My first Japanese car.

[sir_binkalot]

Hey guys,

I've been a member of this forum for a while, but like others, I have mostly been lurking in the shadows, content to read the many amusing discussions that have unfolded. However, as of one week ago, something happened that changed everything.
That's right, I can now say that I am the proud owner of a Toyota 86!
I was tipped off by my friend to a dealer that had a brand new (11kms on odo.) 2014-build car sitting in their showroom. When I found out that it was red, my heart skipped a beat. I guess nobody else wanted a 'new' car that was approaching a year old, but to me, the touchscreen and reversing camera on the 2015 model were unnecessary items in what is a pure sports car. In any case, I could always add better ones later for less money.
The dealer gave me an excellent deal on the car, and she's been sitting in my driveway for a week now.

Here she is, a 2014 Mt Fuji Red 86 GT (manual, of course!!):



I mentioned earlier that the 86 is my first Japanese car. My previous cars were all models which many of the forum's North American members may be unfamiliar with, so I thought I'd mention them below. I usually quite enjoy reading about what cars other 86/BRZ owners have/had, so excuse my vanity in posting some photos.

Interestingly, though many people praise the 86 as being lightweight and deride its lack of power, it is both the heaviest and most powerful car that I have ever owned.

The 86 isn't my first car to have a boxer engine. "Wait", I hear you cry, "if he hasn't had a Japanese car before, he can't have had a Subaru. Does that mean he's had a Porsche?!". Not exactly. The Italians have also made some impressive boxer-engined cars over the years, such as the controveresially beautiful Testarossa. My first car, however, was a little more down-to-earth: a '74 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. This baby had a 1.1L boxer engine mated to a 4-speed manual and had no (!) steering assistance whatsoever. It was FF, too.
Unfortunately, the Alfasud was probably one of the cars that gave Alfas their reputation for unreliability. I sadly had to move on when the driver's seat detached from the chassis due to rust



After that incident, I needed something a little more safe and reliable, so I got a French car. My ride for the next four years was a Peugeot 206 GTi, the successor to that hot-hatch legend, the 205 GTi. While it was more of a warm hatch rather than a three-wheeled b-road carver like its predecessor, it was still a great little car. The 2L inline four from the 406 sedan wasn't hot in any way, but propelled the 1000kg car along at a decent enough pace. I still think the car looks good today, too:



My most recent car was another Alfa Romeo. Hailed as a spiritual successor to the Alfasud, the MiTo (Milano, Torino) was another warm hatch like the 206 GTi. This time, it had a turbocharged 1.4L engine, similar to that found in the Abarth 500, giving about 155hp. It had more torque than the 86 does though! While the looks are divisive to some, I don't think you could mistake it for anything other than an Alfa Romeo.



Yes, all of my cars were red. I hope the 86 remains part of my story for many years to come!

[raven1231]

Congrats! and nice cars man, definitely unique!

[Braces]

Definitely some interesting cars. Enjoy the 86 in good health.

[ToySub1946]

Do I see a pro photographer in our midst ?

Great pics for sure...and I want that last Alfa.

[chezplatypus]

Congrats on the 86 and on finding a red one! Beautiful!

[Packofcrows]

Gratz!

Just like you I stick to one colour (milky white/pearl/yellowish white).

[MokSpeed]

Peugeot = win. Congrats on your new car and hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

[Bristecom]

I've always preferred Japanese cars. They tend to have a good balance of performance, economy, quality, reliability, style, and price. Welcome to the club. She's a beauty!

[DarkSunrise]

I see someone has a thing for red cars =) Welcome and congrats!

[sir_binkalot]

Originally Posted by ToySub1946

Do I see a pro photographer in our midst ?

Great pics for sure...and I want that last Alfa.

Thank you, kind sir, but I am just an amateur. I must admit that the photo of the Peugeot was taken by a friend, anyway.

Originally Posted by Bristecom

I've always preferred Japanese cars. They tend to have a good balance of performance, economy, quality, reliability, style, and price. Welcome to the club. She's a beauty!

I tell you what, I am certainly looking forward to the lower servicing costs I should hopefully get from this car. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Braces

Definitely some interesting cars. Enjoy the 86 in good health.

Thank you. I've taken the 86 for a couple of spins up into the hills already, and, even though I'm still well and truly in the break-in period and my friends say I drive like a nonna, she makes for quite rapid progress. I can take corners far faster than should be possible!

[Tcoat]

Gezus. How big are the kids around there?

[RandomDeception]

Originally Posted by sir_binkalot

After that incident, I needed something a little more safe and reliable, so I got a French car.

I had a good laugh with that.

Really jealous of that moderate Australian coastal climate from here in Canada.