Toyota GR86 II (ZN8) (2021 – 2025)

Reliability score : 7.5/10

The Toyota GR86 (Generation II - ZN8) succeeds the GT86. Co-developed with Subaru (which offers its twin, the BRZ ZD8), it retains the original recipe: 2+2 coupe, rear-wheel drive, naturally aspirated boxer engine at the front, and ultra-low center of gravity. The major novelty lies in its engine, which increases from 2.0L to 2.4L, thus eliminating the famous 'torque dip' at mid-range of the previous generation. Torsional rigidity has been increased by 50%. In Europe, its career is being cut short (end of sales planned for 2024/2025) due to new GSR2 (General Safety Regulation 2) safety standards and anti-pollution regulations, which already makes it a future collector's item. Overall Note: One of the last pure and affordable sports coupes, offering exceptional driving pleasure.

✅ Strengths

⚠️ Weaknesses

🎯 Verdict

The Toyota GR86 is a masterpiece of dynamism and one of the best affordable sports cars of the decade. However, its reliability record is marred by the infamous RTV gasket issue in the oil pan, which has caused several highly publicized engine failures during track use. Verdict: It is a highly recommended passion purchase, but one that requires an informed owner. If you plan to do track days, it is imperative to drop the oil pan to clean the oil pickup tube, switch to a more viscous oil (5W-40), and install an oil cooler. For exclusive road use, the risk of oil starvation is almost nil, but strict monitoring of the oil level remains essential.

Common issues

Problème de joint RTV dans le carter d'huile (moteur FA24D) High
🔧 10 000 – 40 000 km
💶 500 – 1 000 € (nettoyage/inspection), 8 000 – 15 000 € (remplacement moteur si dommages)
Vérifier l'historique du véhicule, envisager une inspection préventive du carter.
Risque de déjaugeage d'huile en usage piste/intensif High
🔧 Dès les premières utilisations intensives (piste)
💶 8 000 – 15 000 € (remplacement moteur si dommages)
Pour usage piste, envisager des modifications du carter ou un baffle plate. Surveiller la pression d'huile.
Glitchs du système d'infodivertissement Low
🔧 Dès l'achat
💶 0 – 150 € (mise à jour logicielle, hors garantie)
Tester toutes les fonctions lors de l'essai, s'assurer des mises à jour logicielles.
Peinture fragile / Éclats de pierre Low
🔧 Dès les premiers milliers de kilomètres
💶 50 – 200 € (retouches), 500 – 2 000 € (protection PPF)
Envisager une protection PPF pour les zones exposées si l'esthétique est primordiale.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change £90 – 160
Timing chain £650 – 1 200 (si remplacement nécessaire)
Clutch £850 – 1 500
Complete brakes £300 – 600
Estimated annual budget £650 – 1 300

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