Toyota GT86
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a proper sports car that won’t break the bank? The Toyota GT86 might be exactly what you need. This rear-wheel-drive coupe brings back the joy of driving with its pure, unfiltered approach to performance. It’s built for enthusiasts who value handling precision and driving engagement over straight-line speed. The GT86 stands out in a world of increasingly sanitised sports cars by offering genuine thrills at sensible speeds.

From the outside, the GT86 looks the part with its low-slung profile and aggressive stance. Unlike family-focused rivals, this is a car designed purely for driving pleasure. Step inside and you’ll find a driver-focused cockpit with supportive seats and intuitive controls. Everything feels purposeful and connected. The build quality is solid, reflecting Toyota’s reputation for reliability, while the interior design keeps distractions to a minimum.

The GT86 delivers on its promise of engaging driving. It’s not about crushing acceleration figures or eye-watering top speeds. Instead, it’s about perfect balance, communicative steering, and a chassis that encourages spirited driving. The rear-wheel-drive layout means you can feel exactly what the car is doing beneath you. While it may not have the outright power of some rivals, the GT86 offers something increasingly rare: a sports car that’s genuinely fun to drive every day without needing a racetrack to enjoy it.

How Does the Toyota GT86 Drive?

The Toyota GT86 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre flat-four engine producing 200 horsepower. While that might not sound explosive, it’s perfectly matched to the car’s lightweight chassis. The 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds feels quicker than the numbers suggest because the engine delivers its power smoothly and predictably. This sports coupe rewards commitment and skill over raw power. The manual gearbox is a joy to use, with short throws and precise engagement that make every gear change satisfying.

Where the GT86 truly excels is in its handling dynamics. The steering is beautifully weighted and full of feedback, telling you exactly what the front wheels are doing. The chassis balance is exceptional, allowing you to explore the car’s limits safely and progressively. The suspension setup strikes an ideal compromise between comfort and control. On twisty roads, the GT86 comes alive with its neutral handling and predictable breakaway characteristics. It’s a car that builds your confidence as a driver while delivering genuine thrills at legal speeds.

Inside the Toyota GT86: Comfort & Features

The GT86’s cabin is clearly focused on the driver, with a low seating position that immediately makes you feel part of the car. The dashboard is cleanly designed with well-positioned controls that fall easily to hand. Material quality is good without being luxurious, featuring robust plastics and well-built switchgear. The sports seats provide excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable enough for longer journeys. Rear seats are present but best reserved for children or very occasional adult passengers.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration, and a decent sound system. The driving position is superb, offering excellent visibility and a natural connection between driver and machine. Road noise is well controlled at cruising speeds, though the engine note becomes more prominent under acceleration. Climate control works effectively, and the simple layout means you can adjust settings without taking your eyes off the road for long periods.

The Toyota GT86 succeeds brilliantly as a pure driver’s car that doesn’t forget about everyday usability. It proves that modern sports cars can still offer genuine engagement and feedback without requiring massive power figures. The handling is exceptional, the build quality solid, and the driving experience consistently rewarding. Every journey becomes more engaging thanks to the communicative chassis and responsive controls.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Toyota GT86 Expensive to Run?

The GT86 offers reasonable running costs for a sports car, though fuel economy reflects its performance focus. Real-world fuel consumption typically achieves around 30-35 mpg with mixed driving, rising to the low 40s on steady motorway runs. Insurance groups are moderate for the performance level, making it accessible to younger drivers. The Toyota badge brings reliability benefits, with the GT86 sharing many components with other Toyota models.

Purchase prices have remained strong due to the car’s cult following and limited production numbers. This makes it a solid investment compared to rapidly depreciating alternatives. Servicing costs are reasonable thanks to Toyota’s extensive dealer network and parts availability. The simple, naturally aspirated engine avoids the complexity and potential issues of turbocharged rivals. With car finance options readily available, the GT86 becomes accessible to enthusiasts who appreciate its pure driving experience and strong resale values.

Toyota GT86 Practicality & Boot Space

For a sports car, the GT86 offers decent everyday usability. The 237-litre boot can handle a weekly shop or weekend luggage for two people. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo capacity for longer items like sports equipment. Interior storage is adequate with door pockets, cupholders, and a reasonable glovebox. The low ride height means some care is needed over speed bumps and steep driveways, but ground clearance is generally sufficient for normal use.

The GT86 works well as a daily driver for singles or couples without regular rear passenger needs. Fuel costs are manageable for a sports car, and the reliable Toyota mechanicals mean you can depend on it for regular commuting. Compared to other used Toyota cars, the GT86 offers unique character while maintaining the brand’s reputation for dependability. Its compact dimensions make city parking straightforward, while the excellent visibility aids manoeuvring in tight spaces.

The Toyota GT86 stands out as a rare example of a modern sports car that prioritises driving pleasure over impressive specification sheets. It combines exceptional handling dynamics with daily usability and Toyota’s renowned reliability. The rear-wheel-drive layout and perfectly balanced chassis create an engaging driving experience that few rivals can match. While it may not win traffic light grands prix, it excels where it matters most: making every drive memorable.

You choose the GT86 because you understand that great sports cars are about more than just power figures. It’s perfectly suited for enthusiasts who want to enjoy spirited driving on public roads while maintaining practicality for everyday use. The strong residual values and cult following make it a smart purchase for those seeking cars under £10,000 in the used market. The GT86 proves that pure driving pleasure never goes out of style.