Good-bye M3. 76% of you think the sedan reigns supreme, bless your hearts. Now, let’s talk special editions, because I’ve found a Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition that’s practically brand new. Does it push Toyota GR86 values into new territory?
To find out, let’s bring along a few friends that could be better buys.
The 2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition vs the 2023 Nissan Z Proto Spec 6-Speed
What makes a special edition so special? No, not the NISMOs or CSLs of the world – there is some substance behind the looks with those examples.
But I think I know the recipe. It’s usually cosmetic. Add some special badges. Maybe a few exclusive colors. A sprinkle of performance-enhancing parts (if you’re lucky). And then, poof! Instant MSRP up-charge.
Maybe I’m being unfair, because this GR86 Hakone does look pretty special. It only comes in Ridge Green (think British Racing Green), with a tan over black interior. Bronze wheels. Manual (you can get an auto if you must). Special plaques and, ahem, puddle lights are here too. Just 860 units will be made over the course of the year.
The MSRP here is around $35k, but I can’t seem to find one for less than $40,000. That’s a lot for a GR with some nice paint and wheels.
Toyota is hardly the only ones to do it. When Nissan launched the latest Z, they did so with the Proto Spec. Bronze wheels. Yellow-accented seats. Ikazuchi Yellow TriCoat paint. Just 260 made, only 100 with a manual. MSRP: $53k. And surprise, I’ve found a “new” example (condom wrappers still on!), with just 14 miles on it.
So, these cars are new, they are rare, and they are fun. But are they worth it?
2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition
The gentleman selling this says that this is his first, and last, new car, because he’s afraid to put any miles on it. Whatever – take a peak.
- 200 miles
- Ridge Green over Black/Tan leather and Alcantara
- Six-speed manual
- Clean CarFax
- XPEL paint protection film on the front bumper, and GR86 mud guards are the only mods
- Performance Package with ZF SACHS dampers and a Brembo braking system (Like the tS from last year)
- The juice comes from 2.4-liter flat-4, rated at 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque
- Bid to $33,500 so far
I don’t like buying cars like this, because I can just go get one brand new without having anyone touch it. The fact that this is already close to the original asking price means it’ll likely go over, so you won’t be getting a discount. Skip the Hakone Edition, and you can get an identical GR86 in any color you like (except the green) for less.
But we have another option.
2023 Nissan Z Proto Spec
Here’s a special edition before the car was even released, and it too was never really driven.
- 14 miles
- Ikazuchi Yellow Paint with Black Roof
- Clean CarFax
- Graphite Leather with Suede Inserts
- 19″ RAYS Forged Wheels in unique bronze – it’s not a good color combo
- Yellow brake calipers
- Six-speed manual
- Total Price of $55k in 2023
- Bid to $30k so far
This one might be worse than the GR86 –some yellow paint (that you can get on a regular Z anyway) and yellow calipers hardly amount to special. But the Z is a much better performer than the Toyoburu twins, and not many have been sold second hand yet. Here’s a Proto that went way over sticker when the car was new, but look what happened. One just sold last week, also brand new (160 miles), for $41,194.
That’s like, the same price as the Hakone, man.
Just for fun, here’s a 2020 Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition
My God, look at this thing. But it too is a special edition, and it has just 3,400 miles on it, with a proper manual. Just 50 were made, and it’s up to $30k right now. Might present a good discount over the other two, and it’s still faster than the GR.
So, a trio of special Japanese coupes. What’s your fav?
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