My son has found a low mileage (supposed) excellent condition 89 Supra. It's been owned by the same guy for a long time, well looked after, and properly stored. He wants to buy it, but wants me to look at it first. I know nothing about these cars.
This is a 3.0L turbo, correct?
Anything I should look for? Are they stout cars? This is the kid who has blown up everything he's ever owned, so naturally I'm concerned. The guy wants $4k for it
There were turbo and non-turbo versions of the car. The non-turbo was an inline 6, 3.0L. I believe the turbo was the same engine. I had an '88 a while back. I do recall one of the big weak points for these cars was the head gasket. The one in mine blew, and that's how I found out they were a weak spot. Other than that, it was a great car. Not the best handling car, as it was pretty heavy. More of a "GT" cruiser style. But it was smooth as silk and very comfy. Ask about the head gasket. Otherwise, I believe they're pretty solid cars.
The head gasket isn't really the weak spot. The incorrect torque numbers released for the turbo cars is the weak spot.
For $4k, it had better be a clean turbo car. They're very stout once you take care of the under-torqued head bolts.
Just through ARPs and a metal gasket on there and call it a day.
My father had a 90 Turbo that was pretty trouble free. It lunched a 3 gear syncro, but besides that was typical Toyota bulletproof otherwise.
The interiors don't wear very well. (especially the cloth seats), and they had all kinds of tehno-gobblygook that will probably be dodgy. ( TEMS adjustable shocks)
Great long distance cruisers. They are a lot like a 6 Series BMW, or a Porsche 928. Too heavy to be a sports car, but composed, and stable under pretty much all circumstances.
The turbos are pretty fast. Depending on the age / maturity of your son, I'd be a little more prone to go N/A.
Turbo --- 1/4 mile -- 14.6 top speed 146 or so IIRC
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: For $4k, it had better be a clean turbo car. They're very stout once you take care of the under-torqued head bolts.
Mike is in Ontario (Canuckland), these cars are worth SIGNIFICANT amounts of money if clean, just like turbo 2 RX7's.
Had a look at this thing today.
Oh man, it's perfect. Targa top, 3.0 turbo/5 spd, and aftermarket white rims on a white car with black leather. I gave it the thumbs up, so it looks like he's buying it.
He's 22, and the car is too, so I gave him the "be careful with this, it's fast, and potentially fragile" talk. I think he can handle it. I'll post a pic when he brings it home.
Zomby woof wrote: Had a look at this thing today. Oh man, it's perfect. Targa top, 3.0 turbo/5 spd, and aftermarket white rims on a white car with black leather. I gave it the thumbs up, so it looks like he's buying it. He's 22, and the car is too, so I gave him the "be careful with this, it's fast, and potentially fragile" talk. I think he can handle it. I'll post a pic when he brings it home.
Anxiously awaiting pics... white on white on black on a MKiii looks GREAT. 
Should we tell you how to make it MUCH faster? 
Look for loose change under the seats, and for drugs stuffed into the body panels.
pinchvalve wrote: Look for loose change under the seats, and for drugs stuffed into the body panels.
agreed......the only 2 I know of in my area are known dealers.......
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Should we tell you how to make it MUCH faster?
The last thing he needs is more power.
Nonetheless, I've owned my share of turbo cars. I already know the drill
Actually, seriously...
I'd be looking at driftmotion.com's website. My main complaint with the 7mgte is that the CT26 strapped to it is a bit undersized and you get some drop off in power up top.
Their 57-trim upgrade is very affordable and a much better match to that motor. Bigger powerband, less of a huge hump in the torque curve, and it bolts right in.
just remind your son that when he gets it.. just painted a big target on himself for police and ricers
I wonder if anyone makes subframe supports for that car. IIRC the structure is super loosy-goosy when the targa top is off.
Joe Gearin wrote: I wonder if anyone makes subframe supports for that car. IIRC the structure is super loosy-goosy when the targa top is off.
I think you can actually get braces that do the same thing as the targa roof, go in somewhat the same location.
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