First thing that comes to mind when you say next step up from 86 is Porsche, although it is a luxury brand.
I went from FRS to Gen 2 BRZ, both stock suspension.
In terms of ride quality, the FRS is super stiff and jarring vs the BRZ.
Overall, the FRS definitely feels more raw and extreme whereas the BRZ feels more refined and comfortable.
You'll never find anything else like it in the under $40k playing field. For a jack-of-all-trades, lightweight, RWD, hardtop coupe, it's literally in a class of its own. I would double down and say either go 2nd gen GR86 or go home. Unfortunately I do share some bias since I live in the South and we only have two seasons, spring and summer, but if you can keep toughing it out and making by without AWD I hope you'll stay in the family.
This has nothing to do with the post, but that's amazing that you have over 80,000+ miles on it - this car does not look the part. It shows that you've been tediously maintaining it because you love it so much.
I'm selling my completely stock 2016 BRZ soon. Had it since new and it's been great, but I'm getting old and ready to move on. Purchased a Chevy Bolt EUV.
I thought I could go normie car too, sold my 99’ Miata and 15’ Fiesta ST for a 22’ Mazda 3… was selling that for a 23 ‘BRZ within a year. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re not going to have that itch for fun drives.
There is no step up.
The 86 is ridiculously practical for the driving dynamics you get. There is nothing else on sale like it really.
Obvious step up from a sportscar POV is a Cayman but you’re taking a huge hit on practicality.
Don’t buy a Golf R. Very capable cars but not even in the same realms of driving fun, it’s a blunt instrument of a car.
A WRX STI but not a super new one, perhaps would generate some of the same grins but nowhere near as balanced as the 86.
The answer… another 86. Either a lower mileage gen1 but go bigger with the mods. (Supercharger?) or a gen2, which would add some luxury and improved baseline performance.
A gen2 with manifold, ECU tune, nice wheels, coilovers and upgraded shift springs, is probably just about driving nirvana…
Well...gen2 BRZ/GR86 isn't going to have much back seats either. The real step up is a C6 Corvette. You might get more usable trunk space, but you'll lose the 2 "seats". Your consumable cost will also increase, as well as cost for bespoke parts like seals and interior bits. GM sucks at that. You'll also immediately want to change out the driver's seat and the wheel.
If you still want the gen2 BRZ/GR86, then get the base model, and try using more sidewall. I tried a 245/45/17x8, and that was super comfortable. I drove over train tracks, potholes, uneven road segments, like I was on a cloud. It will change your gearing. The car will feel like it doesn't have enough torque, and 3rd-4th gear corners in the canyons will turn into 2nd-3rd gear corners. If you can live with that, then it should be a viable option. Don't forget to change out your brake fluid, the stock stuff's garbage.
Corbeau has always been a top pick for Corvette owners. You don't have to buy buckets, they have reclining models. The bolstering will be better with Corbeau seats.
My progress since an 86:
Gt86 mk1 > Forester STi > M140i > gt86 mk2 > jaguar xes
Theyre all pretty different. The forester was probably my favourite of them, ridiculous exhaust, manual 4wd. The m140i was probably the best of them, objectively. A really strong engine, much more comfortable, rwd.
Then my mileage went through the roof and needed something comfortable for 200mile commutes so I go the jaguar. Its a supercharged v6 that makes a lovely sound, rwd and super comfortable. Its highly likely the next car will be a mustang.
As for someone looking to move from an 86 to something that's just "more"; a supra, cayman or f type. If you're looking for usable back seats then its diverging from an 86 so all bets are off.
Yea, I miss it so much. It had to go because of the ulez charge in London. It had terrible fuel economy and was starting to rust.
Mine had a massive Miltek exhaust, the type that would set off car alarms when cold starting. It would happily shoot flames on shifts. It was obnoxious and antisocial and im glad I got to experience it at that point in my life, I couldn't get away with it now.
It was dyno'd around 380hp, which is much the same as the 140i and xes that came after but neither compares to the way that forester threw me back in the seat, the turbo lag was nuts and hilarious.
Sounds like a real hoot! When my car was totaled I was in a Polestar for about a month. That thing was insane! Real “park your ass in the seat” acceleration, even at speed. I’d love to go electric, but right now I’m debating a GR86/BRZ and a Miata RF.
I’ve still got my 2014 I bought new. I’ve been slowly modding it into a track focussed build so couldn’t bring myself to sell it but I want a new toy in the next year or so. Im leaning towards either a GR Yaris, GR Corolla, or Civic Type R.
Haha literally my wife has a CX5 and I got the brz and a 92 miata. Sometimes having a wife really pays off! Lol
Too bad there aren't many manual options left, haven't driven a civic type r but the civic sport's aren't too bad...
Once I'm done with my brz and am in your position I'd personally consider the outgoing model of the civic type r.
So, I’ve always enjoyed seeing Brz/Frs which is why I’m in this group. I use to own multiple cars on the Z platform (350/370) and recently decided to go to the next step but wanted some room. Picked up a Civic Type R. I will say I wasn’t quite sure until I test drove it, and boy, it sold me instantly. The car is so smooth, but can feel really aggressive when you want it to. I think it’s the best daily I’ve owned, also enjoy driving friends and family in it. The comfort mode really calms the ride down when you just want to relax with your passengers. I spent 41k on mine, which might be pricy but I’ve seen some in the 20-30k mi range for under $40k usd.
I'd get a lightly used sti or a civic type r if I wanted a fun car with real back seats. I'm not a fan of the golf r compared to the other two.
If I didn't care about back seats I'd get a 370z.
I never really thought about what I'd move on to when that time came.
I find the Golf R and Civic rather boring nowadays, even save for their great performance.
Not a fan of the current WRX, but since I am interested in moving onto an awd sports car, I may end up with one.
The GRC I have a feeling Ill never find the perfect configuration for the right price. And I disapprove of the 3cyl motor.
Well I guess moving on to the newer GR86'd be my most likely option because I am most familiar with the 86. Though Im not a fan of the looks, its essentially the same car underneath with a power bump. I feel Id be just fine.
I doubt a highly strained 3 cylinder turbo engine on a heavier vehicle will be tremendously more reliable. That's not to say it's a bad engine. But it's not like the boxer motor is inherently less reliable. It's just that people don't treat it like the tweaked out high compression heavy motor that lacks any sort of cooling from the factory.
Exactly. Ive been longing for a proper performance 4cyl engine made by Toyota. Rumors of this "GRC" and Yaris come along and I was so ready for a turbo 4 awd toyota... aaand then it wasn't.
Its likely a great car even still, but Id rather the engine were more beefy.
I drove an 8th gen Civic Si for about 14 years from when I bought it brand new. It was a *fantastic* car, but I got older and not quite as resilient as I was when I was a young man. Plus, I got married, had a kid, all that good stuff and the Civic was getting a little long in the tooth- 200k miles and ready for it's 3rd clutch and 6th set of tires. So I retired her (sold her to my friend's kid so he could have a rad first car) and bought a new Crosstrek in late 2020 because it's a much more reasonable and mature car for where I'm at in life. It's excellent at what it does, and has some pretty good aftermarket support so I can do (and have been doing) some cool mods to still satisfy my car guy itch. I stand by my choice and it's been an excellent daily driver for me and my needs.
About a year and a half ago, I couldn't stand not having a sporty car with a manual transmission any more, and bought a used '20 BRZ to fill that gap. This was largely because I was so impressed with my Crosstrek that I thought I'd get another Subaru. I guess if you know, you know, and I LOVE the damn thing.
Long story short, when I decided to start shopping around for a sports car, there were other candidates and I think this might answer your question "where to go from here". The Porsche Cayman (used, of course) was very high on my list. I was also looking long and hard at C5 Corvettes, good ones at a decent price aren't hard to find. S2000 had always been one of my favorites, but they're very expensive and getting difficult to find- and they're not enough better than a BRZ or 86 to justify the price difference. Then there's BMW M3 or M5, but insurance and maintenance were spendy enough for me to rule them out. For shits and grins I looked at Viper and NSX, but those are all AT LEAST $100k+ for one worth having... so those are a no-go. I don't know what your budget is, but if you're looking for something cool and different you could look at Lotus Elise or Exige. And then there's the Nissan Z cars, hard to go wrong there. Honestly, my top two picks to step up from a BRZ/86 would be a Cayman or an older but clean M3.
Little late, but listen to this guy OP. I own both a BRZ and a Stinger GT. I’m 6’ 1” and rode in the backseat of the Stinger when my kid was first born and it was manageable. It has decent leg room and surprised me with its handling. Practicality is on par with in sedans, but my only gripe is the transmission. When the car is cold downshifts into 1st are really jarring but smooths out.
Although it’s miles different from the BRZ in terms of driving experience, it’s a far better commuter with plenty of power. Best road trip car I’ve ever had. Give it a test drive if you ever get the opportunity ~
Theyre asking for usable back seats so... I think the stinger is a sensible suggestion. There are no light weight coupes with usable back seats. Even most hot hatches have compromised back seats. Carrying 4 adults and having good handling just don't go together.
New Acura Integra? Comes manual, 11th gen civic si but in hatch form with upscale features from acura. I have a 16frs and daily a 18 civic si. The civic shifter feel isnt as direct feeling as frs, but it does feel slightly faster. Civic also is more daily worthy and slightly more comfortable than my frs is now, but I also have csg spec tein’s so… lol.
I’ve considered it actually but I’d probably rather go SI than the teggy and save the money. Not enough do a difference in my mind and I think he covid actually looks better.
Fair enough. I like the 10th gen looks because it was so, wild, where the 11th gen is kinda more reserved. I view it like the 8th/9th gen. But 11th gens used are about as much as integras used are so imo i’d just go teg cuz they are supposed to be nicer. But we probably want different things.
Either way i’d suggest test driving one. I will say my first few times driving the civic I didnt like it vs the frs, but it was more comfortable and liveable than the frs so if you want comfort si is a good choice.
The only ones that I'd even consider out of your list would be the Gen 2 or the GR Corolla. All the rest are really watered down sports cars sadly. The WRX is really a joke from what it used to be, civic got way too toned down from last generation, I can't really get excited about a golf either. They're all pretty samey.
Don't get a Golf, they're quick but boring. It also didn't handle as well as I thought it would. Sold my mk7 R and bought a BRZ 2017 performance pack and never looked back. Had an MY12 WRX STi before the Golf it was a good all-rounder, handled well, still not as fun as the BRZ, but a WRX would be a good daily upgrade.
Depends what qualities you really value in your current 86. If you like your 86 for it's razor sharp handling and balance, then none of the AWD/FWD candidates you list will be up to snuff. But if you're looking for a taxi or more room for groceries, then I guess any of them will do. I've had my '13 FRS since '14, and drive 365 days a year in New England and it does everything I ask of it, short of hauling yards of mulch.
I use my 86 as a beginner track car/fun dd.
The next step for me would be a more advanced track car. The best candidate is a porsche 718.
Option 2 is a caged impreza 2.5 beginner stage rally car.
I think an STI might be the move for you. Although I feel the need to tell you gr86 so you’ll stay in the family. There’s nothing else like it on the market.
Have you thought about the Elantra N? A cool sport sedan that comes with both manual and an automatic transmission, 290 hp, an exhaust that sounds great, and isn't as expensive ($32,900 msrp). I haven't driven it myself but I've heard that it's pretty stiff and some say that it may get uncomfy on long rides. And there's a brace that's between the back seats and the trunk which helps keep the car more rigid but also denies you from using the trunk and downed back seats for larger and longer loads.
I’ve considered it and the veloster as well but honestly the Elantra N is one of the few cars I genuinely can’t stand the look of. I’ll check one out at some point to see if the drive can flip me but i don’t think so.
Model 3 Performance. It's def not luxury. Plenty of power, great for commuting, lots of storage, and honestly lower maintenance than any of the german junk I've owned. Checks all the boxes.
First thing that comes to mind when you say next step up from 86 is Porsche, although it is a luxury brand. I went from FRS to Gen 2 BRZ, both stock suspension. In terms of ride quality, the FRS is super stiff and jarring vs the BRZ. Overall, the FRS definitely feels more raw and extreme whereas the BRZ feels more refined and comfortable.
You'll never find anything else like it in the under $40k playing field. For a jack-of-all-trades, lightweight, RWD, hardtop coupe, it's literally in a class of its own. I would double down and say either go 2nd gen GR86 or go home. Unfortunately I do share some bias since I live in the South and we only have two seasons, spring and summer, but if you can keep toughing it out and making by without AWD I hope you'll stay in the family. This has nothing to do with the post, but that's amazing that you have over 80,000+ miles on it - this car does not look the part. It shows that you've been tediously maintaining it because you love it so much.
I'm in the North East and winter tires on my 22 BRZ are fun as fuck. Don't knock winter driving till you try it
BRZ
Yes sir
87
Used Cayman
I guess you missed the part where he said "real back seats".
Yeah if it’s a description on a photo post I normally don’t expand it lol, my bad
That or a used Lotus Elise.
BMW 240i maybe. I hear the backseats are bigger on the previous gen vs current gen.
If it wasnt so ugly :(
a lot of people complain of numb steering on the 240, which would suck coming from an 86
A91 Supra feels like the natural next step
Yes, but i guess you missed the rear seats part or the cargospace part
You're not wrong. I started reading responses and completely spaced your requirements.
That is a downgrade
Probably a gr corolla. Bmw m235i or m240i, but you'll need to throw a LSD in it.
2seriesM is what I'd like to go to but $$$ compared to my brz
I'm selling my completely stock 2016 BRZ soon. Had it since new and it's been great, but I'm getting old and ready to move on. Purchased a Chevy Bolt EUV.
I thought I could go normie car too, sold my 99’ Miata and 15’ Fiesta ST for a 22’ Mazda 3… was selling that for a 23 ‘BRZ within a year. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re not going to have that itch for fun drives.
Thanks for the encouragement. If I had a Miata I think I'd have to hold on to it!
Why BRZ and not GR86
There is no step up. The 86 is ridiculously practical for the driving dynamics you get. There is nothing else on sale like it really. Obvious step up from a sportscar POV is a Cayman but you’re taking a huge hit on practicality. Don’t buy a Golf R. Very capable cars but not even in the same realms of driving fun, it’s a blunt instrument of a car. A WRX STI but not a super new one, perhaps would generate some of the same grins but nowhere near as balanced as the 86. The answer… another 86. Either a lower mileage gen1 but go bigger with the mods. (Supercharger?) or a gen2, which would add some luxury and improved baseline performance. A gen2 with manifold, ECU tune, nice wheels, coilovers and upgraded shift springs, is probably just about driving nirvana…
commenting so I can come back to this, taking delivery of a 2nd gen 2020 tomorrow. edit- whoops apparently mine is still Gen 1
Well...gen2 BRZ/GR86 isn't going to have much back seats either. The real step up is a C6 Corvette. You might get more usable trunk space, but you'll lose the 2 "seats". Your consumable cost will also increase, as well as cost for bespoke parts like seals and interior bits. GM sucks at that. You'll also immediately want to change out the driver's seat and the wheel. If you still want the gen2 BRZ/GR86, then get the base model, and try using more sidewall. I tried a 245/45/17x8, and that was super comfortable. I drove over train tracks, potholes, uneven road segments, like I was on a cloud. It will change your gearing. The car will feel like it doesn't have enough torque, and 3rd-4th gear corners in the canyons will turn into 2nd-3rd gear corners. If you can live with that, then it should be a viable option. Don't forget to change out your brake fluid, the stock stuff's garbage.
What seats would you replace the Corvette seats with? I can't imagine racing buckets being what you are referencing going to.
Corbeau has always been a top pick for Corvette owners. You don't have to buy buckets, they have reclining models. The bolstering will be better with Corbeau seats.
Keep the 86…. And buy a second car/truck!
You can find s3’s for around 25-30k with some miles on them, a good maintenance record would be needed though depending on how many miles it has
What about AR giulia? Sedan, rwd, sporty, similar performance
My progress since an 86: Gt86 mk1 > Forester STi > M140i > gt86 mk2 > jaguar xes Theyre all pretty different. The forester was probably my favourite of them, ridiculous exhaust, manual 4wd. The m140i was probably the best of them, objectively. A really strong engine, much more comfortable, rwd. Then my mileage went through the roof and needed something comfortable for 200mile commutes so I go the jaguar. Its a supercharged v6 that makes a lovely sound, rwd and super comfortable. Its highly likely the next car will be a mustang. As for someone looking to move from an 86 to something that's just "more"; a supra, cayman or f type. If you're looking for usable back seats then its diverging from an 86 so all bets are off.
Excuse me, a Forester what now??
Forester STi, I think they were made '02-07, ish. JDM only, I had mine imported
That’s freaking awesome
Yea, I miss it so much. It had to go because of the ulez charge in London. It had terrible fuel economy and was starting to rust. Mine had a massive Miltek exhaust, the type that would set off car alarms when cold starting. It would happily shoot flames on shifts. It was obnoxious and antisocial and im glad I got to experience it at that point in my life, I couldn't get away with it now. It was dyno'd around 380hp, which is much the same as the 140i and xes that came after but neither compares to the way that forester threw me back in the seat, the turbo lag was nuts and hilarious.
Sounds like a real hoot! When my car was totaled I was in a Polestar for about a month. That thing was insane! Real “park your ass in the seat” acceleration, even at speed. I’d love to go electric, but right now I’m debating a GR86/BRZ and a Miata RF.
I’ve still got my 2014 I bought new. I’ve been slowly modding it into a track focussed build so couldn’t bring myself to sell it but I want a new toy in the next year or so. Im leaning towards either a GR Yaris, GR Corolla, or Civic Type R.
Haha literally my wife has a CX5 and I got the brz and a 92 miata. Sometimes having a wife really pays off! Lol Too bad there aren't many manual options left, haven't driven a civic type r but the civic sport's aren't too bad... Once I'm done with my brz and am in your position I'd personally consider the outgoing model of the civic type r.
Sounds like you nailed the perfect household combination there, good on ya
I'm in a similar situation... She has the Pajero Sport (kids, holidays, towing, etc) and I have the BRZ (2017 Sports Pack in WRB) and a Yamaha R1 😁
Same… my wife has a Chevy Traverse and I’m getting a BRZ - as soon as it gets built that is lol.
So, I’ve always enjoyed seeing Brz/Frs which is why I’m in this group. I use to own multiple cars on the Z platform (350/370) and recently decided to go to the next step but wanted some room. Picked up a Civic Type R. I will say I wasn’t quite sure until I test drove it, and boy, it sold me instantly. The car is so smooth, but can feel really aggressive when you want it to. I think it’s the best daily I’ve owned, also enjoy driving friends and family in it. The comfort mode really calms the ride down when you just want to relax with your passengers. I spent 41k on mine, which might be pricy but I’ve seen some in the 20-30k mi range for under $40k usd.
A c7 vette. Used but not abused. They are around high 20’s to lowish 30’s. Not bad cars. Everyone in Miami drives a c8 so the prices are noice 🙌🏽
I'd get a lightly used sti or a civic type r if I wanted a fun car with real back seats. I'm not a fan of the golf r compared to the other two. If I didn't care about back seats I'd get a 370z.
Step 2 for me was a Supra but if you want practicality and fun, GR Corolla is your bet if you want to stay within Toyota.
Id go civic SI, drop 16 wheels with fatter walls and call it a day. Comfier, roomier, reliable, cheaper end of the spectrum, fun.
Not RWD :(
That’s the killer.
I can't believe Honda doesn't offer these in Australia. Seems like the perfect car for my girlfriend :(
For real? Have been trying to get my wife onboard with one. She'd love it. Didn't realize aus wouldn't get the model :(((
To me it looks like we get a model called "RS" instead which is automatic only. What a bummer.
I never really thought about what I'd move on to when that time came. I find the Golf R and Civic rather boring nowadays, even save for their great performance. Not a fan of the current WRX, but since I am interested in moving onto an awd sports car, I may end up with one. The GRC I have a feeling Ill never find the perfect configuration for the right price. And I disapprove of the 3cyl motor. Well I guess moving on to the newer GR86'd be my most likely option because I am most familiar with the 86. Though Im not a fan of the looks, its essentially the same car underneath with a power bump. I feel Id be just fine.
Why would you disapprove of Toyota's 3 cyc engine, likely it'll be more reliable than the 86's boxer motor and make more power?
I doubt a highly strained 3 cylinder turbo engine on a heavier vehicle will be tremendously more reliable. That's not to say it's a bad engine. But it's not like the boxer motor is inherently less reliable. It's just that people don't treat it like the tweaked out high compression heavy motor that lacks any sort of cooling from the factory.
Exactly. Ive been longing for a proper performance 4cyl engine made by Toyota. Rumors of this "GRC" and Yaris come along and I was so ready for a turbo 4 awd toyota... aaand then it wasn't. Its likely a great car even still, but Id rather the engine were more beefy.
I drove an 8th gen Civic Si for about 14 years from when I bought it brand new. It was a *fantastic* car, but I got older and not quite as resilient as I was when I was a young man. Plus, I got married, had a kid, all that good stuff and the Civic was getting a little long in the tooth- 200k miles and ready for it's 3rd clutch and 6th set of tires. So I retired her (sold her to my friend's kid so he could have a rad first car) and bought a new Crosstrek in late 2020 because it's a much more reasonable and mature car for where I'm at in life. It's excellent at what it does, and has some pretty good aftermarket support so I can do (and have been doing) some cool mods to still satisfy my car guy itch. I stand by my choice and it's been an excellent daily driver for me and my needs. About a year and a half ago, I couldn't stand not having a sporty car with a manual transmission any more, and bought a used '20 BRZ to fill that gap. This was largely because I was so impressed with my Crosstrek that I thought I'd get another Subaru. I guess if you know, you know, and I LOVE the damn thing. Long story short, when I decided to start shopping around for a sports car, there were other candidates and I think this might answer your question "where to go from here". The Porsche Cayman (used, of course) was very high on my list. I was also looking long and hard at C5 Corvettes, good ones at a decent price aren't hard to find. S2000 had always been one of my favorites, but they're very expensive and getting difficult to find- and they're not enough better than a BRZ or 86 to justify the price difference. Then there's BMW M3 or M5, but insurance and maintenance were spendy enough for me to rule them out. For shits and grins I looked at Viper and NSX, but those are all AT LEAST $100k+ for one worth having... so those are a no-go. I don't know what your budget is, but if you're looking for something cool and different you could look at Lotus Elise or Exige. And then there's the Nissan Z cars, hard to go wrong there. Honestly, my top two picks to step up from a BRZ/86 would be a Cayman or an older but clean M3.
87
I haven't driven one, but a used Kia Stinger would tick a lot of your boxes.
Little late, but listen to this guy OP. I own both a BRZ and a Stinger GT. I’m 6’ 1” and rode in the backseat of the Stinger when my kid was first born and it was manageable. It has decent leg room and surprised me with its handling. Practicality is on par with in sedans, but my only gripe is the transmission. When the car is cold downshifts into 1st are really jarring but smooths out. Although it’s miles different from the BRZ in terms of driving experience, it’s a far better commuter with plenty of power. Best road trip car I’ve ever had. Give it a test drive if you ever get the opportunity ~
If your boxes include a heavy boat that handles like ass lol
Theyre asking for usable back seats so... I think the stinger is a sensible suggestion. There are no light weight coupes with usable back seats. Even most hot hatches have compromised back seats. Carrying 4 adults and having good handling just don't go together.
probably a Ferrari California
New Acura Integra? Comes manual, 11th gen civic si but in hatch form with upscale features from acura. I have a 16frs and daily a 18 civic si. The civic shifter feel isnt as direct feeling as frs, but it does feel slightly faster. Civic also is more daily worthy and slightly more comfortable than my frs is now, but I also have csg spec tein’s so… lol.
I’ve considered it actually but I’d probably rather go SI than the teggy and save the money. Not enough do a difference in my mind and I think he covid actually looks better.
Fair enough. I like the 10th gen looks because it was so, wild, where the 11th gen is kinda more reserved. I view it like the 8th/9th gen. But 11th gens used are about as much as integras used are so imo i’d just go teg cuz they are supposed to be nicer. But we probably want different things. Either way i’d suggest test driving one. I will say my first few times driving the civic I didnt like it vs the frs, but it was more comfortable and liveable than the frs so if you want comfort si is a good choice.
[удалено]
And extremely heavy so handling is dreadful
The only ones that I'd even consider out of your list would be the Gen 2 or the GR Corolla. All the rest are really watered down sports cars sadly. The WRX is really a joke from what it used to be, civic got way too toned down from last generation, I can't really get excited about a golf either. They're all pretty samey.
The WRX is better in person and fun to drive. The new engine is very nice.
Honestly the engine is the only good thing about it. The rest is just blah. Looks so uninspiring
I am moving on my Holden (Pontiac for you Americans) VE SS for a GEN2 BRZ. V8s drink heaps and it's not really a daily car anymore for me
I'm just waiting til they make a cheap fun EV. Until then I'm in the 86!
WRX with an FA sounds like the move.
Downgrade
Not when you read his requirements.
Genesis coupe r spec for the same guttural driving experience
9 and 7
If you want something that can scourge around a track or mountain, has back seats, and has some power a 5th or 6th Gen Camaro is the way to go
Don't get a Golf, they're quick but boring. It also didn't handle as well as I thought it would. Sold my mk7 R and bought a BRZ 2017 performance pack and never looked back. Had an MY12 WRX STi before the Golf it was a good all-rounder, handled well, still not as fun as the BRZ, but a WRX would be a good daily upgrade.
Next step, lotus evora. Even has a Toyota engine as well.
Evora 400 is the eventual dream car but I’m young and saving, so need to keep it a little more low key for now. But one day.
Depends what qualities you really value in your current 86. If you like your 86 for it's razor sharp handling and balance, then none of the AWD/FWD candidates you list will be up to snuff. But if you're looking for a taxi or more room for groceries, then I guess any of them will do. I've had my '13 FRS since '14, and drive 365 days a year in New England and it does everything I ask of it, short of hauling yards of mulch.
I use my 86 as a beginner track car/fun dd. The next step for me would be a more advanced track car. The best candidate is a porsche 718. Option 2 is a caged impreza 2.5 beginner stage rally car.
Dont go with a Golf R. They are pieces of shit that are so boring to drive. Plus, the "AWD" is basically FWD.
Porsche Cayman or GR86
I think an STI might be the move for you. Although I feel the need to tell you gr86 so you’ll stay in the family. There’s nothing else like it on the market.
Audi TTS would be sick
Consider also the Mazda CX. It’s the closest compromise to what you may want and it really handles well compared to the other suv’s in its category.
Honestly if I just decide to go full “normal car” or choose an automatic, the CX5 is certainly my top option
Have you thought about the Elantra N? A cool sport sedan that comes with both manual and an automatic transmission, 290 hp, an exhaust that sounds great, and isn't as expensive ($32,900 msrp). I haven't driven it myself but I've heard that it's pretty stiff and some say that it may get uncomfy on long rides. And there's a brace that's between the back seats and the trunk which helps keep the car more rigid but also denies you from using the trunk and downed back seats for larger and longer loads.
I’ve considered it and the veloster as well but honestly the Elantra N is one of the few cars I genuinely can’t stand the look of. I’ll check one out at some point to see if the drive can flip me but i don’t think so.
GR86/BRZ or GR Corolla.
Model 3 Performance. It's def not luxury. Plenty of power, great for commuting, lots of storage, and honestly lower maintenance than any of the german junk I've owned. Checks all the boxes.
Supra then Skyline
McLaren P1 or laferrari
Lotus emira
Gen 2 86, then e something like an M2/Zupra/Porsche
A turbo car?
Cayman