1990 Toyota Supra Turbo 3.0L turbo gas

Summary:

A pleasure to drive

Faults:

I needed a brake job at about 130,000 miles.

The driver's-side window motor was replaced at about 135,000 miles.

The left-side mirror was replaced at about 137,000 miles.

Paint (Red Pearl) is peeling, especially on top. Car has not been garaged for some time.

Weatherstripping, including sport roof, is starting to deteriorate.

Plastic trim around windows is also deteriorating. I just replaced it with 1" and 2" black tape; looks good from a distance, and good enough up close.

Starter is getting flaky, but always fires up the second time.

Left-side windshield washer nozzle has a small piece missing inside the assembly, which left only one stream on that side as compared to two on the right side. I corrected that problem by taking a push pin and adjusting each remaining stream.

The rubber skirt below the front bumper is broken in one place, but it's still functional.

The splash guard for the left front wheel has deteriorated and scrapes the tire when I back out with the wheel cramped to the right. Have to get that fixed. It doesn't seem to affect the handling, though, even in wet weather (knock on wood!).

The right front speaker (the little one) buzzes. Big deal.

Heater doesn't work, but I have applied an anti-fog formula for eyeglasses to the windshield, and that seems to do the trick. The rear defogger still takes care of business.

The shift boot is showing its age and should be replaced.

General Comments:

Although it's a relatively heavy automobile, once it's moving the Supra is a real pleasure to drive. Acceleration at highway speeds is reasonable enough without engaging the turbo; once the needle jumps, it takes about a second or two before you feel the pressure of the seat behind you. It won't tear your head off, but before you know it you're traveling at better than eighty miles an hour, with 100 mph not far behind.

Cornering in this car is never a problem, especially compared to all the top-heavy vehicles out there. Sometimes the extra weight can be an advantage.

This is by far the best instrument panel I've ever seen. Everything is laid out in a straight line, and the gauges are canted toward the driver so that a quick glance will suffice. I also like watching the turbo needle move. What's really cool is when the cruise control is engaged and you come to a hill; the needle moves only slightly sometimes, but enough to notice, whereas the engine speed does not vary.

The independent suspension (not to mention the aerodynamic styling) allows the Supra to move comfortably down the road, smoothes out the bumps, and makes you think you're driving more slowly than the speedometer indicates.

Warning – do not attempt to zoom over dips and bumps! It's the price you pay for being close to the ground.

All that glass can be a pain to clean, but I love the visibility. The small windows in the back aren't that helpful, but at least they exist. Besides, you're supposed to look behind when you change lanes anyway.

The passenger seat is comfortable enough, and the eight-way driver's seat kicks butt – at least after everything has been correctly set. The lumbar adjustment can be very helpful on longer trips.

The sport roof makes every little problem disappear. How can you worry about any of that stuff when the wind's in your hair on a sunny afternoon? It's also great for watching movies at the drive-in.

Shifting is easy, unless the driver pulls some bonehead stunt, like not paying attention to the position of the clutch. Fortunately, that doesn't happen very often. :-)

All the controls are easy to use, including the side mirror switches and especially the driver's-side window switch with its one-touch option for opening the darn thing.

Finally, let's hear it not only for Japanese engineering, but also for their ingenuity. No space which could be utilized is wasted – for example, the console can be configured to store things or (using the hidden attachment) to hold drinks. An even more useful feature is the forward-folding rear seats, which allow different things to be transported, including laundry, animals in carriers, and small children (who can actually fit in the seats, but that's another matter).

The pros far outweigh the cons.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 2008

1990 Toyota Supra Turbo 3.0

Summary:

Buy this car if you can

Faults:

Starter/battery/cable issue, fails at times to start, most of my Toyota Celicas and Supras had this issue, phantom won't start. Usually self correcting.

Squeaky brakes, drives me nuts.

However a solid performer, may not like to start but will after a time, usually close to when you can get a tow set up.

I have only been stranded once due to my error. Usually can limp to a shop or has a bad day in front of the house.. all the Celica/Supras I had exhibited this unusual quality.

I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and in the winter at -30C my 3.0 liter Supra will come to life, even without a block heater; never came with one, same as all the Celica's I owned.

General Comments:

Constantly have unsolicited offers to purchase.

Can easily sell the same day you list.

Fun fun fun to drive, quick and responsive.

Very impressive performance from a 3.0 liter turbo.

Handles very well.

Looks awesome, and with a ground effects package, even better.

Equipped to the nuts as the high end Toyota of 1990.

Can move furniture if necessary due to the hatch.

Nice stock seats, electric divers c/w lumbar, temp set A/C, good gauges.

If you can find a turbo 5 speed targa roof model, buy it, you will not be sorry.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2008

1990 Toyota Supra 3.0L inline 6

Summary:

Addicting

Faults:

All I've had go wrong in the 8,000 miles I've owned the car is that the coolant level seems to drop now and then and I have to add a little.

Unfortunately that is probably a bad sign, since this is a Toyota Supra. So... Bring on the Head Gasket.) :

The rest of the car is cherry. It is 14+ years old and under 50,000 original miles. The body and paint and interior has held up with 14+ years of life.

General Comments:

If you are going to buy a Supra, and you want to keep it for a while. Check the Head Gasket either BEFORE you buy it or soon after because that is what will go wrong, if anything, with your car.

I have no idea how Toyota has gotten away with out making it a priority for a recall. Ah well.

Still the Supra is the greatest performance sports car in the last 25 years. Almost hands down. (In this fella's opinion).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2004

8th Jul 2006, 01:02

In short, Supras of any year are outstanding. Any true Toyota lover will agree to that.