of better materials too. The dash and entertainment system looked modern too...
The whole experience broke my heart, it was a case of never meet your heroes. So I still have the savings for a car and I'm still in my Celica.
Supposedly the Subaru equivalent has slightly better infotainment, with android and car play support.
I was recently thinking about buying an ND miata, i test drove it and all, but it turned out they're not really in stock during winter in my country. I took the new 2019 mazda 3 into consideration too, so i test drove it, as well, and decided to buy it, since the MX-5 wasn't available, and the 3 had better interior, newer tech, better noise reduction, and the back seats and storage space are ultimately an obvious advantage (it has good reviews, too).
If you're on the market for a small and nimble daily commuter with a gorgeous, well laid out, interior, and a lot of tech (HUD, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and LEDs, android auto & car play, road sign detection, 360 camera, wireless charger, 12 speaker BOSE audio system, etc.), then you can try it out. In highest trim with white leather interior, and their soul red paint looks really good, too. It's not super fast, but I wasn't really looking for a race car anyway, and the 180BHP skyactive-x engine is economical and is more than enough for daily commute.
It's a drift car... Not luxury. You're paying for a beautiful looking diving machine. If you wanted something more luxury, then get a Lexus or something... High end and power.
Had Celica '92 and had soft high quality interior.
Cant stand cheap plastic...but is much more expensive for car makers to put quality soft plastic ?
Most buyers would be happy to pay 1-2k more for it and it makes a huge difference the way it feels
Where I live there isn’t a straight road or flat road for miles and I’ve never thought these cars are slow. The only time I’ve noticed the torque dip is in first gear at wot but almost everyone will mods these so that will take care of that.
Where in the world is that?
I’m in East TN but Im not far from NC and they have some even better roads.
Can confirm, the Hakone Paint is AMAZING in person, that metal flake lotus green doesn't translate in video unless you get proper 4k HDR. I Fell for mine and had to walk with it the same day, amazingly fun car with a gorgeous visual package inside and out.
The paint is very good.
Wish you had included a statement about headers and tune. The torque dip is eliminated and feels torquier than a stock ND Miata (idk about headers and tune on a Miata though, probably feels pretty good there too).
BBR actually makes a kit for the ND2. It pumps up the hp to 220hp and revs up to 7800rpm (with new cams and spring though). the kit without cams and all brings it up to 200hp.
But yeah, headers and tune is said to give a new life to the 86.
I've read that, but I've never driven one with that setup and I know OEMs can't sell the car with fewer cats than they currently do. Hopefully the turbo fixes it. ZK
I have a 2019 BRZ limited with performance package. I love it. Most of the reviews online are spot on... except one thing. Most are out west USA, and they complain about power on big long roads. I am on east coast in the mountains, and the roads are so curvy nothing can keep up with this car... nothing... and the HP isn't an issue, because there's no place you can actually punch it that hard. So, consider that potential buyers. But I love this platform and mine is absolutely amazing. I am never selling it.
Always appreciated Zach’s takes on cars.
I think you absolutely nailed it in every way. Every criticism that you have, thoughts about the weird price bracket that it's in, and reasons that you like the car are 100% spot on.
I've owned my FR-S from new for about 5 years. I bought it for $26k, and that seemed about right. I don't think I would've been able to justify 200hp if it was $30k.
The torque dip is unbearable. It kind of feels like turbo lag where the turbo just doesn't spool up. Fortunately, with a header and a tune, it goes away. Still though, the power and feel mine has now is what it should've come from the factory with.
You're also 100% right about the magic about this car being more than power and straight line speed. My FR-S is 60-200hp down on every other car that I've owned, but I got bored with and sold all of my other cars after no more than 3 years. I've had the FR-S for 5 years, and I still love it. So much that I just bought a new WRX for daily driving and family duty and insisted on keeping the FR-S - I don't know if I'll ever sell it.
Great video, great thoughts, keep up the awesome work 👍
What a follow up to the AE86 and what an era!
The only reason people give the 86 so much crap about power is cause we're spoiled by all the dyno queens and LS Swapped S-Chassis and RX7s that show up on our instagram and youtube feeds. 200 to 300 hp is as much as the normal person needs to have fun since 98% of enthusiast either don't race on tracks or don't want to wrap themselves around a utility pole in the rain. Everyone demands power yet maybe 2/10 drivers can actually put it to the ground without wiping out in 2nd gear and eating the back of a Hyundai.
If you don't plan to track or autocross and the only roads around you are long and straight, these cars offer very little. A 16k Civic is a more comfortable and practical daily driver and a used v8 will be way more fun to slam down the highway or even one of the new turbo cars would be nice. One thing you can never take from these cars tho, is that they are real stunners, especially that green Hakone edition!
I just don't understand how you can "hate" a car. If you don't like it, don't get it. Simple as that.
16:46 "That is SO over the double-yellow its not even funny" me following people on stunt/pajuma/snake(rip)
Revisiting this review. Maybe the best review of the FRS/86/BRZ. Really encapsulates what this flawed little gem has to offer. Thanks again.
Could not agree more. I fixed the torque dip in my '17 BRZ Performance Package with a tune, headers and E85. It's a driver car 100%. Great review Zack!
I love mine to death. I think Zach captured it best when he talked about the feel of the car and how much it communicates to you. I've never driven anything that brings you into the driving experience in such a direct way.
Owned a 16 BRZ for 50k+miles...
Header and tune helps but it's still a dog. Torque dip doesn't go away, you still feel it. It's better but still too slow unless you're going downhill on a mountain road.
Driving around in AZ when it's 110f in the summer sucks, you really feel how much power it loses. The AC makes the revs drop faster so you're timing gets messed up too lol. You could boost it, but then you got to worry about all the potential headaches with that if it's your only car.
Reliability is so so...it has typical subaru problems. The trans grinds when it's cold, the synchro are soft, you definitely don't want to beat on that trans.
Fluid change helps but it still is clunky. Throw out bearings go out all the time right around 50k, mine was starting to get noisy. It can be hit or miss getting it covered by the warranty.
Engine is prone to leaking oil around 50k+, needs to have the engine pulled to be resealed. Better hope it's under warranty, so be wary of high mile used ones that haven't had it done.
Fuel economy is good, but you'd think it would be better for a car that light. I got about 28 mpg with sticky tires. Drops about 2 mpg from the stock tires. It doesn't change much if you drive it hard or just grandpa it around so you can guess what I did.
If you do stickier tires, (I did 255 PSS) the stock brake pads quickly become the weak point. I cooked them pretty quick just mountain driving. The non brembo brakes don't feel that strong to begin with IMO. They're fine but nothing impressive. They allegedly do fine with pads and fluid for track driving though.
Road noise gets old, they're pretty raw which is fun some days and annoying as hell others if you commute a lot. Even with a mild exhaust it's pretty easy to get old man headaches.
Ride is fine, pretty neutral. Though the car's composure sucks over bumps. Mid corner bumps really mess with these things in my experience.
They're almost too loose stock and kinda feel a bit sketch with the stock tires. Especially in the rain. Fun if you want to hoon, but you really have to be on it to push much. Teaches you good driving habits but you quickly want more grip. The TC in sport mode can be a bit too invasive, but full off is dicey for a public road.
I don't miss mine at all honestly...it was fun at times but then you get to a hill on a mountain road and the smile goes away. It just doesn't even have enough power to get out of it's own way sometimes, even commuting. You're either puttering around or flogging it. It's a real bummer as the car does a lot of things really well and the whole point of NA is that it's engaging to drive. It sound great with the right exhaust set up, but it's just very lack luster. A S2000 feels like a Ferrari in comparison.
Lot of people love them, but I would not recommend one unless you commute somewhere with a lot of curvy roads. Just normal driving most of the time I wished I was in a different car. Not like a Camry but hell a GTI or FIST was more pleasant to commute in. A lot of that is due to where I live, AZ roads are all flat and straight unless you go up to the mountains.
Went to a SS 1LE and I feel it does almost everything better. Granted it's about 15k more... Still surprisingly communicative, tons of power, rides nice, sounds great etc. The biggest drawback as Zack mentioned is....running costs....tires are stupid expensive. And if you track regularly you better have a second set of wheels and some coin set aside. It's also in the category of too capable at times. You really need to be on a track to drive it anywhere near the limit.
The 19+ Miata NDs are a way more fun toy, but you sacrifice quite a lot for a daily compared to the 86.
I'm bored during quarantine so that's my experience FWIW....
I have a 2019 86 gt neptune blue. Always get complements! Seriously. It stands out. In 1 year I put over 40k miles. Runs great. Yeah. Sort of slow on hwy or passing. But fast enough. 38+ mpg. Hits turns like my C6 vette. Love it. Especially for the cost.
The arguments for and against an 86 are always going to be the same. For me the reason I love mine is because everything feels right, the steering the brakes the handling & even the cabin layout, that's just true for me & I chose one over something with a v8 is because if you chose something because of the engine there is always going to be something faster, something with more power &more torque. If something feels right it'll always feel right.
I definitely get the appeal to the car, I wanted to get one for my daughter, but she wanted a civic. Ugh. These are just way cooler.
I wanted this car back in 2006. Though I did have a ton of fun with the '06 Chevy Cobalt SS.
The first model came out in 2013.
I know I need an 86 or BRZ at some point, and now this Hakone 86 is telling me that point is now!
This is one the the best car reviews that I have watched in a long time. Even though I am double the age of the envisioned target audience for the 86, I am the kind of driver that would likely enjoy this car despite it's lack of power. The inconsistent delivery of torque as described on the other hand would be the kind of thing that would surely turn me off. Having never driven one of these cars, I would be more encouraged to explore them further if I knew that they were going to address the such a problem while leaving the engine naturally aspirated rather than sticking a turbo on it.
Regardless, none of the above gets in the way of this being a very well executed review.
Loved my RS2 edition ever since i bought it 3 years ago. Most entertaining car ive owned
I have the 86 TRD and I LOVE IT, I had a Scion FR-S but it got totaled by a drunk driver
This is a tuners car. It was designed to be easy to drive and be tuned by the aftermarket. That’s the reason for the low hp numbers. You can drive at the limit and still be able to control the car.
Love that color.
this car is all about chassis handling dynamics (oversteer!), lots of time and money went into development, and THAT's why you buy this car.
Great color.
I have had my 2016 FR-S for 4 years with a few mods. 17 intake manifold, hotchkiss strut brace, Ohlins road and track with top hats coil overs, IRP shifter (noisy as can be, but great for the track), Ptuning flex fuel sensor, Tomei UEL, and Invidia Q300. It has been tuned to 190 RWHP on pump gas and 203 on e85. It has been perfect for track day use, but I do daily drive it, so I am installing a built engine with an AVO turbo kit. I just want that extra oomph when I am on the highway so when I am driving 65+ mph and I need to speed up (Speed limits can be as high as 75 in my area), I don't have to downshift to 3rd to avoid being run over by an F150 doing 90 and not paying attention.
The car has always been noisy, but with coilovers and the IRP, it is magnified. My wife has an 18 STI and I am super excited to see how it feels compared to that.
Still a great value. Not sure it's worth the extra price for this edition but the regular model is a great driver
Between this car and the Miata, you have great choices in a under $30K two door drivers car
I would love to see GR's take on this. Hopefully they add the turbo four from the Lexus NX or the entry level Supra.
I've had a 2019 TRD 86 for ~a year now, and i agree with pretty much everything he says in here.
Oddly, I like the FT86 shifter better than the S2000 and the Miata. My favorite thing about the FT86 chassis versus other options is it's ROOMY (relatively speaking), and it's nice the seats are not a compromise.
In the ❤️ this platform camp. Thnx for a great review, Zack.
Holy frak. I've described my BRZ to friends as "it's like a BMX bike". It's so perfectly balanced and nimble. I owned a '68 396ss h.o. Chevelle, after market parts over 400 h.p.... not nearly as fun. If something happened to mine my first thought would be "how am I going to get another?". For a daily driver it's perfect; I'm not drag racing...
I'm a simple man, I see a Seiko Alpinist, I upvote the video.
These are great fun. If you love to drive out of the city they're a joy to Huck around a backroad, or take to a track day/auto-x.
With very minimal modification I've been able to take mine on track and have an absolute blast for not much money, and cheap consumables.
The biggest drawback to bigger faster cars is running costs and consumables. Most people only read a spec sheet and quickly realize afterwards that it ain't cheap keeping a high powered heavier car in good condition when you run them hard.
Tough to get this car when used ones are fetching 12K-15K. The car offers something more than the Miata does a trunk space. Personally the car just needs its midrange area to be fixed from factory it’s why the inline 4’s from Honda’s and Mazda feels stronger.
the si engine in the 86 would be a dream. Toyota/honda collab next? Toyonda? Hoyota? Tonyo... I'll stop
@@ps2beck Toyota-Honda collab on a sports car would be the best Japanese manufacturer collab ever.
But it's also missing some things that the Miata has...a convertible roof and a linear torque curve
It's not about power, it's the driving dynamics that makes this car
Used, for people who don't want to wrench, these are hands down the dollar to fun champ. I'm $10k usd + a 9yr old Kia Rio trade-in deep into mine and the 2 previous owners were kind enough to do suspension, rims, tires, and exhaust for me. The 2 previous owners know each other too and all it's needed in the past 6 yrs was a fuel pump under warranty - its 60k km 2014. If I want to double my $$ commitment, I can supercharge. I won't need that though, this is a daily.
Never had an issue with the torque dip because when I want to go fast, I stay above 5000rpm the whole time. Usually shift at no more than 3500 during normal driving so I rarely spend time in the torque dip
Pretty much you have to know where the rpm is when you down shift
Header, Tune and if you really want flexfuel by a very reputable tuner and forget a turbo or supercharger. You'll loose the torque dip, hills are no longer an issue. LOVVVVE THESE CARS!
Been driving my BRZ for over 6 years now, you totally get what's great and what's not about it, excellent video! the BRZ/86 has soooo many driver feedback pleasure points. You def "feel" the low center of gravity and the wide track. Love the steering, reminds me of the Lotus Elise my dad had back when that was out.
I love greens on sports cars, especially paired with bronze and yellow highlights.
You explained this car to perfection!
LOVE your reviews because you get it! I went to buy a Stang GT, 370z, or c6 Vette and ended up in a Miata RF and everyday, every corner I'm reminded how it's the best decision I've made.
I would trade my FRS for this 86. Beautiful paint colour.
Bought mine new in late 2016 (first of the facelift models) and I love it! Currently have all the bolt ons and a good tune which has removed the torque dip. Have E85 coming next month - I enjoy the NA behaviour - building upon what was given to us rather than changing it 👌🏻 great review
Why E85?
What does it give in N/A?
Jarek Nowak for an 86 on the dyno I used, you’ll be looking at 106kw stock - I’m now at 128kw with bolt ons and 98 and with E85 I should be at around 140kw at the wheels making it a 23% power increase over stock. Torque also smoothens and jumps up quite a lot with E85 on the FA20 engine!
@@nineteen9694 Thats a one very strange engine.
And 106wkw is a massive loss on gearbox.
Usually in rwd setup You have aprox 15% loss of power.
I had n/a Mitsubishi with 12:1 compression, it always run on 98oct, but engine was working good on 95oct.
Fixed the audio?
Definitely one of the prettier versions, inside and out. I'm considering getting used one and doing a few upgrades to it - but this one looks very nice.
That color is so alluring. Might just want it on my Abarth. In the future I'll look at picking one of these bad boys up on the used market, I really like the 86's. Not fast but quick, but a coupe with fun and Toyota reliability? Count me in.
that torque dip makes it seem like they wanted to turbo the car, but then decided not to, and then didnt remap the engine...
Love the video!! Watched it till the absolute end.
To lower the cost, get one used with 10 to 50 thousand dollars. The insurance is low from the low power, and you can add aftermarket power and keep paying low insurance.
i just want this car period!
I seriously considered this car for a minute, but got a 981.
A base 981 Cayman 6sp is right there with a far better interior, more power (better sounding engine), same weight. Done depreciating. Operating costs are reasonable.
I had an FR-S for a while. I liked it a lot, but there were some disappointing things about it. Sure, the power was lackluster, but the 6 speed manual is pretty flimsy. It only had like 60k on it, but by the time I bought it, the syncros on 4th and 5th were pretty pooched.
Thank you for a great review Zack. What more do people need for the street. The hp keeps going up but the speed limits do not? Such a great car.
Great review, Zack. You are more articulate than many reviewers. I'll subscribe.
This color makes me want to buy it over an E46 M3 & ND Miata
also to help save the manuals
Moises Lopez over an E46 M3? I wouldn’t go that far.
Moises Lopez .......M3 all day everyday, you serious m8?
If you're trying to help save the manuals...you're going to need to buy a new car equipped with a manual.
L T well this car is a 2020 but after I gave it some more thought and given that I might have to wait longer... Hopefully the GR86 is better!
Also there aren’t many new GT86s and Toyota is probably finished building them anyways. I think saving the manuals is the only reason I’d buy new lol
Nick Levin probably trade it for an E46 later lol.
hey I like driving my cars hard and after going through 5 sets of tires on my C5. I found upkeep gets higher if you want to drive them hard the faster. The heavier and more powerful the car is, the more money you spend on it. That is not just tires but maintenance and repairs, and now that is why I know why a Miata, 86, GTI and Honda’s are so popular you send less money on the car and more driving them.
Great review man. Probably the best one I've seen on the 86.
I have a 2020 BRZ tS. It would be a near PERFECT (for me) production car without that mysterious torque dip. I wish the seats were harder, lighter, and that it offered the possibility to seat even lower... Maybe a few more weight savings such as a carbon fiber drive shaft. Still a dream car that comes alive on the windy, curvy country roads. Handles much better than an array of more expensive sports cars. But that torque dip is a true mystery!!!!!! No need for turbo - the naturally aspirated immediate throttle response is what makes the foot on the accelerator pedal be part of the foot motions that control the car's behavior instantly (eg use the accelerator as a traction control instrument, even better switching OFF all the assistance or taking out the fuse to those assistance stuff). Very hard to find these days a better, simple, well balanced car than this one. The new generation 2.4 L engine is very wise to also be naturally aspirated in order to achieve that immediate control by accelerating/decelerating or even tapping so as to have immediate communication between one's brain and the tire rubber and the road surface.
Great idea for a future video, Zack. See what kind of all-round sports car $30k can get you.
I wish people would just quit blaming the engine, the engine itself is fine it just need a intake, exhaust and a tune and should feel more improved than completely stock.
I have more fun in my BRZ than my Mustang GT lol
im absolutely love this car. I will get one in the future. Amazing machine.
Lol I like how I just fast forward in the video and you pull up at Lois Ewen Overlook...was just there
Piuma > Stunt
Flawless minus the fact that it has a N/A boxer 4
The motor is such dog shit.... Not a driving enthusiast motor..... S2000 is a way better choice....
Miguel Garcia it depends what u want. I personally go for 86 with boxer-4 > S2000