GR86 The GR86 : Time for a reality check

[Silver Fox]

I've been dipping in and out having a read of some of the threads and posts relating to the GR86 over the last few days, particularly from those who have yet to experience the car.

I do wonder if some of you will not like it because some of the key characteristics are at odds with what is implied or in some cases explicit in your posts concerning what you want out of a car.

Here's some home truths about the GR86 to help you so you are not disappointed.

1. It's low and not particularly easy to get in and out of, if you are not used to this sort of car. If you are not agile and/or have aches and pains, you might struggle .

2. The clutch and throttle may mean the car is hard to drive smoothly. If you are used to cars that smooth everything out for you, you may find this irritating or unnecessarily challenging.

3. It's firm and noisy because it's a small, light sports car. Motorway journeys might irritate you. Crap roads may perturb you.

4. Interior quality is workmanlike and functional. No soft touch mood lit experience here. Stereo is adequate at best. It's a cheap car.

5. Realistically, it's a two-seater. You might be able to use the rear seats occasionally or get a small child in. It's not a family car per sé. Other more spacious more comfortable alternatives are available!

6. Insurance is expensive. it's a rare car with commensurate parts sourcing challenges. It costs more to insure than faster more powerful cars. No it's not fair but that's how it is.

7. The paint is soft and will chip. Get PPF or ceramic or whatever else you can get that I don't understand (expensive but worth it for some) or don't worry about it/put up with it.

8. You haven't got the from factory customisability like German cars for example. A few colours, one wheel type, auto if you want it. You want infinite trim options and personalisation? Go to Audi and pay 60 grand for a 40 grand car. Those of us that can go in any coffee shop and order an espresso without concerning ourselves with all the various options will be very happy with the GR86 ordering experience.

9. Apart from a small number of car enthusiast types, no one will be impressed. It's the wrong badge and most people don't care about cars in this day and age anyway. Do not buy this car to impress others. Buy it for yourself.

If none of the above puts you off, or indeed makes the car sound even more like your sort of thing, then good luck to you, you may well love it.

If you've experienced and like the GT86/BRZ you'll very likely enjoy the GR86.

I wouldn't want to try and put anyone off the GR86, but it is a niche specialist product with a narrow appeal.

Fellow owners - am I wrong?

I know I've raised this sort of thing before, but I do think it's useful to help manage expectations.

PS. Probably don't really need to add this, but I absolutely love my GR86 but I'm well aware that plenty of people I know just don't 'get it'. And that's absolutely fine!

 

[Triggaaar]

Sounds crap, I'm out

 

[OPC100]

I mostly agree. I'd add....

1. It's low and not particularly easy to get in and out of, if you are not used to this sort of car. If you are not agile and/or have aches and pains, you might struggle . It can also be a pain in carparks if you can't open the doors very wide. Top tips.... Don't park next to other cars, or start practicing yoga.

2. The clutch and throttle may mean the car is hard to drive smoothly. If you are used to cars that smooth everything out for you, you may find this irritating or unnecessarily challenging. It is sensitive / agressive to your inputs, but I don't have a problem with it, actually enjoy its setup and found I can drive it smoothly. Others may not be a driving god like me though.

3. It's firm and noisy because it's a small, light sports car. Motorway journeys might irritate you. Crap roads may perturb you. It's fairly well damped a copes with our crappy roads surprisingly well. Phone calls can be had at 70mph, but I prefer to drop to 60mph if having a meaningful conversation, whilst still being totally focused on the drive.

4. Interior quality is workmanlike and functional. No soft touch mood lit experience here. Stereo is adequate at best. It's a cheap car. Yep.

5. Realistically, it's a two-seater. You might be able to use the rear seats occasionally or get a small child in. It's not a family car per sé. Other more spacious more comfortable alternatives are available! Come on, get with the yoga. 4 up no problem.

6. Insurance is expensive. it's a rare car with commensurate parts sourcing challenges. It costs more to insure than faster more.powerful cars. No it's not fair but that's how it is. Yep.

7. The paint is soft and will chip. Get PPF or ceramic or whatever else you can get that I don't understand (expensive but worth it for some) or don't worry about it/put up with it. 13K in and only 1 noticeable chip in the bumper, that I'll touch up. Nothing else to really concern myself with at the moment. No ppf protection. Each to their own, but I wouldn't bother.

8. You haven't got the from factory customisability like German cars for example. A few colours, one wheel type, auto if you want it. You want infinite trim options and personalisation? Go to Audi and pay 60 grand for a 40 grand car. Those of us that can go in any coffee shop and order an espresso without concerning ourselves with all the various options will be very happy with the GR86 ordering experience. Thank god. Big option lists stress me out.

9. Apart from a small number of car enthusiast types, no one will be impressed. It's the wrong badge and most people don't care about cars in this day and age anyway. Do not buy this car to impress others. Buy it for yourself. 100%. Buy it for yourself. That just about sums it up to me. 160 mile round trip today (yesterday now, but I've not slept yet), quiet roads, only 10 miles of motorway, no radio, just me and the car. Total stress reliever, brilliant.

Night.

 

[ShootinJack]

I've been dipping in and out having a read of some of the threads and posts relating to the GR86 over the last few days, particularly from those who have yet to experience the car.

I do wonder if some of you will not like it because some of the key characteristics are at odds with what is implied or in some cases explicit in your posts concerning what you want out of a car.

Here's some home truths about the GR86 to help you so you are not disappointed.

1. It's low and not particularly easy to get in and out of, if you are not used to this sort of car. If you are not agile and/or have aches and pains, you might struggle .

2. The clutch and throttle may mean the car is hard to drive smoothly. If you are used to cars that smooth everything out for you, you may find this irritating or unnecessarily challenging.

3. It's firm and noisy because it's a small, light sports car. Motorway journeys might irritate you. Crap roads may perturb you.

4. Interior quality is workmanlike and functional. No soft touch mood lit experience here. Stereo is adequate at best. It's a cheap car.

5. Realistically, it's a two-seater. You might be able to use the rear seats occasionally or get a small child in. It's not a family car per sé. Other more spacious more comfortable alternatives are available!

6. Insurance is expensive. it's a rare car with commensurate parts sourcing challenges. It costs more to insure than faster more.powerful cars. No it's not fair but that's how it is.

7. The paint is soft and will chip. Get PPF or ceramic or whatever else you can get that I don't understand (expensive but worth it for some) or don't worry about it/put up with it.

8. You haven't got the from factory customisability like German cars for example. A few colours, one wheel type, auto if you want it. You want infinite trim options and personalisation? Go to Audi and pay 60 grand for a 40 grand car. Those of us that can go in any coffee shop and order an espresso without concerning ourselves with all the various options will be very happy with the GR86 ordering experience.

9. Apart from a small number of car enthusiast types, no one will be impressed. It's the wrong badge and most people don't care about cars in this day and age anyway. Do not buy this car to impress others. Buy it for yourself.

If none of the above puts you off, or indeed makes the car sound even more like your sort of thing, then good luck to you you may well love it.

If you've experienced and like the GT86/BRZ you'll very likely enjoy the GR86.

I wouldn't want to try and put anyone off the GR86, but it is a niche specialist product with a narrow appeal.

Fellow owners - am I wrong?

I know I've raised this sort of thing before, but I do think it's useful to help manage expectations.

I like espresso

 

[Conscript]

Fellow owners - am I wrong?

Don't think so.

Would also add, it probably still can't out-drag a 320D from the lights, so if that's your idea of the pinnacle of driving enjoyment, look elsewhere.

 

[RedGR86]

2. The clutch and throttle may mean the car is hard to drive smoothly. If you are used to cars that smooth everything out for you, you may find this irritating or unnecessarily challenging.

This is the thing that I'm struggling with 600 miles into my ownership. I know I can change the clutch spring, but the bigger issue for me is the throttle. I'm hoping that somebody will be able to remap the car to smooth it out to make it nicer to drive on a light throttle under 3000rpm.

Otherwise it's great, and pretty much what I wanted.

 

[KobayashiMaru86]

• If you're the type to rely on lots of power to make progress then it's not for you. But it's definitely not slow if you're a capable driver. "More power is a poor surrogate for technique on a downhill run"
• Those expecting the good mpg's and performance you get from cars with turbos will be disappointed. 28mpg round town, 35mpg+ on a run, tank range 300 miles.
• Only likes super unleaded but if you aren't putting this in and you own a performance car you're an idiot anyway.
• Seating position takes a while to fine tune, fussy with what shoes you can wear to really drive it.
  

 

[kalniel]

Most of those I was prepared for before my test drive, but OPC100's comment about doors is spot on - something that took me by surprise, and given I'm going to be dailying it, better get on with the yoga!

 

[FRAJ]

I second your comments @Silver Fox . I love it, but it is far from perfect (no car is). We have a long drive down to Goodwood later and I suggested to take the family wagon but my wife insists we take the 86. I have prepared an array of cushions.

 

[Dal3D]

Can't believe you missed number 10 as a major concern!!!

I've been dipping in and out having a read of some of the threads and posts relating to the GR86 over the last few days, particularly from those who have yet to experience the car.

I do wonder if some of you will not like it because some of the key characteristics are at odds with what is implied or in some cases explicit in your posts concerning what you want out of a car.

Here's some home truths about the GR86 to help you so you are not disappointed.

1. It's low and not particularly easy to get in and out of, if you are not used to this sort of car. If you are not agile and/or have aches and pains, you might struggle .

2. The clutch and throttle may mean the car is hard to drive smoothly. If you are used to cars that smooth everything out for you, you may find this irritating or unnecessarily challenging.

3. It's firm and noisy because it's a small, light sports car. Motorway journeys might irritate you. Crap roads may perturb you.

4. Interior quality is workmanlike and functional. No soft touch mood lit experience here. Stereo is adequate at best. It's a cheap car.

5. Realistically, it's a two-seater. You might be able to use the rear seats occasionally or get a small child in. It's not a family car per sé. Other more spacious more comfortable alternatives are available!

6. Insurance is expensive. it's a rare car with commensurate parts sourcing challenges. It costs more to insure than faster more.powerful cars. No it's not fair but that's how it is.

7. The paint is soft and will chip. Get PPF or ceramic or whatever else you can get that I don't understand (expensive but worth it for some) or don't worry about it/put up with it.

8. You haven't got the from factory customisability like German cars for example. A few colours, one wheel type, auto if you want it. You want infinite trim options and personalisation? Go to Audi and pay 60 grand for a 40 grand car. Those of us that can go in any coffee shop and order an espresso without concerning ourselves with all the various options will be very happy with the GR86 ordering experience.

9. Apart from a small number of car enthusiast types, no one will be impressed. It's the wrong badge and most people don't care about cars in this day and age anyway. Do not buy this car to impress others. Buy it for yourself.

10. If you want a suit / coat hook look elsewhere.

 

[Silver Fox]

Can't believe you missed number 10 as a major concern!!!

As you and many of our comrades know, I really don't like to go on about it...

*Sits in the corner rocking (albeit very well-dressed)*

 

[ZN8]

You very quickly forgive all the shortfalls when you actually drive it though, and by that I mean properly drive it, not just ferry yourself from A to B. I know those opportunities don’t occur often and its 'a very good steer below 10/10ths' it gives you something 99% of cars don’t. Suspension geometry, chassis stiffness, the low CoG etc etc don’t come into their own during the day to day stuff, your mind then wanders and concentrates on things like ride comfort, that annoying rattle or how the switchgear feels. When you do the mundane, or are driving the mundane that kind of nonsense begins to matter.

Ultimately it suits a ever shrinking group of people, it's compromised but so is everything. If I was doing loads of miles, especially on the motorway I certainly wouldn’t want a GR86, I'd want to waft along in something German and comfortable.

 

[KobayashiMaru86]

My bike is the same. Ride normally and you notice the rattles, how things vibrate, quick shifter isn't that smooth at low RPM, brakes can be quite grabby when cold. Once you start to push it into it's operating window it comes alive and all that goes away. Both I love to bits. The faults and quirks make it seem more real and engaging. That said the rattle driver side dash is annoying now. Had fan replaced but it wasn't that.

 

[cuddles]

Aren't all the GR cars a speciality car. I still believe quite a few people bought the GRY without really seeing what it was like and this is why many fell out of love with it fairly quickly. I agree with all of the points above thinking back at my two Celicas. It seems silly that people buy cars without looking at them closely first but the GRY and 86 didn't give people the time to have a go and long think about it. These cars are all about the drive and fun not about German fanciness but a few people don't see that and are then disappointed in the basic side to the cars but that is what they are all about.

 

[SRGardening]

I've been dipping in and out having a read of some of the threads and posts relating to the GR86 over the last few days, particularly from those who have yet to experience the car.

I do wonder if some of you will not like it because some of the key characteristics are at odds with what is implied or in some cases explicit in your posts concerning what you want out of a car.

Here's some home truths about the GR86 to help you so you are not disappointed.

1. It's low and not particularly easy to get in and out of, if you are not used to this sort of car. If you are not agile and/or have aches and pains, you might struggle .

2. The clutch and throttle may mean the car is hard to drive smoothly. If you are used to cars that smooth everything out for you, you may find this irritating or unnecessarily challenging.

3. It's firm and noisy because it's a small, light sports car. Motorway journeys might irritate you. Crap roads may perturb you.

4. Interior quality is workmanlike and functional. No soft touch mood lit experience here. Stereo is adequate at best. It's a cheap car.

5. Realistically, it's a two-seater. You might be able to use the rear seats occasionally or get a small child in. It's not a family car per sé. Other more spacious more comfortable alternatives are available!

6. Insurance is expensive. it's a rare car with commensurate parts sourcing challenges. It costs more to insure than faster more powerful cars. No it's not fair but that's how it is.

7. The paint is soft and will chip. Get PPF or ceramic or whatever else you can get that I don't understand (expensive but worth it for some) or don't worry about it/put up with it.

8. You haven't got the from factory customisability like German cars for example. A few colours, one wheel type, auto if you want it. You want infinite trim options and personalisation? Go to Audi and pay 60 grand for a 40 grand car. Those of us that can go in any coffee shop and order an espresso without concerning ourselves with all the various options will be very happy with the GR86 ordering experience.

9. Apart from a small number of car enthusiast types, no one will be impressed. It's the wrong badge and most people don't care about cars in this day and age anyway. Do not buy this car to impress others. Buy it for yourself.

If none of the above puts you off, or indeed makes the car sound even more like your sort of thing, then good luck to you, you may well love it.

If you've experienced and like the GT86/BRZ you'll very likely enjoy the GR86.

I wouldn't want to try and put anyone off the GR86, but it is a niche specialist product with a narrow appeal.

Fellow owners - am I wrong?

I know I've raised this sort of thing before, but I do think it's useful to help manage expectations.

PS. Probably don't really need to add this, but I absolutely love my GR86 but I'm well aware that plenty of people I know just don't 'get it'. And that's absolutely fine!

I think you’ve perfectly summed up my experience of the car so far….and to be fair I’m ok with all those home truths which you’ve listed. Point number 9 is the one which has surprised me but since ownership I now totally agree with - most people don’t know what it is or aren’t that interested!

 

[Wake]

The only concern I have now after reading this thread is point number 3. I’m intending on taking the car on a road trip to Italy (if the car comes in time, fingers crossed). Has anyone done a decibel check on how loud it actually is at motorway speeds?

 

[RedGR86]

The only concern I have now after reading this thread is point number 3. I’m intending on taking the car on a road trip to Italy (if the car comes in time, fingers crossed). Has anyone done a decibel check on how loud it actually is at motorway speeds?

It's not too bad. The PS4s are quite noisy, but I've done a few hundred motorway miles in it and it's OK. Plus the roads down to Italy are generally quite quiet in terms of road noise

 

[Hachi-roku]

I've been dipping in and out having a read of some of the threads and posts relating to the GR86 over the last few days, particularly from those who have yet to experience the car.

I do wonder if some of you will not like it because some of the key characteristics are at odds with what is implied or in some cases explicit in your posts concerning what you want out of a car.

Here's some home truths about the GR86 to help you so you are not disappointed.

1. It's low and not particularly easy to get in and out of, if you are not used to this sort of car. If you are not agile and/or have aches and pains, you might struggle .

2. The clutch and throttle may mean the car is hard to drive smoothly. If you are used to cars that smooth everything out for you, you may find this irritating or unnecessarily challenging.

3. It's firm and noisy because it's a small, light sports car. Motorway journeys might irritate you. Crap roads may perturb you.

4. Interior quality is workmanlike and functional. No soft touch mood lit experience here. Stereo is adequate at best. It's a cheap car.

5. Realistically, it's a two-seater. You might be able to use the rear seats occasionally or get a small child in. It's not a family car per sé. Other more spacious more comfortable alternatives are available!

6. Insurance is expensive. it's a rare car with commensurate parts sourcing challenges. It costs more to insure than faster more powerful cars. No it's not fair but that's how it is.

7. The paint is soft and will chip. Get PPF or ceramic or whatever else you can get that I don't understand (expensive but worth it for some) or don't worry about it/put up with it.

8. You haven't got the from factory customisability like German cars for example. A few colours, one wheel type, auto if you want it. You want infinite trim options and personalisation? Go to Audi and pay 60 grand for a 40 grand car. Those of us that can go in any coffee shop and order an espresso without concerning ourselves with all the various options will be very happy with the GR86 ordering experience.

9. Apart from a small number of car enthusiast types, no one will be impressed. It's the wrong badge and most people don't care about cars in this day and age anyway. Do not buy this car to impress others. Buy it for yourself.

If none of the above puts you off, or indeed makes the car sound even more like your sort of thing, then good luck to you, you may well love it.

If you've experienced and like the GT86/BRZ you'll very likely enjoy the GR86.

I wouldn't want to try and put anyone off the GR86, but it is a niche specialist product with a narrow appeal.

Fellow owners - am I wrong?

I know I've raised this sort of thing before, but I do think it's useful to help manage expectations.

PS. Probably don't really need to add this, but I absolutely love my GR86 but I'm well aware that plenty of people I know just don't 'get it'. And that's absolutely fine!

Can’t see much to disagree with there. Constructive and fair criticism of some minor quirks (which may carry more weight for some potential owners depending on preference or intended use) rather than scathing indictment.

I’m only 800 miles in and my driving has been a little more focused on getting out and away from people but I’ve definitely noticed a few necks being broken on my travels. I suspect if the stock exhaust was louder and more tuneful it would generate additional attention from the mobile phone zombies.

 

[Silver Fox]

The only concern I have now after reading this thread is point number 3. I’m intending on taking the car on a road trip to Italy (if the car comes in time, fingers crossed). Has anyone done a decibel check on how loud it actually is at motorway speeds?

It could well be fine for you, depending on what you are used to (it's like an S Class compared with an Elise or Morgan for example!). It doesn't bother me at all but various passengers (even on shorter journeys) have commented.

I like the rawness of the car myself.

 

[Silver Fox]

Constructive and fair criticism of some minor quirks (which may carry more weight for some potential owners depending on preference or intended use) rather than scathing indictment.

Nicely summarised; if you don't have time or can't be bothered to read my ramblings (quite understandable) then this will do for you, dear reader.

I believe the parlance is "TL: DR".