The Toyota 86, a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car, has carved a niche for itself among enthusiasts seeking an affordable and engaging driving experience. But beyond the thrill of the road, a crucial question lingers for potential buyers: does the Toyota 86 hold its value over time? This article delves into the factors influencing the 86’s resale performance, analyzing historical data, market trends, and competitor comparisons to provide a comprehensive answer.
Understanding Depreciation and its Impact on Cars
Depreciation is the natural decline in a vehicle’s value from its original purchase price. It’s a significant consideration for any car owner, as it directly affects the return on investment when selling or trading in the vehicle. Several factors contribute to depreciation, including:
- Age: Older cars typically depreciate more than newer ones.
- Mileage: Higher mileage suggests more wear and tear, lowering value.
- Condition: A well-maintained car with a clean history commands a higher price.
- Market Demand: Popular models tend to hold their value better.
- Fuel Efficiency: With rising gas prices, fuel-efficient cars are often more desirable.
- Reliability: Cars with a reputation for reliability often depreciate less.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for better resale value than others.
Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing the depreciation rate of any car, including the Toyota 86.
The Toyota 86: A Profile of a Driver’s Car
The Toyota 86, co-developed with Subaru (as the BRZ), boasts a unique combination of attributes. It’s praised for its balanced handling, responsive steering, and engaging driving dynamics. Its affordability compared to other sports cars makes it accessible to a wider audience. However, its relatively small engine and limited practicality might deter some buyers.
The 86 has gone through several iterations, including updates and special editions. Each version might have slightly different depreciation characteristics based on features and rarity. Analyzing these differences is crucial to understand the overall resale market.
Key Features Influencing Value
Several key features of the Toyota 86 contribute to its potential for holding value:
- Rear-Wheel Drive: A hallmark of sports cars, RWD is highly sought after by enthusiasts.
- Lightweight Design: Enhances handling and agility, appealing to performance-oriented drivers.
- Manual Transmission: Many enthusiasts prefer the control and engagement of a manual transmission.
- Aftermarket Potential: The 86’s strong aftermarket support allows owners to customize and personalize their cars. However, extensive modifications can sometimes negatively affect resale value if not done tastefully or professionally.
- Overall Reliability: Toyota’s reputation for reliability contributes to lower long-term ownership costs and potentially better resale value.
Analyzing Historical Depreciation Data of the Toyota 86
Looking at historical data provides valuable insights into how the Toyota 86 has depreciated over time. While specific numbers fluctuate based on location, condition, and mileage, some general trends emerge:
Initial depreciation is usually the steepest, particularly in the first year or two of ownership. This is a common phenomenon for most new cars. The rate of depreciation typically slows down after the initial period. Cars that are well-maintained and have lower mileage will always fare better in the resale market. Limited edition models or those with desirable options packages tend to hold their value better than base models.
It is important to consult reliable sources such as Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and NADA Guides to get the most accurate and up-to-date data for specific model years and trims. These resources consider various factors to provide realistic estimates of current market values.
Factors Affecting Specific Model Year Depreciation
Different model years of the Toyota 86 may exhibit varying depreciation rates due to factors such as:
- Updates and Facelifts: Model years with significant updates or facelifts might hold their value better than older models.
- Limited Edition Releases: Special editions like the Hakone Edition or TRD models often command a premium due to their rarity and unique features.
- Mechanical Changes: Any mechanical improvements or changes in engine performance can impact the desirability of a particular model year.
- Recall History: Recalls can negatively affect a vehicle’s perceived reliability and resale value.
Comparing the Toyota 86’s Resale Value to Competitors
To truly understand the Toyota 86’s resale performance, it’s essential to compare it to its competitors in the sports car market. Key competitors include:
- Subaru BRZ: Being virtually identical to the 86, the BRZ’s resale value is very similar. Any differences are primarily due to brand perception and trim level variations.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Miata is another lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car known for its fun driving dynamics. It typically holds its value very well, often outperforming the 86.
- Nissan 370Z: While more powerful, the 370Z is also heavier and less nimble than the 86. Its resale value tends to be lower than the 86’s due to its age and less contemporary design.
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe: The Genesis Coupe offered more power but lacked the refined handling of the 86. Its resale value is generally lower than the 86’s.
Why the Toyota 86 Holds Its Value Relatively Well
Despite being a sports car, which typically depreciate faster than more practical vehicles, the Toyota 86 holds its value relatively well due to several reasons:
- Affordability: Its lower initial price point makes it more accessible and keeps the used market active.
- Enthusiast Appeal: The strong following among driving enthusiasts keeps demand consistent.
- Reliability: Toyota’s reputation for reliability reduces long-term ownership concerns.
- Limited Production: Production numbers are not excessively high, which helps maintain scarcity.
Tips for Maximizing the Resale Value of Your Toyota 86
If you own a Toyota 86 and want to maximize its resale value, here are some practical tips:
- Regular Maintenance: Keep up with scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks.
- Detailed Records: Maintain accurate records of all maintenance and repairs.
- Cleanliness: Keep the car clean inside and out. Regular detailing can make a big difference.
- Minor Repairs: Address any minor repairs promptly, such as scratches, dents, or interior wear.
- Cautious Driving: Avoid aggressive driving habits that can accelerate wear and tear.
- Preserve Original Parts: If you make modifications, keep the original parts so you can reinstall them if desired.
- Proper Storage: If storing the car for extended periods, take steps to protect it from the elements.
The Impact of the GR86 on Used Toyota 86 Values
The introduction of the GR86, the second-generation model, has had some impact on the values of the original Toyota 86. While the GR86 offers improvements in performance and styling, the original 86 remains a desirable and affordable option for enthusiasts.
The GR86’s arrival has created a tiered market. The original 86 offers a lower entry point for those seeking a fun, rear-wheel-drive sports car. The GR86 appeals to buyers willing to pay more for the updated performance and features. The existence of the newer model may lead to a slight dip in original 86 values initially, but the overall impact has been moderate due to the continued demand for affordable sports cars.
The Future of Toyota 86 Resale Values
Predicting the future is always challenging, but several factors suggest that the Toyota 86 will continue to hold its value relatively well in the coming years:
- Continued Enthusiast Demand: The appeal of a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car is unlikely to diminish.
- Rising New Car Prices: As new car prices continue to rise, the used 86 becomes an even more attractive option.
- Limited Availability of Similar Cars: The number of affordable sports cars with similar characteristics is limited, which supports demand for the 86.
- Potential Collectibility: Over time, well-maintained, unmodified examples of the original 86 could become collectible, further boosting their value.
While fluctuations in the market are inevitable, the Toyota 86’s unique combination of affordability, driving dynamics, and reliability positions it well for continued strong resale performance. Understanding these factors allows owners and prospective buyers to make informed decisions regarding ownership and investment.
Why is the Toyota 86 considered a car that holds its value relatively well?
The Toyota 86 enjoys strong resale value due to a combination of factors, including its reputation for reliability, driver-focused design, and limited production runs. The vehicle’s appeal as an affordable sports car with engaging handling keeps demand consistently high in the used car market. This sustained demand helps maintain prices, especially for well-maintained examples with desirable features.
Furthermore, the 86’s association with Subaru (as the BRZ) reinforces its appeal to a broad enthusiast base. Both models share similar mechanical underpinnings, contributing to a larger pool of potential buyers who value the car’s performance and simplicity. This shared platform also bolsters the perception of reliability, further enhancing its resale value compared to other vehicles in its class.
What factors can negatively impact the resale value of a Toyota 86?
Several factors can negatively impact the resale value of a Toyota 86. High mileage is a significant detractor, as is a poor maintenance record. Neglecting routine servicing, such as oil changes and tire rotations, can deter potential buyers and lower the car’s perceived value. Accident history, especially if the car has a salvaged or rebuilt title, will drastically decrease its worth.
Modifications, particularly those that are not professionally installed or those that deviate significantly from the car’s original design, can also negatively affect resale value. While some enthusiasts appreciate modifications, others prefer a stock vehicle. Additionally, significant cosmetic damage, such as dents, scratches, or interior wear and tear, will reduce the appeal and ultimately the price a buyer is willing to pay.
How does the trim level of a Toyota 86 affect its resale value?
Generally, higher trim levels of the Toyota 86 command a higher resale value compared to base models. This is because higher trims often include desirable features such as upgraded interiors, enhanced performance options (e.g., Brembo brakes), and advanced technology. These added features make the car more appealing to a broader range of buyers willing to pay a premium for them.
Specific limited edition or special edition trims of the 86 can hold their value even better, sometimes appreciating over time. These models are typically produced in limited quantities and often feature unique styling, performance upgrades, or exclusive badging. Their rarity and collectibility contribute to their higher resale value within the used car market.
How does the color of a Toyota 86 influence its resale value?
While color is often a subjective preference, it can still influence the resale value of a Toyota 86 to some degree. Popular and neutral colors like white, black, and silver generally have broader appeal and tend to sell more easily. These colors are less likely to be polarizing, making the car attractive to a wider range of potential buyers.
Less common or more vibrant colors, like blue or red, might appeal to a smaller segment of the market. While some buyers specifically seek out these colors, others may be less inclined to consider them. This can potentially result in a longer selling time and, in some cases, a slightly lower resale value compared to more universally accepted colors.
Does the transmission type (manual vs. automatic) impact the Toyota 86’s resale value?
Yes, the transmission type significantly impacts the Toyota 86’s resale value, particularly among enthusiasts. The manual transmission version is generally more desirable and commands a higher resale price compared to the automatic. This is primarily due to the manual transmission offering a more engaging and direct driving experience, which is highly valued in a sports car.
The Toyota 86 is marketed as a driver’s car, and the manual transmission allows for greater control and connection with the vehicle. While the automatic transmission provides convenience, it sacrifices some of the driver involvement that makes the 86 appealing. Consequently, buyers willing to pay a premium for the 86 often prioritize the manual transmission option.
How does the resale value of a Toyota 86 compare to other sports cars in its class?
The Toyota 86 often holds its value comparably well, and sometimes better, than other sports cars in its class. Its blend of affordability, reliability, and fun-to-drive characteristics makes it a popular choice among budget-conscious enthusiasts. Competitors like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and certain models of the Subaru WRX also maintain strong resale values, but the 86 often stands out due to its unique styling and focused driving experience.
Factors influencing this strong resale performance include the 86’s relatively simple mechanical design, which contributes to lower maintenance costs, and its consistent demand in the used car market. While some higher-performance sports cars might initially depreciate more slowly, the 86’s steady value retention makes it a smart choice for buyers seeking a long-term investment in an enjoyable vehicle.
What steps can I take to maximize the resale value of my Toyota 86?
To maximize the resale value of your Toyota 86, prioritize regular maintenance and keep meticulous records of all services performed. Adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and documenting these actions will demonstrate to potential buyers that the car has been well-cared for. Addressing any mechanical issues promptly will also prevent them from escalating and further diminishing the car’s value.
Protecting the car’s exterior and interior is crucial. Regularly washing and waxing the exterior will preserve the paint, while cleaning and conditioning the interior will prevent wear and tear. Avoiding modifications that could be seen as detrimental to the car’s originality and maintaining a clean driving record will further enhance its appeal to prospective buyers and ultimately increase its resale value.