How do I get an AE86?

[Leon_Masamune]

I've been wondering how to get a AE86 template. You can get an American GT-S Corolla, (but the only downside is that the drivers seat is on the left side, instead of the right like in the Manga/Anime. But I don't think i'll be taking the car to Japan to drift down Mt. Akina/Mt. Haruna...so that's ok.) So can anybody give me advice on where to get one with the original white/black paint job? (because all I could find online were ones with pure color paint jobs.) And where to get parts from Japan to make it purely authentic to match the anime/manga (wheel type, headlights, etc.?) (Trueno, not Levin) It's going to be really cool driving across town with a Fujiwara Tofu Shop logo on my side door! (And I'll be willing to go anywhere and give and arm and a leg for this parts! So driving distance and price do not matter!)

[Heibi2]

The GTS I have was originally silver and black. I had it repainted. You probably won't find one painted white and black naturally here in the states. They are probably all repainted. And it doesn't matter which side the driver's side is as long as you put the Fujiwara logo on the driver's side. The proper side for the logo is always on the driver's side no matter the origin of the car.

Mine has the rims and tail lights I acquired from Tokyo and had sent to the US. I acquired my AE86 in Hawaii. The GTS is the American version of the AE86 Trueno. They renamed it for the American release. In fact my GTS was actually made in Japan. I discovered that when I was trying to get some parts to fix something. Basically, there are are two versions of the GTS, one made in the US and one made in Japan - both are left side drive, since we drive on the right side of the road. As long as you have it painted properly and put the logos on the "proper" side you have your Trueno.

I recently even put a new engine in. My old one had a cracked head gasket. I was able to get the identical engine - 1.6 liter, twin overhead cam. Here's a picture of mine. Before, middle, current.

[Leon_Masamune]

That's awesome! Just a few questions. Is it possible to replace the Toyota logo on the front with Trueno? How did you get the Fujiwara logo on the side door, Spraypaint or handpainted? And how is it as a car overall? As if you were going to use it for everyday life? Any major problems or complaints that you can address? Thanks, you did an amazing job on that car. I can see that you put a lot of passion into this car. You'll definitely get double takes or prolong staring from any Initial D fan.

[Heibi2]

The probelm with trying to obtain an AE86 these days is you had better be willing to dish out lots of money. Even if the condition isn't great. Mine cost me 2500.00 for the car itself, 3000.00 or so just for the paint job, rims were 700.00, tail lights only 70.00. Then there's the work I had done getting the air conditioner to work - 3000.00 after all the work finally made it work permanently. Parts are hard to find. The new engine was 4800.00. Plus I spent another 3000.00 on other repairs having to do with the power steering.

[Heibi2]

That's awesome! Just a few questions. Is it possible to replace the Toyota logo on the front with Trueno? How did you get the Fujiwara logo on the side door, Spraypaint or handpainted? And how is it as a car overall? As if you were going to use it for everyday life? Any major problems or complaints that you can address? Thanks, you did an amazing job on that car. I can see that you put a lot of passion into this car. You'll definitely get double takes or prolong staring from any Initial D fan.

Yep. You either have to find the proper front grill(whole front bumper) or get the Trueno logo to replace Toyota. The logos on the side and back(I made them authentic too) were made by a friend of mine. They are actual "sticker-like" logos. Soapy water and patience gets them to stick right.

I like to drive it in good weather - no hail, snow or downpour. So on a normal day I drive it instead of my 4-Runner. It runs great, handles awesome.

The biggest problem you'll have are spare parts. I go through Toyota here in town and they can usually find the parts - like my engine and the final piece of my air conditioner. The old air conditioner compressor cracked after many years of use and the coolant was leaking. I had tried to find a compressor for it long ago and none would fit properly even though they were supposed to.

The engine is usually good for about 300,000 miles before you need to really worry. I(and the previous owner) got 245,000 out of it before it died. Make sure you do standard maintenance and it will love you.

[Leon_Masamune]

Are you planning to replace the front bumper of your GT-S with the Trueno one? (Or possibly even add fog lights?) The bumper is not completely identical to the Trueno. (It's sad that the American one isn't completely identical to the Japanese one, making it harder for us Americans to replicate Takumi's car.) but it is pretty close. Or are you fine the way it is? Thank you for telling about your car and the advice, this is literally my dream car. Some of my non-anime fan friends look down at me for seeing a Toyota Hatchback from the 80s as a dream car. Well, they're missing out on one of the best Anime/Manga series that I have ever seen/read. And it's a car that most likely (at my price range) seems to be a reality on getting. Thanks again!

[Heibi2]

The fog lights are there already. The bumper is a thought. I've thought of looking for one, but it isn't a priority. Plus I wouldn't want to chance damaging my prize.

[Leon_Masamune]

Is there a version of the GT-S that has the same bumper of the Trueno?

[Heibi2]

Not that I'm aware of.

[siman]

If you want to buy an 86 I just got mine from a site called 4agclub. I had to have it shipped from SOCal though. Should be in Wichita soon.

Also I got some contacts with JDM parts dealers over in hong kong and japan if yout looking for stuff i have them looking for a bumper set for me.