Do GR86s hold value?
The GR86 generally preserves value better than many entry-level sport cars, thanks to enthusiastic buyers, Toyota’s reliability, and a compelling performance-to-price ratio. But like any non-luxury sports car, it still depreciates with time, mileage, and model introductions.
Question at a glance: what affects GR86 resale value
The GR86 sits in a sweet spot for buyers who want rear-wheel drive fun without breaking the bank. Several factors influence how well a GR86 will hold its value on the used market, from core engineering to market dynamics and ownership history.
Market fundamentals shaping GR86 resale
The following factors typically determine how strong resale is for GR86 models across 2022–2025. The list highlights what tends to help value and why buyers remain interested.
- Enthusiast demand and a manual transmission option, which remain highly valued by many sport‑scar buyers and collectors.
- Toyota’s reputation for reliability and predictable ownership costs, which reduces total cost of ownership over time.
- Competitive price point in the used-car market, making GR86s attractive compared with newer, more expensive sports cars.
- Limited production runs and a clear niche within the Toyota/Subaru performance ecosystem can support stronger resale floors.
- Availability of a fresh model year or a generational refresh can shift values, but a well-maintained GR86 tends to remain competitive.
In practice, these drivers have helped GR86s retain value relative to many peers in the affordable sport segment, particularly when the car remains largely stock and well documented.
Value risks and headwinds for GR86 resale
The following considerations can dampen resale prices or complicate a sale, especially for high-mileage or heavily modified examples.
- High mileage or signs of heavy wear can erode value faster than for mainstream coupes.
- Any accident history or structural damage typically suppresses resale potential and requires candid disclosure.
- Extensive aftermarket modifications can deter some buyers who want a near-stock baseline and documented maintenance records.
- New model introductions or refreshes (from Toyota, Subaru, or competing brands) can create price pressure on older GR86s.
- Regional demand shifts, color trends, and local supply of similar cars can influence how quickly a GR86 sells and at what price.
Taken together, these factors mean a well-kept GR86 with low miles and stock parts will generally hold value better than many rivals, while neglected examples or those with heavy customization may see sharper depreciation.
Practical tips to protect GR86 value
Owners and prospective sellers can follow these guidelines to maintain resale potential and minimize depreciation.
- Keep thorough service records, receipts, and a clean maintenance history to reassure buyers about upkeep.
- Preserve stock parts where possible (wheels, exhaust, suspension, electronics) and document any changes for potential buyers.
- Protect the exterior and interior: regular washing, waxing, and timely paint/trim care; address dents or scratches promptly.
- Avoid excessive mileage growth; plan ownership to keep annual miles reasonable relative to age.
- Choose color and trim combinations with broad appeal and avoid polarizing options when resale is a priority.
- Be transparent about any mods or previous repairs; consider reversible modifications to help future buyers.
Following these practices helps maintain a GR86’s value by appealing to a broad base of buyers who want a dependable, well-documented, and relatively stock sports car.
Used market snapshot (2024–2025)
Across 2024 into 2025, demand for GR86s remained solid among enthusiasts seeking an affordable, driver-focused coupe with a hands-on experience, especially with manual transmission. Ongoing supply constraints in some regions helped keep used prices competitive with new-car incentives, while model-year updates and the introduction of newer GR86/BRZ variants influenced local pricing dynamics. In short, well-maintained, lower-mileage GR86s continued to attract attention and, in many markets, held value better than the broader category of sub-$30k sports cars.
Summary
For buyers and sellers, the GR86 represents a compelling value proposition in the affordable sports-car segment. Resale value is helped by enthusiast demand, reliability, and a reasonable cost of ownership, especially for unmodified, low-mileage examples with full documentation. The upside is tempered by the usual depreciation that accompanies age, mileage, and new-model introductions. If you’re considering a GR86 as a daily driver or a weekend toy, maintaining it carefully and preserving its stock condition will maximize its resale potential in the years to come.
Is GR86 expensive to maintain?
$1,579. Cost of maintenance/repair in the first five years. This is less than the industry average for popular Coupe models by $1,758.
What is the #1 most depreciating car?
Cars That Hold Their Value Worst
- Jagur I-Pace: 72.2% Depreciation.
- BMW 7 Series: 67.1% Depreciation.
- Tesla Model S: 65.2% Depreciation.
- Infiniti QX80: 65.0% Depreciation.
- Maserati Ghibli: 64.7% Depreciation.
- BMW 5 Series: 64.7% Depreciation.
- Nissan Leaf: 64.1% Depreciation.
- Maserati Levante: 63.7% Depreciation.
What is the resale value of the GR86?
The Toyota GR86 has a good resale value, with a five-year projected retention of around 75% and a three-year retention of about 85%. Factors contributing to its strong resale value include its manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and status as a naturally aspirated, high-revving sports car, which is a "dying breed". To maximize resale value, it's recommended to keep the car stock, well-maintained, and with a clean history.
Factors affecting resale value
- Market demand: The GR86 is a popular sports car, and the specific combination of manual transmission, RWD, and a naturally aspirated engine is becoming rarer, which helps maintain its value.
- Depreciation: iSeeCars.com estimates the GR86 depreciates about 24.9% in five years and 14.4% in three years, which is better than the average for sports cars.
- Condition: A car's condition significantly impacts its resale value. Keeping the car in good, stock condition is crucial for maximizing returns.
How to maximize resale value
- Keep it stock: Avoid major modifications or make reversible ones that don't alter the car's performance or appearance significantly.
- Maintain it well: Perform all scheduled maintenance and keep records of all repairs and services.
- Keep it clean: A clean interior and exterior will make the car more appealing to potential buyers.
- Document everything: Keep a record of the vehicle's maintenance and any modifications made, including any original parts that were replaced.
Will the GR86 depreciate?
A 2022 Toyota GR86 has depreciated $12,761 or 38% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $20,745 and trade-in value of $19,110. The 2022 Toyota GR86 is in the 25-75% percentile for depreciation among all 2022 Coupes.
