Which Years Of Used Toyota 86s Are Most Reliable?
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People like sports cars. Affordable sports cars, even more. Budget-friendly sports cars, such as the Mazda Miata, hold a unique appeal among enthusiasts. They offer the thrill of a high-performance vehicle without the hefty price tag usually associated with luxury sports cars.
While not as popular as the legendary Miata, the Toyota 86 is worth checking out if you’re a fan of affordable, compact sports cars. This compact, rear-wheel-drive coupe, known for its engaging handling and sleek design, has paved a place for itself in a segment where it competes fiercely with the likes of the Mazda Miata. In the niche that’s the affordable sports cars, the Toyota 86 certainly holds a special place.
The Toyota 86, first launched in 2012 as a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, has been praised for its balanced performance and driver-focused experience. But beyond its sporty profile, the 86 has also earned a reputation for reliability. But which model year is the most reliable?
For today’s post, we walk you through the recent lineup of this sporty coupe and determine the most reliable Toyota 86 year.
THE TOYOTA 86 YEARS TO AVOID
Is it a reliable vehicle? We highlight the worst Toyota 86 years to avoid and offer some insights into why they should be avoided. Let’s get to it.
2017-2020 Toyota 86 (1st Generation)
The first-generation Toyota 86 is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine developed by Subaru. It’s a naturally aspirated engine that produces 205 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota 86 is praised for its sharp handling and responsive steering, thanks to its 2,800-pound curb weight.
Buy: 2017 Toyota 86
The 2017 Toyota 86, while generally well-received for its performance and handling, has had a few complaints and recalls. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were two recalls for this model year. One was related to the key interlock function, which may allow the key to be removed when the vehicle is not in the “Park” position, and the other was due to the incorrect air pressure for the spare tire, increasing the risk of a crash.
Edmunds consumer reviews highlight some issues with the car’s clutch being too sensitive and the brake not being sensitive enough. Regardless, the coupe received a positive rating of 4.7 stars out of 5.0. With a price range between $17,500 to $28,995, the 2017 Toyota 86 is a reliable, value-oriented purchase.
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Buy: 2018 Toyota 86
The 2018 Toyota 86 is another reliable option if you’re looking for an affordable “driver’s car.” The NHTSA) listed one recall related to the vehicle’s low-pressure fuel pump, which could potentially fail and lead to an engine stall. There’s one complaint about the vehicle’s steering wheel that shakes while braking, but it’s more likely an isolated case.
Besides that, we’re hard-pressed to find significant issues and complaints for the 2018 86. While it’s no guarantee that it doesn’t have problems, it’s still a strong sign for consumers, worthy of being called the most reliable Toyota 86 year.
Avoid: 2019 Toyota 86
The 2019 86 isn’t exactly the most unreliable vehicle out there. In fact, compared to other compact sports cars, the 2019 Toyota 86 is one of the more reliable ones. However, we recommend avoiding this model year because it received the most number of complaints and other areas of concern.
According to the NHTSA, there were no recalls for this model year. However, a few complaints were mainly related to the engine and transmission. One owner complained about the flickering dashboard lights; he noticed water leaking from the dash into their feet.
On the other hand, CarComplaints lists 56 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2019 Toyota 86. These TSBs cover a range of issues, including problems with the steering, suspension, service brakes, engine, power train, electrical system, airbags, structure, tires, wheels, seats, and equipment. Notably, some customers reported Bluetooth connectivity concerns, such as difficulty pairing the phone and spotty Bluetooth connection when starting the car.
Overall, it’s worth noting that none of the aforementioned issues for the 2019 Toyota 86 are a deal-breaker. It’s a relatively good and reliable model year, but any potential buyer should know it has problems.
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Buy: 2020 Toyota 86
The 2020 Toyota 86 has been well-received by owners and reviewers alike. NHTSA says there were no recalls or complaints reported for this model year. CarComplaints also reported no complaints for the 2020 Toyota 86, suggesting it could be a good model year – however, it could also mean it’s a newer model and not very popular.
Kelley Blue Book does not list any common problems for the 2020 Toyota 86. Still, they mention that potential buyers should be aware of the most common repairs performed and assess if their vehicle is at risk for significant repairs in the next 12 months. In this case, one of the most common services for the 2020 Toyota 86 is the diagnostics for the “check engine light” issue.
Edmunds praises the 2020 Toyota 86 for its quick reflexes and pure handling, but they also note that the engine doesn’t sing, and there’s a familiar torque hole between about 3500 and 4500 rpm. Meanwhile, CarIndigo’s review mentions that the 2020 Toyota 86 is a reliable car with robust build quality, but they also note that it lacks advanced safety features and the infotainment system is not up to the mark.
Despite these drawbacks, the 2020 version is still a great candidate for the most reliable Toyota 86 year.
2022-Present Toyota 86 (2nd Generation)
The second generation of the Toyota 86, now known as the GR 86, debuted in 2022. This new iteration of Toyota’s affordable sports coupe brought several exciting updates and improvements over the first generation.
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Buy: 2022 Toyota 86
While you’re essentially buying a new vehicle, the 2022 model year is the Toyota 86 in its best form. The most significant change is the addition of the 2.4-liter flat-four engine, replacing the previous 2.0-liter engine. This new powertrain offers increased horsepower and torque, with outputs of 228 hp and 184 lb-ft, respectively. It’s no wonder Car and Driver gave it a perfect 10 out of 10 rating and an Editor’s Choice award.
While its reliability ratings are still up in the air, it doesn’t have too many complaints and has zero recalls.
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