Toyota 86 ZN6 Inspection Checklist

lowTail-light / cluster condensation

Look for: Moisture can accumulate inside the rear tail-light housings - acknowledged by Toyota/Subaru and sometimes replaced under warranty when in-period.

If you find it: Reseal or replace the affected light cluster; check for water ingress at inspection.

Any · ~$0-400

lowSmall original battery failing early

Look for: The factory fitted a small low-capacity battery (~45-48Ah) that often fails prematurely, especially on cars that sit.

If you find it: Upgrade to a larger-capacity battery; many owners fit ~65Ah.

Any (age) · ~$150-350

lowWorn front tyres / inner-edge wear

Look for: The skinny eco-focused factory tyres wear quickly and many cars have been driven hard; inner-edge wear can indicate alignment from kerb strikes or track use.

If you find it: Quality grippier tyres, four-wheel alignment; check for crash/track history if wear is uneven.

From 30k+ km · ~$600-1200 (set)

lowFront-bumper / underbody scrape damage (low car)

Look for: The low front lip and undertray are easily scraped on driveways and speed bumps; cracked lips and torn undertrays are common.

If you find it: Inspect the front lip and undertray; replace cracked plastics. Cosmetic, not structural.

Any · ~$200-800

lowMid-range torque dip (characteristic, not a fault)

Look for: The FA20 has a well-documented flat spot around 3500-4500rpm where the D-4S transitions, making the car feel breathless mid-range. It is a design trait, not a defect.

If you find it: Nothing required; drive it on the cam above ~5000rpm. ECU tunes or forced induction address it (warranty/legal implications).

Any · Tuning optional

lowRear differential clunk on tight low-speed turns

Look for: The Torsen LSD can clunk/judder on tight, slow turns particularly in cold weather - usually a diff-oil/friction-modifier issue rather than damage.

If you find it: Fresh high-quality LSD gear oil with the correct friction modifier; not normally a sign of failure.

Any (worse when cold) · ~$100-300

86 ZN6 inspection checklist

All engines

2.0L FA20 boxer petrol (pre-facelift)

2.0L FA20 boxer petrol (2017 facelift)