
GT86 was discontinued due to poor sales, high maintenance costs, and low profit margins. The following are the key areas to focus on for GT86 maintenance: 1. Wheel Bearings: The inspection method is very simple. Lift the vehicle and release the handbrake, then manually rotate each wheel with force to listen for any abnormal "humming" noise. If there is none, it indicates everything is normal. 2. Exhaust Pipe: The exhaust pipe, located under the car, is often accidentally scraped, especially in modified vehicles, so extra attention is needed. 3. Steering Tie Rod: A loose steering tie rod is a serious hidden danger and must be carefully inspected during routine maintenance. The method is quite simple: hold the tie rod and shake it forcefully. If there is no movement, it is functioning normally; otherwise, the ball joint or the entire tie rod assembly needs to be replaced. 4. Spark Plugs: Spark plugs are categorized into standard, platinum, and iridium, with lifespans ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 kilometers. They directly affect engine performance and are also influenced by the quality of fuel used. Regular checks for carbon buildup and gap conditions are necessary. 5. Brake Discs: During maintenance, brake pads are usually inspected, but brake discs are equally important. If noticeable cracks are found on the brake disc, it should be replaced immediately. The lifespan of brake discs is directly related to the driver's habits and road conditions. Generally, it is recommended to replace the brake discs once for every two brake pad replacements.

I've always had a soft spot for the GT86. This car offers an incredibly pure driving experience, with its lightweight chassis and nimble handling, making it a perfect companion for weekend mountain road trips. However, as times change, its sales have gradually declined, with many people turning to SUVs or electric vehicles, as practicality and energy efficiency are more appealing. Toyota also has to adapt to the broader trends, facing stringent emission regulations like Euro 7, where upgrading the older engines would be too costly, and non-compliance would be inevitable without modifications. Additionally, Toyota's strategic focus has shifted toward electrification and hybrid models, requiring resources to be allocated to high-demand areas. Therefore, discontinuing the GT86 is a natural transition. That said, the second-generation BRZ/GR86 has already arrived, retaining that soulful essence, and I'm even more excited to see how it performs in the new market.

As someone who pays attention to technical details, I must say the discontinuation of the GT86 is primarily due to aging engine technology and regulatory pressures. It uses an old-style horizontally opposed engine, which is not efficient enough under today's energy-saving standards, and must be redesigned to meet new safety requirements such as ADAS systems. Toyota and Subaru have collaborated to develop a new-generation platform that better integrates electric assistance and low-emission technologies, making it more cost-effective. Market trends are changing, with demand for sports cars declining and sales of electric vehicles and SUVs soaring. Without upgrades, maintaining the old model would drag down brand competitiveness, so discontinuing it is a wise decision for iteration.

I once drove my friend's GT86 and found the driving experience incredibly fun, but it's indeed not practical. Toyota decided to discontinue it, and I think it's due to the low sales volume. Nowadays, people prefer buying SUVs or electric vehicles. Regulations have also changed significantly, with stricter emission requirements making maintenance expensive. For the average driver, it's a bit niche and prone to slipping in winter. It's a shame they stopped selling it, but life moves forward, and I look forward to more innovative models.


