Toyota GR86 II (ZN8) (2021 – 2025)

Reliability score : 8.0/10

The Toyota GR86 (Generation II - ZN8), co-developed with Subaru (BRZ ZD8), succeeds the famous GT86. Designed by the Gazoo Racing division, it retains its predecessor's magic recipe (RWD, naturally aspirated Boxer engine, very low center of gravity, contained weight) while correcting its main flaw: the lack of mid-range torque. Thanks to the switch from a 2.0L to a 2.4L block, the famous "torque dip" (acceleration lag) has disappeared. It is one of the last pure, affordable, and analog sports cars on the market. In Europe, its career is meteoric: Toyota announced at launch that the model would only be sold for two years, as the platform is not compatible with the new European GSR2 (General Safety Regulation 2) safety standards, which become mandatory in mid-2024.

✅ Strengths

Exceptional chassis, perfect balance, and very low center of gravity
Precise and communicative steering
2.4L engine full at all revs (end of the GT86's torque dip)
6-speed manual gearbox with short and precise throws
Unbeatable price/pleasure ratio (excluding European ecological penalty)
Limited-slip differential (Torsen) as standard

⚠️ Weaknesses

Factory RTV (silicone) sealant issue threatening reliability on track
Exorbitant ecological penalty in France (often higher than the price of a new car)
Very light sound insulation (significant road noise on the highway)
Rear seats purely symbolic (for emergencies or luggage)
Basic infotainment system and mediocre audio quality
Slow automatic gearbox (6-speed auto) and poorly suited to the car's character

🎯 Verdict

The Toyota GR86 is a future collector's item and one of the best sports cars of its decade. It offers pure driving sensations, which have become extremely rare at this price point. However, the RTV (silicone) sealant issue in the oil pan is a real sword of Damocles for track day enthusiasts. Buying advice: If you buy a GR86 for road use (even spirited driving), the risk of oil starvation is almost nil. If you plan to use it on the track, immediately budget for removing the oil pan to clean the oil pickup, and install an oil cooler. Absolutely prioritize the manual gearbox. In France, buying used is the only viable solution to bypass the confiscatory ecological penalty on new cars.

Common issues

Excès de joint RTV dans le carter d'huile pouvant obstruer la crépine d'huile High

🔧 Dès les premiers milliers de kilomètres, surtout en usage piste.

💶 Préventif (inspection/nettoyage) : 300 – 800 €. Réparation moteur suite à panne : 5 000 – 10 000 € ou plus.

Vérifier l'historique, envisager une inspection préventive du carter d'huile pour usage intensif.

Bruit de cliquetis/cognement au démarrage à froid (Cold Start Knock) Low

🔧 Dès les premiers kilomètres.

💶 Généralement aucun coût, considéré comme une caractéristique du moteur Boxer à injection directe.

Surveiller, mais souvent normal pour ce type de moteur. S'assurer d'une bonne huile.

Boîte de vitesses manuelle dure ou difficile à engager (surtout 1ère/2ème) à froid Low

🔧 Dès les premiers kilomètres.

💶 Vidange de l'huile de boîte avec un fluide de qualité supérieure : 100 – 300 €.

Laisser chauffer la transmission, utiliser une huile de boîte de vitesses de haute qualité.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£100 – 180
Clutch	£850 – 1 500
Complete brakes	£300 – 600
Estimated annual budget	£650 – 1 200

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.