1989 Toyota Soarer MZ21 LTD 3.0 turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

High performance and well equipped at a low price

Faults:

Blown head gasket.

Airbag suspension leaked, replaced with spring suspension.

Starter problems.

General Comments:

Fast car and fun to drive.

Good interior with leather electric seats (6way) with power lumbar adjustment and size adjustment, power windows, cruise, electric tilt adjustable steering wheel (with memory when the key is inserted), power mirrors.

Features such as the TV and GPS Satellite Navigation are great for a sub-$10,000 car, but are unfortunately useless in Australia.

Would probably feel different if I was not mechanically minded and able to do my own repairs. The blown head gasket was fixed for well under $200, but quotes were going for around $3000 to fix it due to most garages never working on one of these cars before. Suspension work was quoted at about $1300, but I completed it myself for about $500.

Spare engine parts are readily available from Toyota as the engine was used in the locally available Supra.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th June, 2001

10th Oct 2004, 17:23

I've heard the Soarer is an excellent ride, how much would I be expecting to pay for one in good condition these days? My current car is also a Commodore, how do you feel the Soarer compares, especially in fuel consumption and performance? boom_000@hotmail.com

27th Aug 2005, 22:05

Hello I have an mz21 1989 soarer. The air suspension seems to leak out the drivers side back when the ignition is taken out. Do you have any suggestions to fix this problem?

31st Jan 2006, 07:34

I have a Soarer just like yours, but lucky for me not the head gasket problem. However I do have trouble starting it first go and it does feel like the starter motor. I'm also having a lot of trouble finding parts to replace the air bag suspension with normal spring and shock suspension! I was told I need parts of MA70 Supra suspension setup to do the conversion, is this correct??? And how would I fix the starter problems??? Thanks Warren... Email me at

warren78@westnet.com.au Or if anyone who reads this message knows anything please feel free to email me... Thanks.

24th Mar 2006, 13:24

Hi.

Just to let you know there's a great Lexus Soarer owners club here in the UK: www.lexusclub.co.uk. A great bunch, and they will help you with any mechanical problem in a flash!

They give great advice, there's no charge, and they are passionate about Soarers!

19th Feb 2008, 11:44

I have just bought my second Soarer this is an MZ21 1986 model, it all works!! yes 22 years on its still going strong. Even the factory fit TV works here in the UK anyway.

For those needing to know these are based on an MA70 platform albeit a slightly longer version. So just about everthing MA70 will fit up including shocks & suspension.

The ride is waftomatic & very comfortable, very much like a Rolls Royce.

I also have a GZ20 that's been converted to a full on drift car, its been competed in D1 GB, EDC & many main drift events, I've fitted a 1JZ with big turbo & it runs 450+ Bhp. The two cars are like chalk & cheese!