GR86 GR86 - My review after 3k miles and why I'm selling it.

James-UK said:
But I'll keep checking back here and I look forward to when you receive your car, I'm curious to see what you think. As you have driven very similar cars as I have. I hope that you feel differently than I do because honestly the rest of the car is amazing and I was so happy with it!
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I was not one of the lucky ones to secure an order on 20th April 2022. But things happen for a reason, we had full planning permission for an new build at that time and we were in the process of purchasing the land which we now own.

Also at this time, we were waiting quotations from building contractors and none could start the work until late summer 2023. So plenty of time to purchase a car!

However, we have now received a quotation from our favourite contender and a contract is placed.

So GR86 ownership will have to wait now until the build, landscaping and more importantly the garage is complete.

The GR86 was to be a second car for me anyway so I'm happy to wait!

Apologies for moving off topic.
 
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Reading this thread makes me quite glad I got all the modding madness out of my system a long time ago.
I have had 3 TVR, F Type, 350Z, EVOs, & many more, spent & lost thousands on the way, enjoyed it but not any more.
Which is why I bought the GR86. It doesn't need anything doing to it, just like my FK8 doesn't need anything doing to it.
Just enjoy what they are & buy a cheap Trackday car to get your thrills.
 
Nick said:
It's a good job we're all different, otherwise we'd all be driving around in the same car (ok, I know that most of the population seem to be the same and are driving around in SUVs nowadays!).
Thanks for taking the time to do a detailed review, it was an interesting read.
Some of us want power, some handling, all of us would like both, but then there's the fact that cars cost money, and some are willing to spend far more than others.
I had the itch that needed scratching of more power - I went from an Abarth 124 Spider to an F-Type and then a 3.0 Supra, the Supra was much more enjoyable to me than the F-Type, but neither were as fun as the Abarth. For me the GR86 has given me the fun I was craving again from the Abarth, plus better handling, more power and way more practicality - perspectives really do come from what you are comparing to.
No car is perfect for all, which is why exhausts and wheels are swapped, some add spoilers, and others prefer the looks without, but it's always an option to change to suit, it all depends how far you're willing to risk it with the warranty.
Good luck on your search for your next car, and I'm sure the next owner will be very grateful this wasn't the car for you.
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What F type was it please and what did you not like about it ?
 
Taggy said:
What F type was it please and what did you not like about it ?
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P300, convertible. Had plenty of power, but coming from the Abarth it just felt massive (it's a very wide car) and heavy. Nothing wrong with it, but was more of a fast cruiser than a sports car. I've driven a few of the V8s, and that's a very different experience, but they're all about the engine, which does sound pretty awesome.
 
Some thoughts on your interesting post. Alternatives not mentioned that are available at appprox similar prices second hand : Alpine, Alfa QF, BM M2, Lotus, AMG. Or maybe a MX5 with added oomph via super/turbo charger. An Audi TTRS would be practical and quick. Each have plus and minus points as does the GT86, so I guess it boils down to what suits you best at your price point.
 
@James-UK , thanks for the write up. I also agree on some points and not others - to keep it brief:
AGREE: Good but not brilliant car - having read so many glowing reviews I am starting to worry that this is as good as it gets!
DISAGREE: Corners like it's on rails - mine has caught me out a couple of times in the wet, just like the GT86 did. I'm not complaining, I like the handling and involving drive.
 
I still think the GR86 is a brilliant car, but there is no such thing as a car for everyone. And I am least as fascinated how different drivers can be, for good and for worse... a lot worse then the car sometimes but easy to blame the car ;) (PH level just went up? - not having a go at OP - just general observation unfortunately, driving is becoming a lost art...)
 
We all like different things, and that's okay. I sold my 718 Spyder because it was too serious to be enjoyable on public roads, and while it was brilliant on track it wasn't any more fun really than the modified MX-5 ND I had previously. The GR86 have some Porsche vibe to the suspension, while being less serious and more fun, and it's more practical than the MX-5 and Porsche! Is it perfect? Nope! There is no such thing.
 
I think it boils down to expectations, the comment on power surprises me, I mean it was never designed to be a rocket ship, if you buy one of these cars then expect it to be fast then you will be left disappointed.
 
For being NA 230hp, it's actually quite fast objectively. But an M2 is twice the power and more then twice the torque and while no lightweight, nowhere near twice the heft...
 
Onehp said:
For being NA 230hp, it's actually quite fast objectively. But an M2 is twice the power and more then twice the torque and while no lightweight, nowhere near twice the heft...
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and the M2 is twice the price
 
JonBon said:
and the M2 is twice the price
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And half the fun most of the time, probably!

I'm firmly in the lower-powered/lighter weight/work hard to make progress camp nowadays. For me the GR86 is brisk enough to be fun whilst working it hard, if that makes sense.

I've owned and driven far more powerful cars over the years. My favourite three cars I've owned would be my 993, GT86 and GR86. All would get absolutely battered by a modern hot hatch in terms of pace, but I really don't mind!

I preferred my BMW 130i to my BMW Z4 M Coupe (apart from the looks of course) because it was more fun more of the time.

The most disappointing car I've driven recently was some sort of AMG A Class with the thick end of 400hp. It was hilarious for a very short time because of the sheer pace, but it had a 'put your foot down and the car will sort it all out for you' feel which got tiresome really quickly. Some may like that sort of thing.

Each to their own - happy and safe driving whatever you all choose!
 
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Silver Fox said:
I preferred my BMW 130i to my BMW Z4 M Coupe (apart from the looks of course) because it was more fun more of the time.
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Just because of the power difference? I think 340 hp would be the sweet spot for me.
 
I do agree on a few points

Engine doesn't have any decent sound at any revs, clutch is weird and slow, gearbox quite clunky. On the other hand, it's great as a daily driver with good on limit handling but really don't have much grip at all. Suspension while good, it's not amazing either.

Power is fine IMO, I don't need anymore for a road car or even on track but the throttle response is a bit numb. Even compared to turbo charged 3 cyl, strangely enough. Maybe it's the lack of sound masking the revs.
 
KimmE_GR said:
Just because of the power difference? I think 340 hp would be the sweet spot for me.
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Not only the power difference, I found the Z4M too firm and 'crashy' and quite dull unless driving hard. I got points in that car!

The 130i seemed more balanced, more homogenous, more 'together' with the power and handling and brakes well matched. It was enjoyable to rev out without getting to really silly speeds.

It was a while ago now but I'm sure I remember reading some contemporary reviews which expressed a preference for the Z4 3.0 Coupe (same engine as the 130i - 265ps three litre) over the M version.
 
Silver Fox said:
Not only the power difference, I found the Z4M too firm and 'crashy' and quite dull unless driving hard. I got points in that car!

The 130i seemed more balanced, more homogenous, more 'together' with the power and handling and brakes well matched. It was enjoyable to rev out without getting to really silly speeds.

It was a while ago now but I'm sure I remember reading some contemporary reviews which expressed a preference for the Z4 3.0 Coupe (same engine as the 130i - 265ps three litre) over the M version.
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I had a Z4 3.0 Coupe Si and it was a great GT car. It wasn't great on B roads though as it tramlined really badly. It felt like the rear was trying to steer.

P1300006.webp
 
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