GR86 Considering a GR86

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GSD

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Feb 16, 2025
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Hey all, first post :). I've shortlisted a GR86 as a fun weekend car.

My nearest dealer is Guildford, and they have a Grey and Silver one (around £32K), which I plan to test drive soon. Any specific things I should look out for during the test drive? Price seems punchy, but not surprising given its supply.

I'm also starting to research used options further afield, including private, given its 10-year warranty. But I won’t get serious until the test drive wins me over.

Thanks in advance.
 
In terms of driving experience? Not much - be aware that the clutch pedal may feel quite high and a bit non-linear, unless the previous owner modified the clutch pedal spring (common and worthwhile mod). Not really an issue either way, but it can catch a few people out. There's also a bit of rev hang which can be annoying and make gear changes feel lurchy when driving casually, but if you don't rush gear changes too much, it's generally okay. Similarly, the throttle pedal is a bit over sensitive; you'll probably find you hit max throttle before the pedal is full depressed. Just how they are, unfortunately, until someone comes up with a way to tune it out. It's not really an issue, especially once you live with the car for a while, but just worth a heads up so you don't let it spoil your test drive.

The car has a fake sound generator ("Active Sound Control"). If you don't like it, don't worry - it can be disabled by the dealer, of if they're too stupid to work out how (or just unwilling to bother finding out), it can just be unplugged behind the dash. Without it, the car is nearly silent, but a catback exhaust will fix that.

In terms of buying, it's the usual really. Don't worry too much about the hugely publicized RTV issues ; general consensus I think is that it's been overblown. Just ensure that the car has been serviced regularly and on time.

he spec might well include parking sensors, factory fitted alarm, and an auto dimming mirror. Be aware that none of these options ended up fitted to production cars in the UK, despite being on the spec sheet. If the dealer is selling the car based on those specs because they don't know any better, maybe use these obvious omissions to haggle the price down a bit.
 
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GSD said:
Hey all, first post :). I've shortlisted a GR86 as a fun weekend car.

My nearest dealer is Guildford, and they have a Grey and Silver one (around £32K), which I plan to test drive soon.
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I've seen those on Autotrader and those two are in the top 3 of the most expensive GR86 on the site! Personally I'd look further afield and save some money.
Don't take the 10 year warranty as a 'given', it's not. After the basic 3 year Manufacturers Warranty has expired it turns into a rolling year-on-year Warranty following each service, which has to be done at a Toyota Dealership or you won't get the Warranty cover for that year. To repeat what has already been said, as long as the car has been looked after and properly serviced you'll be fine as it's a reliable engine when treated properly.
When you go for your test drive let it warm up properly, otherwise you might find yourself kangarooing off the dealership lot like a learner driver. It happens to the best of us and is just the car reminding us to show some respect ;) Enjoy...
 
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GSD said:
Hey all, first post :). I've shortlisted a GR86 as a fun weekend car.

My nearest dealer is Guildford, and they have a Grey and Silver one (around £32K), which I plan to test drive soon. Any specific things I should look out for during the test drive? Price seems punchy, but not surprising given its supply.

I'm also starting to research used options further afield, including private, given its 10-year warranty. But I won’t get serious until the test drive wins me over.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
As above and adding that the paint is quite soft so look out for stone chips and other marks, another negotiation tactic.
 
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GSD said:
Hey all, first post :). I've shortlisted a GR86 as a fun weekend car.

My nearest dealer is Guildford, and they have a Grey and Silver one (around £32K), which I plan to test drive soon. Any specific things I should look out for during the test drive? Price seems punchy, but not surprising given its supply.

I'm also starting to research used options further afield, including private, given its 10-year warranty. But I won’t get serious until the test drive wins me over.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
I was at Guildford Group1 Friday having mine serviced, they have a dark blue on for £32k also now with 4k miles.
They're by far the best Toyota/GR dealership I've come across for aftersales.
 
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This forum doesn't disappoint! Thanks chaps, all useful info. Yes only considering those 2 cars for a test drive as they're closest to me. If all goes well, I may look at buying privately or further afield if Guildford can't come down on price.
 
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The listings also state ‘rear windscreen wiper’, which none of them have. Why are dealerships so lazy as to just copy/paste from the Toyota OEM blurb? Infuriating…
That said, @GSD, you could always use these ‘missing’ features as bargaining tools for discount 😉
 
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GSD said:
This forum doesn't disappoint! Thanks chaps, all useful info. Yes only considering those 2 cars for a test drive as they're closest to me. If all goes well, I may look at buying privately or further afield if Guildford can't come down on price.
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GSD, I was half looking at selling mine privately at some point if it’s of interest. Perfectly happy to keep it and I do love the car, but I do have too many vehicles.

(Plus it would allow me to buy something else I’ve eyed up for ages 🤣)

Mine would be significantly cheaper than the car you’re looking at, and I guarantee better. It’s truly mint - not a mark on it, and not seen the wet.

If you’re interested, drop me a line!
 
For sure. l’ll arrange a test drive soon and share my thoughts. Finding the time between work and dad duties is my biggest challenge currently.
 
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There’s a barely used one available on the sales pages here for probably not much more than £28.5k.

I’d be using the dealership for a test drive and then buying privately.

(I did something similar about 18 months ago and now on 12k miles with no regrets)

Good luck.
 
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Good luck. We all love our GR86s here so if you need convincing to buy one, you've come to the right place. There are a few niggles that are talking points on the forum, but on the whole, they're great cars and don't seem to break too easily. Most things to consider have been listed above. Good luck.
 
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Test drove the car earlier - such a lovely little thing. My wife enjoyed driving it too. The only change I’d make is a throatier exhaust (I’m spoiled by my previous and current cars), but assume that can be sorted.

Silver vs Grey. Both lovely. The silver looks better in real life. The dealer was kind enough to park them side by side for a comparison.

I missed out on MatC’s car on marketplace by 30min after getting home. That said, I’m in no rush and happy to wait for a tidy, low mileage example. Feel free to message if you’re thinking of selling, otherwise I may end up negotiating Guildford down.
 

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Mine could be for sale and has a Milltek…!

Ticks the low mileage & mint boxes. Doesn’t see the wet!
 
GSD said:
Test drove the car earlier - such a lovely little thing. My wife enjoyed driving it too. The only change I’d make is a throatier exhaust (I’m spoiled by my previous and current cars), but assume that can be sorted.

Silver vs Grey. Both lovely. The silver looks better in real life. The dealer was kind enough to park them side by side for a comparison.

I missed out on MatC’s car on marketplace by 30min after getting home. That said, I’m in no rush and happy to wait for a tidy, low mileage example. Feel free to message if you’re thinking of selling, otherwise I may end up negotiating Guildford down.
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Totally get it that low mileage is a criteria, as there still seems to be quite a few out there that don’t seem to have been driven much - but just to say that mine is driving and looking just as well (possibly better?) after 14k miles of daily duties. Just saying if the right car comes up at the right price don’t necessarily be too put off by the miles. Enjoy the search and best of luck✌️
 
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Yes definitely get on Autotrader and here in the for sale section. Don't pay £32k at a dealer they are just cashing in.
As you say 10 year warranty and check it's had a service and do the usual HPi or car vertical check.
 
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Mat's (old) car now on for sale at Newport at £31K. Interesting to see the markup of a Toyota dealer.
 
Agree with all that has been said above and also set yourself up a little "trinket" budget. We seem to crave exhausts, led lights, stickers and audio equipment here!
 
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