long-gone

Well done. You've done rather better than I did. Copy & paste from back then: My car was due for delivery on 1 September, it was delivered to Toyota World Bristol South on the Wednesday prior. I emailed them to request a few things were checked including the maps as it was becoming an issue on several forums. I didn't receive a reply but that's not unusual for them. They rarely return phone calls either. When I collected the car the maps were still dated March 2011, amongst several other issues. I was told they'd not had a chance to check it out but would get back to me. I should have rejected the car there and then, but I accepted their assurance (as I was like a kid with a new toy). As I'd not heard from them I called them a week later and was told they still hadn't heard from Toyota and would chase it up. Several emails, calls and weeks later still nothing. The dealer 'Principle' got involved and assured me it would be resolved ASAP. It was booked in to have the updates though they said it may take a couple of days, but I could borrow the principle's GT86 auto in the meantime. I accepted this and agreed to drop my car off and pick up the loaner at 0800 the next day. The principle didn't turn up until 0820 so by the time I left I was late for work. As I'd not heard anything by 1500 I called to find out how they'd got on and they said they'd had a problem. As the car had done more than 1,000 miles it had exceeded some arbitrary limit built into the system to allow a FOC update - it was now chargeable. When I finished laughing I was told they'd have to get a authority and codes from Toyota to perform the update and would get back to me. Again. More time passed and I was told they'd got approval but it couldn't be done for another ten days or so. When I'd established they weren't joking, just taking the piss, I told them where to stick it and I'd take it up with Toyota Customer Relations. This is now nearly four weeks after delivery. I was told their response time is 2-3 days. I was disappointed with that - once someone has found it necessary to escalate to CR I'd expect them to take it seriously, but no, not Toyota. To be fair, that's probably a standard, scripted reply and I was called back within a few hours. I was given a case number and told to book the car in with any Toyota dealer to get the update FOC using the case number as a reference. The other dealer in Bristol, Toyota World Bristol North (another Sytner dealer) didn't know anything about it and would get back to me, once I'd given them the case number, telephone number and name of the CR contact. A few days later they called back to say they'd not done it before and it may take a couple of days. In addition, they didn't have the 'equipment necessary' so I'd have to wait for that to arrive. When they contacted me again they said it would be another week or so. I couldn't believe what a farce this was becoming so again spoke to CR and another dealer Platinum Bath. They weren't familiar with the issue either, but sounded a little more knowledgable and helpful. Nearly seven weeks on, finally booked it on Monday for the update to be done today. Got there at 0800 - it was done by 0840. All parties happy (at last) and rather less than two days. Well done and thank you to Mark at Toyota Platinum, Bath.

Will do.

I think because of JapFest the last few years, Combe should expect a decent crowd - it's always been popular for those brave enough to take to the track with a lot of, shall we say 'inexperienced enthusiasts', plus there seems to be a decent uptake by vendors and clubs. It won't be on a par with Silverstone I'm sure, but it's so near to me it'd be rude not to go. Hoping there won't be queuing we had a couple of years ago.

If possible, try to drive another with those springs before you buy. I found them too harsh and returned to OEM - plenty like them though. ...and Welcome!

It's a possibility... I may be driving up the day before and stay overnight - won't know until nearer the time though.

Yes and no. I understand deposits have been accepted but I don't know anyone personally who's placed an order. I really hope Les Edgar, GMD, Cosworth and co. can pull it off, we'll have to wait and see. Pretty sure they'll be out of my price range anyway.

Signed up a couple of weeks ago so thought it's about time I said hi. Hi! Picked up my GT86 1 September 2012. Briefly considered handing it back at the end of the finance deal but there is genuinely nothing else I'd rather have for the price. So, it's a keeper. It's filthy and looking a little unloved right now, but that'll change once the weather perks up. Earlier today at the allotment.

If you track it and/or like to 'press on' regularly then I suspect the Yokohamas are still a good choice, or have you been dissatisfied with them? What kind of driving and what expectancy do you have?

It's a hike from Bristol but if the weather's good I may pop up - depending on family stuff over Easter.

Thanks for the welcome, all.

You can save at least one of those steps by setting auto-lock (key 7 IIRC) which locks the doors when 1. the doors are closed and 2. clutch is pressed.

Yep, I recognise a good few names from there. Not sure what happened or if I did something 'wrong', but while I was able to log in I wasn't able to post. No contact from mods or admin. :shrug: I've been following yours and others' progress, all looks great!

Bumble bee look is good. What's the button to left of boot release? I have an ugly LED there.

Is there anywhere that explains, in layman's terms for the hard of thinking like me, what we're spending our hard earned on? Looking at the Bili site, for example; it's not obvious to me what is the difference between B6 and B8 from the driver's perspective. I don't want a racecar, I want something comfy for the daily grind which soaks up potholes, but which also magically transforms me into a driving god at the weekends so I can enjoy blats across the Brecon Beacons. Please.

Yep, that'll be me. I get the impression PH is not popular here so chose a different user name.

Re sticky second. I had Toyota look at mine recently. They said I was only the second to complain but they'd take a look. Left out overnight do they had it from cold but they still said it's okay. They greased it up anyway and it is better to be fair, though I feel as though I've been fobbed off a bit. It's not the end of the world though. As said several times above, it's fine once warm.

It really sounds like mine is the wrong way round. I wonder if that's possible?

Fair question; it is worse when they're worn but still pretty bad with fresh tyres. Currently have grippy Winters on and the reason for the post was I tried it again yesterday and it's as bad as I remembered.

A couple of years ago I went for Eibach Anti Roll Bar Kit, Tein Master Tech springs -25mm, Camber adjust bolts, Camber bush kit all installed and geo set up by Fensport - nothing fancy, cheap and cheerful primarily to lower it a little. Initially I thought it was better, cornering was certainly flatter and everything felt more taut. It didn't take long to feel too harsh for daily driving though. Every bump and pothole sent a jolt up my spine and my GF at the time really didn't like it. Kept the rest but returned to OEM springs and it's way better. The stiffer ARBs help keep it flat and it's closer to what I want, but still far from perfect. Sounds like Nicebiscuit's requirement is similar to mine so will follow with interest.

Odd, it was working a couple of days ago. I emailed them with a question and not yet had a reply.

I still have the original from the factory and had no issues in 3.1/2 years. If it's used regularly they seem to be fine - looks like they don't like being left standing for more than a couple of weeks - maybe alarm is too much of a drain?

I recently had a hire car for ten days while my GT86 was being repaired. An okay-ish Seat Leon. Diesel. I'd recommend everyone does so every once in a while - it makes you appreciate how good the GT86 really is. First off, keyless entry. It feels so odd and inordinately inconvenient having to fish out the fob to bip unlock, then fit the key in the ignition to start. Then you're sat on a seat, not cosseted in a comfortable, heated seat. Your view is limited by thick A pillars and you have to regularly use the rear wipe because you can't see out of the back either. Then there's the performance, or lack there of. I keep reading about how under-powered my car is, but unless you drive a modern run-of-the-mill diesel you don't appreciate how quick and nimble the GT86 actually is. There's loads more, but we all know it really - no point in preaching to the converted.

Just insured with Flux. More than I wanted to pay, but c'est la vie - I'm hoping to go FI this year so makes sense to use a company familiar with mods. Still, a hike on last year despite a no-fault claim. Esure was £143 last year, everything declared including business use - this year they wanted £339! Flux was more expensive but a quick phone call and a little haggle brought it a little under at £325. Still way more than double last year but it seems to be the best available to me at the moment. I suspect the 1% increase in IPT is being used as an excuse to claw back a little profit.

This may incur a charge and/or instant interest in some cases though, no?