Used 1990 Toyota Supra Consumer Reviews
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1987-1992 Supra: Be a mechanic or have lots of $
Bru, 09/26/2015
updated 04/08/2024
1990 Toyota Supra Turbo 2dr Hatchback
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
If you are considering a MKIII Supra, drive the car and if it makes a lot of gurgling sounds out of coolant overflow tank after stopping, the head gasket is leaking. Check under the oil cap for grey sludge. That means the rings are worn or coolant is getting into the oil. Look in the overflow tank for oil also. Its best if you are mechanically inclined as maintenance will be costly. Be ready, this car eats $100 bills and and just says... more. After the mechanical issues are sorted, its a great car to drive. You can put your arm upright on the window sill without being cramped like in a newer FR-S or even a MKIV 93-98 Supra. Its got a lot of premium features, especially the Turbo model with the full sport package. I have been driving the same Supra for 27 years. I can't find a car I like better. The down sides are that its a bit heavy (3,600 lbs) for the horse power (200 to 230) and uses gas (premium for a turbo) 16 - 23 MPG. At about 15 lbs per hp on a stock CT-26 turbo, its a bit heavy. 10 lbs/hp or less would be ideal for a nimble sports car. Its more of a comfortable sport touring than a track car unless you make costly modifications to get 360HP or more. Some of the lines of the car remind me of a Porsche 928 or a 1980s Laser / Daytona. Parts are hard to find. I have 307K on mine with a total drive train overhaul in 2014. 2018 update: no issues except replacing the radiator after 31 years. 2019: Just normal maintenance. I found brake calipers, a trunk area carpet, a leather wrapped parking brake lever out of a 54K miles 88 Supra in like new condition, SWEET! 2020 update: Since the release of the MK5 (BMW) Supra, Toyota has come up with a program and a website for people with vintage Supras (MK3 & MK4) to apply for parts to be reissued, depending on demand. We'll see what comes of that. 2021 update: Toyota has reissued a few token parts but not as many or the ones I would like such as a 87-88 maroon driver side door belt molding. I spent $1,000 on a new set of tires and rims courtesy of the first government stimulus check. It's looking good and no major mechanical issues to date. I have solved some annoying leaks in the targa top and trunk hatch using a product called EZR hairline crack sealer. It looks like milk and seeps into crevices then becomes clear and gummy to plug weeping leaks. 2022 update: I have repainted the rear bumper, both door mirrors, and the hood with Nason 3H1 red pearl metallic base coat and then clear coat. The weather had done a number on the clear coat. It's looking great now! The rest of the paint is original 35 years old. I keep it up with McGuire's products. Maintenance included changing the radiator fluid because it's the old school green and also replacing the valve cover gaskets, sealing them down with Prematex ultra black silicone. Spring 2023 update: Replaced the driver side inner tie rod on the steering rack. Painted the rear wing and bumper with with Nason 3H1 red pearl metallic base coat and then clear coat. Replaced and adjusted the throttle position sensor with increased fuel mileage as a result. Fall 2023 update: Replaced the turbo pressure sensor with a new old stock one found on eBay for $100. I've got a list of things to do this winter like replace the low-pressure power steering hoses and flush it with new ATF fluid, Repair a rip in the driver seat and add foam the base. Wet sand buff and polish the things I painted previously. The car is running good and there are no major issues.
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Toyota Supra MA70
Shlongor, 12/16/2003
1990 Toyota Supra Turbo 2dr Hatchback
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
There is almost nothing bad about this car. The speed, dry-road handling, braking and style is just amazing. It is also very easy to upgrade for performance. I must correct those of you who have commented on the bad head gasket. It can survive ~350HP if you retorque the headbolts and it wasn't abused.
The Japanese Aston Martin
beltonf, 08/16/2003
1990 Toyota Supra Turbo 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I just love this car! Stylish without being 'over the top'. Good handling, comfort and ride without being irritatingly oversharp, bumpy and twitchy. Relaxingly roomy with great luggage capacity. IT SEATS 4! Ultra quiet and smooth when accelerating hard. It is a quality car that happens to cost very little for what it delivers - a lot of bangs for the buck.It is a Grand Touring car rather than a serious sports car. It has a timeless understated elegance that will/has not dated as fast as others.
My First Supra
Dc POwer, 09/08/2004
1990 Toyota Supra Turbo 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I just Bought this supra and wanted one for a long time.. it is all that i expected it to be. Very Heavy Car, smooth ride and All the power you need is there when you need it. over all. i i am very pleased and happy with my purchase.
Head Gasket
JohnnyQuest, 12/14/2002
1990 Toyota Supra 2dr Hatchback
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've had to replace the head gasket TWICE in 4 years! This has caused me to replace the clogged catalytic converter and the exhaust, muffler, etc. Toyota should be sued over the faulty engine design of it's 3 liter engines!
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