Things to be cautious of while driving an 86

[Ryan86]

Lets share any experiences good or bad while driving, so we can be aware of the fun or the cautious side of the car.

First up, be very aware of crosswinds while at speeds 140km up, I nearly lost it yesterday, car is so light, does not like wind side on.

Bumpy roads, car just hates them, creating loss of traction and stability. 120km around a bend hit small bumps in the tar, the traction control light kicked in and cut power. At higher speeds could be an issue.

Lets see what's else comes up?

[Vladror]

since i have my seat on the lowest possible position, i can't always see the curb when parking so I need to be extra careful when opening my door to avoid scraping it
(whereas my wife deliberately bumps the curbs with her SUV to make sure she's close enough to it

[Ryan86]

Good point, that also goes for those stupid blocks they put in front of parking bays, that you can't see and the scratches the bottom of the front bumper. Annoying twice now...

[Vic_RSA]

Definitely agree with the bumps, car is very skittish especially in the back roads and turning into a standard one-way quickly even in 3rd at 40km/h will get the traction control light flashing - I do it most mornings. Also on the way home there are rumble strips near a bend and it slides easily. Also when reverse parking be careful not to get too close to the kerb - visibility is not the greatest.

But my one major gripe is the A-pillar occasionally intrudes in sideways vision when turning left or right at a stop street forcing you to nose forward - the price we pay for the raked windscreen.

Also watch out for the handbrake when parking very close (like squeezing into a short driveway) to other cars on an incline as it seems to lurch slightly much like P on an automatic.

Also watch out for that steering on the highway - I find myself cutting lanes and riding the inner textured white line in the fastlane. It is a car that keeps you awake at least.

[RueFT86]

I agree, the steering is very responsive. But you would expect that in an 86.
My concern since seeing that I'm a fairly tall person is getting into the drivers seat.
I have to try an me maneuver myself everytime I get in. Worried about wearing off the leather and suede on the seat on the side I get in. So it becomes rather difficult.
What can we use so we don't damage the seat?

[Ryan86]

Originally Posted by RueFT86

I agree, the steering is very responsive. But you would expect that in an 86.
My concern since seeing that I'm a fairly tall person is getting into the drivers seat.
I have to try an me maneuver myself everytime I get in. Worried about wearing off the leather and suede on the seat on the side I get in. So it becomes rather difficult.
What can we use so we don't damage the seat?

I swop you standard seats for your leather....

[Vic_RSA]

Don't shoot me but seat covers maybe? Sure it won't be too long till Toyota makes some like they do for the Fortuner etc?

[sav]

Watch your head - I've bumped my head a couple of times when getting out of the car.

[Ryan86]

Originally Posted by Vic_RSA

Don't shoot me but seat covers maybe? Sure it won't be too long till Toyota makes some like they do for the Fortuner etc?

They are out there..
http://www.guerillaracing.com/clazzi...ion-fr-s-2013/

[KapteinBos]

Amen on the cross winds.. yesterday's storm made it feel like i had a flat tyre somewhere...

[Vic_RSA]

At $450... Sure we could have some made locally - some good manufacturers around.

[sav]

Originally Posted by Ryan86

They are out there..
http://www.guerillaracing.com/clazzi...ion-fr-s-2013/

No thanks.

[Vic_RSA]

Look a bit ill fitting...

[sav]

That's a nice way of putting it. The one in Ryan's pic looks good.