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What car would you sell or trade your 86 for?

1869 Views 49 Replies 37 Participants Last post by foshjowler, 9 d ago

86eightsix

Discussion Starter · 19 d ago

I don't own an 86 yet but likely will soon, but wanted to see what other cars current owners would get rid of theirs for, before I take the plunge. I'm still open to other sporty cars, 2 doors or 4, RWD or FWD, etc. As long as it's well sorted then I will probably like it.

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CanyonDriver

· #21 · 18 d ago

SkyDog said:
I think we're on the same page.

The Hagerty videos weren't the thing that convinced me to buy this car, but they certainly influenced the decision. The "Goldilocks" description of the BRZ was perfect for me. Perfectly in the middle of the "fun<------> practicality" spectrum between the Miata and the GTI.

As for those 1-series BMWs you mentioned... Back when I had my E46, I test-drove a 135i while I had the car at the dealership for service. That little car was a blast. I would've considered it if (1) it still existed, and (2) I wasn't painfully aware of how much "fun" it is to maintain a high-mileage BMW.

I do watch a lot of automotive YT content, and over the past 10 years since Motor Trend stuff, I've tended to lean to what Jason Cammisa has to say about cars. It isn't just because he has a rolodex of comparisons between thousands of cars, but also, the cars he keeps and why he keeps them. I'd like to think my hypothetical dream garage would be something like that, and his isn't really pricey per vehicle.

Also, I definitely understand the BMW maintenance. I was absolutely on top of service/recalls for an '07 328i and it still blew up on the side of the freeway after doing automotive inspections near the border of Mexico. It was roughly 96*, slightly cool wind, humid, but it had direct sunlight on it. A 20 minute freeway drive later over some particular section of the I-5 going northbound and it started to smoke out of the engine bay and into the cabin.

Even the police officer wasn't surprised. He said a Mercedes had the same thing happen over the same section of freeway.

Needless to say, I'm more confident on modern BMWs being more reliable, but it's still the BRZ/GR86 in regards to practicality, the lowest weight of the cars I considered, and fun factor. It's the closest compromise to an Mr2 Spyder and IS300 (never owned but driven plenty) that I've ever had, and the Mr2 Spyder for me, is the car that got away.

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Reactions: 1

Noobtber

· #22 · 18 d ago

I really like the Cayman T. It has all the go-fast goodies and the lowest tier engine. That with a 6MT would be ideal for me.

Reactions: 3

foshjowler

· #23 · 18 d ago

Whatever the best used Cayman I could buy is for less than $50k. If I needed something practical, then whatever trim of the Civic/Integra that I could get without going over MSRP.

Reactions: 2

BRZerker

· #24 · 18 d ago

Under $50k, I think the only car would be an Elise. The S2000 is tempting, but having driven my BRZ and a friend’s S2000 extensively in track and canyons, what you gain (+500 rpm redline, better throttle response, slightly better shifter) isn’t worth the large penalties in practicality, interior refinement/features, and low/midrange torque.

Under $100k, I’d be very tempted by a 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 or used GT4.

Reactions: 2

Wayward67

· #25 · 18 d ago

A very mint 2nd gen MR2 with a 2GRFE swap and a 6speed. Would need to be show quality.

A 1st gen with a k24swap would also be interesting but with both of those I'd want a daily because swaps always have more problems than a stock Japanese car.

Reactions: 1

DylanJZA

· #26 · 18 d ago

brzCPA said:
Porsche Cayman. But it would have to be new and a manual. I wouldn’t pay twice the price, but I would consider an even trade.

This is my answer.

I already have the Miata and S2K and still prefer the GR86. Our A90 is also great, but it really doesn't compete in my mind (handling feel) even though it's benchmark was to beat the Cayman for less money. 718 GTS/GT4 though? Absolutely, but they're also WAY more money.

Reactions: 2

DragonSwagin

· #27 · 18 d ago

If I had to get rid of the 86? I'd probably get a V6 Tacoma crew cab with a 6ft bed.
If it had to be a sports car and money was no issue? Either a Ford GT or a Lotus.

Reactions: 1

coelacanth72

· #28 · 18 d ago

Bike and a beater.

Reactions: 1

ShyLick

· #29 · 18 d ago

Cayman or a Lotus.

Reactions: 2

Chickpeainmycar

· #30 · 18 d ago

Gr Corolla for the cool factor
CTR for peak Honda

SupaHotNSX

· #31 · 18 d ago

981 Cayman S or CTR.

CanyonDriver

· #32 · 18 d ago

Wayward67 said:
A very mint 2nd gen MR2 with a 2GRFE swap and a 6speed. Would need to be show quality.

This is the way. Hardtop, 93 or later only.

Dom

· #33 · 17 d ago

Some version of a six-speed flat-six Cayman or the Emira. That's pretty much it. For practicality I'd rather just by a second car rather than sell this, even if it was an absolute beater. This car just makes me so stupidly happy from start to finish every single day.

Reactions: 2

Vtor

· #34 · 17 d ago

Some flavor of 911 cuz I still need back seats.

PBR

· #35 · 17 d ago

There's only been 4, 2+2s in history with a 30K nm/degree stiff chassis, rwd, manual and @ 3000 lbs or less. Mazda RX8, Lotus Evora, Porsche 911 991 and the GR86/BRZ. Owned 3 out of 4. RX8s are profoundly underrated as drivers cars. Had a 997 but 991s are actually lighter in certain specs. I need a 2+2 and I'd be happy with anything listed above. And absolutely perfect E30 M3 factory fresh Evolution model would get me out of it.

Reactions: 1

CanyonDriver

· #36 · 17 d ago (Edited)

BRZerker said:
Under $50k, I think the only car would be an Elise. The S2000 is tempting, but having driven my BRZ and a friend’s S2000 extensively in track and canyons, what you gain (+500 rpm redline, better throttle response, slightly better shifter) isn’t worth the large penalties in practicality, interior refinement/features, and low/midrange torque.

Under $100k, I’d be very tempted by a 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 or used GT4.

Under 50k, I'm likely to keep the GR86, just add a few upgrades and keep the change; 17" lightweight wheel/tire package, change out all of the fluids, stainless steel brake lines, upgrade the brake pads, TRD Rear V-Brace, TRD Door Stabilizers, and long travel spec Cygnus coilovers.

Under 100k, I'd be incredibly indecisive. If it's just a car and everything else is handled, I invest in JEPI for a few years and then get a full paid Lotus Emira (I've heard the prices went up from what's listed on the site), 991 Carrera T, 991 GTS, 997 Turbo, or Cayman R. The one thing stopping the GR86/BRZ from being an absolute favorite is just the engine placement, and it's likely too much of a PITA to keep the CofG low, make it mid/rear engine placement, and make it a shooting brake for 100k.

Though, I find it insane the kind of value of car you can get for 100k. A clean IS300, Elise, and GR86 can all fit under 100k, or curveball and get an Audi RS3.

Reactions: 1

BRZerker

· #37 · 17 d ago

CanyonDriver said:
Under 50k, I'm likely to keep the GR86, just add a few upgrades and keep the change; 17" lightweight wheel/tire package, change out all of the fluids, stainless steel brake lines, upgrade the brake pads, TRD Rear V-Brace, TRD Door Stabilizers, and long travel spec Cygnus coilovers.

Under 100k, I'd be incredibly indecisive. If it's just a car and everything else is handled, I invest in JEPI for a few years and then get a full paid Lotus Emira (I've heard the prices went up from what's listed on the site), 991 Carrera T, 991 GTS, 997 Turbo, or Cayman R. The one thing stopping the GR86/BRZ from being an absolute favorite is just the engine placement, and it's likely too much of a PITA to keep the CofG low, make it mid/rear engine placement, and make it a shooting brake for 100k.

Though, I find it insane the kind of value of car you can get for 100k. A clean IS300, Elise, and GR86 can all fit under 100k, or curveball and get an Audi RS3.

Elise and GR86 would be an amazing garage combo! IS300 is also good although I’d strongly consider an e46 330i zhp sedan in that role.

Reactions: 1

CanyonDriver

· #38 · 17 d ago

BRZerker said:
Elise and GR86 would be an amazing garage combo! IS300 is also good although I’d strongly consider an e46 330i zhp sedan in that role.

The IS300 for me was just slightly more on the comfort side and a lot more on the quick steering ratio and reliability side. I've already blown up one BMW haha.

Reactions: 2

NoVA GR86

· #39 · 17 d ago

I need backseats (yes, even the tiny ones the GR86 has), so the only two cars I would ever consider are 2+2 in the Lotus Evora (wish they made the Emira 2+2) and 991.1 911. Both in manual, of course.

dalter2

· #40 · 16 d ago

86eightsix said:
I don't own an 86 yet but likely will soon, but wanted to see what other cars current owners would get rid of theirs for, before I take the plunge. I'm still open to other sporty cars, 2 doors or 4, RWD or FWD, etc. As long as it's well sorted then I will probably like it.

Cayman

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