Is the 2020 86 reliable?
Yes. The 2020 Toyota 86 is generally reliable for a sport-focused coupe, benefiting from Toyota’s reliability heritage and a straightforward drivetrain.
The 86 is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive two-seat sports car co-developed with Subaru, pairing a 2.0-liter flat-four with a manual or automatic transmission. Its reliability largely stems from simple, well-understood components and Toyota’s reputation for durable mainstream models. This article reviews reliability based on owner feedback, professional reviews, and official data up to 2024–2025, and provides practical guidance for current or prospective owners.
Reliability fundamentals of the 2020 86
Drivetrain simplicity
The 2020 86 uses a compact, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine designed for longevity, with a relatively simple intake and exhaust layout. Both the manual and automatic transmissions are built around well-known Toyota/Subaru engineering, which generally translates to predictable maintenance and fewer surprising failures for a compact sports car.
Maintenance and service expectations
Routine maintenance—oil changes, fluid checks, brake servicing, and tire care—drives long-term reliability more than anything. Toyota’s dealer network and widespread knowledge of the platform help keep maintenance costs reasonable and service intervals straightforward for owners.
What owners and reviewers say
General verdict
Across owner surveys and expert reviews, the 2020 86 is often cited as a dependable choice within the sports-car segment. It tends to deliver consistent performance and relatively low maintenance surprises when kept on a regular service schedule. While it isn’t the most refined or technologically advanced car in its class, its reliability footprint aligns with Toyota’s broader reputation for durability.
Common ownership notes
Most reliability concerns reported by owners relate to typical wear items and driving style rather than systemic mechanical failures. High-rev driving, track use, or aggressive street driving can accelerate wear on brakes, tires, and suspension components, but these are common among sports cars and manageable with proper care.
Maintenance and ownership costs
Understanding ongoing maintenance helps gauge long-term reliability and ownership costs. The following factors influence how reliably the 2020 86 will perform over time.
Reliability-boosting maintenance considerations
- Follow a regular maintenance schedule (oil changes, filter changes, brake fluid, coolant). Consistent servicing helps prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
- Expect higher tire wear due to sport-oriented tires and a light chassis; budget for periodic tire replacements and alignment checks.
- Avoid aggressive clutch use in manual-transmission examples to extend clutch life; consider separate clutch replacement costs if the vehicle is driven aggressively or used for frequent launching.
- Inspect suspension bushings, ball joints, and wheel hubs as the car ages; sport-tuned components can wear faster than non-sport counterparts.
- Keep an eye on recalls and service campaigns; verify that open recalls have been completed by a reputable dealer and review the vehicle’s service history.
These maintenance considerations typically translate to reasonable ownership costs for a Toyota-backed sport coupe, provided the car has been well cared for and not abused on track days. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is especially important for older or high-mileage examples.
How it compares to peers
Compared with close rivals like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Subaru BRZ, the 2020 86 generally offers similar reliability levels—strong overall reliability with occasional wear-item costs that come with a small, performance-focused sports car. The Miata is often praised for its refinement and long-running reliability, while the BRZ shares the same core platform and reliability profile as the 86. Ownership costs tend to be similar, with differences mainly in insurance, fuel economy, and individual vehicle history.
For buyers prioritizing reliability, the 86’s Toyota badge, straightforward maintenance, and robust service networks are positive indicators, but as with any used sports car, condition and maintenance history matter most.
Summary
The 2020 Toyota 86 is a dependable choice for enthusiasts who want a fun, capable rear-wheel-drive coupe without chronic reliability concerns. Its strength lies in a durable, simple powertrain and sensible maintenance demands, aided by Toyota’s reliability track record. Prospective buyers should focus on maintenance history, ensure recalls are addressed, and budget for routine wear items like tires, brakes, and suspension components. Overall, with proper care, the 2020 86 tends to deliver consistent reliability as a sports-focused daily driver.
