2012-2016 Toyota 86 used car review

It's well known that the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ were the fruits of a joint venture between the two Japanese car-makers and that, slight specification differences aside, they're the same cars.

But when you start shopping for a second-hand example of either, it soon becomes apparent that there are literally about five times as many Toyotas out there as Subarus. In simple terms, those odds simply increase your chances of finding the right vehicle, so for the purposes of this dissection, let's stick with the Toyota version.

The interesting thing about the 86 is that despite being a car lauded for its rear-drive, fun-to-handle properties, a lot of people who bought them new didn't stick with them too long. That's certainly not to say the car doesn't have a cult following (because it does) but it remains that many buyers got out early after the 86 proved to be less than what they'd hoped. In fairness to the car, that probably suggests they didn't do their homework before signing on the dotted line, but it also means that there are plenty of 86s out there to be had a usedies.

So what was it that made some people trade-in early?

In some cases the car was simply too low to get in and out of comfortably. Okay, the buyers probably should have picked up on that in the showroom, but such was the attraction of the car when newly released, many seem to have overlooked the fact.

Also, though it's huge fun to drive, the way the 86 delivers its performance does not exactly make for a relaxing drive each and every time. The flat-four needs to be revved to really deliver and, in stop-start traffic, that can wear pretty thin pretty quickly.

The obvious solution to that was the buy the automatic version, but that lack of low-down grunt was only magnified by the six-speed auto and, anyway, an automatic gearbox was not what the 86 was all about.

Of course, even though a few owners have opted out of their 86s a bit early, doesn't mean the market is awash with cheap cars. No, the steady stream of would-be buyers who couldn't afford to buy brand-new put paid to that, but it remains there are plenty of 86s out there to choose from now as early-build examples enter their fifth year.

Without a single doubt, the biggest risk in buying a used 86 is inadvertently buying an ex-club race-car or wannabe drift-boy's car. Summing up the previous owner is important stuff in this situation, and the same goes for the service record which should be intact and up to date in any car this new.

So how do you spot a weekend-warrior?

Check for scuffs and scrapes on the bumpers and check the tyre wear front to rear. It wouldn't be uncommon for the rear tyres to be a little more worn than the fronts, but if they're almost bald while the fronts are brand-new, you could be dealing with a would-be drift-king.

Check the wheel rims, too. A rim with duct-tape residue is not a good sign (tape is often used on competition cars to hold the balance weights in place) nor is evidence of lots of chips and scratches (often the result of a thousand visits to the tyre-changer for new rubber).

Shadows on the paint where decals have been applied are another alarm bell, as are holes drilled in the floorpan (check under the carpets) which suggest a roll-cage was once fitted. But, really, you should be able to spot a well-cared-for example versus an ex-racer just by having a close look at how the interior plastics and bodywork have held up.

The other thing that many 86 owners did was modify their cars. And, just like the ex-racer, getting nobbled with one of these can be a mistake in the long run. So check for aftermarket exhaust systems, air intakes and be super-wary of any modifications beyond those.

Suspension was often an area that came in for modification and while the 86 in standard form rides firmly enough, a set of stiffer springs and dampers can make it unbearable. A lower ride height was also popular but not especially practical, and a car with too many or extreme modifications might not be roadworthy any longer. Nor may your insurance company return your calls.

Beyond that, the big mechanical check up revolves around the engine. This was a pretty highly-strung powerplant with very high compression (and a taste for premium petrol as a result). Throw in the need to rev it hard to get it going properly, and you can see why servicing was critical.

Don't forget, either, that this is essentially a Subaru engine design (it's a flat-four like most Subarus) and typically, that means an engine that will be strong and long-lived provided the engine oil hasn't been allowed to go thick and black with time and kilometres. But if that maintenance has been ignored, these units can die prematurely.

We've heard of a few cars that have suffered poor idling or stalling problems and sometimes this can be as simple as having the ECU reflashed to cure it. Other times, however, the rough running is a result of wear in the variable-camshaft timing gubbins and these will need to be replaced in some instances. That won't be cheap, so check for smooth running, easy starting and be very wary of a check-engine light illuminating at any time other than when first starting the engine.

The 86 was also the subject of a safety recall for cars built between April 2012 and March 2015 (which is quite a few) to check the electrical assistance for the power-steering system. Crook wiring could see the electric motor fail and the car left with no power assistance. The car could still be steered, but would require much more effort form the driver.

Nuts and bolts

Engine - 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol

Transmissions - Six-speed manual/six-speed automatic

Fuel economy (combined) - 7.8 litres per 100km

Safety rating (courtesy of www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au) - 5 stars

Our rating - 4/5

Likes

• Sporty looks and compact dimensions.
• Brilliant, talkative handling.
• Designed to be driven enthusiastically.
• Cult status.

Dislikes

• Some have been modified/thrashed.
• Rear seat purely decorative.
• Automatic is version is irrelevant.
• Not so easy to live with for some.

Competitors

Ford Fiesta ST - Different philosophy (front-drive, turbo engine) but just as much fun in the final wash-up. Maybe even more fun thanks to torquier engine and hatchback practicality. Another cult contender. 4.5 stars

Hyundai Veloster Turbo - Turbocharged engine finally gave the Veloster the dash to match its flash. Interesting asymmetrical design and out-there looks hide an otherwise conventional package. 3 stars

Honda Civic Type R - The Type R franchise has earned a heap of fans over the years for its single-minded approach to performance. Last bastion of Honda's performance mojo at the time. 3.5 stars

What to pay (courtesy of Glass's Guide)

Model   Year       New      Now

GT          2012       $29,990  $14,700

GTS        2012       $35,490  $17,700

GT          2013       $29,990  $16,400

GTS        201         $35,490  $19,400

GT          2014       $29,990  $17,500

GTS        2014       $35,990  $21,600

GT          2015       $29,990  $19,000

GTS        2015       $35,990  $23,300

GT          2016       $29,990  $22,000

GTS        2016       $35,990  $26,000

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