The Toyota 86 (also known as the Subaru BRZ) is a modern classic – a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car that prioritizes driving enjoyment over outright power. It's become a firm favourite amongst New Zealand car enthusiasts, and for good reason. But before you jump in, here's the low-down on what to look out for from a NZ car expert.
Valve spring recall (early models). Fueling issues under high G-forces (track). Oil starvation issues under high G-forces (track, drift). Crank walk. Paint chipping.
WOF tips
Tyre wear (especially rear). Brake wear. Oil leaks (especially cam carrier). MAF sensor issues on older models. Valve spring recall (some early models).
About the Toyota 86 FA20D,FA20,4U-GSE
In New Zealand, the 86/BRZ enjoys a strong following and many are seen modified for track or drift use. Grey imports are very common, so understanding the car's history is crucial.
Heritage and Heart:
The 86/BRZ captures the spirit of classic Japanese sports cars, offering a pure and engaging driving experience. Its lightweight chassis, responsive steering, and well-balanced handling make it a joy to drive on twisty roads or at the track.
Why it Matters: Even though it wasn't a mainstream motorsport competitor for a factory team, the 86 and BRZ's soul comes from this ideology. Further, the 86 and BRZ are used in numerous amateur race series and drift competitions. It has strong competition heritage in New Zealand as an accessible sports car! It is an inspiration for the Toyota GR86.
Maintenance Matters:
While generally reliable, these cars require diligent maintenance, especially if used for spirited driving. Pay close attention to oil levels, as high G-forces can lead to oil starvation issues. Addressing known weak points proactively can prolong the life of your 86/BRZ.
Questions owners ask
What are some common issues I should look out for on a TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999, especially if I use it for track days?
The TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999 is a fun car, but some owners have reported issues, especially with track use. Keep an eye out for potential oil starvation under high G-forces, which can be a problem during track or drift events. Also, some early models were subject to a valve spring recall. Fueling issues under high G-forces have also been reported. Crank walk and paint chipping are other potential issues to be aware of.
What should I pay attention to when getting a WOF (Warrant of Fitness) for my TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999 in New Zealand?
When getting a WOF for your TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999, the inspector will likely pay close attention to tyre wear, especially on the rear tyres, as these cars are often driven hard. Brake wear and oil leaks, particularly around the cam carrier, are also common WOF failure points. MAF sensor issues can also cause problems on older models. Finally, check if your 86 was affected by the valve spring recall, as this will be checked during the WOF.
I'm planning to use my TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999 for drifting. What kind of preventative maintenance should I do?
If you're planning to drift your TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999, regular maintenance is crucial. Pay very close attention to oil levels and consider upgrading the oiling system to prevent oil starvation under high G-forces. Shorten your oil change intervals. Inspect and replace worn tyres and brake components frequently. Given the 15000km service interval, consider halving this for track use.
Where can I get brake pads for my TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999 in NZ?
CARFIX stocks 429 SKUs for the TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999, including a range of brake pads. You can find suitable brake pads for the front under the 'BRAKE PADS FRONT' category and for the rear under 'BRAKE PADS REAR'. We also stock 'DISC BRAKE ROTOR FRONT'.
Are there any common modifications done to the TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999 in New Zealand?
Yes, the TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999 is a popular platform for modifications in New Zealand, especially for track and drift use. Common modifications include suspension upgrades, brake upgrades, and engine tuning. Addressing potential oil starvation issues with an upgraded oil pan or accusump is also a popular modification for track-focused cars.
What's the service interval for a TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999?
The standard service interval for a TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999 is 15000km. However, if you frequently use your car for spirited driving or track days, you should consider shortening this interval to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
I'm buying a used TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999 in New Zealand. What should I look for?
When buying a used TOYOTA 86;GT 86 2012–2999, especially a grey import, a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with these cars is essential. Check for signs of track use or abuse, such as excessive tyre wear or brake wear. Verify if the valve spring recall was performed on early models. Look for oil leaks, particularly around the cam carrier. Given the prevalence of grey imports, carefully check the car's history.