GT86/BRZ facelift or not?

GT86/BRZ facelift or not?

Author
Discussion

LeoSayer

Original Poster:

7,388 posts

251 months

Wednesday 9th December 2020
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Is there any compelling reason to spend the extra to get a facelift (late 2016 on) GT86/BRZ over the original?

I'm aware of improved infotainment and computer but not bothered too much about that. It won't be a daily driver so my main concern is driving, handling, engine, refinement, seating position etc.

Is the facelift more reliable?

mrbbs

55 posts

58 months

Sunday 13th December 2020
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I owned both and would go for the PFL. They are equally reliable.

philwhite

256 posts

188 months

Monday 14th December 2020
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Unless your set on the digital readout and the steering wheel controls, I'd go for the pre facelift, especially as Europe didn't get the revised engine mapping the rest of the world got. That is unless you fancy one with the factory Brembos, they're a rather tasty upgrade available only on the facelift.

I believe the MY2015 got some slight improvements over the launch cars (bigger battery etc.), maybe that's the sweet spot.

Personally I'd go for a pre facelift and put the savings into having the torque dip removed. Better yet, get one that's already been done!

LeoSayer

Original Poster:

7,388 posts

251 months

Monday 14th December 2020
quotequote all
philwhite said:
Unless your set on the digital readout and the steering wheel controls, I'd go for the pre facelift, especially as Europe didn't get the revised engine mapping the rest of the world got. That is unless you fancy one with the factory Brembos, they're a rather tasty upgrade available only on the facelift.

I believe the MY2015 got some slight improvements over the launch cars (bigger battery etc.), maybe that's the sweet spot.

Personally I'd go for a pre facelift and put the savings into having the torque dip removed. Better yet, get one that's already been done!
I'd love a Blue Edition with Brembos but I can't find any for sale and in any case, they will likely be £20k+.

A PFL out of warranty with unequal length headers sounds a more prudent choice.

philwhite

256 posts

188 months

Tuesday 15th December 2020
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Annoyingly the Brembos were apparently dealer fit when added as an option, but Toyota won't sell you them individually. I'd certainly snap them up if they were.

I went equal length on mine, but the performance upgrade was immediately noticeable. It will wont pin you back in the seat or anything, but the mid-range is now quite punchy and it revs extremely smoothly, whereas before there was a definite harshness to it.