Toyota 86/GT86 (2012-2022) Buyer’s Guide
Are you keen on owning an entry-level analogue sportscar? Let’s look at what you need to know when shopping for a used Toyota 86, which was later renamed the GT86…
Despite being anything but a volume-driver, the original Toyota 86 was a significant model for the world’s largest automotive brand. It not only deepened Toyota’s cooperation with Subaru but also marked the Aichi-based manufacturer’s return to a storied heritage of driver-focused sportscars, effectively setting the stage for the raft of products (including a new GR86) now offered under the Gazoo Racing banner.
With a naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed engine at the front and driven wheels at the rear, the ZN6-generation 86 hit the market as a refreshingly analogue sportscar. Toyota and development partner Subaru purposely eschewed forced induction, all-wheel drive and high-performance tyres; instead, the firms set out to reproduce the classic sportscar experience offered by the 86’s pedigreed ancestors.
On that note, there’s disagreement about the correct pronunciation of this nameplate, with some (including Toyota SA Motors) referring to it as the “Eighty Six” and others preferring “Eight Six”. Call us sentimental, but we’d lean towards the latter (seemingly less popular) articulation since the ZN6 model’s Corolla-based AE86 forebear was known as the Hachi-Roku – which translates to “Eight Six” in Japan.
Regardless of how you choose to say it, there’s no denying the 2+2 coupe offered unmatched affordable rear-wheel-drive fun at launch in South Africa. But its price certainly crept up over the decade it was on the market. Indeed, the range’s entry point was just R298 500 in 2012, with the price rising to R715 400 (for the lone, higher-specced derivative) by the time this generation exited the local market in mid-2022.
Although production at Subaru’s factory in Gunma – where the closely related BRZ and Scion FR-S were assembled – ended at some point in 2021, the original 86 technically remained on Mzansi’s new-vehicle market until shortly before the ZN8-series GR86 (with its upsized engine) arrived in November 2022.
Toyota 86 model line-up in South Africa
Previewed by a string of concept cars dating back to as early as 2007, the production version of the Toyota 86 – or GT86, as it was known in Europe from the outset – was finally revealed online in November 2011, shortly before its made its official debut at the Tokyo Show the following month.
South Africans didn’t have to wait long for the first examples of the rear-wheel-drive sportscar to roll onto dealership floors, with the local launch taking place in July 2012. Billed as a “highly engaging” model offering “maximum driving pleasure”, the newcomer was available in 3 flavours (each with a different combination of grade and gearbox):
- 2.0 Coupe Standard 6MT (147 kW/205 Nm)
- 2.0 Coupe High 6MT (147 kW/205 Nm)
- 2.0 Coupe High 6AT (147 kW/205 Nm)
Interestingly, the Subaru BRZ hit Mzansi in limited numbers in May 2013, with the single high-spec variant priced at quite a premium over its Toyota twin. The SA-market BRZ featured a rear wing, revised front suspension (ostensibly rendering it less “tail happy” than the Toyota), a full maintenance plan (as opposed to Toyota’s shorter service plan) and a locally developed sports exhaust system, which was said to unlock an extra 7 kW. For the record, the BRZ was discontinued in our market around September 2015.
Before that, in October 2013, Toyota SA Motors rolled out a few refinements to the 86 range. The Japanese firm’s local division added a touchscreen system (with Bluetooth functionality), a moulded boot mat (covering the previously exposed spare wheel), daytime running lights and a body-coloured rear spoiler (with the latter 2 items exclusive to the High grade), all “in response to customer feedback”.
In August 2014, the range welcomed the unimaginatively named Limited Edition derivative, which further signalled the arrival of various under-the-skin enhancements for the rest of the line-up. Fittingly, just 86 examples of the Limited Edition were set aside for South Africa, each finished in either red or pearl white.
This halo variant was offered exclusively in 6-speed manual guise and was set apart chiefly by its bold body kit (including that towering rear wing) and red trim accents for the cabin.
The newcomer and the 3 other derivatives also scored revised suspension mounts and retuned shock absorbers, with Toyota claiming a subsequent reduction in body roll and an increase in handling stability. The 86 furthermore upgraded to a shark-fin antenna (replacing the previous bee-sting aerial) and various “improved” interior finishes.
Then, in April 2017, the Toyota 86 was handed a thorough refresh. It gained revised front and rear styling, including new bi-LED headlamps (with integrated indicators), reworked LED taillights and a fresh “wing-type” rear spoiler. There were also redesigned 17-inch 10-spoke alloys, though they were reserved for the High grade. The suspension benefited from more fettling, with coil springs and shocks “optimised” fore and aft, and a beefed-up anti-roll bar implemented at the rear. Body rigidity was also improved.
Meanwhile, the 86’s stability control system was expanded to include a new “Track” mode, giving the driver a “greater range of handling, braking and turning control”. Toyota also saw fit to reduce the diameter (and weight) of the already compact steering wheel, while adding multifunctional switches to the previously unadorned tiller. Furthermore, the High grade gained a revised instrument cluster and switched to black leather-and-Alcantara upholstery (the standard model’s cloth was upgraded too).
The final update came in August 2018, when Toyota SA Motors implemented a nomenclature change – renaming the model “GT86” in line with several other markets – and rationalised the range to just a single derivative (culling the automatic in the process).
On the performance front, the revised coupe wore larger Brembo performance brakes, as well as Sachs performance dampers, while visual updates included a black finish for the rear spoiler, side-mirror caps and 17-inch alloy wheels. A revised touchscreen infotainment system with satnav (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) was added and an optional “Bright Blue” paint finish was made available.
What are the advantages of a Toyota 86 or GT86?
Tremendous fun at modest speeds: Whereas many modern sportscars need to be driven at excessive speed for drivers to unlock any palpable feelings of performance, the Toyota 86’s sheer “grin factor” was accessible at far more realistic road speeds. In short, it was engaging without being overly intimidating to pilot. Intriguingly, this little coupe was developed to ride on the same low-rolling-resistance tyres as the Prius EV of the era, allowing the communicative chassis to be exploited at fairly modest velocities.
We did, however, notice the model’s standard version was launched in South Africa on Yokohama rubber, while the High derivatives shipped standard on Michelin tyres. Still, with a relatively low kerb weight of 1 239 kg, a rock-bottom centre of gravity and a 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution, the 86 was a nimble handler regardless of its footwear. A delightfully quick 13:1 steering ratio, clever limited-slip differential and wonderfully mechanical-feeling 6-speed manual gearbox were further dynamic boons.
Free-revving boxer engine: Toyota’s contribution to the Subaru-sourced 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder horizontally opposed (also known as “boxer”) engine (which Subaru called the “FA20” and Toyota dubbed the “4U-GSE”) was largely limited to the D-4S direct fuel-injection technology. But it was a pleasingly free-revving unit, with the peak power output of 147 kW arriving at a lofty 7 000 rpm (just 400 revolutions short of the redline). Furthermore, it was capable of returning surprisingly agreeable fuel-economy figures, with Toyota claiming 7.8 L/100 km for the manual and 7.1 L/100 km for the auto.
Appropriately, the bore diameter and stroke length of each cylinder measured exactly 86 mm, a figure matched by each chrome-tipped exhaust opening. Keep in mind, however, that changing the spark plugs and replacing the in-tank fuel filter (both forming part of a major service, the first of which is scheduled at 90 000 km) are highly labour-intensive (and thus pricey jobs) due to tricky access. In addition, this naturally aspirated flat-4 motor – or rather its delivery of power – was perhaps the most controversial element of the original 86. But we’ll delve into that shortly.
Sportscar proportions: Low-slung with wide haunches and an array of sleek lines, the Toyota 86 wore classic sportscar proportions that usually came with a higher price tag. While some of the design elements were perhaps a little fussy (those faux vents on the fenders, for instance), others like the centre channel sunk into the pagoda-style roof were wonderful little details. Of course, the ZN6-generation coupe’s sultry shape had a negative impact on practicality, particularly when it came to rear legroom. Yes, those rear seats were simply for show.
What are the disadvantages of a Toyota 86 or GT86?
Most hot hatches trounce it from 0-100 kph: Right, back to that engine. There’s no getting away from the fact that the 86 wasn’t the quickest in a straight line. In fact, Toyota SA Motors seemingly made a point of excluding 0-100 kph times from the 86’s specification sheets, though the manual was thought to complete the sprint in 7.6 sec, with the tardier auto taking somewhere in the region of 8.2 sec.
That left this lithe sportscar susceptible to any number of turbocharged front-wheel-drive hot hatches, which could easily outgun the 86 in traffic-light duels. The modest peak torque figure of 205 Nm was on tap only from 6 400 to 6 600 rpm, while a considerable “torque dip” appeared at about 4 000 rpm. This lack of low-down grunt meant the 86’s performance suffered even more in the thinner air upcountry.
In response, several owners turned to forced induction. For example, local tuner RGMotorsport offered a bolt-on supercharger kit. In conjunction with items such as a 63 mm stainless-steel decat exhaust and a Unichip Uni-Q+ piggyback engine management system, it pushed peak outputs to 220 kW and 315 Nm.
Valve spring recall (early models): Some early examples of the Toyota 86 – specifically units manufactured between 10 April 2012 and 16 May 2013 – were recalled due to the possibility of valve-spring failure under high loads. This could result in the engine stalling while driving (with an inability to restart thereafter), which was – obviously – quite a safety risk. This model was also recalled for a potentially faulty electric power steering system, as well as possible fuel-pump failure.
Finding a stock example isn’t easy: We certainly wouldn’t be surprised if there are more modified ZN6-generation Toyota 86s on South African roads than stock-standard examples. In a way, Toyota must have known it was effectively supplying a blank canvas for enthusiasts, though grumbles about lacklustre power delivery likely served to further grow demand for aftermarket accessories.
Other potential 86 problems we came across during our research included reports of oil leaks (usually from failed seals or gaskets), condensation issues with the taillamps, and creaks and rattles from various interior plastics. Also, keep in mind early versions of the 86 had a decidedly basic infotainment system.
How much is a used Toyota 86 or GT86 in SA?
Initially, the Toyota 86 shipped standard with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan (the latter with intervals of 15 000 km). However, in 2018, Toyota SA Motors revised the terms of its standard service plans, switching from the “number of years” parameter to “number of services” instead. At that point, the 86 thus moved to a 4-service/60 000 km arrangement.
The Japanese firm’s local subsidiary offered a range of factory-backed accessories for its entry-level sportscar, from a TRD-inspired front spoiler to chunky side skirts and (functional) rear diffuser. However, identifying these parts as genuine when shopping on the used market today might prove a little tricky.
At the time of writing, there were just 15 examples of the ZN6-generation Toyota 86 listed on Cars.co.za. Fascinatingly, as many as 13 of those were from the opening 3 model years, while one was registered in 2015 and the remaining unit in 2020. That meant there were no examples from 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019 listed. We found just one automatic derivative on offer, while mileages ranged from 38 000 km to 151 000 km, both on 2013 manual models.
- Below R200 000: There was just a single listing below this point in the form of a 2012 base manual derivative on the market for R189 900. Tread particularly carefully here; make sure to comb through the service history! If it seems too good to be true, simply walk away.
- From R200 000 to R250 000: We found 4 units listed between these pricing bookends, all base versions from the initial 3 years of registration. These were higher-mileage examples (3 showing more than 130 000 km), with one featuring an aftermarket exhaust system and another riding on non-OEM wheels.
- From R250 000 to R300 000: As many as 6 of the listings were nestled in this pricing space, with all but one showing under 100 000 km (and all again from the earliest 3 model years). A couple positioned towards the top end of this bracket were furthermore fitted with superchargers.
- R300 000 and up: The final 4 examples were priced above R300 000, with the highest mileage being 85 000 km. This was where we found the sole automatic on offer, along with the only GT86 (a 2020 unit listed for R399 899). However, the priciest 86 we discovered was a 2013 example, fitted with a supercharger, lowering springs, TRD body parts and uprated brakes, priced at R399 999.
Which Toyota 86/GT86 derivative should I buy?
Without any trace of hesitation, we’d recommend opting for a manual-equipped example over one fitted with the torque-converter automatic transmission. Though a boon in traffic, the self-shifting ‘box simply didn’t complement the 86’s dynamic talents nearly as well as the wonderfully direct stick shift.
What other advice can we give you? Well, though your budget will ultimately dictate just how old an 86 you purchase, we’d favour the later model years, which benefited from various minor improvements, both under the skin and in the cabin. In addition, despite the fact options are limited, we’d steer away from modified examples.
Finally, here’s our obligatory warning about buying a 2nd-hand performance model: bear in mind that sportscars such as the Toyota 86 tend to be driven enthusiastically (hard) regularly, which makes evidence of fastidious maintenance all the more important.
Is the Toyota 86/GT86 a smart used buy?
When the Toyota 86 arrived on the scene in 2012, the NC-generation Mazda MX-5 was still on the market, with the ND version of the little roadster following in 2015 (though neither was a hardtop coupe). Indeed, the 86’s only truly direct rival was the Subaru BRZ, but very few of those came into Mzansi.
Of course, during the 86’s local lifecycle, buyers nevertheless had a few naturally aspirated rear-wheel-drive alternatives, such as the V6-powered Nissan 370Z and V8-powered Ford Mustang (the latter further offered in blown 4-pot guise). Those keen on turbo power also had the options of the original F22-gen BMW 2 Series (in this case, the 220i) and the MX-5-based Abarth 124 Spider, not to mention a vast array of front-wheel-drive B- and C-segment hot hatches.
But Toyota’s 2+2 coupe was – at the outset, at least – easily the most affordable of the rear-driven sportscars and, arguably, one of the purest. Sure, your neighbour’s hot hatch was quicker to 100 kph, but it couldn’t compete with the lightweight 86 when it came to balance, agility and on-the-limit adjustability.
In an age of forced induction, all-wheel drive and increasingly lofty peak power/torque figures, the Japanese firm took a refreshing back-to-basics approach to developing a sportscar. If you’re looking for a road-legal dragster, the Toyota 86 quite simply isn’t for you. But if you appreciate a car with accessible performance, plus notable driver engagement and dynamic ability, well, we certainly wouldn’t stop you.
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