Toyota GT86 (2012 - 2021) 2.0 (Leather) 2d Owner Review

I'd been looking at '86s for a long time before purchasing one as they were a car I really wanted to own. Overall, it's been as pleasant to drive as I expected it to (and I had lots of expectations!), and turned out to be much more comfortable and practical than I had hoped for. From a driving standpoint, the driving position is spot-on, so is the steering feel, the engine sounds good (even stock) and pulls well for 200hp once you get used to the infamous torque dip, the gearing on the manual is absolutely spot-on, the brakes hold well and the car is actually a good highway cruiser (I once drove it 600 miles after leaving work!). From a useability standpoint, the boot is actually fairly large and one can fold the back seat to accomodate larger loads, the suspension is not too crashy and even pleasant on longer drives, noise levels are kept at a reasonable level and it's actually rather fuel efficient (35mpg on a mix of longer highway trips and daily 16 miles round trip). Its only drawbacks are the rearward visibility (PDC is a must!), lack of rear leg & headroom, limited infotainement and speakers, as well as an exhaust that's perhaps a little too muted. Having tested it, the auto is surprisingly good but the taller gearing keeps it from being attractive. On paper, a hot hatch is a more sensible proposition (cheaper, often faster, more practical, a little cheaper to run, etc.), but they don't offer the same sense of occasion and driving enjoyment at any speed this car gives, and in my extremely subjective opinion mostly don't look as good. Affordable N/A RWD cars are a rare breed, and one should own and enjoy such a car if the opportunity presents itself.