7 Reasons Why the Toyota 86 is a Reliable Sports Car

When it comes to buying a sports car reliability often tops the list of concerns For car enthusiasts looking for a fun and budget-friendly coupe the Toyota 86 has been a popular choice since its launch But how reliable is it really? Let’s dive deep into the world of the Toyota 86 and see what makes this car tick and where it might stall

Overview of Toyota 86 Reliability

• The Toyota 86 also known as the Subaru BRZ and previously Scion FR-S is a lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports car
• Known for its nimble handling precise steering and balanced driving dynamics
• Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a naturally aspirated Boxer layout developed in collaboration with Subaru
• Aimed at enthusiasts looking for an affordable sporty ride with a manual transmission option

1. Engine Performance and Durability

• The heart of the car lies in its 2.0-liter Boxer engine offering 205 horsepower in manual and 200 hp in automatic
• Reliable power delivery with minimal turbo lag thanks to its naturally aspirated design
• The Boxer engine is known for being robust though it can be sensitive to maintenance especially oil levels
• Common issues include valve spring recalls and minor oil consumption but overall the engine is built to last with proper care

2. Toyota’s Reputation for Reliability

• Toyota’s legendary reliability carries over into the 86 despite its Subaru engine
• The Toyota 86 benefits from Toyota’s rigorous quality control standards ensuring long-lasting performance
• Routine maintenance is straightforward without the complexity of turbochargers or high-strung performance parts found in rival sports cars
• Fun fact: Even with its sporty edge the 86 maintains a solid reliability record rivaling more expensive sports cars

3. Build Quality and Craftsmanship

• The Toyota 86 has a well-built chassis designed for lightweight agility and safety
• High-quality materials inside and out ensure durability without feeling cheap
• Potential drawbacks: Interior plastics can feel a bit “budget-friendly” but they hold up well under daily use
• Unlike many sports cars the 86 is praised for its minimal rattles and squeaks even after years on the road

4. Affordability of Maintenance and Repairs

• One of the biggest pros is the affordable maintenance cost compared to other sports cars in its class
• Routine services like oil changes brake pads and spark plugs are budget-friendly
• Many parts are shared with other Toyota models making replacements easy to find and reasonably priced
• Alex Collantes the owner of Avenue Motors says “The Toyota 86 is one of those rare sports cars that doesn’t break the bank when it’s time to visit the mechanic It’s fun without the premium price tag”

5. Resale Value: Does it Hold Up?

• High resale value thanks to Toyota’s reputation and the car’s appeal to young enthusiasts
• The 86 maintains better value compared to many competitors which lose value faster due to costly maintenance and complex engines
• Tip for buyers: Keeping the car well-maintained and avoiding major modifications can help retain value over time

6. Driving Experience and Everyday Usability

• Balanced performance with rear-wheel drive and a 50/50 weight distribution makes for a great daily driver
• The ride is firm but not punishing making it suitable for both spirited driving and daily commutes
• Drawback: Space is limited The back seats are more for decoration than practicality and the trunk won’t fit your Costco haul
• Humor alert: If you’re over six feet tall getting in and out of the 86 might feel like yoga practice

7. Fuel Economy: A Sports Car That Won’t Drain Your Wallet

• The Toyota 86 offers decent fuel economy for a sports car averaging around 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway
• Pro tip: Stick shift enthusiasts get a slightly better deal with fuel economy and more engagement
• Compared to turbocharged rivals the 86’s naturally aspirated engine is easier on fuel without sacrificing too much fun

Common Issues and How to Address Them

Valve Spring Recall

• In 2018 Toyota issued a recall for faulty valve springs that could cause the engine to stall
• The fix was covered under warranty so check with Toyota if the car has had this addressed

Oil Consumption

• Some owners report higher oil consumption but regular checks and maintenance usually mitigate this issue
• Ensure the oil level is consistently monitored especially for spirited drivers

Interior Wear and Tear

• Expect some wear on the seats and steering wheel especially if you drive with enthusiasm
• Consider aftermarket upgrades if you’re planning to keep the car long-term

FAQs: Toyota 86 Reliability

1. Is the Toyota 86 reliable for daily driving?

• Yes the Toyota 86 is generally reliable for daily driving with routine maintenance and care

2. Does the Toyota 86 have high maintenance costs?

• No maintenance costs are reasonable compared to other sports cars in its class

3. How does the Toyota 86 compare to other Toyota models in terms of reliability?

• It’s comparable though slightly more performance-oriented than mainstream Toyotas

4. What are common problems with the Toyota 86?

• Common issues include valve spring recalls and minor oil consumption

5. Is the Toyota 86 expensive to insure?

• Insurance is generally higher due to its sports car classification but not exorbitant

6. How long can a Toyota 86 last?

• With proper maintenance the 86 can easily reach over 150 000 miles

7. Are Toyota 86 parts expensive?

• Most parts are reasonably priced with many shared across Toyota’s lineup

8. Is the Toyota 86 good on gas?

• Yes it offers decent fuel economy for a sports car

9. Does the Toyota 86 hold its value?

• It holds its value well compared to other sports cars

10. What’s the best year for the Toyota 86?

• 2017 and newer models are generally considered the best as they received minor updates

11. Can the Toyota 86 handle snow and ice?

• Not great in snow consider winter tires or avoid snowy roads

12. Is the Toyota 86 fun to drive?

• Absolutely it’s one of the most engaging cars in its price range

13. Is there a turbo version of the Toyota 86?

• No it’s naturally aspirated but aftermarket turbo kits are available

14. How’s the ride quality of the Toyota 86?

• It’s sporty and firm but not overly harsh

15. Should I buy a Toyota 86 used or new?

• Both are great options used models offer great value if they’ve been well-maintained

For those looking to get a better idea of whether is toyota 86 reliable check out this comprehensive guide from Avenue Motors here

So the Toyota 86 packs a punch when it comes to reliability handling and fun driving without sacrificing your wallet at every turn Keep an eye on those oil levels watch out for wear and tear and enjoy the road ahead because the 86 is here for a good time and a long time