[StE92ve]

So after perusing this forum, I registered yesterday and test drove a 2020 86 Hakone Edition (6AT) this morning. This thread is more for those like me who are considering the 86 since all the current owners are very familiar with the 86.


A little background: My last sport coupe was an '07 E92 (6MT) which was probably the finest vehicle that I've ever owned. Circumstances changed and I've been commuting in a '14 CX-5 for the past 7 years but life keeps changing and will soon be able to get back into a sport coupe. Had my heart set on a MX-5 (6MT) but SWMBO nixed that idea. All you married guys know "Happy Wife = Happy Life". Anyway, always knew about the FR-S/BRZ and never really considered them but would like to stay within the same budget as the MX-5. That's what brought me here and these are some of my first impressions after the test drive.


Small on the outside but once you're in the driver's seat, seems to open up. Even with all the window stickers (wasn't prepped properly for a demo), you don't feel cramped and there's good 360 degree visibility. Most reviewers state the interior is dated but this is not your living room and I find it suited well for the business at hand: Driving Pleasure. Seats are firm but comfortable and I'm sure I would find the perfect driving position after a few hundred miles. Steering wheel both tilts and telescopes to fit your style. I like the dash layout where the digital speed is indicated in the center tach and you can view the temp gauges in the info screen to the right. HVAC controls are adequate and functional, A/C cools down cabin quickly. Didn't spend to much time with the 7" touchscreen but as I've read, the sound system is weak (maybe the levels were not set to my liking) but really not a concern since the music this car plays while motoring, makes up for it.


Anyone wanting a sport coupe does so because they desire a vehicle that is performance oriented and fun to drive. The 86 ticks off those check boxes. I really like the body style of the 86 and the driving experience doesn't disappoint, even with the 6AT. The transmission is very responsive to driver input and the paddle shifters add another level of enjoyment. The cabin noise was not intrusive, even with the sound tube, and I liked the sound from the exhaust. The 86 feels solid on the road and stays flat in the turns. Driving the 86 brought back the smile that had been absent since I sold the E92.


Of course, for a $30K car I would have liked to see Home Link in the rear-view mirror, blind-spot monitoring, turn signals in the side-view mirrors, a 3-flash turn signal setting but those are just niceties not necessities and don't detract from the overall package.


At this point, the 86 GT is at the top of the list. Will need to see the Oceanic Blue in person to help finalize the decision. This forum is a great resource and I'm sure I'll be doing some subtle mods.