Is the GR 86 reliable?

The Toyota GR 86 is a reliable sports car that has earned a reputation for its dependability and performance. According to reviews and owner feedback, the GR 86 is a well-built and durable vehicle that can provide years of enjoyable driving.

Reliability of the Toyota GR 86

The Toyota GR 86 is based on the same platform as the Subaru BRZ, and both models have demonstrated a high level of reliability. The GR 86 is powered by a 2.4-liter flat-four engine that has been proven to be durable and long-lasting. The car's simple and straightforward design, combined with Toyota's reputation for quality, contributes to its overall reliability.

Owners of the GR 86 have reported few major issues with the vehicle, and many have praised its dependability. The car's maintenance requirements are also relatively low, with routine oil changes and inspections being the primary maintenance tasks. This makes the GR 86 an attractive option for those who want a reliable sports car that is easy to maintain.

Longevity and Resale Value

In addition to its reliability, the Toyota GR 86 is also known for its longevity and strong resale value. The car's simple design and durable components mean that it can often be driven for many years without major issues. This, combined with the car's popularity and desirability, has resulted in the GR 86 maintaining a high resale value compared to other sports cars in its class.

Overall, the Toyota GR 86 is a reliable and dependable sports car that can provide years of enjoyable driving. Its simple design, durable components, and Toyota's reputation for quality make it a great choice for those who want a reliable and long-lasting sports car.

Is the Toyota GT86 reliable?

The Toyota GT86 is considered a reliable sports car, especially with regular maintenance, but it does have some common issues to be aware of. Owners should be prepared for high oil consumption, which requires frequent checks and top-offs, and potential oil leaks. Other potential problems include clutch wear, power steering issues, and, especially with hard use like track driving, potential engine issues. 
Common issues and maintenance

• High oil consumption: The engine naturally uses oil, so you will need to check and top it up frequently. 
• Oil leaks: Leaks can occur, most commonly from the camshaft blanking plate (a gasket fix) or the cam chain cover (a more involved job). 
• Engine problems: Be wary of engine knocking, which can indicate bearing damage due to low oil. Hard driving without proper maintenance can accelerate wear. 
• Clutch: The original clutch may wear out faster than expected. 
• Power steering: Some models have experienced power steering system failure, which can often be fixed with a new wiring harness. 
• Maintenance is crucial: Regular oil changes and servicing are vital, especially if the car is used for performance driving like track days. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the Toyota 86's reliability and common issues: 57smotoringfanYouTube · Mar 6, 2025
What to do before buying

• Check the service history: Make sure the car has been regularly serviced, as this is key to its reliability. 
• Consider a pre-purchase inspection: Have a mechanic check the vehicle for any potential issues before you buy it. 
• Be cautious with hard-driven cars: A car that has been frequently tracked may require more intensive maintenance and could be more prone to problems. 
• Upgrade the clutch: A performance clutch is a worthwhile upgrade to consider, as the OEM clutch may not be as durable. 

Is GR86 high maintenance?

A Toyota GR86 will cost about $4,804 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular coupe models by $2,515. There is also a 12.98% chance that a GR86 will require a major repair during that time. This is 5.44% better than similar vehicles in this segment.

How long does GR86 last?

A Toyota GR86's lifespan is generally estimated at 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more, with longevity heavily dependent on proper maintenance, especially oil changes and preventative care. Factors that can influence its lifespan include the known factory RTV silicone buildup in the oil pan, potential oil starvation during hard track use, and the specific maintenance practices followed by the owner. 
This video provides a long-term owner review of the GR86: 42sDaniiVisionYouTube · Sep 16, 2022
Factors affecting lifespan

• Maintenance is key: Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, is crucial for a long lifespan. 
• RTV silicone concerns: Some GR86 engines may have excess RTV silicone from the factory, which can potentially clog the oil pickup tube and cause oil starvation, particularly with track use. This is a known issue within the community, and some owners address it by having the oil pan cleaned and installing a baffle plate. 
• Hard driving: While the car is a sports coupe designed for performance, hard track driving without proper thermal management (like oil cooling) can increase wear and risk engine failure. 
• Reliability: Overall, the GR86 is considered a reliable car, especially for its class, with low maintenance costs compared to the average coupe. 

Tips for extending lifespan

• Perform preventative maintenance: Adhere to the service schedule for things like spark plugs (e.g., at 60k miles) and transmission/differential fluids. 
• Monitor and maintain oil levels: Check oil levels frequently and top up as needed. 
• Warm up the engine: Drive the car for 20–25 minutes to ensure the engine reaches its operating temperature. 
• Address potential issues: Consider having the oil pan checked for excess RTV, especially if you plan to track the car. 

Is the Toyota GR86 reliable?

As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and styling to be its strongest features and performance to be its weakest. 7 out of 10 of owners (70% of them) rank the 2024 GR86 five out of five stars.