Of course the GR86 is a great light weight affordable sports car. But does it daily? Be sure to share your thoughts and consider subscribing to Beyond the Test Drive.
I’ve been daily driving an 86 for 10 years straight. No issues with my 1st gen, and now I have a newer 2023 BRZ. These cars are the definition of raw driving.
Sweet! Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Super fun cars. Sure you are enjoying the engine torque in the latest gen. All the best and happy motoring.
Was there a oil problem with these cars? I know this gr still carries that problem, and I'm not sure if the issue is still there in 2024. I know the first year of this there was that problem that was costly
@@mikegta14 the oil starvation problem has been linked to continuous right turns while red lining the engine. The oil pan cannot pick up the oil and thus the engine burns. Also, if tracking the car, a 5 w30 oil is recommended instead of the 0w30 oil.
I ordered one about 6 months ago and it just arrived at the dealer. 2024 steel premium with all the performance upgrades. Never owned a manual. Gonna pick it up on Friday.. super excited!
Don't listen to the nay-sayers. You won't blow the tranny. Just watch a few videos about rev-matching, heel-toing and rowing then take her to an empty parking lot to practice those techniques... and until you get good at them, just coast to a stop in neutral. But once you learn the driving techniques, 6 weeks or so you'll be driving like a ¢HAMP.
Got this car as a do it all fun daily driver and it absolutely delivers. Fun everyday and I can do everyday things with it. Those backseats alone are a huge relief (looking at you, Miata)--they may not be impressive for people, but I sure can throw a bunch of stuff onto them. Love my lil guy.
Awesome! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. One of the pluses of the GR86 is that back seat. Very practical. All the best and happy motoring!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience with the FRS. Pretty sure that will live as long as you want it to. Glad you love your car! All the best and happy motoring.
I've had my GR86 for just over a year now, putting on about 10-11k (16.800 km) miles on the clock. This car just doesn't disappoint. Very comfortable heated alcantara-ish seats, great AC, Apple Carplay, cruise control... while having an incredible chassis capable of crazy cornering speeds and an actually punchy engine. Like this powertrain genuinely has mid-range power now, and above 5k RPM it completely changes personality, it feels like an old school VTEC Honda in a sense. Also bought a Milltek catback on it, although the presence of a petrol particulate filter (mandatory in every new car in the EU...) still mutes the exhaust quite a bit. Overall Subaru (and Toyota to some extent) cooked HARD with this car. Such a magnificent package for the price.
I used to own a 2020 brz w a perf pack. Have a 2022 premium (before the perf pack was available), perhaps if you track the car you’d miss the PP. since I daily mine and don’t track it, I don’t miss it. They’ve solved the couple of problems the gen 1 had (primarily the torque dip in mid range) and didn’t ruin the goodness of the car. One of my favorite cars of all that I’ve owned. Owned a 2022 civic si for a year (sold it to get the gr86) and concurrently own a 2021 Mx-5 club……like the gr86 better. Like the shifter feel better than both of those cars too (know I’m in the minority when I choose the gr86 over the Miata on the shifter). Good job on the review.
@@stms4411 great comment and thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Yea, shifter and clutch is a personal preference and I do prefer the Mazda MX-5. But you have some real street cred in owning both so I value you thoughts on that. I do thoroughly enjoy 86’s manual though. All the best and happy motoring!
I’ve had my 22BRZ for 2 years and only a Lotus Emira or C8 would get me out of this car. Blue collar Porsche as I call her. For what it is the BRZ had comfortable ride. Even with subwoofer grocery trips fit and plenty of luggage room for vacations. It’s a modern 240SX. For the 1st time I’m not looking for greener grass if anything happens I’m gonna buy another. Only those with kids or lovers of straight line speed should look at other vehicles.
Have dailied a 2023 MY base trim brz in Cleveland since 2022 november. Snow tires after temps drop to 30s, and this car is all you need for a family of one :) my only gripe has been it's surprisingly thirsty and premium is expensive
I love mine. I’ve not experienced any of the oil burning or other issues that people have claimed these have. It’s very predictable in corners and rewards you for upshifting before a right corner
I daily my 2024 GR86 and it's decent. I do not have the sachs and brembos but it isn't too bad on bumps, dips, and overall crappy roads but man once I take this thing out to the mountains or the desert? It is just pure driving joy. In other words, BTTD got it spot on with this video. To elaborate a little more on trunk space, I went with some people but I packed 1 camp chair, 3 tents (2 two ppl tents, 1 3-4 people tent, 2 lunch bags full of drinks, sleeping bags, 4 blankets, all my camping stakes and hiking gear + clothes, 5 pair of shoes, camping toilet tent + the camp toilet, and 4 pillows. Plus myself and a friend. I had to stuff it a little but damn this little car can fit a ton if you do it right. The only problem is this will not hold your large yeti cooler but that is such a small price to pay in comparison to the joy this thing brings. My Avg MPG is ~26. City MPG blows but I guess my joyrides out in the backroads helps balance it out. A thing I did for my last road trip was I plotted out all the Costco gas that I should stop at every ~250 - 300 miles. The hose goes in the right side of the car so even when it is busy af in the city I usually get to fill up pretty quick.
I've actually used my back seats in the GR86 for adults, some people don't have a problem back there. My dad was fine back there for a 3+ hour drive. I thought it was crazy I kept asking him if he was fine and he kept laughing saying he was fine.
Great video! I think the "dream" affordable sports car would have Miata's drivetrain (great engine + transmission) with BRZ tS/86's chassis tuning (and without reliability issues they both have haha). The only thing I didn't like in the 86 was the steering - it didn't provide the feedback I wanted and I mostly had to relay on visual and lateral feedback...
You nailed it. I am still planning a Miata versus GR86 vid and was going to mention a 2+2 GR86 like Miata with a targa top would an interesting play by Mazda. There would be some weight but if the GR86 has Mazda’s drive train with some extra ponies that would be the dream as you mention. I did enjoy the lightness of the GR86’s steering but the lack of any body roll and very little weighting up in the steering made it almost too easy to hit turns with very little emotion like the Miata does. As you state, aim it and then you need all visual feedback to see what’s going on. The Miata lets you know which way it’s pointing with so much feedback in the steering and seat. But they are both great overall.
After I put on lowering springs it added some steering feel. The MX5 is better but the Twins do communicate well before a slide and isn’t scary at all.
have a 23 GR86. love it. i disabled the fake engine sound day 1 and then got a catback exhaust so i could hear it, lol. The only thing i'd change stylistically would be to give it a liftback rather than a trunk, but that's literally it
Awesome! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Sure it sounds great with the new exhaust. A fast back or even a targa roof option would be really interesting.
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I can only speak for the simulation version of this car in Assetto Corsa, but the handling this car has will leave you absolutely spoiled if you have the skill to extract it's capability. The light and snappy steering, the punchy acceleration, and the eagerness of the tires to apply slip angle are addicting. Appreciate the great video!
Thanks for watching and for the nice comment! Lightness and toss-ability is a great description. Sounds like the sim is pretty accurate. Thanks again and happy motoring. 😃
I daily drive a 2022 BRZ 31 miles each way in Seattle. There are days I wonder but overall it has been great. One draw back is the passenger seat isn’t height adjustable which sucks for short passengers. I average about 28mpg at higher speed highway speeds (75-90) but have gotten 34 on long drives at lower speeds. It is a surprisingly fun road trip car. Disable the fake engine sound - I hated it.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience with your BRZ. Glad you are enjoying it. I know Toyota is not all that great at providing passenger seat height adjustment in many of their models so maybe that spread to Subaru also. Thanks again and happy motoring.
My MINI Cooper S 2 door is my one and only car. I'm single and will be staying that way. If I have someone along for the ride it will be no more than one, so I don't need a car with a backseat. Which is good because not many will fit back there. A small sporty can can be your daily driver, and the only car you need. If you need more room for a larger family there is the VW GTI, Toyota GR Corolla, and the MINI S 4-door. Albeit the GTI and MINI no longer come with a manual.
I plan on taking off my track tires and putting on all seasons to go camping with! All you really need to do to these cars is lighter wheels and michelin pilot sport 4s
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Some folks have shared their 86 camping experiences. Sorta like backpacking. Keep it light and the journey and camping is even more fun.
i don't own these cars personally, but my dad has an nd2 mx-5 (weekend toy only )and my friend recently bought a GR86 (daily driver) around 4 months back. His main complaints were the fake engine noise and the gas mileage. Driving my dad's car when he lets me I was able to get as much as 44mpg on the freeway at 55-60mph. Grandma driving I know but it's not mine so I don't thrash it. Still though, he was only getting around 30mpg MAX and that's modest driving on the highway. So definitely for a daily driver I'd assume the miata would be a lot cheaper in terms of running costs and even consumables since its so light as well as cost savings in fuel.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Yea; the Miata does well overall on MPGs but it should given its weight and HP. The 86 is surprisingly thirsty but boxer engines are not known for fuel efficiency if driven hard. It’s a few hundred pounds heavier also and does have more HPs. Thanks again and happy motoring
Canadian here! 🇨🇦 Thank you for the fantastic video! Very organic, very real. Everything you said about the GR86 is what I’ve thought about my ‘24 Premium. I’ve subscribed to your channel, please keep the great content coming.
I’m going from a Miata to Subaru BRZ because a motorcycle lost control and plowed into my left side up on my local mountain road. The biker was extremely fortunate to have walked away from the collision. The BRZ/86 platform is so much more structurally sound than the Miata, that roof makes a huge difference. I’m looking forward to my Saturday morning’s testing the limits this little sports car. I’ll be making incremental changes to suit my driving tastes as a canyon carver.
Thank you for watching and for the very nice comment. The performance package makes it ready for auto crossing and even tracking. I checked with some fellow media folks and they also think the Sachs dampers help with ride quality. So it’s a good value overall. Thanks again and happy motoring!
The fog lights are gone. Not good. I do like the trunk button. Nice car. I own a "014 BRZ Limited. It is trouble free and I really enjoy it. It isn't my daily driver as I have a NISSAN first generation Frontier 4x4 for that. Good review.
Thanks for watching! Appreciate the thoughtful comment. Great to hear about your BRZ. Sounds like a great car a perfect compliment to the Frontier. All the best and happy motoring.
This is very similar to Audi TT at a third lower price and with more reliable/less expensive Toyota service and parts. If the rear package shelf was removable, the GR86 would be almost identical with the TT, which offers AWD and FWD. Audi discontinued the TT after the third generation and shamefully stopped offering m/t after the second generation 2008 model. I am inclined to replace my 2008 3.2L Quattro M/T TT once the repair bills become too high with this one. One comment was that the GR86 turn signal did not automatically go back to neutral after the turn but had to be manually reset. Perhaps this could be clarified.
Thanks for watching. Good analogy with your TT. Definitely drive one as the 86 will have a completely different feel. Your TT may be holding its value quite well but maintenance can be expensive. Yes, the turn signal is slightly annoying when first driving it as it does not mechanically lock up or down and you have to turn it off when lane signaling sometimes causing a false signal the other way. But it’s a very tiny nit and something I got use to over the week of driving. So really nothing to consider. Thanks again for watching. Another interesting but way more expensive car is the GRCorolla. Our review of that is coming out in a couple weeks. It’s AWD and has a rally type persona akin to some of the older Audi products. All the best and happy motoring.
@@AgentJedtawesome! Yea, if we are shooting a press car we’re usually there early in the morning. Wrapped up a GRCorolla a couple weeks back so keep an eye out for that one in a couple weeks. All the best!
if you can only do 1 car, this is a good answer.. but if you can swing two cars.. it's hard to beat a miata + DD/beater.. I have an ND1 Miata and FiST.. cost me less than a new GR86 for both..I get a top down roadster with a sweet, naturally, sounding motor and a pocket rocket w/turbonium.. cake n eat it too, if you ask me lol edit: and another issue that's plagued both gens of 86 is it's unwillingness to trailbrake or rotate under braking into a corner.. the miata will do it happily.. that's a big deal for autox/track folks
Thanks for watching and for the thoughtful comment! Two cars are always better than one. 😃 We do have a Miata review in the channel now. Trail braking capabilities is interesting. Wondering if it has to do with the front rear brake bias the 86 has baked in. Thanks again all the best.
@@BeyondTheTestDrive Is the rear biased more than normal on the 86s? It's been an 'issue' (not really an issue, more of a, 'I wish it did this..') since the 1st gen came out.
I own a BRZ 2020 , love it so much! Put the brembo 4 piston set , and cup 2s and it ripps on winding roads. I wonder if they addressed the oil starvation issues , if they did I may replace it with a special adition of GR86 or BRZ of some sort.
Thanks for watching. Glad you are loving your BRZ. I am not sure about the fuel starvation, other than it only pops up in extreme track driving....maybe someone who tracks theirs can weigh in.....I do know there are modified fuel pans with baffles that can help with that type of situation.
You can’t compare a 2 seat car to a 4 seat car, I know it’s small but still I managed to go on a camping trip with 2 passengers and all our stuff. Had I gotten the miata or other 2 seaters there will be no way for 3 people to go on a camping trip.
Thanks for watching! Most shoots are in the rolling hills of central Maryland. Have to get out early for the empty roads. All the best and happy motoring.
Looking at this for my next car. This is truly a beauty. I was also looking at the 2023 Subaru wrx(vb). The subie in price may be on par or less sense the gr is newer.
Thanks for watching. Nothing wrong with the WRX. If you need AWD then that would work. More practical also but this GR86 works well and is more fun to drive. All the best and good luck!
Thanks for the comment and nice words. Your stinger is of course more practical and fairly unique with its lift back. Not sure what gas mileage you get but the GR86 is not the best either, given its weight and HP, and requires premium also. Make sure you double check with your insurance company on 86 rates also. Thanks again for watching and happy motoring.
Ouch. Sounds painful. 😂. Thanks for watching. We do have a GRCorolla review coming out soon. That might be track ready also so gird your loins. Seriously though, thanks for watching and commenting. Happy motoring.
Thanks for watching and for the question. I am not sure so maybe an owner can chime in. Tuning wise I am not sure there is much to do. With no turbo and already on premium probably a better exhaust and maybe an intake could add a couple more ponies. But it is pretty good stock. All the best and happy motoring.
I just traded my 2012 wrx hatchback in for a 2024 BRZ premium crystal pearl white. I think this car changed my life lmao. Its so fun to drive i never wanna get out and the 2024 body is amazing. tbh i think its faster and way more fun to drive. Learning everything about RWD is so fun. its night and day compared to awd. it spins tire and slides easily too, but you also feels so planted to the road.
Yes, a lightweight rear wheel drive car is a special treat. Glad you are enjoying it. I also prefer the fun of a rear wheel drive versus an all wheel drive. The AWD will really get you through the corners but with a little less drama. Thanks for watching and enjoy your BRZ!
Thanks for watching and for the nice compliment. For the rims these did have some very subtle curb rash. But not too bad. Is that what you are referring to? Good choice on the 86. You’ll have a blast. Thanks again!
No way you're getting any feeling on the clutch. The clutch is one of the worst things about the car, as there's almost zero feel on it. It's a well known fact in the community. That's why ppl change the clutch spring to the mtech spring.
@@suoutamaki14 thanks for watching and weighing in. Does that spring change help with where engagement occurs in the pedal travel? I guess ‘feel’ was the wrong description as once your feel it, it’s kinda too late as it’s so close to the top of the pedal. But still fun and easy. Thanks again.
@@seanaguirre8651 thanks for watching! it was queued up for late September but for you we will move it up for the weekend of the September 14th. 😃. Will let you know when it drops!
tires matter WAY more than which wheels are driving.. Pretty sure your folks had 0 issues getting around in the 60s without awd or even proper tires lmao...
Thanks for watching. That 335i is a nice ride. The 86 will give you a different experience so definitely get one out on a test drive. Thanks again and happy motoring.
I hate how ppl will say "this is a dailyable car" to almost any car. Buddy, this is rear wheel drive 2 door with basically unuseable back seats. Most of these car reviewers are ppl with a separate weekend car and a "daily" weekday SUV.
Thanks for weighing in. Would be nice if we had a third weekend only car. Just a two car (Mazda3 and CX9) couple here at Beyond. There are plenty of driving enthusiasts who can only afford one car and if they don’t need to throw people in the back seat regularly this is a great one car solution for fun and the daily duties of life. Any car can be a daily driver depending on what those daily duties are. And some folks want that daily to be reasoabkg fun and enjoyable to drive.
@@BeyondTheTestDrive "Any car can be a daily driver depending on what those daily duties are". That's really stretching the term "daily", I guess even a Bugatti can be a daily depending on who that person is. The title is "do it all" sports car for "everyone". This is the most inaccurate title for a car that does very little and for very few people. It's terrible on snow, on rain, can't do much more than groceries, can only have 1 passenger. The GR86 is a good car but it is quite literally the least practical category of cars.
I don't have kids and this will be my daily when I pick it up this week. I don't need back seats. I don't haul things around. Should you drive this car daily? Obviously you could get way better mileage for the same price and lower if you buy a hybrid. So, probably not.
I've had my GR86 for a year and daily it. It's fun and comfortable. 20 years ago my brother got an Elise - great fun, but that was way too harsh to be considered a daily driver. The GR86 strikes the balance. Obviously if you need more space then there's no discussion.
@@lronSausage Yeah it's all relative. A Bugatti is still fundamentally designed to get you from A to B. If you had that kind of money, obstacles like gas just become mere inconveniences
The used car market has returned to normal and high depreciation is hitting new car purchases again. Honda and Toyota continue to keep prices high by trickling their factory output. Unfortunately new car prices will never retreat. Labor agreements and continued supply chain limitations will keep prices up. Discounts can be had depending on brand and model. Ironically, used EV’s are one of the rare bargains….if EVs are your thing.
Of course the GR86 is a great light weight affordable sports car. But does it daily? Be sure to share your thoughts and consider subscribing to Beyond the Test Drive.
I’ve been daily driving an 86 for 10 years straight. No issues with my 1st gen, and now I have a newer 2023 BRZ. These cars are the definition of raw driving.
Sweet! Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Super fun cars. Sure you are enjoying the engine torque in the latest gen. All the best and happy motoring.
I had the FR-S for 10 years and loved it. Just a clutch change at 100K. But I had to get a GR86 for reasons… agreed. Absolutely love these cars.
Was there a oil problem with these cars? I know this gr still carries that problem, and I'm not sure if the issue is still there in 2024. I know the first year of this there was that problem that was costly
@@mikegta14 the oil starvation problem has been linked to continuous right turns while red lining the engine. The oil pan cannot pick up the oil and thus the engine burns. Also, if tracking the car, a 5 w30 oil is recommended instead of the 0w30 oil.
God I'm old. My first thought was "what? The 86 hasn't even been out for 10 years"
I ordered one about 6 months ago and it just arrived at the dealer. 2024 steel premium with all the performance upgrades. Never owned a manual. Gonna pick it up on Friday.. super excited!
Congratulations! Keep in touch on how you like it. Thanks for watching and happy motoring!
You'll destroy it lol. Godspeed.
@@braisedtoast9002 lolll fr he gonna blow through at least 3 transmissions
I have the same. LOVE THi$ AMAZiNG LiL CAR!
Don't listen to the nay-sayers. You won't blow the tranny. Just watch a few videos about rev-matching, heel-toing and rowing then take her to an empty parking lot to practice those techniques... and until you get good at them, just coast to a stop in neutral.
But once you learn the driving techniques, 6 weeks or so you'll be driving like a ¢HAMP.
Got this car as a do it all fun daily driver and it absolutely delivers. Fun everyday and I can do everyday things with it. Those backseats alone are a huge relief (looking at you, Miata)--they may not be impressive for people, but I sure can throw a bunch of stuff onto them. Love my lil guy.
Awesome! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. One of the pluses of the GR86 is that back seat. Very practical. All the best and happy motoring!
I own a 23 limited 6mt brz. Super funn car. Had it just over a year now and it is right up there with my previous 987 cayman.
Nice.👍. Thanks for watching and weighing in. Great to hear the thoughts on the Cayman. Enjoy the BRZ and happy motoring.
I’ve been dailying my Scion FRS RS1 for 10yrs now ,its a great car no issues just fun driving!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience with the FRS. Pretty sure that will live as long as you want it to. Glad you love your car! All the best and happy motoring.
I've had my GR86 for just over a year now, putting on about 10-11k (16.800 km) miles on the clock. This car just doesn't disappoint. Very comfortable heated alcantara-ish seats, great AC, Apple Carplay, cruise control... while having an incredible chassis capable of crazy cornering speeds and an actually punchy engine. Like this powertrain genuinely has mid-range power now, and above 5k RPM it completely changes personality, it feels like an old school VTEC Honda in a sense. Also bought a Milltek catback on it, although the presence of a petrol particulate filter (mandatory in every new car in the EU...) still mutes the exhaust quite a bit. Overall Subaru (and Toyota to some extent) cooked HARD with this car. Such a magnificent package for the price.
Thanks for watching and sharing your GR86 experience. Glad you love your car! All the best and happy motoring.
I used to own a 2020 brz w a perf pack. Have a 2022 premium (before the perf pack was available), perhaps if you track the car you’d miss the PP. since I daily mine and don’t track it, I don’t miss it.
They’ve solved the couple of problems the gen 1 had (primarily the torque dip in mid range) and didn’t ruin the goodness of the car. One of my favorite cars of all that I’ve owned.
Owned a 2022 civic si for a year (sold it to get the gr86) and concurrently own a 2021 Mx-5 club……like the gr86 better. Like the shifter feel better than both of those cars too (know I’m in the minority when I choose the gr86 over the Miata on the shifter).
Good job on the review.
@@stms4411 great comment and thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Yea, shifter and clutch is a personal preference and I do prefer the Mazda MX-5. But you have some real street cred in owning both so I value you thoughts on that. I do thoroughly enjoy 86’s manual though. All the best and happy motoring!
I’ve had my 22BRZ for 2 years and only a Lotus Emira or C8 would get me out of this car. Blue collar Porsche as I call her. For what it is the BRZ had comfortable ride. Even with subwoofer grocery trips fit and plenty of luggage room for vacations. It’s a modern 240SX.
For the 1st time I’m not looking for greener grass if anything happens I’m gonna buy another. Only those with kids or lovers of straight line speed should look at other vehicles.
Great comments. Thanks for watching and sharing your BRZ experience. Happy motoring!
Have dailied a 2023 MY base trim brz in Cleveland since 2022 november. Snow tires after temps drop to 30s, and this car is all you need for a family of one :) my only gripe has been it's surprisingly thirsty and premium is expensive
Thanks for watching and sharing your BRZ experience!
I love mine. I’ve not experienced any of the oil burning or other issues that people have claimed these have. It’s very predictable in corners and rewards you for upshifting before a right corner
Awesome. Glad you love your ride! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.
I daily my 2024 GR86 and it's decent. I do not have the sachs and brembos but it isn't too bad on bumps, dips, and overall crappy roads but man once I take this thing out to the mountains or the desert? It is just pure driving joy. In other words, BTTD got it spot on with this video. To elaborate a little more on trunk space, I went with some people but I packed 1 camp chair, 3 tents (2 two ppl tents, 1 3-4 people tent, 2 lunch bags full of drinks, sleeping bags, 4 blankets, all my camping stakes and hiking gear + clothes, 5 pair of shoes, camping toilet tent + the camp toilet, and 4 pillows. Plus myself and a friend. I had to stuff it a little but damn this little car can fit a ton if you do it right. The only problem is this will not hold your large yeti cooler but that is such a small price to pay in comparison to the joy this thing brings. My Avg MPG is ~26. City MPG blows but I guess my joyrides out in the backroads helps balance it out. A thing I did for my last road trip was I plotted out all the Costco gas that I should stop at every ~250 - 300 miles. The hose goes in the right side of the car so even when it is busy af in the city I usually get to fill up pretty quick.
Great comment! Thanks for watching and for sharing your GR86 adventures! Glad you love your ride!
I've actually used my back seats in the GR86 for adults, some people don't have a problem back there. My dad was fine back there for a 3+ hour drive. I thought it was crazy I kept asking him if he was fine and he kept laughing saying he was fine.
Thanks for watching and sharing your GR86. Your dad is a real trooper. One person can stretch out a little. All the best and happy motoring.
That was my concern also because I’m planning to buy but also I have 2 kids
The key is for the front passenger to not hog too much knee room for themselves
Great video! I think the "dream" affordable sports car would have Miata's drivetrain (great engine + transmission) with BRZ tS/86's chassis tuning (and without reliability issues they both have haha). The only thing I didn't like in the 86 was the steering - it didn't provide the feedback I wanted and I mostly had to relay on visual and lateral feedback...
You nailed it. I am still planning a Miata versus GR86 vid and was going to mention a 2+2 GR86 like Miata with a targa top would an interesting play by Mazda. There would be some weight but if the GR86 has Mazda’s drive train with some extra ponies that would be the dream as you mention. I did enjoy the lightness of the GR86’s steering but the lack of any body roll and very little weighting up in the steering made it almost too easy to hit turns with very little emotion like the Miata does. As you state, aim it and then you need all visual feedback to see what’s going on. The Miata lets you know which way it’s pointing with so much feedback in the steering and seat. But they are both great overall.
After I put on lowering springs it added some steering feel. The MX5 is better but the Twins do communicate well before a slide and isn’t scary at all.
I rely on my vestibular sense when driving mine.
have a 23 GR86. love it. i disabled the fake engine sound day 1 and then got a catback exhaust so i could hear it, lol. The only thing i'd change stylistically would be to give it a liftback rather than a trunk, but that's literally it
Awesome! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Sure it sounds great with the new exhaust. A fast back or even a targa roof option would be really interesting.
I can only speak for the simulation version of this car in Assetto Corsa, but the handling this car has will leave you absolutely spoiled if you have the skill to extract it's capability. The light and snappy steering, the punchy acceleration, and the eagerness of the tires to apply slip angle are addicting. Appreciate the great video!
Thanks for watching and for the nice comment! Lightness and toss-ability is a great description. Sounds like the sim is pretty accurate. Thanks again and happy motoring. 😃
which car mod are you using
I daily drive a 2022 BRZ 31 miles each way in Seattle. There are days I wonder but overall it has been great. One draw back is the passenger seat isn’t height adjustable which sucks for short passengers. I average about 28mpg at higher speed highway speeds (75-90) but have gotten 34 on long drives at lower speeds. It is a surprisingly fun road trip car. Disable the fake engine sound - I hated it.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience with your BRZ. Glad you are enjoying it. I know Toyota is not all that great at providing passenger seat height adjustment in many of their models so maybe that spread to Subaru also. Thanks again and happy motoring.
My MINI Cooper S 2 door is my one and only car. I'm single and will be staying that way. If I have someone along for the ride it will be no more than one, so I don't need a car with a backseat. Which is good because not many will fit back there. A small sporty can can be your daily driver, and the only car you need. If you need more room for a larger family there is the VW GTI, Toyota GR Corolla, and the MINI S 4-door. Albeit the GTI and MINI no longer come with a manual.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! That Cooper S is tons of fun. We hope to get a new gen Mini Hardtop to review soon. Happy motoring.
I plan on taking off my track tires and putting on all seasons to go camping with! All you really need to do to these cars is lighter wheels and michelin pilot sport 4s
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Some folks have shared their 86 camping experiences. Sorta like backpacking. Keep it light and the journey and camping is even more fun.
i don't own these cars personally, but my dad has an nd2 mx-5 (weekend toy only )and my friend recently bought a GR86 (daily driver) around 4 months back. His main complaints were the fake engine noise and the gas mileage. Driving my dad's car when he lets me I was able to get as much as 44mpg on the freeway at 55-60mph. Grandma driving I know but it's not mine so I don't thrash it. Still though, he was only getting around 30mpg MAX and that's modest driving on the highway. So definitely for a daily driver I'd assume the miata would be a lot cheaper in terms of running costs and even consumables since its so light as well as cost savings in fuel.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Yea; the Miata does well overall on MPGs but it should given its weight and HP. The 86 is surprisingly thirsty but boxer engines are not known for fuel efficiency if driven hard. It’s a few hundred pounds heavier also and does have more HPs. Thanks again and happy motoring
Canadian here! 🇨🇦 Thank you for the fantastic video! Very organic, very real. Everything you said about the GR86 is what I’ve thought about my ‘24 Premium. I’ve subscribed to your channel, please keep the great content coming.
Awesome! Thanks for subscribing and for the very nice comment. Always great to hear from fellow car folks up north. Thanks again and happy motoring!
I’m going from a Miata to Subaru BRZ because a motorcycle lost control and plowed into my left side up on my local mountain road. The biker was extremely fortunate to have walked away from the collision. The BRZ/86 platform is so much more structurally sound than the Miata, that roof makes a huge difference. I’m looking forward to my Saturday morning’s testing the limits this little sports car. I’ll be making incremental changes to suit my driving tastes as a canyon carver.
Sorry about your Miata. Hope your were ok. BRZ will definitely be fun! All the best and thanks for watching.
Well done review. Not enough reviews of the Perf. Pkge on this car yet so much appreciated.
Thank you for watching and for the very nice comment. The performance package makes it ready for auto crossing and even tracking. I checked with some fellow media folks and they also think the Sachs dampers help with ride quality. So it’s a good value overall. Thanks again and happy motoring!
The fog lights are gone. Not good. I do like the trunk button. Nice car. I own a "014 BRZ Limited. It is trouble free and I really enjoy it. It isn't my daily driver as I have a NISSAN first generation Frontier 4x4 for that. Good review.
Thanks for watching! Appreciate the thoughtful comment. Great to hear about your BRZ. Sounds like a great car a perfect compliment to the Frontier. All the best and happy motoring.
@@BeyondTheTestDrive Thank you.
I OWN THE “TRUENO EDITION” HACHIROKU. MY DAILY AND SOON TO BE LIFEY. I LOVE THAT CAR! 🙌🏽
NAMASTE 🙏🏽 FROM BROOKLYN.
Congrats. That’s a great edition. Thanks for watching and enjoy your GR86
@@BeyondTheTestDrive THANK YOU WILL DO! AND THANK YOU FOR THE CONTENT. 🙌🏽
This is very similar to Audi TT at a third lower price and with more reliable/less expensive Toyota service and parts. If the rear package shelf was removable, the GR86 would be almost identical with the TT, which offers AWD and FWD. Audi discontinued the TT after the third generation and shamefully stopped offering m/t after the second generation 2008 model. I am inclined to replace my 2008 3.2L Quattro M/T TT once the repair bills become too high with this one. One comment was that the GR86 turn signal did not automatically go back to neutral after the turn but had to be manually reset. Perhaps this could be clarified.
Thanks for watching. Good analogy with your TT. Definitely drive one as the 86 will have a completely different feel. Your TT may be holding its value quite well but maintenance can be expensive. Yes, the turn signal is slightly annoying when first driving it as it does not mechanically lock up or down and you have to turn it off when lane signaling sometimes causing a false signal the other way. But it’s a very tiny nit and something I got use to over the week of driving. So really nothing to consider. Thanks again for watching. Another interesting but way more expensive car is the GRCorolla. Our review of that is coming out in a couple weeks. It’s AWD and has a rally type persona akin to some of the older Audi products. All the best and happy motoring.
This reminds me of my 97 240sx. I really enjoyed this review.
Awesome. That was one of those great 90’s two doors. Thanks for watching and for the very nice comment!
Going to sound weird, but… does the video start at Krimgold park in MD? If so, I parked my GR there a couple days ago as well.
Yes it is! Great to hear from someone local. Thanks for watching! This was shot around the middle of September.
@@BeyondTheTestDrive Oh nice, I got my 86 towards the end of Sept. Ill keep an eye out for ya. A young brother is rocking the Halo 😁✌
@@AgentJedtawesome! Yea, if we are shooting a press car we’re usually there early in the morning. Wrapped up a GRCorolla a couple weeks back so keep an eye out for that one in a couple weeks. All the best!
if you can only do 1 car, this is a good answer.. but if you can swing two cars.. it's hard to beat a miata + DD/beater.. I have an ND1 Miata and FiST.. cost me less than a new GR86 for both..I get a top down roadster with a sweet, naturally, sounding motor and a pocket rocket w/turbonium.. cake n eat it too, if you ask me lol
edit: and another issue that's plagued both gens of 86 is it's unwillingness to trailbrake or rotate under braking into a corner.. the miata will do it happily.. that's a big deal for autox/track folks
Thanks for watching and for the thoughtful comment! Two cars are always better than one. 😃 We do have a Miata review in the channel now. Trail braking capabilities is interesting. Wondering if it has to do with the front rear brake bias the 86 has baked in. Thanks again all the best.
@@BeyondTheTestDrive Is the rear biased more than normal on the 86s? It's been an 'issue' (not really an issue, more of a, 'I wish it did this..') since the 1st gen came out.
Great video! Love this car!
Hey. Thanks for watching from Toyota land. Always great to hear from folks in the industry.
Dream sports car. 🙏 even owing a frs would feel like a dream lol
Always good to have something to shoot for, no matter how big or small. Thanks for watching!
@BeyondTheTestDrive right. If you don't have hope you got nothing. Thanks for sharing.
I own a BRZ 2020 , love it so much! Put the brembo 4 piston set , and cup 2s and it ripps on winding roads.
I wonder if they addressed the oil starvation issues , if they did I may replace it with a special adition of GR86 or BRZ of some sort.
Thanks for watching. Glad you are loving your BRZ. I am not sure about the fuel starvation, other than it only pops up in extreme track driving....maybe someone who tracks theirs can weigh in.....I do know there are modified fuel pans with baffles that can help with that type of situation.
You can’t compare a 2 seat car to a 4 seat car, I know it’s small but still I managed to go on a camping trip with 2 passengers and all our stuff. Had I gotten the miata or other 2 seaters there will be no way for 3 people to go on a camping trip.
Thanks for watching. Hard to compare the 86s practicality.
Nice vid and car - What state are you driving in? :)
I love those more or less empty roads, perfect for crusing.
Thanks for watching! Most shoots are in the rolling hills of central Maryland. Have to get out early for the empty roads. All the best and happy motoring.
@BeyondTheTestDrive
Thanks for the answer and sounds awesome! :) - u2 m8
Looking at this for my next car. This is truly a beauty. I was also looking at the 2023 Subaru wrx(vb). The subie in price may be on par or less sense the gr is newer.
Thanks for watching. Nothing wrong with the WRX. If you need AWD then that would work. More practical also but this GR86 works well and is more fun to drive. All the best and good luck!
reminds me of my hyundia tiburon. Miss that car
Ah the Tiburon. A cool car. Thanks for watching!
Think I’m gonna trade in my 21’ stinger gt1 for this tired of the insurance and gas lol good review man
Thanks for the comment and nice words. Your stinger is of course more practical and fairly unique with its lift back. Not sure what gas mileage you get but the GR86 is not the best either, given its weight and HP, and requires premium also. Make sure you double check with your insurance company on 86 rates also. Thanks again for watching and happy motoring.
Something stabs me in the core when I hear “track ready”
Ouch. Sounds painful. 😂. Thanks for watching. We do have a GRCorolla review coming out soon. That might be track ready also so gird your loins. Seriously though, thanks for watching and commenting. Happy motoring.
thank you for mentioning visibility
Thanks for watching! Visibility really good out the back window of the 86.
Hows the tuning on these cars
Thanks for watching and for the question. I am not sure so maybe an owner can chime in. Tuning wise I am not sure there is much to do. With no turbo and already on premium probably a better exhaust and maybe an intake could add a couple more ponies. But it is pretty good stock. All the best and happy motoring.
"stop bouncing off that limiter"
i mean, that's up to you!
Uhh yea, kinda what I was saying. Self critique. Thanks for watching.
I just traded my 2012 wrx hatchback in for a 2024 BRZ premium crystal pearl white. I think this car changed my life lmao. Its so fun to drive i never wanna get out and the 2024 body is amazing. tbh i think its faster and way more fun to drive. Learning everything about RWD is so fun. its night and day compared to awd. it spins tire and slides easily too, but you also feels so planted to the road.
Yes, a lightweight rear wheel drive car is a special treat. Glad you are enjoying it. I also prefer the fun of a rear wheel drive versus an all wheel drive. The AWD will really get you through the corners but with a little less drama. Thanks for watching and enjoy your BRZ!
Sir, why does the rim have paint missing? 🤨.
Awesome review. Looking to buy one soon.
Thanks for watching and for the nice compliment. For the rims these did have some very subtle curb rash. But not too bad. Is that what you are referring to? Good choice on the 86. You’ll have a blast. Thanks again!
No way you're getting any feeling on the clutch. The clutch is one of the worst things about the car, as there's almost zero feel on it. It's a well known fact in the community. That's why ppl change the clutch spring to the mtech spring.
@@suoutamaki14 thanks for watching and weighing in. Does that spring change help with where engagement occurs in the pedal travel? I guess ‘feel’ was the wrong description as once your feel it, it’s kinda too late as it’s so close to the top of the pedal. But still fun and easy. Thanks again.
Bellissima ! 👍
Thanks for watching!
It has heated seats but does it have ventilated seats?
Thanks for watching. Ventilated not available. I would imagine the AC can cool the small cabin down quickly.
When is the highway mpg video for this car coming out?
I mainly highway commute and average 28.3 mpg doing between 65-70 mph.
@@seanaguirre8651 thanks for watching! it was queued up for late September but for you we will move it up for the weekend of the September 14th. 😃. Will let you know when it drops!
Do all? Nah it rwd, cannot go when snow hit. And it 35$K for a compact car is a scam.
tires matter WAY more than which wheels are driving.. Pretty sure your folks had 0 issues getting around in the 60s without awd or even proper tires lmao...
I’ve been scared away by the oil starvation issues
Thinking about selling my 335i and getting one of these 🙉
Thanks for watching. That 335i is a nice ride. The 86 will give you a different experience so definitely get one out on a test drive. Thanks again and happy motoring.
How you get it to 28mpg I can’t seem to get it over 25mpg😂
Love my 2024 BRZ besides the fact that it feels clunky in the gearbox
I really like this car but the original exhaust is sad at best.
I think a lot of owners disable the pumped in sound and do an aftermarket exhaust. Thanks for watching!
When you mean premium did you mean
89 octane for a i4 cylinder 😢thats a bit expensive
Thanks for watching. 91 or higher is required.
Where's the Ash tray?
I hate how ppl will say "this is a dailyable car" to almost any car. Buddy, this is rear wheel drive 2 door with basically unuseable back seats. Most of these car reviewers are ppl with a separate weekend car and a "daily" weekday SUV.
Thanks for weighing in. Would be nice if we had a third weekend only car. Just a two car (Mazda3 and CX9) couple here at Beyond. There are plenty of driving enthusiasts who can only afford one car and if they don’t need to throw people in the back seat regularly this is a great one car solution for fun and the daily duties of life. Any car can be a daily driver depending on what those daily duties are. And some folks want that daily to be reasoabkg fun and enjoyable to drive.
@@BeyondTheTestDrive "Any car can be a daily driver depending on what those daily duties are". That's really stretching the term "daily", I guess even a Bugatti can be a daily depending on who that person is. The title is "do it all" sports car for "everyone". This is the most inaccurate title for a car that does very little and for very few people. It's terrible on snow, on rain, can't do much more than groceries, can only have 1 passenger. The GR86 is a good car but it is quite literally the least practical category of cars.
I don't have kids and this will be my daily when I pick it up this week. I don't need back seats. I don't haul things around.
Should you drive this car daily? Obviously you could get way better mileage for the same price and lower if you buy a hybrid. So, probably not.
I've had my GR86 for a year and daily it. It's fun and comfortable. 20 years ago my brother got an Elise - great fun, but that was way too harsh to be considered a daily driver. The GR86 strikes the balance. Obviously if you need more space then there's no discussion.
@@lronSausage Yeah it's all relative. A Bugatti is still fundamentally designed to get you from A to B. If you had that kind of money, obstacles like gas just become mere inconveniences
Why does this car remind me of the old Toyota Celica?
Why you want GR anyway it doesn't change horsepower or anything probably just a brimbo brake
Why wouldn’t you?
Sadly no one can fit in the back. Unlike the 230 which you can fit people in the back.
Good for track but let's be honest, if im driving around town what I really need is passing power and this car has as much of that as the moms Sienna.
And what would your solution be?
Are you in Tennessee? Or one of the Carolinas?
Those narrow, no shoulder southern roads...
Thanks for watching! Nope. Here in central Maryland no shoulders either! It’s really annoying.
Buy Mx5 gt and lease gr86!
good god you need practice at shifting a manual, this was tough to watch
Reminds me of that famous Ed Starr song, War.
“War, huh (good God)
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing, listen to me, oh”.
Thanks for watching.
lol mpg
lol and premium! f that
I hate cars' jacked-up prices from the Plannedemic.
The used car market has returned to normal and high depreciation is hitting new car purchases again. Honda and Toyota continue to keep prices high by trickling their factory output. Unfortunately new car prices will never retreat. Labor agreements and continued supply chain limitations will keep prices up. Discounts can be had depending on brand and model. Ironically, used EV’s are one of the rare bargains….if EVs are your thing.
It's not a sports car. A Miata or Boxster is a sports car (two seats + convertible).
I would love to own a gr86, but it costs $60k in my country🥲
Thanks for watching. Woa, 60k US dollars? That is quite high. Where would that be?
@@BeyondTheTestDrive In Norway. Most car prices here are insane. The new mustang dark horse costs 150k usd💀