USED Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ - The common problems and should you buy one?? | ReDriven used car review. 

My daughter has one of these and I love driving it! More so than my Stinger. Its much more fun driving a slow car fast, than a fast car slow. Throw in some twisties, and its in a world of its own.

How’s the tech? “It is shit!” Don’t hold back AK. Love our Aussie way of expressing displeasure.

Owner here: I'm on my second, the first was written off in a nasty motorway accident (rear ended while stationary on an off-ramp at speed) and I'm sure the safety of it either saved my life or at the very least serious injury. This review is pretty bang on actually, about the only thing it doesn't mention is that the panels are relatively thin so you're forever finding tiny dings in it from supermarket car parks, and that almost across the board the things that are great about it Toyota did, the things which are meh, Subaru did. The drop down glass when you open the doors gets squeaky, the early pre-facelift cars WILL shit their clutch throw-off bearing, but if the owner wasn't a cock they'd have had that fixed when it had they had the valve spring recall done. I also get approx 9ltrs/100km after 45,000km with commuting and the occasional spirited session. I genuinely don't get why people criticise them for being slow - anyone who does simply doesn't get what the car is for - if fun driving equals drag races from traffic lights, firstly WTF and secondly, the car isn't for you. Like at all. If you're into spirited driving in the hills, you're going to need a very, very serious car or driver to put the legs on one of these. It maintains speed and agility in the way that all the best low powered but highly rated cars do (DC2R, 106 Rallye, Clio Williams, base Elise) and if you're prepared to work with it, it just keeps giving. The engine is shit, but it doesn't matter because you're having far to much fun driving. I'd seriously echo the comment about decent mods only. So many of these are bought by fucking idiots who stick dumb, stupid stuff on them and ruin the car completely. For coilovers Ohlins or KW are the way to go, otherwise leave it alone as the stock suspension is great. It can use brake upgrades if you drive hard, either the 4/2 pot or 6/4pot OEM brakes or something decent like AP, Stoptech or Endless. A lot of the other brake kits I've tried change the balance front to rear of the car and subtly ruin it. Genuinely though for most people stock is fine and if you wanna step it up, uprated pads and fluid and you're sorted. For track, get an oil cooler and do those brake upgrades and go have fun. Oh and google for the 'pedal dance' trick to switch all the aids of fully on track (even when you press the buttons they're still hiding in the background) so you don't get really random pad wear on the brakes. Both of mine have been silly cheap to run. Over the 7yrs of ownership, standard servicing, the recalls and tires, that's it. The OEM wiper blades are a bit shit, fit PIAA silicone and be happy. I can't think of anything else for the price that blends cheap running costs, relatively new, reliable and so much fun. Basically you're probably not going to get me out of mine til I can afford to buy and run a 911.

Toyota built the GT86 to be fun, not fast. If you want fast then get a hellcat. If you want something you're going to enjoy evertime you get it, then get a GT86

As a owner of a 2017, if you want a quick little car that hugs curves and drifts on demand. This is the car for you. It's perfect the way it's delivered, mods are just a ++

7.5 years owner here...great review guys! Engine wise, I've done the normal mods that 80% of the owners do (HKS catted header, AVO coated overpipe, HKS front pipe, stock mid pipe and TRD muffler) and with an ECUTEK tune I have managed to transform the car! Minimal torque dip now and increase in torque and power, ranging to arnd 10%. The increase in torque has decreased fuel consumption, where I can get arnd 7 lt/100km in motorways at speeds of 120-130 km. This means that this little car is also great and economical for daily... Normal services only, no any engine damages and I am happy to say that after 120,000 km engine oil consumption is practically non existent! No any transmission issues, no any fuel pump issues so far, no any spark plugs issues (known problems for early models - 2012-2014). Chapter Handling: Handling is synonymous to 86!! Even by factory!! As far as I am concerned, I have used all the goodies TRD offers on this platform for chassis (front strut tower bar, member brace, door stabilisers) and have combined them with tein flex As (very popular in Europe) and I can say that handling is phenomenal. Of course the amazing steering (I do not know whether any other car of this price range exists with such steering) contributes strongly on this!! The nose is literally stuck on the road (you need to try hard to understeer). A nice puzzle to solve with this platform is the size of the wheels and tires. Depending on what you want, powerslide or sticking on the road, do not forget that this is an under power engine, therefore be wise on your choices. Speaking for myself, I decided to follow Keiichy Thuchiya example, with 18x8.5 wheel and 235/40/18 tire. The 40 profile on 235 tire gives an extra comfort, which is most welcome with the coilover use. Of course this means that powerslide can mostly be accomplished with weight distribution... As far as the inside is concerned, you need to make many compromises. Plastics do show their age. cricking noises are everywhere and every day you notice one new...they are not that disturbing, but they are there. After all, come on, lets be true...its japanese sports car...not luxury car, nor, lets say, AUDI 😁😁 . The solution is so simple though...just raise the music volume 😁😁. Due to this quality issues of the plastics, it is strongly suggested to keep the car away from the sun as much as practically possible (a garage is almost a "must"). Ceramic protection is also strongly suggested, because, as already someone mentioned, the paint film must be quite thin, leading to stone chips signs on the front bumper very easily. This is very irritating to look at...really!!! To finalize, I am really happy with my small, sports car. I love it, its my stress release toy and I intend to keep it for many more years to come! To those out there who want to have one, unless your only concern is to drag race at traffic lights on straight lines, go get it!! Follow carefully the instructions for used 86s mentioned on this video and you will be fine! It will pay you back in triple, with many many smiles on your face!! Cheers from Greece!

I’m a proud owner of a BRZ and I gotta say, it’s the sports car that you wouldn’t mind getting gapped by a civic in.

Best reviewer I've ever seen in my life. He does an amazing job at covering the must-checks on preowned cars and also expressing the true experience of driving an 86. Undoubtedly deserves more subs.

Sold mine a couple years ago as the kids outgrew the back seats (5 and 3 years old). Now looking at getting another for the dreadful highway drives for work, and some weekend fun! Hands down my favourite platform.

I love this channel and the work you put in to researching every car you review. On holidays in SA in 2015 my wife and I hired a red 86. Unfortunately an auto. Basically a new car with minimal kms. Yes the engine was underwhelming but the drive was fantastic. The ride particularly was better than my 2011 Golf GTi at the time. Whilst SA has some great roads it conversely has very crazy roads at the time. The 86 just at up every road surface we came across The 86 is an honest no frills sport machine perfect for the Sunday drive.

The point of reference by excellence for absolutely all types of vehicles that I have tried to buy and every time the videos have all the pieces of information I'm looking for. Keep up the good work, and let's get these guys to 100k before 2023 for their fantastic work. Hats off to ya'll 🧡

Why is this the best edited, written, voiced, and presented group of videos I've ever seen? How am I just finding this channel now? (F-RS owner since it was new in 2012 6 Speed Raven Black)

I love driving my stock manual BRZ. It's just pure bliss getting behind that thing. The small nitpicks aren't too much of a problem for me when you get to that low speed fun in a racing style package. Great video i think it nails all the pro's and con's without being biased

Thank you 🙏 for the Toyota 86 video, I asked for it 2-3 weeks ago y’all came alive now. All love from 🇿🇦SA

I think at this point, those that love the platform and know what it's about will continue to love it. And those that hate it for not having a slew of impossible requirements will always feel that way. It's been a fantastic car for me and I appreciate the small tweaks Subaru & Toyota have done to the cars over the years.

Greetings from the Republic of Ireland. love the video, keep up the good work.

This video was AMAZING, I think you just convinced me to get one!

I love this channel, as this is really a unique one. Most car channels review new cars, but there are lots of people who wants to find out review about the old or not so new cars and I bet this is only channel of its kind in Australia. Keep up the good job guys 👌

My TS is on the way and I am so excited!!! Moving on from my old RX8.

Some minor issues on my old one: wheel nuts getting stuck in the studs and needing to be drilled out, condensation and oxidation of the headlights too. Paint was super thin and prone to chips. However, overall reliability is solid, and they won’t leave you stranded or broke. Importantly, if you can appreciate what these cars are all about, they’re a lot of fun too

wow what a gem of a channel. this is absolutely perfect for someone like me trying to get into the car scene and understanding what to look for and how to buy one. i really hope you guys blow up, fantastic content!

I’ve owned a 2020 86 for a bout 6 months and ive had the most fun driving this car. And I may or may not go sideways often 🤪

Had mine since late 2012. I still loved driving to this very day. So easy to control and let the tires get loose.

“it’s not so big that it will make you look like a complete dickhead.” I spit out my coffee, that was funny, and truer words were never spoken.

Awesome vid, I've been contemplating on on 86 for a while and it's great to see a breakdown on it and just makes me want one more and more. I was hoping to go interstate and pick one up but with the used car market inflation and lockdowns right now I'm going to have to wait just that bit longer

Great quality content guys, you deserve far more subs. Amazing humour, very well structured video, covers everything you need to know. Keep it up!

Great work with the review! Good car. lol at the bloopers at the end ;-)

Had mine a 2016 model for 7 months and love it ,changed the manifold and cat back exhaust and remapped it and that has improved mid range , increased BHP and torque also fitted gear shift springs so gear change is alot better . It's a fun car to drive and with a few mods side skirts and front splitter it stands out from other everyday cars

I love that you have the bloopers at the end. Great work

This channel is such a find wow. keep up the great work guys

Got to love a NA rear drive sports car - kudos that this exists and can’t wait for the new one ☝️

So I've got a red 2014 stock and even me at 6f2, I'm addicted to this car. Continuously finding myself driving to the furthest shop when I need to go buy groceries. :) One cool thing I only found out last year, the headrest can be removed and then turned around to make space for your helmet when enjoying track days.

Love how authentic and Aussie this vid is with the slight comedy hahaha great video and helps when looking for a 86 or BRZ great vid

Great channel, really liking your vids

I love my 2014 GTS! Had her since demo. Such a fun car. I enjoy upgrading her year after year. New stereo, new coil overs, new tyres, new filters, new battery, new interior suede, new front and rear lights all blend together to keep the old girl feeling fresh. Exhaust and headers next. Won’t be parting with my 86 for a long time yet, if ever. A modern day classic.

Congratus on 100K, guys!

Original owner of a 2013 Scion FRS. Still drive it to this day and its in pretty good shape with only 44k miles. Been pretty reliable and I drive it year round even in the Alaskan winters. I love this car.

You've gained a new fan.... came across this video at the right time, I want to get this car... I love the look of it and the fact that it is from Subaru and Toyota makes it better for me, it's like meeting a beautiful girl from a good family

8:30 simply lovely commentary cheers!!

Exactly the video I was looking for. Perfect because I’m in Aus as well. Subbed.

This will be my next car !! Subbed

Great videos guys, criminally under rated channel

Excellent video and great Aussie humour. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Good one, keep it up! Been waiting for this video for a while actually 🤣

keep up the good work "mate" love the content

Good video guys keep up the good work. Also just a thought but it'd be interesting to see what mass production cars broke the mold in some way (e.g. first with a particular feature or first of its category)

Brilliantly honest review , love the video and interesting stains in interesting places , what a way to say it lol

I love mine, the handling is phenomenal. I enjoy driving this over a scat pack just because this car really makes me feel in control

I swear! This is the exact video I need! I’m looking at a 2014 86 this weekend!

Yet another brilliant video! I kind of low key wish You would do a ReDriven "tour" of a Mighty Car Mods car right before they mod it.

Nice work, love the content and by the looks of this review we share the same home town.

I love my car. 2015 BRZ... owned it for 4 years already. I have modified it to make it more enjoyable sensibly. When I first looked at my car, I fell in love with it. It was so dirty, and rough, but it was calling for me to own it. I am going to have a second hand PSR UEL header installed with a street tune very soon. My BRZ's handling is awesome. Every movement you make, you feel you are king. King of roundabouts.... I can fly through roundabouts and curves if I want to. There is no fear of losing control.

Good video... As they always are.. I am looking at one of these to replace my Gen 6 Toyota Celica when it finally dies... Here in the UK, the speed limit is only 70 MPH (112 KM/H) on motorways... We have very overcrowded slow roads here in the UK. This car would be more than OK for our rubbish roads here in the UK.

Bloopers at the end made me sub 😅👊🏻 hilarious stuff!

awesome review thank you :D subscribed

Im from Mexico and freaked out big time when he said he was feom Australia. I was ready to end it all until he said dont freak out which calmed me down, this bloke is good

I was able to get one for much cheaper then the listed price do to finding some flaws on the car thanks to this video and with the extra money saved was able to fix said problems. Again Thank You.

Subbed 😂, love the format and the humour 👏🏿

Love the bloopers at the end😂😂

By far the best car review video I have ever seen! Cunny funt, had me laughing the whole way while being informative af 😂

As an owner, the entertainment line had me in stitches 😂. As soon as I purchased mine, it was straight back onto Google to look for a decent Kenwood 😂😂

Love the look of the older 86, which is why i bought one. First car with a screen, so the tech is way more than I'm used to (Bluetooth works fine so far) although the less tech the better for me (All the airbags make me nervous, coming from an '89 CRX that had none) I don't even want cruise control. First car with a 6 speed, push button start, heated seats, fancy.

amazing video!!

Hey, really love watching your Channel, it's very informative and fun to watch, Really wish you can do one on the Nissan Pathfinder. Cheers, keep up the great work.

You're such a bloody good reviewer mate. Well done.

I have a 86 limited and i love how it looks, its so asthetic and the wing is just perfect😅 it looks better than 90% of cars on the road, especially here in South Africa 😮

You forgot it has hillstart assist as a safety feature also on the manuals, which can help a lot of drivers.

I’ve had my 2013 BRZ since July of 2012. 106,000 miles…living in 4 states, elevations from sea level in San Diego to 7,000ft in the southwest…snow, torrential rain in the PNW…Californian commutes and countless mountain runs. 6 sets of tires, J1 Recall at 90,000 miles, 1 water pump, 4 plugs…fluids changed religiously and she runs amazing! Shops and techs talk about how nice of a car she is every time! Just upgraded to Bilstein B6 suspension and StopTech brakes…and a handful of suspension bracing, gutted rear half interior, weighs in at 2650lbs. I wouldn’t trade or give her up for anything. Only thing, the stereo/navigation has sucked since day 2. 😂

They’re ok in standard form but a few well chosen mods make a big difference. UL headers, TRD lowering springs TRD strut brace kit TRD centre armrest…you get the idea, but well worth the effort.

The little tray under the AC controls is for the key fob - if your fob runs out of juice, you put it there and it should allow you to start the car.

I picked up a 2015 brz limited with 13000 mi on it for my daughter. It's a great car. It handles, sounds great and she loves the 6 speed manual transmission. I hear people complain about it but for the money its hard to beat. Pure drivers car!!

I'm looking at a 2015 GT 86. My first car was an Australian delivered AE86 Sprinter. So I know what 86s are about. Will be interesting to see how it goes with my Commodore 6spd manual SV6 that I've modded the suspension and brakes on quite a bit. That handles pretty decent for a hefty big car now.

I personally never had any respect for these cars at all coming from a long term highly modified subaru forester and wrx sti backround. The day it all changed for me was when a mate of mine bought an 86 and i drove him in my STI to go pick it up, we went for a hills run and we swapped keys for a bit having my first drive in an 86. It absolutely blew my mind how much fun the car was to drive and knew id have to buy one 😅 I found a neglected BRZ Ts Edition so it came with all the goodies as standard, like brembo brakes, heated seats, a good headunit etc & i was able to pick her up cheap at the time and cleaned her up, did a couple modifications to take her out ready for track days and Hillclimbs. Ive now had mine for 3 years now and absolutely love it, after the first 12 months i decided it was time to really sink some money into it and fix the lack luster motor with the major torque dip issue & the last 2 years shes been running the SME G25 Turbo Kit with alot of other supporting mods + on e85 putting out 250kw at the wheels and its transformed the car into an absolute animal on the road and track. There is now very few cars out there that are faster in a straight line or around a corner. Mind you i drive like a grandma for the most part and the best part about Turbo over the always running supercharged options is that im only using 12L/100kms If you guys ever want to review a turbo charged BRZ for the channel youre very welcome to message me here or Instagram @stibrz.aus Thanks for making such a great in depth and very Australian take on the twins 👌

I think if you’re buying the 86 for speed, you’re buying it for the wrong reason. They designed it to be a fun car to drive, not to beat track times. Give it 10 years I think people will start wanting these again 😂

Loved the outtakes at the end, hilarious. Definitely keep doing them in future videos!

For the 0,06% wondering: The iPhone 12 Mini fits perfectly in the phone part of the cup holder. 🤟

This is what also came free of charge with my 50k mile 2017 GT86 - Creaking noise pressing clutch in (lubed the pivot point. Solved) - Water getting into the boot (repaired seam sealer behind the lights, cleaned the seal, replaced rear light gasket on the left. Solved) - Assuming a previous owner fitted an exhaust because some exhaust gaskets were missing from the OEM that was fitted when I bought it (gasket. Solved) - Battery was toast assuming because the car had sat unsold for so long (you don’t see many in the UK). Completely agree the infotainment is poor. I listen to the engine instead but will fit something with CarPlay soon. FIRST though I’m having quality headers (HKS) fitted with a tune, for the sound as much as (hopefully) improving the torque dip. Plus some track day mods of oil pickup and sump baffle because I want to use the car properly, service properly, and enjoy it. Don’t get an 86 if you need a transport solution, get one because you enjoy driving and live with the impracticality. Parts are cheap and working on the car is easy.

At 24, I finally saved up and got the 2020 BRZ tS auto. RIP bank account (Woohoo, was totally worth it!)

I test drove one ,w when they first came out it was lot of fun they are great!!

Owner here. I just put some minor mods like Wider tires, KW Coilovers, replaced the headers and went to full exhaust and ECU tune.. and boom! Really fun to drive. Will def keep my GT86. :)

The car the internet loves to hate. Owned my 2013 86 GTS since new, about to sell. The car is brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Light, RWD, beautifully balanced, cheap to run, room for suitcases/spare wheels/golf clubs and unbelievable fun on the right road. Going to miss it but yeah, the head unit is atrocious and I don't bother trying to connect to bluetooth anymore.

Your reviews are amazing and the best part is watching it is like a good movie. Its funny and interesting and you leave after watching it saying ive learned smething new and the acting was great

This channel is being slept on. Deserves way more subscribers and views

I have a '17 model and love it everyday

Great presentation of this video. Reviewer knows how to speak really well

Owned a 2017 GT manual since new, 110k kms, kept full stock except for aftermarket brake pads. Not one thing replaced apart from consumables. Yes even the original clutch is working as new and i've burnt it a couple times reversing on very very steep ramps. Low cost of servicing. Interior does fall apart from heat expansion but what do you expect from a budget interior. Minimal electronics which means minimal things that go wrong. Rear brake pads replaced at 100k kms, still using original front pads but starting to squeal a bit. Getting good tyres is essential for enjoyment

I still think this design looks so much better than the new one. Especially the STI versions from Subaru.

I own a 2020 gt86 and I’ve loved it since day one. She drives good and I have no issue that she’s not fast. She’s more for looks. I’ve modified not too much but more in the future I’ll be getting a widebody kit.

I have a 2016 Scion FR-S. Its my first car ever, so i never had any of over inflated expectations many of the platform haters had, and I must say, it is an absolute dream to drive. Around windy roads and corners you can practically go any speed you desire, especially after some wider wheels and better tires (Ive got on 18x9.5x38mm with nitto nt555 g2's). The lack of power is noticeable and, while it would be nice to have more, the car honestly doesn't need the extra power if your using it as a daily! The car is a great combo of reliability and great fuel consumption and feeling amazing to drive in.

Owner of an 86 since 2013, the only thing negative thing I have to say is that I wish the OEM seats had more back/lumbar support or were more comfortable in general (maybe I'm just getting old) other than that Its a blast, I've used it for long and short trips, moving, I've managed to fit a 50" TV in the trunk with the box and everything, surprisingly spacious with the rear seats down or removed. Small car but big enough to have adult fun(both people in passenger seat works best) I've also survived multiple accidents, very well built and reliable. Plus there's a crazy big aftermarket for it.

Have a GT86 from 2013. Stuck a turbo 1 year ago..totally transforms the car. Anyways as a stock standard car it is very reliable and not expensive to maintain. Cheers and keep up the awesome content

Absolute doddle to drive quickly and so forgiving on the limit. My son, 11, and experienced on karts, has manged to drift my mate's 86 on wet grass with TCS etc disabled. It's tiring as a daily driver in traffic but for its intended purpose it is absolutely smashing. My two favorite aspects are the direct, cart like steering and the front wheel bulges which allows fronts to be accurately placed.

My girlfriend has a 2015 Scion frs passed down from her mom, it’s been in 2 accidents, and has 200k+ miles on it rn, everything is running perfectly fine. They’ve kept up with maintenance and only issue was the clutch bearing.

Iam not from Australia, but we drive on the left side. The video still works

I'd love to buy one!

Loved mine for 5 years, sold it a week ago and the resale is better than I expected 😊 looking forward to seeing the replacement. Never had any issues with it rattling or squeaks worst part about it was that every other car now Drives like SHIT 😂

Thanks for the detailed rundown on these. Trying to persuade the wife to part with her 2.0 petrol Focus, in favour of one of these. Not easy, given that we have twin 6 year-olds, and it's unlikely we'll all fit in an 86 together. I think a double-cab 4x4 ute and an 86 would tick all the motoring boxes for a budget two car garage!

Funny how well Toyota make cars like this. I had a MK3 MR2 and it wasn't that fast, didn't sound great, but literally just made me laugh when I drove it - so much fun!!!

I recognise Newcastle when I see it I think you've convinced me

Love the brutal Aussie honesty!