What to look for when buying a used GT86/BRZ

[Paul 442]

To benefit new members, or just to use as a link when people ask the question on the Facebook page, can we use this thread as a way to list all things to check when buying a used GT86.

 

Paperwork/Visual inspections:

Important - Is the car affected by the valve spring recall:

For cars manufactured between: April 2012 and May 2013. 

(Please note: just because a car has been registered in the UK with a 14 plate registration, doesn't mean it won't be affected by the valve spring recall)

• Has the steering harness recall work been performed? - Affects all GT86/BRZs made between April 2012 to March 2015
• Check for condensation in rear lights, can be rectified under warranty - Very common fault
• Check for rusty door pillars - Common fault
• Check the battery, is it the older 48 Ah (known to have issues) or the 65 Ah replacement? - Very common fault
• Check for scratches in front window glass from the rollers - Rare fault
• Check for any oil leaking from the cam cover plate - Rare fault
• Check for delamination on the rear view mirror - Common fault
• Check that one of the keys has a metal tag on it with the code for the alarm control box
• Check the front seat bolsters for wear and tear - Common fault
• Check for rust under the front bonnet weather seal - Common fault
• Check the rear seats operate correctly, with the buttons to fold down/the latch to re-secure - Rare fault
• Does the car have a Miltek exhaust? These are known to have severe issues for the GT86/BRZ, so budget for a replacement catback or ask for the warranty documentation.
• Check the tyres are stock Michelin Primacy or better, stay away from cars with cheap "HiFly" typres, be aware that many owners upgrade to Yokohama or Eagle tyres which are better than the stock Primacys.

 

Idle/Test drive checks:

• Check for fuel pump chirp / crickets - Rare fault
• Check if the car has a remap (turn engine on, let it idle, hold cruise control stick towards you. If the needle jumps and holds at 1,2,3 or 4k revs, release and pull it towards you once again and release, if the needle jumps 1k revs, that's switching between maps, meaning the car has a remap). Useful to know if you believe you're buying a reportedly "stock" car.
• While on a test drive check for a gearbox linkage rattle at 5k RPM+. Most cars do this but some are worse than others - Rare fault
• Also while on the test drive, test 1>2>3>2 on gear changes, preferably while car is still cold. It's known to be a a bit tough when the car is cold, but if you feel like you're about to snap the gear level it could be indicative of a bigger issue - Common fault

 

With any used vehicle its recommended to run a HPI check and also check the MOT history and outstanding recalls:

MOT and Recall checker:

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/

 

What else have I missed?

(Admin please sticky if you feel it's worthwhile.)

[KevinA 695]

Battery size/condition

[Mike 458]

- Scratches in glass from the rollers
- Oil leak from the cam cover plate
- De-lamination on the rear view mirror
- Fuel pump chirp / crickets

[nerdstrike 186]

One of the keys should have a metal tag on it with the code for the alarm control box

Old Primacy HP tyres that just won't die, and are past their best

[Tareim 343]

could also include info on how to check if it's been remapped via the cruise control stick

[Paul 442]

Really useful suggestions guys, keep 'em coming.

[Lowe 191]

Gearbox linkage rattle at 5k RPM+. Most cars do this but some are way worse than others.

 

[alucardo 55]

Rear light condensation, had mine changed on warranty but could be expensive to fix replace if an earlier model out of warranty.

[Nelix 19]

Check that rear seats fold correctly and buttons function. (Believe at least one person has had a problem with broken buttons.)

[Mike 458]

Might be worth stating the probability of the issues?

Not stock but might be worth also listing to check if it's got a milltek exhaust? From what we know, full systems crack regardless of revision where as cat backs seem ok with the felxi in... except mine that split where the hangers were... but not sure on the cause of that  

[shiftspark 41]

I would add wear on front seat bolster, paint chips/damage especially on pearl white cars.

[kacpr 1]

Worth checking for this:

https://video.citnow.com/vtdFvXjHHWZ

it manifests itself whilst turning, when you straighten the steering wheel, the car would still pull towards left/right and need to adjust the wheel again. quite dangerous. also can hear that knocking noise when it happens.
also
- squeaky clutch

[Lowe 191]

Rust under the front bonnet weather seal? 

[Smilesapart 2]

On 04/01/2018 at 1:43 PM, nerdstrike said:

One of the keys should have a metal tag on it with the code for the alarm control box

Neither of my keys have a metal tag with them with the code for the alarm box!

What do you suggest I do. I have a pretty good idea that the awful AWFUL dealership I bought it from won't have it or the slightest interest in helping me.

[chelseablue 8]

On 04/08/2018 at 5:45 PM, Smilesapart said:

Neither of my keys have a metal tag with them with the code for the alarm box!

What do you suggest I do. I have a pretty good idea that the awful AWFUL dealership I bought it from won't have it or the slightest interest in helping me.

Mine didn't come with the metal tag either, didn't even know about it until I saw this thread today, only two years after buying my car😱

[scbrz 10]

this.

 

[Lauren 2259]

10 hours ago, scbrz said:

this.

 

They all do it. 

[GravelRash 62]

1 hour ago, Lauren said:

They all do it. 

Adds that little extra frisson at 3 figures. Will it hold...

[Lauren 2259]

9 hours ago, GravelRash said:

Adds that little extra frisson at 3 figures. Will it hold...

It lifts even more at 140mph, but it's fine, don't worry about it. 

[scbrz 10]

13 hours ago, Lauren said:

They all do it. 

Thats why it should be added to the list in this thread ;-) However not all do it, I checked a colleagues 86 and it doesn't do it and hes not done anything to fix.

[Mike 458]

Aren't those rubber bits there to stop the bonnet being too low? If you raise them, all you'll do is make the bonnet sit high all the time rather than at speed? 

[vagthomas 0]

On 4/1/2018 at 6:50 PM, Lowe said:

Gearbox linkage rattle at 5k RPM+. Most cars do this but some are way worse than others.

 

I do really have this as well and actually this is the first time I hear that is. lets say, common.

I have asked TOYOTA here in Greece and officially replied through email that this is nothing. They have attributed it to resonance transfer from the gear shift  to the gear box. How this happens, nobody could explain.  And this reply came after I had contacted directly with Japan :-).

Any way, do you have any further information on how this rattling noise is created inside gear box? Is there something I should be afraid of?

[Lowe 191]

3 hours ago, vagthomas said:

I do really have this as well and actually this is the first time I hear that is. lets say, common.

I have asked TOYOTA here in Greece and officially replied through email that this is nothing. They have attributed it to resonance transfer from the gear shift  to the gear box. How this happens, nobody could explain.  And this reply came after I had contacted directly with Japan :-).

Any way, do you have any further information on how this rattling noise is created inside gear box? Is there something I should be afraid of?

@Riceburner is probably the best person to answer this given that he sorted mine out.

[LGE 11]

Quick question on the ECU remap check, what would happen if you pull the cruise control stick on a stock car?

 

 

[Lauren 2259]

6 hours ago, LGE said:

Quick question on the ECU remap check, what would happen if you pull the cruise control stick on a stock car?

 

 

It will disengage the cruise control, but if the cruise hasn't been activated, nothing will happen.