GR86 Joyride: My "Year of Saving" Took a Detour

For those who’ve followed my recent personal articles, “the year of saving” is still mostly on track, though I recently bent the rules a bit. As I’ve shared, I’ve been daily driving a 2011 Mazda 3 with a 6-speed manual for the last 7 years (though Amy was driving it for 4 years before that!). It was fun to drive, packed decent features for a 2010s compact sedan, and proved incredibly reliable. But with nearly 120,000 miles, it was showing its age with a growing list of “quirks.” Some were minor, like the moonroof’s tilt function that quit over seven years ago or the squeaks and rattles in the interior. Others, like the original clutch and aging suspension, demanded bigger investments of time and money. The driver’s door latch had an intermittent sensor issue, forcing me to disable the dome lights to avoid a dead battery if the latch randomly decided the door wasn’t closed at 2 a.m (spoiler alert, it was always closed!). You get so used to these quirks that they feel small—until someone else rides along and notices the long list! 

So, with very mixed emotions, I traded my trusty Mazda for a 2025 Toyota GR86 with a 6-speed manual (of course I got the manual!). It had just 5 miles when I test-drove it. Those who know me won’t be shocked that I spent months (possibly years but who’s counting, lol) researching, analyzing, and agonizing over the decision. I didn’t want to compromise on fun, especially since my commute involves winding back roads, the GR86’s sweet spot. 

I’m no engineer, but as a detail-oriented planning nerd, I appreciate the thought and effort Toyota and Subaru poured into making this car a joy to drive as part of their joint venture. the GR86 is a sister car to the Subaru BRZ, and it is a simple yet advanced driver’s platform. With about 120 miles on it as I write, I’m still within the 1,000-mile break-in period, which means no revving past 5,000 RPM (redline is ~7,500). It’s tough, the car begs to be pushed! While it’s not the most powerful or fastest car on the road, it feels quick and the sensation of speed lets you actually use the cars abilities without getting too far into “extra-legal” speeds. The steering and handling are unlike anything I’ve experienced, eager, responsive, and downright glorious.  

For all its driving thrills, the GR86 sacrifices some utility. As a 2-door coupe, its back seats are more like glorified storage than actual seating. At best, it’s a 3-seater. The manual transmission means fewer active safety and driver-assist features than many 2025 models, though it does have a backup camera, unlike my Mazda! 

I’ll report back after summer, once I’ve passed the break-in period and lived with the GR86 daily. In the meantime, as Amy and I laughed about on the drive home from the dealership, feel free to tease me for my “mid-life crisis” purchase when we chat next! 

Ticket #T009269

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