Looking to get my first Supra, what do you guys think of this one?

[suicide bobb]

I'm looking to sell my 94 Audi S4 (LOVE THE CAR TO DEATH, but It's too expensive to fix) and get another car. The Celica Supra is at the top of my list, because it is everything I want in a car: Reliable, cheap and easy to maintain, hatchback (I am big into car audio), sexy looks, etc. This is all based on what I have read, though.

From what I can tell, the only common issue with these is rust. I hear that the hatch, wheel wells, and sunroof are the places to look. What can be done to stop the spread of rust? I've never dealt with it before.

Here's the Supra I'm going to test drive hopefully today -


If that picture is too small, here is the listing: http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/2396115340.html

Everything looks good to me! Low miles on the engine, relatively low miles on the chassis, 6mge, straight pipe, and it comes with the stock 5mge. Hopefully there isn't anything bad that he's hiding, I guess I'll find out tomorrow!

Besides rust, what else should I look for when checking this car out?

Last question...are the mkiii non-turbo's just as reliable as the non-turbo mkii's? I just don't want a car that has common head gasket issues.

Thanks for any help!

[mechrider89]

well I'd say looks good, way better then my first supra is/did. As for the rust definitely give it a thorough check through look under the car and everything you can never be to careful, as for treating rust you should take a wire brush or wheel to it if its just surface rust or if its rusted through you'll have to cut it out and then after all that's done prime it immediately, if you haven't done body work before I highly suggest taking it to a professional for the repair. But to me it look extremely clean, and for the age you cant ask much more of it. Remember to take your time seeing as your the buyer, look for oil leaks and make sure all your the vents work etc.. and power options if it has them. As for the mk3s non turbo engines i have no clue, Im still really new to the supra as well. I've only had mine for 4 months (84 mk2) and barely driven it cuz it needs a lot of work the previous owners were terrible (didn't ever change the oil since they bought it). puts my supra to shame that one, I'd try and get him down by $400 though if you can then it'd be a super good deal. I bought mine for $800 barely running and paints garbage plus it has a lot of electrical issues. Anyways I'm rambling hope I was of some help! hope you decide to join our pack, your always welcome! keep us posted

[suicide bobb]

Originally Posted by mechrider89

well i'd say looks good, way better then my first supra is/did. As for the rust definitely give it a thorough check through look under the car and everything you can never be to careful. but to me it look extremely clean, and for the age you cant ask much more of it. Remember to take your time seeing as your the buyer, look for oil leaks and make sure all your the vents work etc.. and power options if it has them. As for the mk3s non turbo engines i have no clue, im still really new to the supra as well. I've only had mine for 4 months (84 mk2) and barely driven it cuz it needs a lot of work the previous owners were terrible (didnt ever change the oil since they bought it). puts my supra to shame that one, i'd try and get him down by $400 though if you can then it'd be a super good deal. I bought mine for $800 barely running and paints garbage plus it has alot of electrical issues. Anyways im rambling hope i was of some help! hope you decide to join our pack, your always welcome! keep us posted

Thanks so much for the help! If I decide to get the car, I am going to pay my mechanic to thoroughly inspect the car. After 3 cars with multiple issues, I've decided it's definitely worth getting the inspection.

[mechrider89]

haha its been the same way for me....saturn, talon, truck, supra.....thats why i just fuck it and went and bought a brand new car! now my my supra's purely a project car and so will the talon when i get another.

[suicide bobb]

Turns out the fuel pump on that one is going bad :/ How much/how easy are those to fix?

[mechrider89]

Originally Posted by suicide bobb

Turns out the fuel pump on that one is going bad :/ How much/how easy are those to fix?

Thats not to bad, you can get walbro fuel pumps on ebay for like $100- $150 shipped thats for a high grade pump as well, and to change them out i haven't done it on my supra yet but usually you just drain the fuel tank then drop the tank and it'll be right on top. its about a 30 min job on most cars. But definitely dont pay what he's asking then, asking to much get him down a good chunk.

[mechrider89]

hey i found where the fuel pump is, its in the trunk and it doesnt look like it'd be to bad a job.

here's some pick on where it is:







Just found it so i thought i'd show you where it is.

[suicide bobb]

Thanks guys! Things are looking promising!

[mechrider89]

thats great! hope you do get it, its a sweet looking ride!
oh and you wont have to drop the tank because of the cover in the trunk you should be able to just disconnect it, pull it out and put the new pump in, re assemble it and stick'er right back into the tank!