Buying Guide / 2012 - 2021
Toyota GT86 / Subaru BRZ
The last affordable, lightweight, rear-drive, naturally aspirated sports car. Built to a philosophy, not a spec sheet. The chassis is the star.
The last affordable, lightweight, rear-drive, naturally aspirated sports car. Built to a philosophy, not a spec sheet. The chassis is the star.
Toyota and Subaru built the GT86/BRZ to a philosophy: low weight, low centre of gravity, rear-wheel drive, no turbo. The result is a car that teaches you to drive properly. It is not fast in a straight line. That is entirely the point.
The GT86 and BRZ are mechanically identical. All known issues apply equally to both. We've compiled 6 known issues in our database. Here are the ones that matter most, including a critical recall every buyer must verify.
Go deeper: Run a free Carwise report on a specific GT86 or BRZ to see which issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history, mileage checks and a personalised buyer checklist.
Toyota and Subaru issued a recall for valve springs that could fracture during operation. A fractured valve spring can cause catastrophic engine failure with no warning. This is the single most important thing to check on any early GT86 or BRZ.
The recall work is carried out free of charge by Toyota or Subaru dealers. However, not all cars have had the work completed, particularly private imports or cars that changed hands frequently.
Check the recall status with a Toyota or Subaru dealer using the VIN before buying. Do not take the seller's word for it. If the recall has not been completed, it must be done before the car is driven. This is non-negotiable.
A chirping or squeaking noise when the clutch pedal is released is very common on the GT86/BRZ. The throwout (release) bearing sits against the clutch pressure plate and can produce noise as it spins. The sound is most noticeable at idle with the clutch engaged.
In most cases the noise is harmless and does not indicate imminent failure. It is, however, annoying. Replacement requires gearbox removal.
With the engine idling, press and release the clutch pedal slowly. Listen for chirping that appears or disappears at specific pedal positions. The noise alone is not a reason to walk away, but it is worth factoring into the price if it bothers you.
The synchroniser on 2nd gear can be notchy or crunchy when the gearbox is cold. This is most common on early manual cars (2012-2014) and can worsen over time. Once the gearbox oil warms up, the issue typically improves or disappears.
A gearbox oil change with the correct specification fluid can help. In more severe cases, a synchro replacement or gearbox rebuild may be needed.
Test drive the car from cold. Shift into 2nd gear at various speeds and RPMs. Any crunching, grinding, or resistance is a sign of synchro wear. Try both quick and slow shifts. This is a negotiation point.
A humming or droning noise from the rear that increases with speed can indicate worn rear wheel bearings. This is a known weak point on the GT86/BRZ, particularly on cars that have been lowered or used on track where lateral loads are higher.
Listen for a hum from the rear at motorway speeds. The noise may change when turning left or right as load transfers between bearings. Jack up each rear wheel and check for play by rocking the wheel top-to-bottom.
The FA20 engine can consume oil, particularly when driven hard or at high RPM frequently. This is a known characteristic of the engine. Subaru considers up to 1 litre per 2,000 miles acceptable in some conditions.
Regular oil level checks between services are essential. Running the FA20 low on oil risks bearing damage and internal wear.
Check the oil level before and after a spirited test drive. Ask the owner how often they top up between services. Blue smoke under hard acceleration may indicate excessive consumption.
Some GT86/BRZ models suffer from clutch judder, particularly from cold or in stop-start traffic. The judder is felt as a vibration through the pedal and drivetrain when pulling away. It can be caused by contamination, glazing, or warping of the clutch disc or flywheel.
Pull away slowly from standstill on a flat surface. Any shuddering or vibration through the pedal suggests clutch issues. Test multiple pull-aways at different temperatures if possible. A replacement clutch kit typically resolves the issue.
The GT86/BRZ is the last affordable, lightweight, rear-drive, naturally aspirated sports car. The chassis is outstanding. On a B-road or track, very little at any price is more rewarding to drive at the limit. The car was designed to be driven hard, and it shows.
It is not fast in a straight line by modern standards. The FA20 produces 197bhp and needs to be revved to extract everything it has. But that is the philosophy: a car that rewards skill, not horsepower. The driving position is low, the steering is direct, and the rear-wheel-drive balance is beautifully judged.
With the critical valve spring recall verified and a clean history, the GT86/BRZ is one of the most entertaining cars you can buy for the money. It is a future classic that happens to be a brilliant daily driver.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Carwise Score.
Check a vehicle nowCompiled from independent expert sources, owner communities and our database of 6 known GT86/BRZ issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.
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