awood12345 4 Report post Posted February 18, 2020 Hi All, I'm looking to buy a GT86 soon. I'm after a first gen, with an automatic gearbox (commuting in it) in red around the £10-11k region. My car history is a Ford Fusion and Mercedes A150 and a Fort Transit so this is a nice step up. I'm after a sporty car with an ok mpg so this seems like the better choice from me over a 350z. My history is in fast motorbikes so this is the first time I've looked for a decent car. I wanted to get opinions on things I should check GT86 specific. Where should I look for rust? What are the most important parts of the service history to look for? Plugs look like a pain. Should I check with an OBD? Is the auto gearbox reliable? Was reversing camera an option? How bad is the flat spot I keep hearing about. Any advice you can give would be great. I apologise if there is already a buyers guide I didn't find. Cheers, Alan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awood12345 4 Report post Posted February 18, 2020 Oops.... found it! https://www.gt86.org.uk/forums/forums/topic/5689-what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-gt86brz/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lauren 2259 Report post Posted February 19, 2020 The torque dip isn't really a massive issue. Keep the revs up and it is fine. A lot of us have sorted this with a manifold and remap. Makes a big difference to mid-range torque. The car never had a reversing camera. You can fit an aftermarket unit to do this to the stock head unit. Plugs are only changed every 60K. Yes a pain to do and a more expensive service, but you don't have to change them often. Auto gearbox is reliable. It only really has limitations if you go turbo, but this can be managed. As for important parts of the service history, spark plugs at 60K, fuel filter at 80K and also that the diff oil has been changed every 20K. Some dealers seem to skip this. 2012-2013 cars that the valve spring recall has been done, also steering harness recall in 2016. There are no real issues with rust yet. 1 Test Drives Unlimited reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Test Drives Unlimited 278 Report post Posted February 19, 2020 I have so far driven 125k in my 2013 remapped Automatic and had no major issues touch wood 1 Lauren reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awood12345 4 Report post Posted February 19, 2020 Thanks for the information, I appreciate you taking the time to post. Now to wait for the insurance to write off my car, or for them to repair it then sell it. Then I can buy one of these. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awood12345 4 Report post Posted February 23, 2020 Hi again, I test drove a GT86 today and enjoyed it. I want to buy one but now to decide what the right one is. I liked the one I saw but I have a couple questions. I noticed the slight hint of rust on the base of the drivers front window pillar. It is a 2014 model so out of warranty. Is this something that will turn into a major problem? The headlight jet cover and the door handle on one side seemed a bit faded (lighter shade), is this common? I'm assuming these will brighten up with some TLC? I would believe so. One rim has some scratches, Is this expensive to put right? I think they can be re-cut? Thanks for the help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nikndel 509 Report post Posted February 24, 2020 Window pillar is a common fault not all cars have it but don’t know of anyone who has paid to replace them rust only gets worse never seen one rotted away cars not that old my headlight jet covers have faded doubt if they will restore but never bothered as for wheels change them or or get them coated left my stock ones in shed and they went right off😩 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awood12345 4 Report post Posted February 29, 2020 The one I like won't budge on price and I think its overpriced for the mileage and interior spec so I'm looking for another one, I've created a thread if anyone reading this knows of one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awood12345 4 Report post Posted March 16, 2020 I finally got one and I love it. I would like to add a reverse camera, videos online make it look easy but I can't find a kit for sale in the uk. Is there one? 3 MartinT, Tweedbean and Lauren reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mart86 9 Report post Posted March 16, 2020 Looks immaculate! There used to be kits available circa £120. But you can just buy a camera and the adapter separately and wire it yourself. Cost me £30 all in. I believe it's a 16 pin connector pre 17 reg for the stock head unit. And if I remember correctly it has to be Ntsc not pal. Otherwise its a grey grainy picture with stock head unit. If you're upgrading the head unit you won't need the adapter though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awood12345 4 Report post Posted March 18, 2020 Thanks, it is in really nice condition, the tail lights fog I've noticed but the rest looks great. Is this the adaptor you used? It looks different from the ones in the videos on YouTube. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Connects2-CAM-TY2-AD-For-Toyota-GT-86-12-15-Car-Reverse-Camera-Add-On-Interface/263685964134?hash=item3d64e88166:g:o7oAAOSwMm1a4ZIu Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vanko25 70 Report post Posted March 19, 2020 That is the correct one. Bare in mind most aftermarket cameras require 12V where the output from the HU is 6v. I have used a DC-DC step up converter to boost the voltage from 6V to 12V when installing mine rather than taking 12V from somewhere and using a relay to switch the camera on when in reverse. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tweedbean 151 Report post Posted March 19, 2020 Welcome, that looks very tidy 👍 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mart86 9 Report post Posted March 19, 2020 As stated above that is the correct one. The camera also has to be powered up before the head unit as I found out when I wired mine in with the reverse lights initially. Mine is wired from the 12v ant power behind the head unit with an in line fuse to protect the cable. Running 2 years with a cheap Chinese £10 camera with no issues. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay 37 Report post Posted March 19, 2020 Great looking car! Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awood12345 4 Report post Posted March 30, 2020 Sorry I haven't replied sooner, thanks for the tips on the camera. The car is great, its just a shame I can't really drive it at the moment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites