1991 Toyota Soarer GT Limited 2.5 Twin turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Fast, well appointed, and ahead of its time

Faults:

The internal driver's door handle has almost broken free from the door. This is because the doors are very heavy and while the hinges are built accordingly, the internal door handles are not.

The rear exhaust pipe mount recently broke away from the muffler, however the exhaust pipe was replaced by the previous owner who sought the cheapest (and nastiest) job around. Thus this fault is not directly attributable to the vehicle build.

General Comments:

Very quick. Once those turbos spin up it launches like a rocket.

Understated yet sexy styling.

Luxurious as well as sporty.

Expensive insurance, but worth it for the sheer driving pleasure.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th August, 2004

1991 Toyota Soarer GT-TL 2.5 Straight 6, Twin turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Stylish, fast and comfortable GT from Japan

Faults:

Car was very cheap when I got it so there were a few things wrong with (as to be expected) : CD player was not working (13 years old!!), a few interior niggles such as a crack in the door trim, crack in the air vent surround, drivers seat does not automatically move forward when the button is pressed and the AC control screen has heat damage. Car has been fine mechanically since I got it, but the turbos will be getting to the end of their natural life (intend to upgrade anyway) : It is important to maintain regular oil changes however (as with any Turbo car).

General Comments:

The cheapest horsepower around!! I got this car for $7000 and it has one of the finest in-line six cylinder engines ever made. For a heavy car, it really gets up and boogies! Certainly a match for most cars on the road today. The 180kmh limiter is a bit harsh when it kicks in, but is probably just as well! The auto is super smooth on changes, even under power, and never hunts for gears. The handling is not too great (heavy car with skinnyish tires) but was designed as a trade off between Luxury and performance: it has the right mix for me. My car has TEMS which adds to the sportiness of the ride a fair bit. Fuel economy depends on how you drive it: You can quite happily drive all day without getting into boost and get good economy, when you do floor it however, it does tend to drink fuel a bit.

The factory sound system is great (my car came with the optional amp and sub-woofer) and even better with a new headunit. The styling is rather understated, but I think this is in line with the whole philosophy of the car... All in all a brilliant car that has aged well, but depreciated badly, meaning they are cheap as chips now...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2004

13th Apr 2005, 23:33

The reason why Soarers have depreciated so much is the fact that every importer brought a tonne of them in and they are still bringing them in.

I enjoy driving my Soarer, but not as much as I used to in 2001 when I first bought it. They have become very common, nearly as common as skylines.

1991 Toyota Soarer Limited 4.0 V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Best bang for your dollar around

Faults:

Capacitor on one of the digital screens gave out causing the screen on the dash to disapear, fixed for 20cents and a bit of time.

Fuel pump is jammed on the highest setting, it's a common problem.

General Comments:

Use only genuine Toyota parts, more expensive, but worth the extra.

The features of this car are at least 10 years ahead of their time.

Touch screen TV, programmable seats.

Electric suspension to name a few.

Performance is fantastic for an auto and the handling is awesome.

I would bye another in a heartbeat, I drive it hard and it never brakes down. Purely superb vehicle and very very low price.

I paid $23,000au for mine a few years back. You could probably get one the same now for $17,000.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th October, 2003

28th Mar 2004, 16:08

Four years ago I had never heard of a "Soarer". My wife spotted "The beast" on a garage lot, and asked me to check it out. First impressions were how nice it looked, and a test drive convinced me that here was a rather special coupe. Of course she liked it because it was silver, and had a large boot to get the shopping in. The car was purchased for her, and life changed forever. I found myself using her car more than the 350sc Mercedes that I used. So I sold the Mercedes and bought a 4 litre Special Edition Soarer. We were so impressed with the Soarer range, that we now have the 4 models produced by Toyota. My favorite without exception is the uzz32, as it is quite rare in the U.K. Would I have another Mercedes----I don`t think so.

Thank you Toyota/Lexus, you are "The Best Of The Rest".

Michael Pearse.

22nd Feb 2014, 20:43

My V8 Soarer ran great up until I put gas in before going home one night, and when I woke up in the morning, it would turn over and start, but would splutter and seemed as if it was starving for fuel. So I bought a new fuel filter and it still won't start. Why? Please email me if anyone has a comment. biker_boy73@hotmail.com

15th Jul 2015, 12:51

It's probably the electric fuel pump. Mine was clicking since I bought the car, then it stopped clicking one day. Quiet as a mouse. I've got a modified 2005 released V8 Lexus/Soarer with extractors, 4 inch sports exhaust system and 20" mags. One of the best cars I've owned. I've had a BMW, Alfas and an assortment of other makes and models. Good luck with everything, Gaz.