Not sure about when to buy the GT86

[NA_T]

Hi all,

When I buy this car, it will be tracked regulary.. So is there anyone like me, not sure when to buy the GT86? I'm afraid to buy it, only to see the release of a more track oriented version (And other -better- trims) after a few months.

Is there any specific information released about when the TRD, Nür, etc.. trims go on sale?

Is anyone in this same situation?

[Thermostat]

Tough decision.
The first country in Europe to get the GT86 will either be Belgium or Switzerland (my guess) so you would be in a privileged market to get special models. If youre going to use it as a TD car, order the Nur spec. An improved track version will not come every year (again, my guess).

I´m in the same situation as you but looking for a better trim or powerful model. If TRD releases a supercharger, then Switzerland will get it (they have the Yaris, Auris and Avensis with the 1.8 engine supercharged making 180 and 210hp). Subary may come up with one of their hot versions too.

Good luck.

[Capt Canuck]

I'd wait. I am not as familiar with Toyota's release strategy as other marques. For instance Honda releases a sporty Civic and then leaves it basically alone for it's shelf-life.

Then look at Renault. They are constantly tweaking the RS Clio and RS Megane. People who jumped in early and bought a Clio 197 must have been kicking themselves when the Clio 200 came out. Admittedly it was a 2 year wait from the 197 to the 200.

The only way to know for sure is to wait until the end of the car's lifespan and there will be no new variants... not sure you want to wait that long though ;-)

[switchlanez]

^Towards the end of the lifespan you'd start seeing leaks of the next gen which would prompt you to wait just a little more for that one... and the cycle continues. Story of my life when it comes to phones and gadgets

[Capt Canuck]

Originally Posted by switchlanez

^Towards the end of the lifespan you'd start seeing leaks of the next gen which would prompt you to wait just a little more for that one... and the cycle continues. Story of my life when it comes to phones and gadgets

If you're someone who needs the latest and greatest. Using the Megane as an example the R26.R run-out version would have been my choice as the next gen was going to be bigger, heavier, more gadgety, etc... like what typically happens with newer versions.

Hopefully you can satiate your habit with phones and smaller items and not buy every iteration of the FR-S/BRZ. Especially if the first one turns out to be your favorite! :-)

[NorCalRider]

I think the first run will be the cheapest and possibly the lightest weight. Cars almost always tend to gain weight as the car refreshes. Worst case if they come out with a better model you can always upgrade of buy the better parts and add them to your first run model. I plan on buying a first run car and if/when the TRD/STI model comes out I will upgrade to it. I have a feeling this car will hold its resale value pretty well.

[Infernal]

Originally Posted by Capt Canuck

I'd wait. I am not as familiar with Toyota's release strategy as other marques. For instance Honda releases a sporty Civic and then leaves it basically alone for it's shelf-life.

Then look at Renault. They are constantly tweaking the RS Clio and RS Megane. People who jumped in early and bought a Clio 197 must have been kicking themselves when the Clio 200 came out. Admittedly it was a 2 year wait from the 197 to the 200.

The only way to know for sure is to wait until the end of the car's lifespan and there will be no new variants... not sure you want to wait that long though ;-)

the 197 and 200 have some pretty big external changes - probably enough to warrant the name change

the megane has just done what you said though - they added some red lines and changed it from a '250' to '260' as a model refresh

to the OP though:

you cant keep just waiting for new models just because of that reason or you would be waiting forever - signing up to phone contracts is a good example of this. people saying "oh ill wait 'til the next one is out" after every version is announced :P

if waiting to buy has some other reasons though, e.g your insurance isnt due for renewal for a few months, so you could buy both at the same time, or you would like a bigger deposit, or just spent money on your current car that you would like to get your money's worth from - then i would wait

i know how hard that would be though - i think i'll be in the same position

[duffman13]

I'm personally waiting a couple years for 2 reasons, so probably looking at a MY 2014 or 2015 purchase.

1) If they release the TRD/SPT supercharger I'd like to get it installed and financed with the car.
2) Waiting for some aftermarket to be formed and vetted. RSX aftermarket was still growing with big parts from big name players (skunk2) even 4 years after the car was discontinued
3) First year model generally has some overlooked issues that don't show up until people own them for 20-30k (see 350 Z and tire feathering), I'd rather let those get sorted out.
4) Demand will be lower so it'll be easier to make a deal then since it's not a new model. This applies even if you want to wait until late 2012 or summer 2013
5) I only do 1 car loan at a time and the wife's car isn't paid off until May 2014

[ft86Fan]

Yes, I'm in the same situation. I really wanted like a R Spec edition with lighter weight and a body kit. Great if it comes with supercharger but a NA tuned to ~230hp would be good also. I'm willing to wait an additional year but not sure if I can wait for two. Already waited a very very long time for this car.

[KaliKev]

I'm going to wait. Primarily due to a very iffy economy and if it tanks I don't want to be with 25k less.

Also want to have options such as used, and higher hp models.

[Capt Canuck]

Originally Posted by ft86Fan

Yes, I'm in the same situation. I really wanted like a R Spec edition with lighter weight and a body kit...

Eh? You want it to be lighter, but with more bits glued onto it?
Typically doesn't work that way... neither the sentiment or the function of it ;-)

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by NA_T

Hi all,

When I buy this car, it will be tracked regulary.. So is there anyone like me, not sure when to buy the GT86? I'm afraid to buy it, only to see the release of a more track oriented version (And other -better- trims) after a few months.

Is there any specific information released about when the TRD, Nür, etc.. trims go on sale?

Is anyone in this same situation?

I seriously doubt it'll be in just a few months...

There will be a better version I'd assume but I don't car. I can have fun on track in a 1st gen Miata. Having a slightly faster BRZ/FR-S may be more fun, or may elevate the limits to a point where it's no longer playful and fun (as I've experience in numerous built miatas).

If I decide I really want one of the faster versions I'll simply sell the first year car and buy one. I'll lose money, but that money will be offset by a year, or likely multiple years, of enjoyment first. I'm good with that.

[ft86Fan]

Originally Posted by Capt Canuck

Eh? You want it to be lighter, but with more bits glued onto it?
Typically doesn't work that way... neither the sentiment or the function of it ;-)

Well, my S2000 CR worked that way.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by ft86Fan

Well, my S2000 CR worked that way.

Yes but it didn't get all of the other bits people want. Just slight revisions, removal of some heavy crap and then an aero kit and some bracing.

People want heavy forced induction, bigger brakes, etc, etc that the CR doesn't have.

It is possible to do so. Honda has done so multiple times. Subaru, as far as I know, has never made an STI lighter than the car it's based off of. I could be wrong though. (excluding stripped down Type-RAs and such, which I'm betting is not what 99% of the people who want a faster model actually want)