MKIV Newbie Needs Some Advice

[jdub24]

Hello all. Recently, I've sold my Evo VIII because I just wanted some change. I wanted a fun car for the weekends that looked a little more "grown up", but could still destroy the pavement like an Evo could. My daily driver is a 4runner, so I'm not needing a car to drive every day. I briefly contemplated buying a last generation RX7, but the finnicky rotory motor ended up scaring me off. Ever since going to a Supra Dyno Day in Miami, I've been hooked on the 2JZ. Long story short, I've decided to go with a 96-98 Supra, (6spd & Turbo of course.)

I'm above average in mechanical know-how, so other than the typical things to look for in a used car, is there anything that would be MKIV-specific that I should look for? Like issues with the stock twin turbos, or the transmission? For instance, when I helped my old man pick out his toy car, an S2K, their forums told me to check the oil lines specifically on the 2000 models.

I know it's a Toyota, so build quality isn't really an issue here, I'm just trying to do my homework. I'm really pumped to get this thing. I'm hunting (and spotted several that I'm watching on eBay and local papers) for a White, 6spd, T-top, preferably stock (I like to do my own modifying). I've always had a thing for those Supras, especially after seeing how easy they make power on a dyno. I miss my Evo, but I think that a 96-98 Supra is more than a competent replacement for an Evo.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[pwpanas]

Originally Posted by jdub24

Hello all. Recently, I've sold my Evo VIII because I just wanted some change. I wanted a fun car for the weekends that looked a little more "grown up", but could still destroy the pavement like an Evo could. My daily driver is a 4runner, so I'm not needing a car to drive every day. I briefly contemplated buying a last generation RX7, but the finnicky rotory motor ended up scaring me off. Ever since going to a Supra Dyno Day in Miami, I've been hooked on the 2JZ. Long story short, I've decided to go with a 96-98 Supra, (6spd & Turbo of course.)

I'm above average in mechanical know-how, so other than the typical things to look for in a used car, is there anything that would be MKIV-specific that I should look for? Like issues with the stock twin turbos, or the transmission? For instance, when I helped my old man pick out his toy car, an S2K, their forums told me to check the oil lines specifically on the 2000 models.

I know it's a Toyota, so build quality isn't really an issue here, I'm just trying to do my homework. I'm really pumped to get this thing. I'm hunting (and spotted several that I'm watching on eBay and local papers) for a White, 6spd, T-top, preferably stock (I like to do my own modifying). I've always had a thing for those Supras, especially after seeing how easy they make power on a dyno. I miss my Evo, but I think that a 96-98 Supra is more than a competent replacement for an Evo.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Here is some additional information:
http://www.mkiv.com/faq/faqtt.html#other17

Also be sure to do a compression test before you buy...any engine can get damaged from running too much boost on low octane pump gas...

If you've driven or ridden in an Mkiv Supra Turbo before, the test drive will tell you a lot. If the Supra you're looking at has a boost gauge, it should hit 11.5psi or so with no boost controller. This will tell you the turbos are running fine. If you drive it hard and it shifts properly through all of the gears, the transmission is likely in good shape.