GR86 Answers - You had questions, we have answers - Long Term #2 | Everyday Driver 

2 weeks into my new BRZ. From a recent Road & Track Article: The BRZ makes everything else on the market today feel like an overcomplicated, over-complex bloatfest.

Wow. I didn't expect the engine sound remove to sound so much better. I thought the sound deadening would result in something quieter

You guys turned a normal Q&A video into something so much more. The ending was borderline emotional. Just hanging on the drone shot made me do a quick retrospective about a lot of things. I continue to be impressed, guys.

If I could break down why I love my GR86 so much it would be this: After owning a GR86 for 3 months, everything else feels heavy, less engaged, and too expensive. Why would I pay more money for less connection.

Thanks for covering the power at altitude. I don't think everyone realizes how important of a consideration this is when you live above 5000'.

I absolutely love this car. I deliver cars for a living and I see these at the loading yard all the time. you guys got the perfect color and those wheels are beautiful. hopefully in a year or so I'll have exactly the same one.

I’ll be honest, at this time, I like the sound activator on mine. But, I’m hard of hearing and it helps me with my shifts because I can hear the RPM’s better. I may turn it off if I add a catback, but, I’m loving the car so far. I have the same exact premium model and color. Your reasons for purchasing this car are the same as mine. Every day I’m actually more excited to drive this car than my previous Porsches. That says a lot.

It takes about 5 minutes to just disconnect the noise generator on your own. You open the passenger door and pop off the side dash cover. Sound box is visible. Reach in and unplug connector. Tape connector to something so it won't rattle. Done. I don't automatically hate sound generators, but this one seemed especially artificial to me and overly loud at high rpm. Engine sound is much better without it.

This "horsepower does not equate to driving enjoyment" diatribe is spot on!

7:55 "and we need to stop equating power numbers with fun" THANK YOU! I couldn't agree more with this. People these days always associate more power for more fun but it's not the case at all. How could you ever enjoy a 800hp car with an automatic on normal roads? You're just gonna go all over the place. It's all about the status quo of saying "yeah it has a lot of hp and goes 0-60 in very few seconds". These aren't real car enthusiast. They're just posers. That's not how we should see fun in cars at all. Just this morning I had an argument with someone who was comparing the Porsche GT3 with the GT2 RS, by telling me that the "GT2 goes faster because it's turboed". I told him that why would you ever need 700hp on a lightweight car?! You'll just spin and oversteer every second. Plus it doesn't have high RPMs and it doesn't have a manual. The GT3 is naturally aspirated, so it revs up to 9000rpm, with 500hp or so, still a lot but way better and more than enough and it has a manual transmission. Just like that, the GR86 is the perfect recipe for fun. Well enough power and good torque distribution, manual transmission and RWD with a diff and perfect weight distribution. I love this car so much.

As a 1st gen car owner of one of the twins, so glad you guys are doing this!

this is such a great video because there are many drivers out there that want to own an 86 but are scared to learn and drive MT, and the host here is encouraging them to learn, specifically with this car. i feel like it gives them the push they need to get over their fear of MT, especially when toyota made it so much easier to learn with the 86

Thank you for providing such clear and logical reviews/feedback targeted towards “everyday drivers”. I’ve been flip flopping constantly between looking for a used Cayman or a brand new GR86/BRZ. Porsche resale values have gone up considerably over the past 24 months which has made me lean much harder toward a new GR86/BRZ purchase decision. I’ve been afraid that I would regret that at some point but your reviews have really helped me feel confident that I will be thrilled with this vehicle for a long time to come. I also really want a naturally aspirated power plant and a GTS Cayman is way out of my price range. Thanks for the great reviews!

I think it sounds so much better now. Why they didn't do that from the factory is crazy. At least put it in the menu like Kia/Hyundai does where you can toggle it off and on. Great info here as always. Love what you guys have done.

If I ever get an electric car, I want the sound of George Jetson's car piped in. Concerning winter tires on RWD, I've driven my BMW on Michelin Ice-X tires through snow deep enough that I can hear the snow hitting the belly pan. No issues.

Great video as always! It’s a pleasure to watch your channel you guys really know about cars, being a car and off road enthusiast myself I can appreciate it. The reviews you do are based on real use and application of the vehicle(s). Keep up it up. Cheers from Toronto, 🇨🇦

Fantastic video! I wish you guys could do more "what a car is like to live with" -like videos. So helpful! More details on cars that are demo'd besides the driving dynamics would help greatly when cross-shopping.

This reminds me of my '87 RX-7, lightweight, rwd, and with 4 Hakka's I was going up and over unpaved, snow covered gaps in VT on the way to skiing. Lightweight and good winter tires are the best combo for winter driving.

I can really appreciate the adverse driving conditions you live & drove in using the 86. Great info sharing how we can getthe best exp out of hearing the actual engine sounds

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥An outstanding real world review. You all are literally repeating what made the 86 so special in Japan and Initial D.

That big grin on Todd’s son’s face put a smile on mine. You would think after 5 kids I would be immune to their charm. Awesome on killing the fake noise and it really was quite unnecessary. Who is it really there for? Great job guys!

This car is an awesome gem that's being produced for us. When they first came out I got to drive a BRZ for a photo shoot and loved it. My nephew is looking at the 86 and test drove it for him. Still enjoyed it, these cars are really fun for the price.

In regards to hill start assist, at first i thought it was so stupid. It wasn't intrusive enough to figure out how to turn it off, and i ended up growing fond of it. Thanks guys. Keep up the good work!

After seeing a LOT of reviews for the GR 86, because I love it 🥰, I became soo sick of that speaker, and when I listen to yours with no pipped in sound I finally feel at peace ❤️😩🙌🏻

Definitely sounds better without the engine noise. Good pick on the GR86 totally agree with everything you guys said. This will be one of the last of its kind before everything is electrified.

After driving a BRZ and S2000 in the midwest since 2013, I can tell you any rwd vehicle with proper snow tires will do just fine in snow.

From someone who just started driving a manual roughly 6 - 7 months ago in a 2007 Yaris 5 speed. I really appreciate the new drivers section of this video. I think the GR86 will be my next vehicle!

Great video as always! I love the winter tire comments. I had an FR-S with 4 snow tires and drove around update NY with no problems!

Thanks for highlighting the fact that it's totally usable with 3/4 persons as long as some of the passengers aren't too tall. I'm tired of hearing "the 2 back seats aren't usable". Having the ability to carry 3/4 persons is a huge feature vs a Miata. It also enables fitting 4 wheels in the trunk, which is extremely convenient (especially if you live in a city where you switch between summer and winter tires every year)

Thank you guys so much for your reviews on this masterpiece of a car...im lookin to pick one up summer of 2023 and personally im cant wait and im so excited for this car.

you guys are giing me more reasons to get this as my first proper car, I live in Canada and you guys prove the use in the winter for this car well.

Thank you for reminding me to have the dealer turn that noise off when I get my 86 delivered. Fantastic video!

I honestly wasn’t looking at the GR86/BRZ but man after doing more research,the very good point of “more horsepower doesn’t mean more fun”, and looking at that beautiful model y’all are driving, I think I really have to consider this one now if it is available near me anytime soon

Thank you for this. I'm feeling better about my purchase, still waiting on delivery

This is great, my biggest worry was snow. I cant get enough of this car, MORE PLEASE.

Had mine for a week and I absolutely love it . I also own a 2020 STI which I love. Two totally different cars but both are perfect to me

YES! Do a Cayman vs GR86 Head-to-Head!

Wow I love those gold wheels. Compliments the obsidian blue so nicely!

Great series. I will continue to follow along and hoping to pick one of these up in a few years for sure.

Love these updates, keep it coming guys!

Good video. Regarding rev hang - interesting that Todd said the revs don't "linger" because my experience has shown otherwise. When driving around town, especially during the 1-2 shift, the tach needle will literally pause for 1-2 seconds before falling while the clutch is in. Really makes it difficult to drive smoothly unless you slow your inputs down drastically. Not an issue at all when driving flat out, though.

I’m loving this little car! I’m a Subaru guy but agree the grill on GR86 looks better and that color is great! I’m trying to convince my wife we need an ‘extra’ car (I have a Tacoma to pull a boat and haul dirt bikes otherwise I’d still be driving my WRX) and I might have a chance because she appreciates a good manual RWD coupe. :-)

I’ve got to get that speaker turned off, but was wondering if the car would be too quiet. Thanks for making that one of the first changes!

While I can get one yet, this has totally sold me on getting one. Man it looks fun!

I completely agree. Having fake engine noises is really dumb. Alas, they have to cater to the lowest common denominator 🤷🏻‍♂️ If I was in the market for a new daily sports, it would have to be the 86/BRZ. It’s a no brainer really. 👍🏻

4 winters and a limited slip differential work just fine. I used a Honda S2000 as a 4 season car in the Midwest, thanks to a second set of wheels with winter tires.

Totally agree on the natural sound. I disabled the fake sound on mine and I'm so much happier. The car actually sounds great and it is now a joy to rev out the engine

I’m at 1,500 after break-in. Got fresh Toyota care oil change complimentary, dropped in GR performance engine air filter, some decals, and installed GR shift knob for my MT. Couldn’t be happier!

It was a tough choice between a new GR86 6 speed VS an old 5th Gen Camaro Z/28 with the 7 liter. Ultimately after driving both back to back, the Camaro won me over. I know it's a more expensive car but god damn it is but the most fun on four wheels I've had since the 911 Turbo years ago.

you've now managed to make me want this even more, didn't think that was possible.

Dont forget, You'll need to review and compare the GR86 to the soon announced GR Corolla! I think i have my mind set on this with the same color! It stands out, performs at its best, and is very customizable. Would be my first. Great reviews as always. Very informative and fun.

I have a 2005 legacy NA, and it sounds similar to that car. I love it to be quiet cruising and when you trash it, it come to live... but I recently changed the transmission mount for a group N and the noise has increased (mainly casue of vibrations) and it´s so so good... even mine it´s not so sporty ahahahahh. Love your videos guys!!!

I would love the 86, but can't find one. Some dealers are driving them a couple hundred miles, calling them used and the selling them for 40k. As a MR2 Spyder owner I can attest that there is no correlation between fun-n-power. Great review.

I'm so so so glad you went GR86 over BRZ. I'll just say what everyone else is thinking: The BRZ grill is a goofy smile that just keeps getting goofier. To the point where I'm pretty sure Subaru makes its smile goofier every time they redesign so everyone will think they're not serious about this collab. Good on Toyota for taking the future of Naturally-Aspirated sportscars seriously. The GR grill is much much MUCH more aggressive and beautiful.

Really loving the new generation, I’ll build up my gen 1 because it’ll be easier on my finances. If I can snag a cheap one later in it’s R&D phase I wouldn’t mind. I also have to get a bigger car for work so can’t go from a sports car to a sports car. Thank you for the updates on the new gen.

I am 50 yrs old, tall, and live where winters are snowy. I never had the opportunity to learn to drive manual, but plan to teach myself. I just wasn’t sure what car to get. After watching this video, this car just went to the top of list. Thanks!

Thank you, so much, for talking about winter tires vs drive type. I'm in SLC, and have driven rear wheel drive sports cars with winter tires through all conditions. It felt so much more controlled than when I drove AWD cars with all-seasons.

We had a crazy snowy and cold winter in Canada this year. My brz did pretty well, with snow tires of course. There were some uncomfortable situations especially driving on snowed in or icy highway, the light weight plays against you. But being careful and having traction control on helped me drive through this winter without any problems, even though the car was definately not build for this it did fine

This is the best video I've seen yet on this car. Thank you!

Current 86 owner, had the privilege of driving a 1.8L NA MX5 for a couple of days. This recipe is going to be gone forever, even if lightweight batteries are achieved they won't be paired to an engaging manual. Glad to see you buying new to encourage this!

Ok, you guys are selling me on one of these. I hope that one day you two will come across an old school AE86👍

I’m doing my part. Just bought a Miata!

Nice work gentlemen! I like the counterpoints to the typical diatribe. Also chuckling at Paul's post-speaker shut off test - "This is all in the name of research" as throttle is mashed. LOL.

Thank you for giving advice for first time manual drivers. If more people talk about it like this, then there's more drivers willing to consider manual transmission.

i always heard using the handbrake on hills but i never tried it. FEAR taught me how to start on an uphill lol

I'm looking forward to checking one out. This could be the next car. Or, we'll see what the GR-Four brings to the table. :D

Great series. Thanks guys!

One of your better videos. Good job guys.

Just bought a miata rf, first car daily(I usually only drive to work), other than not fitting for you guys was there anything else you wouldn't want the miata for? Also kinda learning manual lol, day 1 had to had someone drive it home, day 2 went out figured it out for the most part I only stalled once and that was the beginning of figuring it out, gonna figure this out or die trying. My 2 cars were brand new 86 or 2019-new miata rf, i fit in both fairly well so that was never an issue, and as someone whos been driving a kia forte the only problem I have with the miata so far is the back up camera is pretty bad, its usable but its not great.

Is it “fake engine” noise or the actual engine noise being amplified? If it is the latter, fine by me:) I plan on ordering one in Steel

Thanks Guys! You've inspired me to hunt down one of these down to buy my first brand new car, I'm exited!

Very nice. Thanks for the video guys. And just so you know I watched all the adds, just for you. 😂💪🏽👍🏼

I went from a 2013 FRS to a 2006 Cayman S and am considering a 2022 GR86 next. I’d be very interested to see this compared to a 987. Thanks for the great content!

I suspect you have one available, but if you need a first generation Cayman for a comparison run, you are welcome to use mine. 2006 Cayman S that I picked up for a little less than the new GR86. Love the Cayman, but it would have been a little harder decision if there were more 86’s available. (Located in the Salt Lake area.)

Hey, so you and I talked Toyotas and specifically about your GR86. This morning this video was on my homepage. Glad to have found your channel would love to see the car next time I am around!

I am glad that both of you are tall. I have really been considering this car and now I know that I will fit.

Great video thanks guys, this car continues to impress. You might not need an exhaust, but every Subaru boxer should have UEL headers, that Subie rumble is too good to miss out on.

Love mine, but its in automatic. I wish it was a manual, but I couldn't find one & it just doesn't make much sense for me, living in LA. Maybe I'll get a manual a few years down the road if I find a used one for cheap.

literally been teching myself manual the past week and im planning on getting a 2024 gr86, this video i think solidifies my decision thanks guys

Love the 2nd gen and love my first gen too much to let go still. Congrats on the new 86!!

Stop convincing me to buy a new car.. I told myself I would never buy a new car.

Stop making me want to buy one of these! ...So....hard....to .....resist

I love my 2018. It's pretty much bone stock. The new gen does look like the real deal and perfect improvement. Hope ppl buy these. They're such fun and easy to live with cars.

This is what I want as my first sports car. The light blue and the golden tires match perfectly together.

Love these serie of videos!

In regards to your statement about not agreeing with people that say they can't own a RWD car due to snowy weather - you're 100% correct. I live in the Midwest, I drove a NA Miata as my only vehicle for several years, driving it through blizzards and freezing rain. Good tires and knowing how your vehicle drives will get you through the situations that the majority of drivers will encounter on a daily basis.

Bought a 2015 BRZ Limited with 13000 miles 3yrs ago. My 18yr old daughter wanted to drive a manual transmission. Its a blast to drive. Most fun Dad/Daughter car you can get. Its more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. Handles great and often i find myself going faster I should be. I'd love to try a new GR 86.

Very interesting with the engine sound being not so loud in the cabin area. Great review!!

Man you guys are so lucky to have such a nice car, enjoy!

Completely agree with your assessment about what makes a car fun

Thanks for this video. It answers all the right questions!

Started shopping for mine, love the Neptune color, Thanks for the video guys

Great video, one of my „down-to-earth-ish” dream cars!

I’m 6.3 too! It helps a lot to know this info!!

Finally thanks guys!

thank god you said something about the manual learners because realistically, this is my dream car that i want to learn manual in. it seems forgiving for new coming manual learners like me!

I moved from the mountains of Colorado 6 months ago after 20 years of high country living (8000 plus feet), you guys kind of make me miss it...kind of...

The color and the gold wheels - just perfect!

Great review. Thanks. Waiting for these to get to the UK. We won't have manual petrol only cars much longer. Ones of these could well be a keeper.

i just got mine last week, and i LOVE IT. Trueno Blue Premium Manual. ill have to take mine to the dealer to disable that speaker.