1989 Toyota Supra Turbo from North America - Comments

5th Apr 2002, 18:01

"High performance, High maintenance, Low cost supercar"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

At 77,000 miles, the head gasket blew, causing my engine to overheat.

The stereo wiring burned out 2 days after I got the car from my mechanic.

It is a salvage title, so I expected some problems, but even so, the plastic underbody tray mysteriously fell off the car.

Coolant lines replaced at 83,000.

Rear seats worn terribly due to years of sun damage.

General comments?

The gray cabin is augmented by all black dials, giving the car a great performance look.

The vehicle handles beautifully, but the progressive power steering can be difficult to handle at low speed. But once you get going, the car feels like a go-kart.

I did buy the car as a salvage, and have only had minor problems since the engine change. I have kept a close eye on the engine, since overheating is a major problem for these Supras, and have kept up with continuous oil changes and liquid flushes. It is an all around wonderful car, but the back seat should be deleted, or made larger.

The quietness of the cabin with the T-top on is impeccable, and hard to believe that it is a 1989. T-top off is louder, obviously, but wind draft is not too bad.

I have yet to put performance parts on my car, worrying if the ride, which is hard when the Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension (T.E.M.S.) is in sport mode, would suffer if I changed the springs/shock assembly. As of this writing the car is virtually all stock, except for the new stereo.

I never liked Toyota much, but respect their vehicles, and particularly like only the MKIII generation Supras. I applaud the look of it, very 80's American, with the fastback look and flip up head-lights, very Firebird like.

You have to do maintenance often, but the extra elbow grease (I do maintenance myself) involved is well worth the driving pleasure.


7th May 2002, 10:30

I also have an 89 Supra Turbo which has had virtually no mechanical problems. It has 160,000 miles and is as sound as ever. I change the oil every 1000 miles whether it needs it or not and flush the coolant at the same time. As you may know supras are very prone to head gasket failures, but if you do the pre maintenance often and let the turbo cool down and don't drive it hard it will treat you well enough for 250,000 miles {I know another that has over 250,000 and is still going strong}My supra is all stock components and toyota builds a solid car. Just take care of it...Brian.


17th Dec 2006, 11:14

Yo. I own A 2000 Mustang GT that has loads of power and looks amazing, but I can't help missing my little old Turbo Supra. I used to have a dork blue "88" 5spd. and I miss it to death. Sometimee I really wish I didn't get rid of it. I'm actually thinking about getting rid of my stang and probibly getting another one. There great cars.


26th Sep 2008, 18:09

Hi I own a 1989 Toyota supra, this car is very fun to drive. i also own a 1990 mustang gt with a lot of mods. its hard to believe a v6 turbo car can get up and go just as good as a stock mustang. I have to say these cars have a lot of potential in the area of becoming a super car, few mods and the cars will make you smile every time you go for a spin.Ryan.

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