Guys,
I bought this standard black manual GR86, after previously owning a basic 2.0 mx5 nd. The latter was good fun, but too much of a compromise and felt gutless.
Ordering the GR86 became even more exciting when I started dating a Japanese girl, a few months after my order went in. So it was awaited with lots of anticipation by us both, and I loved seeing how many '86s there are in Japan on my first visit there last summer for a month.
So far we've done 15,000 miles, including road trips and daily commute.
Pros
I do enjoy driving it, and the power/handling is great. Drive it on motorway with earplugs, on longer journeys, but that's OK as far as I'm concerned since it's more relaxing.
It's been so much fun for only £30k. Amazing price.
It's practical enough I think for most situations, and the boot is huge. Back seats have been used by younger kids, and they're fine. Very small kids and bigger adults didn't enjoy so much ...
I'm 55yo, and I find it ergonomically very easy to get in/out off, and seat really comfortable. But I'm in good condition, so it helps.
With range of driving, still at 36mpg. I don't drive it like a maniac for sure, but still with some fun on country roads as well as motorways, and over the Channel.
It gets a lot of admiring attention ... and looks very sexy. No question a lovely shape.
Cruise works well, although pity it doesn't go up/down in 5mph increments.
Dealer has been great (Steven Eagle in MK) and turned off the cabin noise/fitted parking sensors for free after initial delivery. Both services were excellent.
Cons
Tyre-Wheel sizing are not suited to state of roads in UK. Yes, in France it was great, but not here. It struggles with state of the roads.
The PS4s are good, but on full snow was a disaster, no surprises. During trip in December to Scotland, switched traction control off otherwise wouldn't have been able to keep going even on the (ungritted) motorway in 6th gear. Traction control was activating permanently and car slowing, without switching it off.
On wet & cold days, the car was very skittish ... like lots of sliding around, even in straight line when checking traction in 3rd/4th gear. Couple of big slides with moderate throttle.
On dry days, and warm wet days, no issues, but next season, I'll go with some AllSeason tyres at 225/40s on the 18" alloys if I remain in the UK, and my insurer said that was OK with no premium (Admiral). Going with wider tyre may provide bit more cushion on the roads also, and that sizing is far cheaper and more available.
Clutch is probably the worst bit, at low speeds and cold, but even when warm. A long travel isn't what I was expecting, and it's pretty jerky.
Indicators - well I'm now used to them, but they're poor as others said.
Yes, it isn't a fast car, and I've driven cars that were and I do miss a little more. But it feels fast enough to be honest. Does is need more - maybe not sure, given the weight of the package.
Overall
Yes, enjoyed it and no major issues, or practicality drawbacks.
Would give it an 9/10 overall.
May have to sell it later this year, as my partner will return permanently to Japan early next year -- I'm not being left behind apparently !
But I've not regretted buying it at all. Lovely car for £30k. That is still incredible price.
I bought this standard black manual GR86, after previously owning a basic 2.0 mx5 nd. The latter was good fun, but too much of a compromise and felt gutless.
Ordering the GR86 became even more exciting when I started dating a Japanese girl, a few months after my order went in. So it was awaited with lots of anticipation by us both, and I loved seeing how many '86s there are in Japan on my first visit there last summer for a month.
So far we've done 15,000 miles, including road trips and daily commute.
Pros
I do enjoy driving it, and the power/handling is great. Drive it on motorway with earplugs, on longer journeys, but that's OK as far as I'm concerned since it's more relaxing.
It's been so much fun for only £30k. Amazing price.
It's practical enough I think for most situations, and the boot is huge. Back seats have been used by younger kids, and they're fine. Very small kids and bigger adults didn't enjoy so much ...
I'm 55yo, and I find it ergonomically very easy to get in/out off, and seat really comfortable. But I'm in good condition, so it helps.
With range of driving, still at 36mpg. I don't drive it like a maniac for sure, but still with some fun on country roads as well as motorways, and over the Channel.
It gets a lot of admiring attention ... and looks very sexy. No question a lovely shape.
Cruise works well, although pity it doesn't go up/down in 5mph increments.
Dealer has been great (Steven Eagle in MK) and turned off the cabin noise/fitted parking sensors for free after initial delivery. Both services were excellent.
Cons
Tyre-Wheel sizing are not suited to state of roads in UK. Yes, in France it was great, but not here. It struggles with state of the roads.
The PS4s are good, but on full snow was a disaster, no surprises. During trip in December to Scotland, switched traction control off otherwise wouldn't have been able to keep going even on the (ungritted) motorway in 6th gear. Traction control was activating permanently and car slowing, without switching it off.
On wet & cold days, the car was very skittish ... like lots of sliding around, even in straight line when checking traction in 3rd/4th gear. Couple of big slides with moderate throttle.
On dry days, and warm wet days, no issues, but next season, I'll go with some AllSeason tyres at 225/40s on the 18" alloys if I remain in the UK, and my insurer said that was OK with no premium (Admiral). Going with wider tyre may provide bit more cushion on the roads also, and that sizing is far cheaper and more available.
Clutch is probably the worst bit, at low speeds and cold, but even when warm. A long travel isn't what I was expecting, and it's pretty jerky.
Indicators - well I'm now used to them, but they're poor as others said.
Yes, it isn't a fast car, and I've driven cars that were and I do miss a little more. But it feels fast enough to be honest. Does is need more - maybe not sure, given the weight of the package.
Overall
Yes, enjoyed it and no major issues, or practicality drawbacks.
Would give it an 9/10 overall.
May have to sell it later this year, as my partner will return permanently to Japan early next year -- I'm not being left behind apparently !
But I've not regretted buying it at all. Lovely car for £30k. That is still incredible price.
