This is what happens when Toyota borrows BMW's homework and actually improves it. The B58 engine tunes to 500+ wheel horsepower on stock internals, the chassis feels sharper than the Z4 it shares bones with, and it holds value like a limited-edition sneaker. The catch: 2020-21 models burned oil between changes, not catastrophic, but annoying enough to make 2022+ the smarter buy. The bigger question is philosophical: can you live with a Supra that's half BMW under the skin? If badge purity matters more than driving joy, walk away. If you want a reliable weekend weapon that won't depreciate into oblivion, this delivers, just skip the early years and prepare for dealer markups that'll test your commitment.
The GR86 is a purist's sports car: lightweight, rear-wheel drive, naturally aspirated, and manual-first. It excels at what it was designed for, carving backroads and delivering steering feedback and chassis balance that punch far above its price. Owners consistently call it 'the most fun you can have under $30k' and many who cross-shop faster cars (Supra, Mustang GT) still choose the 86 for the analog driving experience. The tradeoff is clear: it's slow in a straight line, loud on the highway, and the interior feels budget. If you want a daily commuter or need rear seats, look elsewhere. If you want to learn car control and enjoy driving at legal speeds, this is the answer.