BMW 2 Series vs Toyota GR86
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota GR86 wins on money kept: 67% retained after three years vs 57%, worth about R 188 604 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| 2 Series | GR86 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 733 559 | R 900 700 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 821/m | R 15 743/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 82% |
| Retained after 3 years | 57% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 417 581 | R 606 185 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 315 978 | R 294 515 |
| Value after 5 years | R 298 558 | R 483 488 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Strong mainstream |
BMW 2 Series →
BMW's 2 Series covers the rear-wheel-drive coupe and the front-wheel-drive Gran Coupe in South Africa, with the M2 at the top of the range. The Gran Coupe does most of the volume against the Mercedes CLA. The 2 Series Active Tourer MPV was also sold here from 2015 to around 2021 but never caught on.
Known for: affordable coupe style and the m2
Toyota GR86 →
Launched as the Toyota 86 in 2012 and renamed GR86 with the second generation, this is the affordable end of Toyota's sports car range. A naturally aspirated boxer engine and rear-wheel drive keep the recipe pure. Allocations are small in South Africa and both generations enjoy a loyal enthusiast market.
Known for: affordable rear-wheel-drive fun
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 2 Series or the Toyota GR86?
The Toyota GR86. It keeps about 67% of its price after three years against 57% for the BMW 2 Series, a gap of 10 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BMW 2 Series loses about R 315 978 over three years and the Toyota GR86 loses about R 294 515. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BMW 2 Series runs about R 12 821 per month and the Toyota GR86 about R 15 743, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.