Toyota GT86 I (ZN6) (2012 – 2021)

Reliability score : 8.2/10

The Toyota GT86 (codename ZN6), developed in partnership with Subaru (which markets its twin, the BRZ), marks Toyota's return to the segment of lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupes. A spiritual successor to the legendary Corolla AE86, it prioritizes driving pleasure, chassis balance, and an ultra-low center of gravity over pure power. Equipped with a naturally aspirated Boxer (flat) engine featuring Toyota's D-4S dual injection, it underwent a facelift (Phase 2) in late 2016 / early 2017, bringing chassis improvements, a slight engine revision, and aesthetic touches. It's a purist's car, very reliable if meticulously maintained, but requires particular attention for the very first model years.

⚠️ Weaknesses

🎯 Verdict

The Toyota GT86 is a future collector's item and one of the best modern driving schools. It is a highly recommended purchase for car enthusiasts seeking pure sensations at legal speeds. However, extreme caution is advised for 2012-2013 models: if the valve spring recall has been performed, demand proof that the oil pickup screen was subsequently checked. The ideal is to target a model produced after 2014, or better yet, a Phase 2 (2017+) which corrects early issues, improves finish, and slightly smooths out the torque dip.

Common issues

Rappel des ressorts de soupape (Valve Spring Recall) High
🔧 Véhicules produits avant 2018
💶 Gratuit si effectué sous rappel, sinon 3 000 – 6 000 € (moteur)
Vérifier l'historique du rappel et sa réalisation avant tout achat.
Bruit ou défaillance du roulement de butée d'embrayage Medium
🔧 50 000 – 120 000 km
💶 600 – 1 200 € (souvent remplacé avec l'embrayage)
Écouter les bruits de cliquetis au point mort, embrayage relâché.
Desserrage du boulon de poulie de vilebrequin High
🔧 30 000 – 80 000 km (surtout les premières années)
💶 100 – 300 € (resserrage) ; plusieurs milliers € (si moteur endommagé)
Faire vérifier et resserrer ce boulon lors des entretiens réguliers.
Problèmes de pression d'huile en usage intensif (piste) High
🔧 Variable selon l'usage piste
💶 Plusieurs milliers € (si moteur endommagé)
Pour usage piste, envisager un carter d'huile cloisonné et un radiateur d'huile.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change £70 – 130
Timing chain £1 200 – 2 500 (si remplacement nécessaire, très rare)
Clutch £750 – 1 400
Complete brakes £300 – 600
Estimated annual budget £650 – 1 200

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