Captain Duff

ETA 18th November gulp! It's all very exciting, it's starting to feel real. 👍

Great review, thanks Lauren. I was lucky to get the first drive in that RRG Macc Blue, with a handful of miles on the clock, plastic covers still on the seats and trade plates as it hadn't at that time been registered (and it still had the stock exhaust), and went out on your triangle with Richard. I loved it, and the improvement in suspension from my 2013 stock was massive, and its road holding around corners with non-scrubbed in Primacy's was frankly astounding compared to my memories of my first few miles on those tyres in my car. I was seriously considering buying it as my car was at 5 years and just coming out of warranty, but at £31k I really couldn't get the sums to work for me (although the performance pack is great value for what you are getting), but it made me realise I needed to do a further mod if I wanted to keep my old car (which I did with the 2 year extended warranty option in the end), so I ended up fitting a set of nearly new KW V3's and am happy enough again. I'd also at the time tried a test drive in a s/h Cayman, but the lovely power and quality aside it just wasn't as fun as the 86, hence the choice being to trade to a new Blue Edition, or to keep my old car for a while longer as there just wasn't anything else that seemed to have what I want with a car right now at a price I can afford.

It's fool-proof once you know -
1. Push the side button marked 'push', pressing at the 'p' end.
2. When the side button is depressed pull the part at the top with the hole for your keyring etc. This is actually the end of the hidden manual door key that allows you to unlock your door if the electrics (or battery) has failed.
3. With the key out it reveals a small slot that the end of the key fits into.
4. Twist the key and the key fob will come apart (you will also need to pull it to complete this).
5. You can the access and change the battery.
6. re-assembling is as simple as pushing to two fob halves together and reinserting the key (it will lock back into position itself).
 
I say this as it is always worth knowing how to do it and it is also worth keeping a spare battery in the car somewhere (it is a CR1632). That way if the battery for whatever reason failed when you were away from home you would be able to replace it to get yourself home and without an AA/RAC call out (although when the battery is going it will start to show red on the dash board light to indicate it needs a new battery).
 

I didn't know about RRG when I brought my car from the Toyota dealer in Preston (wasn't aware or the two UK forums either until after being an owner), but thankfully by the time my first service came around I'd picked up on the good reviews and discussions on the forums and so have used them every year since. Funnily enough when my local dealer phoned me to book me in for that first service and I told them that I was going to use RRG instead the girl on the phone laughed and said something like 'oh no, not another one, I'll take you off the list as well'  so I think even then other dealers were well aware of the RRG effect on their return business!

I didn't know about RRG when I brought my car from the Toyota dealer in Preston (wasn't aware or the two UK forums either until after being an owner), but thankfully by the time my first service came around I'd picked up on the good reviews and discussions on the forums and so have used them every year since. Funnily enough when my local dealer phoned me to book me in for that first service and I told them that I was going to use RRG instead the girl on the phone laughed and said something like 'oh no, not another one, I'll take you off the list as well'  so I think even then other dealers were well aware of the RRG effect on their return business!

I didn't know about RRG when I brought my car from the Toyota dealer in Preston (wasn't aware or the two UK forums either until after being an owner), but thankfully by the time my first service came around I'd picked up on the good reviews and discussions on the forums and so have used them every year since. Funnily enough when my local dealer phoned me to book me in for that first service and I told them that I was going to use RRG instead the girl on the phone laughed and said something like 'oh no, not another one, I'll take you off the list as well'  so I think even then other dealers were well aware of the RRG effect on their return business!

I didn't know about RRG when I brought my car from the Toyota dealer in Preston (wasn't aware or the two UK forums either until after being an owner), but thankfully by the time my first service came around I'd picked up on the good reviews and discussions on the forums and so have used them every year since. Funnily enough when my local dealer phoned me to book me in for that first service and I told them that I was going to use RRG instead the girl on the phone laughed and said something like 'oh no, not another one, I'll take you off the list as well'  so I think even then other dealers were well aware of the RRG effect on their return business!

I didn't know about RRG when I brought my car from the Toyota dealer in Preston (wasn't aware or the two UK forums either until after being an owner), but thankfully by the time my first service came around I'd picked up on the good reviews and discussions on the forums and so have used them every year since. Funnily enough when my local dealer phoned me to book me in for that first service and I told them that I was going to use RRG instead the girl on the phone laughed and said something like 'oh no, not another one, I'll take you off the list as well'  so I think even then other dealers were well aware of the RRG effect on their return business!

I opened it to get the water out, only to find that there wasn't any, it isn't a case of pulling it apart, just opening it as you would to replace the battery, which coincidentally I'd done a couple of weeks earlier, it's quite a neat design all round actually, with the hidden key fitting the slot to open it.

It finally happened, the other day I left my key fob in a pair of jeans that went in the wash. Only found out when they came out following 2 1/2 hours on a 40 degree with fast spin and feared the worse. Amazingly when I took it apart there was not a drop of water/moisture/condensation inside it as nothing had penetrated the internal seals,  and after a quick dry of the outer case it worked perfectly. I'll try not to do it again, and my leather key fob will never be right again (even after lots of leather conditioner applied to it) but top marks to Toyota for the design!

RRG Macclesfield are based in Macclesfield funnily enough  Bit of a trek form Peterborough for the OP, but it is a good place to get to know for any 86/BRZ owner as Rich and Gary really care about our cars, have no issue with mods (and will supply and fit many of them) and in my (and plenty of others) experience are the best main dealer you'll find and I'm always happy to travel down to them from where I live.

It finally happened, the other day I left my key fob in a pair of jeans that went in the wash. Only found out when they came out following 2 1/2 hours on a 40 degree with fast spin and feared the worse. Amazingly when I took it apart there was not a drop of water/moisture/condensation inside it as nothing had penetrated the internal seals,  and after a quick dry of the outer case it worked perfectly. I'll try not to do it again, and my leather key fob will never be right again (even after lots of leather conditioner applied to it) but top marks to Toyota for the design!

RRG Macclesfield are based in Macclesfield funnily enough  Bit of a trek form Peterborough for the OP, but it is a good place to get to know for any 86/BRZ owner as Rich and Gary really care about our cars, have no issue with mods (and will supply and fit many of them) and in my (and plenty of others) experience are the best main dealer you'll find and I'm always happy to travel down to them from where I live.

RRG Macclesfield are based in Macclesfield funnily enough  Bit of a trek form Peterborough for the OP, but it is a good place to get to know for any 86/BRZ owner as Rich and Gary really care about our cars, have no issue with mods (and will supply and fit many of them) and in my (and plenty of others) experience are the best main dealer you'll find and I'm always happy to travel down to them from where I live.

RRG Macclesfield are based in Macclesfield funnily enough  Bit of a trek form Peterborough for the OP, but it is a good place to get to know for any 86/BRZ owner as Rich and Gary really care about our cars, have no issue with mods (and will supply and fit many of them) and in my (and plenty of others) experience are the best main dealer you'll find and I'm always happy to travel down to them from where I live.

As you've probably discovered Toyota only sell the complete mirror assembly rather than the plastic housing and it is hideously expensive (hundreds when I needed one a few years ago after smashing it on a gate post). You can either keep an eye out on ebay, or do some breaker searches, but the alternative could be a repair of your broken one. Around 3 or 4 years ago mine was smashed into around 7 or 8 pieces of plastic (although the mirror, and as it turned out the adjusting motor, were fine), and a local body shop bloke managed to glue it all together, and with some filler/sanding/new black paint got it looking like it had never been broken to begin with and it has stayed that way since then. It would depend how bad the damage of yours was of course, and if you still have the pieces (or most of them) but a good body shop can work real magic (the cost in my case was peanuts too).

I've got a Valenti bumper light ready to fit myself (had the rears on for years now, only just got around to buying the bumper one!) so have been looking at all the advice/fitting guides and possible wiring changes.
As I understand it the stock Valenti is as you describe so just mimics the OEM bumper light functions. The extra long red cable is to splice to the appropriate brake light wire in the nearest tail light if you wish and then that gives you the flashing bumper light in the small bit above the 'V' (although I think it still maintains the fog function too, maybe someone can confirm?).
Anyway, as has been said, most people prefer to have the 'V' act as a third tail light. The best/clearest instructions I can find is as has been said on the Aussie forum (the 'Hawk guide' as it is known after the user name of the person who posted it) - http://www.86forums.com.au/index.php?/topic/1634-valenti-reversing-light-v-as-position-light-mod/
I think the advice to try it all out before actually fitting it to the bumper position  is sensible, so plug it into the relevant socket and then with the rear seat down have the unit inside the car as you play with the break pedal/reverse/lights to check what it does. I intend to do this as the first step just to make sure the unit is working properly (as I won't be able to exchange with Amber if I have already done the next step!).
Assuming it is working out of the box I then intend to follow the Hawk guide for the internal wiring change to get the 'V' to act as a standard real light. I think it looks pretty simple, but as I have never been the best at soldiering (to put it mildly) I may take the easy option of just using a butt crimp to do that part (it also acts as a built in heat shrink to prevent any lose contact/shorting so makes it quicker too), you can get these for pennies - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Insulated-Straight-Butt-Connectors-Electrical-Crimp-Terminals-Wire-Cable/121859932941?hash=item1c5f6b030d:m:mV0ZSOwMxSGUWzrvkqeKrww
Then it will just be a matter of either using the supplied Valenti little red wire joiner to splice it to the tail light cable, or get something like this of you haven't got that - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Scotch-Lock-Wire-Connector-Quick-Splice-Terminals-Crimp-Electrical-Cable-Snap-OR/263907470910?hash=item3d721c6e3e:m:m0di7M7CmfyIGWQ-u2BKsiw - or do what Hawk did and push it in the relevant hole  of the socket on the tail light.
Now, if I have got any of this wrong please tell me now before I start it all myself (this weekend probably) please! Also, if anyone has got any tips from doing it themselves that isn't in the Hawk guide please share  

As I was rapidly coming up to 5 years of ownership and the end of the manufactures warranty I decided to have a look at what else is out there and to see whether for what I want the grass is any greener elsewhere.
So I looked at the possibility of an Alfa 4C. s/h prices are getting tempting due to what appears like a steep depreciation on low mileage cars that are only a year old , e.g., Alfa 4C - but despite the beautiful looks I decided against, first because I wasn't sure it would suit being a daily driver, second because the servicing costs are high because of needing to lift out the carbon shell each time with special equipment (allegedly), but mainly because I realised I would really struggle to fit my lardy backside in it.
So then I thought Cayman. I had an hour test driving a 718 with all the extras (2016 model, so the 4 pot turbo). Oddly, despite enjoying the extra poke I didn't enjoy the car very much at all. Partly because adjusting the seat with dozens of confusing electronic adjustment options was such a pain (as was just raising and extending the steering wheel), partly because the 20" wheels it had felt awful, harsh and noisy (but mainly no more sideways on wet roundabouts!), but mainly because I'd struggle to justify the cost (and the ongoing servicing rip off prices). Yes, the sports exhaust that was fitted gave a great burble, and the engine behind your head noise was lovely, but it just didn't feel right for me (when I test drove the 86 I knew within 10 seconds I was going to do anything I could to buy it). 
There were a few more cars I had considered like the Mustang, but for the tight parking spaces I often have to use it is just too big (the F-Type didn't grab me either for similar reasons).
So back to the 86. I did have the first drive of the new Blue Edition at RRG when I was ion for my service/MOT and liked it a lot (colour is better than in the pics I think, although it is a solid and not a metallic). There is a new smaller steering wheel that felt nice to use, and the uprated suspension was fantastic compared to my 2013 stock (Rich said it was firmer again than the already stiffer 2017 pro-edition) which meant that even on the unscrubbed primacy tyres it felt really planted around the cat and fiddle bends. So I did have a long hard think about a trade in on it (could have had it straight away, or with a new Sept registration, otherwise it is a 3-4 month order), but much as the handling improvement on my car was very obvious again I struggled to justify the big cost (not helped by the trade in value for a 5 y/o GT is now only £11,000, yes I would get more via private sale but would then need to overlap the purchase/sale to ensure I had a cr to use which would be difficult). 
So the end result of my exploration of the grass the other side of the fence was that I am sticking with the great car that I've got already, albeit with a £549 2 year extended warranty via RRG, which includes 2 MOT's and 2 years of AA cover so something of a bargain I think). I'm also finally going to get new suspension now I know how skittish my old OEM version is over less than perfect roads, I just hope my car will forgive my recent infidelities!

As I was rapidly coming up to 5 years of ownership and the end of the manufactures warranty I decided to have a look at what else is out there and to see whether for what I want the grass is any greener elsewhere.
So I looked at the possibility of an Alfa 4C. s/h prices are getting tempting due to what appears like a steep depreciation on low mileage cars that are only a year old , e.g., Alfa 4C - but despite the beautiful looks I decided against, first because I wasn't sure it would suit being a daily driver, second because the servicing costs are high because of needing to lift out the carbon shell each time with special equipment (allegedly), but mainly because I realised I would really struggle to fit my lardy backside in it.
So then I thought Cayman. I had an hour test driving a 718 with all the extras (2016 model, so the 4 pot turbo). Oddly, despite enjoying the extra poke I didn't enjoy the car very much at all. Partly because adjusting the seat with dozens of confusing electronic adjustment options was such a pain (as was just raising and extending the steering wheel), partly because the 20" wheels it had felt awful, harsh and noisy (but mainly no more sideways on wet roundabouts!), but mainly because I'd struggle to justify the cost (and the ongoing servicing rip off prices). Yes, the sports exhaust that was fitted gave a great burble, and the engine behind your head noise was lovely, but it just didn't feel right for me (when I test drove the 86 I knew within 10 seconds I was going to do anything I could to buy it). 
There were a few more cars I had considered like the Mustang, but for the tight parking spaces I often have to use it is just too big (the F-Type didn't grab me either for similar reasons).
So back to the 86. I did have the first drive of the new Blue Edition at RRG when I was ion for my service/MOT and liked it a lot (colour is better than in the pics I think, although it is a solid and not a metallic). There is a new smaller steering wheel that felt nice to use, and the uprated suspension was fantastic compared to my 2013 stock (Rich said it was firmer again than the already stiffer 2017 pro-edition) which meant that even on the unscrubbed primacy tyres it felt really planted around the cat and fiddle bends. So I did have a long hard think about a trade in on it (could have had it straight away, or with a new Sept registration, otherwise it is a 3-4 month order), but much as the handling improvement on my car was very obvious again I struggled to justify the big cost (not helped by the trade in value for a 5 y/o GT is now only £11,000, yes I would get more via private sale but would then need to overlap the purchase/sale to ensure I had a cr to use which would be difficult). 
So the end result of my exploration of the grass the other side of the fence was that I am sticking with the great car that I've got already, albeit with a £549 2 year extended warranty via RRG, which includes 2 MOT's and 2 years of AA cover so something of a bargain I think). I'm also finally going to get new suspension now I know how skittish my old OEM version is over less than perfect roads, I just hope my car will forgive my recent infidelities!

As I was rapidly coming up to 5 years of ownership and the end of the manufactures warranty I decided to have a look at what else is out there and to see whether for what I want the grass is any greener elsewhere.
So I looked at the possibility of an Alfa 4C. s/h prices are getting tempting due to what appears like a steep depreciation on low mileage cars that are only a year old , e.g., Alfa 4C - but despite the beautiful looks I decided against, first because I wasn't sure it would suit being a daily driver, second because the servicing costs are high because of needing to lift out the carbon shell each time with special equipment (allegedly), but mainly because I realised I would really struggle to fit my lardy backside in it.
So then I thought Cayman. I had an hour test driving a 718 with all the extras (2016 model, so the 4 pot turbo). Oddly, despite enjoying the extra poke I didn't enjoy the car very much at all. Partly because adjusting the seat with dozens of confusing electronic adjustment options was such a pain (as was just raising and extending the steering wheel), partly because the 20" wheels it had felt awful, harsh and noisy (but mainly no more sideways on wet roundabouts!), but mainly because I'd struggle to justify the cost (and the ongoing servicing rip off prices). Yes, the sports exhaust that was fitted gave a great burble, and the engine behind your head noise was lovely, but it just didn't feel right for me (when I test drove the 86 I knew within 10 seconds I was going to do anything I could to buy it). 
There were a few more cars I had considered like the Mustang, but for the tight parking spaces I often have to use it is just too big (the F-Type didn't grab me either for similar reasons).
So back to the 86. I did have the first drive of the new Blue Edition at RRG when I was ion for my service/MOT and liked it a lot (colour is better than in the pics I think, although it is a solid and not a metallic). There is a new smaller steering wheel that felt nice to use, and the uprated suspension was fantastic compared to my 2013 stock (Rich said it was firmer again than the already stiffer 2017 pro-edition) which meant that even on the unscrubbed primacy tyres it felt really planted around the cat and fiddle bends. So I did have a long hard think about a trade in on it (could have had it straight away, or with a new Sept registration, otherwise it is a 3-4 month order), but much as the handling improvement on my car was very obvious again I struggled to justify the big cost (not helped by the trade in value for a 5 y/o GT is now only £11,000, yes I would get more via private sale but would then need to overlap the purchase/sale to ensure I had a cr to use which would be difficult). 
So the end result of my exploration of the grass the other side of the fence was that I am sticking with the great car that I've got already, albeit with a £549 2 year extended warranty via RRG, which includes 2 MOT's and 2 years of AA cover so something of a bargain I think). I'm also finally going to get new suspension now I know how skittish my old OEM version is over less than perfect roads, I just hope my car will forgive my recent infidelities!

As I was rapidly coming up to 5 years of ownership and the end of the manufactures warranty I decided to have a look at what else is out there and to see whether for what I want the grass is any greener elsewhere.
So I looked at the possibility of an Alfa 4C. s/h prices are getting tempting due to what appears like a steep depreciation on low mileage cars that are only a year old , e.g., Alfa 4C - but despite the beautiful looks I decided against, first because I wasn't sure it would suit being a daily driver, second because the servicing costs are high because of needing to lift out the carbon shell each time with special equipment (allegedly), but mainly because I realised I would really struggle to fit my lardy backside in it.
So then I thought Cayman. I had an hour test driving a 718 with all the extras (2016 model, so the 4 pot turbo). Oddly, despite enjoying the extra poke I didn't enjoy the car very much at all. Partly because adjusting the seat with dozens of confusing electronic adjustment options was such a pain (as was just raising and extending the steering wheel), partly because the 20" wheels it had felt awful, harsh and noisy (but mainly no more sideways on wet roundabouts!), but mainly because I'd struggle to justify the cost (and the ongoing servicing rip off prices). Yes, the sports exhaust that was fitted gave a great burble, and the engine behind your head noise was lovely, but it just didn't feel right for me (when I test drove the 86 I knew within 10 seconds I was going to do anything I could to buy it). 
There were a few more cars I had considered like the Mustang, but for the tight parking spaces I often have to use it is just too big (the F-Type didn't grab me either for similar reasons).
So back to the 86. I did have the first drive of the new Blue Edition at RRG when I was ion for my service/MOT and liked it a lot (colour is better than in the pics I think, although it is a solid and not a metallic). There is a new smaller steering wheel that felt nice to use, and the uprated suspension was fantastic compared to my 2013 stock (Rich said it was firmer again than the already stiffer 2017 pro-edition) which meant that even on the unscrubbed primacy tyres it felt really planted around the cat and fiddle bends. So I did have a long hard think about a trade in on it (could have had it straight away, or with a new Sept registration, otherwise it is a 3-4 month order), but much as the handling improvement on my car was very obvious again I struggled to justify the big cost (not helped by the trade in value for a 5 y/o GT is now only £11,000, yes I would get more via private sale but would then need to overlap the purchase/sale to ensure I had a cr to use which would be difficult). 
So the end result of my exploration of the grass the other side of the fence was that I am sticking with the great car that I've got already, albeit with a £549 2 year extended warranty via RRG, which includes 2 MOT's and 2 years of AA cover so something of a bargain I think). I'm also finally going to get new suspension now I know how skittish my old OEM version is over less than perfect roads, I just hope my car will forgive my recent infidelities!

Sorry, only just picked it up this evening
SU003-05827 (Plate Bmpr Upr)
That is just the metal strip, no clips, rubber etc.

Hello All,
Just some information if you are interested in extending the Toyota Warranty beyond the 5 years and up to 100,000 miles.
See the example below for a payment plan interest free over 12 months and receive 1year FREE and be covered for the next 2 years.
The Top AA package is also included with the policy.
 
See example below for payment plan and benefits;

 
 
And here is what does & doesn't cover.

 
If you need any more information just ask 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I peeled the rubber back the other week when I first read this and couldn't spot anything, however having just got some engine bling bolts to replace the black painted ones in the front area that were looking tatty I took it off completely today for a clean underneath and yes, there was a fair bit of rust on the underside. Thankfully it sits on the plastic front nose/bumper (and serves to fasten that to the car) so the rust isn't going to affect anything else. I've cleaned and sprayed all over with ACF 50 so it at least shouldn't get any worse, although it was annoying finding it just after my 4 year service!. I'll have a look before the service next year to see if it looks like it needs replacing or not.

I peeled the rubber back the other week when I first read this and couldn't spot anything, however having just got some engine bling bolts to replace the black painted ones in the front area that were looking tatty I took it off completely today for a clean underneath and yes, there was a fair bit of rust on the underside. Thankfully it sits on the plastic front nose/bumper (and serves to fasten that to the car) so the rust isn't going to affect anything else. I've cleaned and sprayed all over with ACF 50 so it at least shouldn't get any worse, although it was annoying finding it just after my 4 year service!. I'll have a look before the service next year to see if it looks like it needs replacing or not.