GR86 Test Drives Email!

[SmokingPancakes]

Just before @Nick I had my test drive in the same car, and it confirmed exactly what I was looking for.

Coming from an 18MY GT86 Pro, it felt much faster in real world conditions, with power delivery being a huge improvement. Handling hasn't much changed, and really didn't need to. The interior in my opinion is a massive improvement, yes it cheaper compared to others, but it's absolutely what you need. If you're used to the indicators of mid 2000's to early 10's bmws, you'll get along with them fine.

Was also confirmed by the dealer my registration and that my car is arriving on the 5th December!

 

[Silver Fox]

Just before @Nick I had my test drive in the same car, and it confirmed exactly what I was looking for.

Coming from an 18MY GT86 Pro, it felt much faster in real world conditions, with power delivery being a huge improvement. Handling hasn't much changed, and really didn't need to. The interior in my opinion is a massive improvement, yes it cheaper compared to others, but it's absolutely what you need. If you're used to the indicators of mid 2000's to early 10's bmws, you'll get along with them fine.

Was also confirmed by the dealer my registration and that my car is arriving on the 5th December!

View attachment 10067

It does look like there's some tread left on the rear tyre there so thanks fellas!

 

[ljb86]

Went into Steven Eagell Peterborough, my nominated dealership, the guy I spoke to didn't seem to know what was going on with the GR86, said they weren't getting a demo car, and that they couldn't see my order on their system as it was an online order and they had nothing to do with it (I think he spelled my name wrong in fairness, as my previous contact could see my order details)... Told me to go to another dealer for a test drive tempted to change to a different branch/dealer based on that experience as it didn't instill any confidence, despite having my GT86 serviced for the last 4.5 years there!

 

[KobayashiMaru86]

Went into Steven Eagell Peterborough, my nominated dealership, the guy I spoke to didn't seem to know what was going on with the GR86, said they weren't getting a demo car, and that they couldn't see my order on their system as it was an online order and they had nothing to do with it (I think he spelled my name wrong in fairness, as my previous contact could see my order details)... Told me to go to another dealer for a test drive tempted to change to a different branch/dealer based on that experience as it didn't instill any confidence, despite having my GT86 serviced for the last 4.5 years there!

This feels like my dealer. Every time I ask a GR86 question they don't know much, get the same answer of "contact the Online Team" and want my details every time, yet never phone me when there's a change.

 

[mackie]

Sorry to hear that ljb8. In contrast Steven Eagell St Albans (and in particular their GR specialist Mohammed) have been really helpful now I’ve made contact.

 

[ljb86]

Sorry to hear that ljb8. In contrast Steven Eagell St Albans (and in particular their GR specialist Mohammed) have been really helpful now I’ve made contact.

It's crazy how different the experience is! I'm tempted to move my order to Listers (I think) in Lincoln as it's not much further from me and they are a GR centre! Let them have whatever commission there is

 

[Al4n]

If only black could always stay that clean!

The exact reason I changed to silver. The black does look amazing when clean but my current car is black and frustrates me how quickly it looks dirty.

 

[Conscript]

Annoyingly the expected date of it getting to the dealer has slipped from 2nd Dec to 19th.

This doesn't bode well, delivery dates slipping before they've even started.

 

[Matiavus]

It does look like there's some tread left on the rear tyre there so thanks fellas!

View attachment 10071

I got the first test drive Friday evening after they registered it.

The GR specialist was very helpful at Steven Eagall St Albans.

 

[AndyRC]

Sorry to hear that ljb8. In contrast Steven Eagell St Albans (and in particular their GR specialist Mohammed) have been really helpful now I’ve made contact.

Sadly the variation in “customer focus” with car dealerships is immense , the number that come across as though they are doing you a favour having you through the door is huge. Can’t speak too highly of local Toyota dealership, JRT in Hull , they called me for a test drive before I had the email , could see my car on their system etc. TBH with a lot of the dealerships I’d rather buy online than deal with the staff they employ

 

[KobayashiMaru86]

Sadly the variation in “customer focus” with car dealerships is immense , the number that come across as though they are doing you a favour having you through the door is huge. Can’t speak too highly of local Toyota dealership, JRT in Hull , they called me for a test drive before I had the email , could see my car on their system etc. TBH with a lot of the dealerships I’d rather buy online than deal with the staff they employ

It's amazingly inconsistent. I'm hoping once I get it they'll be better but all the chasing with mine has been done by me so don't hold out much hope. Ask if they can see the car their end, they say only a "manager" can look and he's always busy and they'll phone back but never do. Every time I phone for something they take details, never come back. Even when I walked in it was exactly the same. Start of the conversation is an almost automated NPC type response of contact the online team.

I will say the parts guy has been tidy, getting me the wing and looking into other things.

 

[mackie]

I do have one observation from my test drive actually… it would be nice if the gear stick was a little bit further back. I may have spoilt myself by setting my sim rig up “just so” but having it in line with the wheel would be perfect. That said, I did have the wheel as far out as it would go. I’m sure I’ll get used to it though.

 

[Lauren]

Just in case anyone missed it.

My review of the GR86. I owned a GT86 for 8 years and 150K miles and set up the GT86 BRZ Drivers Club back in 2013:

GR86 - GR86 Review RRG Macclesfield Demonstrator.

How long have I been looking forward to this? A long, long time, with all the delays before the first cars start come through. I must admit, after being a long term owner of its predecessor the GT86 which I had for 8 years and did 150,000 miles in, I had in my time become something of an...

www.gr-zoo.com

I'm really looking forward to getting another go in it, when the demo gets a few more miles on it and when the weather warms a little. Just wish I could have go on track.

 

[mackie]

Great write up @Lauren

I’m surprised there’s not been any UK video reviews yet. Hopefully one of the usual suspects will get their hands on one in due course.

 

[Lauren]

Great write up @Lauren

I’m surprised there’s not been any UK video reviews yet. Hopefully one of the usual suspects will get their hands on one in due course.

Thank you. I'm sure there'll be a whole barrage of increasingly inept video reviews incoming in due course, just like there was with the Yaris. I tend to watch the main ones like Harry's Garage, EVO and the like, but when it drips down to Dave and his Go Pro I tend to lose interest a bit as there are only so many you can watch. I get the excitement of that though.

 

[AndyRC]

It's amazingly inconsistent. I'm hoping once I get it they'll be better but all the chasing with mine has been done by me so don't hold out much hope. Ask if they can see the car their end, they say only a "manager" can look and he's always busy and they'll phone back but never do. Every time I phone for something they take details, never come back. Even when I walked in it was exactly the same. Start of the conversation is an almost automated NPC type response of contact the online team.

I will say the parts guy has been tidy, getting me the wing and looking into other things.

Parts team are often more into cars than the salesman when I had a C63 a young lad at Merc always wanted a look and did me a cracking deal on bits

 

[AndyRC]

Just in case anyone missed it.

My review of the GR86. I owned a GT86 for 8 years and 150K miles and set up the GT86 BRZ Drivers Club back in 2013:

GR86 - GR86 Review RRG Macclesfield Demonstrator.

How long have I been looking forward to this? A long, long time, with all the delays before the first cars start come through. I must admit, after being a long term owner of its predecessor the GT86 which I had for 8 years and did 150,000 miles in, I had in my time become something of an...

www.gr-zoo.com

I'm really looking forward to getting another go in it, when the demo gets a few more miles on it and when the weather warms a little. Just wish I could have go on track.

Great review , nice to get feedback from GT86 owners who can make a really informed assessment of how the GR has moved on, or not

 

[RDMsport]

Just been out in the Oxford demo car. The cars awesome. So much fun and so playful on the road. Sent it sideways and the cars so balanced and progressive. Having not driven a sporty car for 4 months now since selling my MX5 the throttle response and steering sharpness were both a shock and joy. It pulls for low down and just keeps revving. The suspension is spot on for UK roads. Poised yet subtle. Overall it's a blast and feels special in the new world of dull silent cars.

 

[GRavel Trap]

Finally got my testdrive at Jemca Bracknell (after the GR86 being double-booked on Wednesday's first attempt) and I was able to enjoy 90mins unaccompanied fun, taking it up through Maidehead and up into Cookham.

I came away with mixed feelings, as I wasn't wholly gelling with the way the car drove. It's difficult to describe; I felt that the gearshift was solid, mechanical, and "shunk-y" whilst the clutch required more finesse and a smoother, almost delicate action, and I wasn't able to fully enjoy rowing through the gears. (I see it mentioned elsewhere that there is a clutch spring "fix", so I'm not too worried.)

I also didn't enjoy the budget stereo particularly, but that could well be because Christmas tunes kept coming on and it's only figgin' November!

Grumps out of the way, on to things I really enjoyed. The driving position, seats, and especially the steering wheel were exquisite and were a great place to be, and I loved the view out to the smurf-wrapped frontage.

The car felt full of poise and alive under me, and the engine and gearing very flexible, with it flowing nicely along the backroads I'd chosen. I pushed it up into the higher revs a few times and each time it sounded suitably angry and dramatic.

Overall, I think the car would reward the driver who befriends it, takes time to learn its ways and quirks, and takes it to their bosom. The GRY I came away from absolutely buzzing, and the GRS also gave me great vibes (in a different way); the GR86 wasn't instant attraction for me, but I suspect it will get under my skin and I'll end up obsessing over it, and waking up in a cold sweat dreaming about it!

 

[mackie]

I had to pop in to Steven Eagell St Albans earlier to collect the jacket I'd left on the back seat yesterday (duh!) and saw someone heading out for a test drive. Anyone on here?