My test drive review

[shire1976]

Sorry you were disappointed Samsung. I reckon when buying a car you have to be more than 100% happy, so you are doing the right thing.

But overall I'm blown away be all of the criticism I'm reading about the car's power and the GT's interior. It's a $30 000 base price car, seriously 30k, not 45 or 50. Nothing comes close to it for bang for buck and I think we lose sight of that.

It's a mere 2k more than a Hyundai Veloster and a Veloster could only dream of being in the same league as an 86.

I'm a little biased as I'm picking up my GT next week and I'm confident it will the best car I've ever owned, and the last 2 I've bought, Mini Cooper and Commodore Sportswagon were both more expensive. For 34 drive away nothing come close to for filling its intended purpose.

[samsung001]

yes. you guys are right. With this price, there is no other RWD option.

I feel the 86 is underpowered, probably becoz my current ride is a turbo car. I know i shouldn't compare, and i dun want to trigger a debate of turbo car vs NA car. Probably im just too used to my current ride and all the sudden driving a 86 that made me feel the car has no power.

Before the test drive, i liked the 86. Same as most guys here, i hv been looking for getting one (esp when they set the price at abt 39500 drive away for the GTS). I even tried really hard to persuade my wife to sell ours current practical GOLF GTI for a 86. (Before the test drive, i actually tried to put my pram in and it does fit my pram ^^) Hm....but after the test drive, i think am not getting one. Honestly, if they can deliver a 86 to me within a month, i would still consider to buy it. Unfortunately, ive been given the ETA is NOV......sorry its just not my car

I might wait for a turbo version or i just simply get an used 370z or S2000 later on.

[Varvs]

The gts is only a few thousand short of a wrx which, in hatch format at least, offers a lot more practicality, power, and modification potential.

IMO anyone going for the GTS and NOT comparing to a wrx is really limiting themselves.

[m0nty]

Originally Posted by Varvs

The gts is only a few thousand short of a wrx which, in hatch format at least, offers a lot more practicality, power, and modification potential.

IMO anyone going for the GTS and NOT comparing to a wrx is really limiting themselves.

Then you sir, have no idea. A 1200kg RWD NA 2 door coupe and a 1600kg turbo AWD sedan? The only cars I feel can be compared in the same breath are the MX5 and 1 Series. If you want to compare the WRx you really need to consider everything else you were pushing against the 86 on JDMST.

Should we add to it the Jeep Cherokee, Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Veloster, Ford XR6 and Commodore SV6 as you seem so sternly serious to recommend anything but an 86 to anyone on JDMST and now here too. I get that you may feel compelled to give your two cents but now you're coming across as someone just hellbent to stop people buying one of these cars. On an 86 forum no less. Get a grip.

[JDM-dono]

^ I think it's forum rules to not bash the 86?

[sticky]

I appreciate Varvs criticism of the 86 - especially considering there aren't many from automotive journalists. This car isn't for everyone and it seems a WRX (or something with more power) is more suited to him.

Originally Posted by JDM-dono

^ I think it's forum rules to not bash the 86?

If there wasn't any criticism then we are all just a bunch of fanboys ranting on about how good this car is...

[samsung001]

Originally Posted by m0nty

Then you sir, have no idea. A 1200kg RWD NA 2 door coupe and a 1600kg turbo AWD sedan? The only cars I feel can be compared in the same breath are the MX5 and 1 Series. If you want to compare the WRx you really need to consider everything else you were pushing against the 86 on JDMST.

Should we add to it the Jeep Cherokee, Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Veloster, Ford XR6 and Commodore SV6 as you seem so sternly serious to recommend anything but an 86 to anyone on JDMST and now here too. I get that you may feel compelled to give your two cents but now you're coming across as someone just hellbent to stop people buying one of these cars. On an 86 forum no less. Get a grip.

Take it easy. the purpose of having the forum is for sharing ideas and thoughts. no need to being offensive. Honestly i can see what is Varvs coming from.
I like 86, but WRX was one of my choices too. I got a quote for $42k drive away (with cooperate discount)
AWD, abt 200kw, 343Nm of torque, 0-100Km in 5.4sec & 4 doors etc........its just 2.5k more than a GTS.
Considering the practical issue and all those sort of things, i believe it does make sense to compare the 2 at some point (esp for ppl just looking for a sports car, but not knowing much about car in details like my wife........hahahhahaha) For them, can they notice the difference between FWD vs AWD? NA vs Turbo ? Would they care the term of Driver's Car? Hell no.......But they can certainly tell if the car is fast on straight.
0-100km in 5.4 sec (wrx) vs 0-100km more than 7.2 sec (86).....what would those ppl choose ?

[catcha]

i'm sold on the style and handling but unsure about the power also. took and auto GTS for a drive and found that to be pretty average, makes a nice blip sound but thats where it ends. I also came from a WRX previously and was about to get a honda S2000. now that car was a joy to drive I wish they made them still. Now if the manual gives me a similar experience without the open top i'll be sold.

will be testing a manual this week

[Varvs]

Originally Posted by m0nty

Then you sir, have no idea. A 1200kg RWD NA 2 door coupe and a 1600kg turbo AWD sedan? The only cars I feel can be compared in the same breath are the MX5 and 1 Series. If you want to compare the WRx you really need to consider everything else you were pushing against the 86 on JDMST.

Should we add to it the Jeep Cherokee, Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Veloster, Ford XR6 and Commodore SV6 as you seem so sternly serious to recommend anything but an 86 to anyone on JDMST and now here too. I get that you may feel compelled to give your two cents but now you're coming across as someone just hellbent to stop people buying one of these cars. On an 86 forum no less. Get a grip.

c'mon champ, the guy on JDMST mentioned '4 seater, RWD'. the rear seats in the 86 are token at best, and if you actually NEED rear seats, like some older guys with familes just might, you would be ABSOLUTELY STUPID to not look ANY other car in the price range.

commo and falcon tick those boxes and throw in more cylinders and torque. if you want something that handles better, then you go to a WRX, which again has more displacement and more torque.

if the torque was there lower in the range, without the curious dip in the midrange, there wouldnt be a problem, itd be a fun little car. i would even go beyond saying the dip is to cater to emissions and more likely so that it feels like VTEC is kicking in.

the 86 is still on my shortlist for next car, but I am at least being a realist and understanding it is not the be all and end all of cars. its not even the be all of fun cars.

buy as many as you want, but dont be so blind as to think a WRX, SV6 or XR6 wouldnt give you an equally good grin and more practicality to boot.