Toyota Supra A80 Turbo

The case for the A80 Supra Turbo

The A80 Supra arrived in 1993 with a 3.0-litre 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six producing 320 bhp in export specification, a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, and rear-wheel drive. It was Toyota's flagship sports car, and it was engineered to a very high standard. The engine is famously strong, and the aftermarket support is enormous.

The Supra is a grand tourer rather than a pure sports car. It is heavy, comfortable and stable at high speed. The cabin is driver-focused, with a wrap-around dashboard and supportive seats. The ride is compliant, and the boot is usable. It is a car you can drive across a continent, then take to a drag strip.

The Supra's reputation has been inflated by films and video games, but the underlying car deserves much of the hype. The 2JZ engine can handle big power with the right modifications, and the chassis is well balanced. The challenge is finding an unmodified car with a clean history. Many cars have been tuned, crashed or rusted.

What it costs to run

A minor service at a Toyota specialist is £300 to £500, and a major service is £700 to £1,000. The 2JZ needs regular oil changes and a timing belt service every 60,000 miles or so. A full engine rebuild is £6,000 to £12,000, depending on the spec and the damage. The twin turbochargers can fail, and a replacement pair is £2,000 to £4,000.

The 2JZ-GTE is not the same as the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE. The turbo engine has forged pistons, oil squirters and a stronger block, and it is the one to have. The V160 6-speed manual is strong but expensive to rebuild; a replacement can cost £4,000 to £6,000. The automatic is cheaper and more common, but it is less desirable. A car that has been converted from automatic to manual should be checked carefully, because the conversion is not always done to a high standard.

Tyres are £600 to £800 for a set of 17-inch or 18-inch rubber. A brake refresh runs to £800-£1,200. The gearbox synchros can wear, and a rebuild is £2,000 to £3,000. A whining or leaking differential is a known risk. Budget for 20-25 mpg on a run and mid-teens around town. Expect to use a classic or agreed-value policy.

Known weak points

Rust is the biggest issue. The rear arches, sills, boot floor, jacking points and suspension towers are all known problem areas. The Supra is an old car, and many examples have been repaired badly. A car with fresh underseal may be hiding serious corrosion. Inspect it on a lift and use a borescope.

The 2JZ is robust but not indestructible. Oil leaks from the valve covers and the front main seal are common. The turbo seals fail, and the ceramic turbines on early cars can break. The coil packs, igniter and airflow meter can cause running problems. The ECU capacitors can leak and damage the circuit board. The gearbox synchros wear, especially second gear. Check the differential for noise and fluid leaks.

The early cars used ceramic turbochargers, which can fail and send debris into the engine. Later cars used steel turbines. The sequential turbo system is complex, and the vacuum lines and solenoids that control it are a common source of faults. A car that is not making full boost may need a new turbo, a solenoid or a boost leak fixed. The fuel pump and the injectors can also be tired on high-mileage cars.

The interior is fragile, and the original trim is expensive. Many cars have been modified with body kits, wheels and engine upgrades. A modified car can be worth less than a standard one unless the work is documented and high quality.

What to check before buying

Check the paperwork before anything else. A service history, import documents and a mileage verification are valuable. Check the chassis number and the engine number against the documents. A car with a verified mileage and a clean history is worth a premium.

Check the VIN and the model code. A genuine A80 Turbo should have the 2JZ-GTE engine and the appropriate gearbox. The UK market cars were sold in small numbers, and many cars are Japanese imports. An import car should have an auction sheet and a mileage verification. The US-market cars have a different specification and are not necessarily better.

Inspect the body thoroughly. Look at the rear arches from inside the boot, the jacking points, the sills, the floor pans and the strut towers. Check the boot floor and the suspension towers for rust. A paint depth gauge will show previous repairs. A car with a full restoration and photographs of the work is worth more than a car with a fresh paint job and no evidence.

Start the engine from cold and listen for turbo whistle, bearing noise and exhaust leaks. Check for oil smoke on start-up and under load. A compression test and a leakdown test are essential. Check the turbo boost and the ECU for fault codes. Drive the car and check the gearbox for synchro crunch and the differential for whine. Check the brakes, steering and electrics.

Market and depreciation

The A80 Supra market is strong. A good UK or European manual Turbo with 60,000 to 100,000 miles was £50,000 to £80,000 at the time of writing. An automatic was £35,000 to £50,000. A low-mileage, original car was £80,000 to £100,000. The US-market cars and the rare hardtop models are more valuable.

The Supra market is split between original cars and modified cars. A clean, original manual Turbo is the one collectors want, and it commands a premium. A modified car can be faster, but it is worth less unless the work is documented and reversible. The best cars are low-mileage, unmodified and have a full history. A cheap car with a patchy history is likely to be a project.

Who it suits

The Supra Turbo suits the enthusiast who wants a fast, comfortable GT with huge tuning potential. It is not a daily driver, and it is not a cheap hobby. It suits someone with a garage, a maintenance budget and a willingness to chase parts. It also suits an investor who understands the market and is prepared to hold for the long term.

If you want a more focused car, the Mazda RX-7 is lighter and more agile. If you want a more modern car, the R35 GT-R is faster and more usable. If you want a cheaper JDM coupe, the Nissan 300ZX is worth a look.

Alternatives

The Mazda RX-7 FD is lighter and more agile, with a rotary engine and a beautiful shape, but it is less reliable. The Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R is more practical and more advanced, but it is more expensive. The Honda NSX is more usable and more reliable, but it is less powerful. The Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo is cheaper and more comfortable, but it is heavier.

The Supra Turbo is a legend. It is not the fastest car in its class, but it is one of the most tunable and durable.

How this review was compiled

This review is based on Toyota's published technical information, owner reports from SupraMKV and the Supra Owners Club, UK Toyota specialists and current Auto Trader listings. Indicative UK figures; condition and specification matter.