Toyota

The short version

Toyota's modern performance range is small but unusually well judged. The GR Yaris was built to satisfy rally homologation rules, the GR Supra was developed with BMW, and the GT86 and GR86 carry on a tradition of affordable rear-wheel-drive coupes. The Land Cruiser sits apart as a durability icon.

The brand's strength is engineering discipline, not showmanship. These are cars built to be used, and the ownership risks are mostly about consumables and the specific compromises that come with shared platforms.

The models that define the brand

The Supra name returned in 2019 after a long absence. The GR Supra shares its platform, engine and much of its interior with the BMW Z4, and the turbocharged straight-six is BMW's B58. That is not a criticism of the car, but it does mean servicing and parts follow BMW patterns rather than Toyota ones.

The GT86 arrived in 2012 as a joint project with Subaru. It used a naturally aspirated flat-four, a light body and rear-wheel drive, and it prioritised balance over power. The GR86 replaced it with a larger 2.4-litre engine and more torque. The GR Yaris is the homologation special, with a three-cylinder turbo, all-wheel drive and a bespoke body.

The GR Corolla widened the formula with five doors and a more usable rear seat, although it was never offered in the UK. The GR Yaris Circuit Pack adds forged wheels, a limited-slip differential and stiffer suspension, and it is the version most enthusiasts want.

The Land Cruiser is the other kind of Toyota performance: the ability to keep going for decades. The 70 Series, 80 Series, 100 Series and 200 Series have loyal followings, and the newer 300 Series continues the line.

What it costs to own

A GR Supra service typically costs £300 to £600, but because the drivetrain is BMW-sourced, some jobs are priced like BMW work. Tyres are £700 to £1,000 a set, and brakes £600 to £1,000. The B58 engine is generally strong, but it is not immune to the cooling and oil-filter housing issues that affect modern BMW engines.

The GR Yaris is cheaper to service but hard on consumables. Its tyres are £600 to £900 a set, and the brakes and clutches wear quickly if the car is used on track. The GT86 and GR86 are affordable to run, with services around £250 to £500 and tyres £500 to £800 a set.

The Land Cruiser is expensive to fuel and insure but cheap to maintain relative to its capability. Rust is the main enemy on older examples. Insurance on the GR models can be high for younger drivers, and the GR Yaris has a reputation for expensive cosmetic repairs because its body panels are unique to the car.

Known weak points

• GR Supra: BMW B58 cooling and oil-filter housing leaks, plus infotainment and electrical quirks.
• GR Supra: rear tyre wear and expensive brake consumables.
• GR Yaris: tyre and brake wear, clutch wear and stone damage to the wide rear arches.
• GT86 and GR86: valve-spring recall on early cars, oil consumption and track-related heat issues.
• GR86: oil starvation on sustained high-g cornering, which can lead to engine failure.
• Land Cruiser: chassis and body rust, tired suspension and expensive injectors on diesel models.
• All: limited dealer knowledge of the GR models in some areas.

What to check before buying

On a GR Supra, check the service history and confirm the car has been maintained with the correct BMW-spec oil. Inspect the oil filter housing for leaks and check the coolant level. Check the infotainment and the digital dashboard for faults.

On a GR Yaris, inspect the tyres for uneven wear and check the brakes for track use. Look at the rear arches for stone chips, because the wide bodywork collects them. On a GT86 or GR86, ask whether the valve-spring recall has been completed and check the oil level and condition.

On a Land Cruiser, inspect the chassis and body for rust, especially around the rear arches and the underside. Check the suspension for play and the diesel injectors for smoke or rough running. On a GR86 used on track, ask about oil temperature management and whether an oil cooler has been fitted, because sustained high-g cornering can starve the engine.

Market and depreciation

The GR Yaris has held value remarkably well, and used prices have stayed close to new. The GR Supra has depreciated like a BMW coupe, which makes a used one good value but also means early cars are now affordable. The GT86 has bottomed out and is climbing as a cheap track car, while the GR86 is still in its early curve. Land Cruiser values, especially the 70 and 80 Series, have risen sharply.

Who it suits

Toyota suits a buyer who wants a reliable performance car with a real warranty and a sensible dealer network. It also suits someone who values handling and balance over raw power. It does not suit a buyer who wants a premium cabin or a car that stands out in a car park.

How this profile was compiled

This profile uses Toyota's published model information, service schedules, owner reports from GR-Zoo and the GT86 owners' community, and current UK market listings. It is not a road test.