1988 Toyota Supra Turbo review from North America

At about 190000 miles I had to replace the exhaust.

At about the same time I did a 4 wheel brake job, and replaced the rotors since the originals were getting thin (from previous re-surfacing).

At 206000 the dreaded BHG (blown head gasket) symptoms started showing, and I ended up replacing the engine with a used/low-mile Japanese replacement.

The sport roof (targa top) has always leaked to an extent or another, but I learned to live with it.

There is a little bit of rust on the roof at the windshield line.

And now, my ECU decided to go sideways. The car works great, but the ECU no longer outputs diagnostic codes, so it will be impossible to smog the car without replacing it. The dealer wants $1400, and some places on line want 200-300 to repair the existing one.

I like the car, and if it wasn't for the fact that I'm getting tired of driving stick in commute traffic, I would consider fixing it, but as it stands, I may look for something else.

The car is fast indeed and will give any would be "rocketeer" a run for their money. The Turbo is very smooth and gives the car a definite push when you press the gas.

Where the car really shines though, is the handling. It takes turns flat as a pancake. Even whe the TEMS (Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension) is set for "normal" soft ride, the TEMS kicks in and stiffens up the ride in turns or heavy breaking.

I once saw a review of this car in Motor trend right next to a review of the Porche 928, and the final paragraph red: "If you like performance and comfort, buy this car instead of the Porche 928 and save yourself $50000."

If I could find another, with AT for a bargain in great shape I'd buy it.