1987 Toyota Supra 3.0 7MGE from North America

Summary:

Fast, powerful, and the ladies love it

Faults:

Well I bought it for $300 cause the guy didn't know what was wrong with it, but it turned out to be just a blown head gasket at 151,000 miles.

The fog lights no longer work, but that's not really a big deal.

The check engine light has been on since I re-built the engine, but I think it might be a loose or disconnected oxygen sensor.

The starter went out about 6 months ago, and it's very difficult to replace; you have to un-bolt the engine.

There have been a few other things gone wrong, but that could be expected from a 21 year old car with lots of miles.

General Comments:

Although it is an automatic, it has an Electronically Controlled Transmission and very fast acceleration. It is an all around fast car.

The electronic adjustable drivers seat is very comfortable, and it has plenty of room, even though I'm a big guy (6'2", 245lbs.) I drove it continuously for 15 hours and had no comfort problems.

This car has excellent traction around corners and handles like a dream (except in snow).

It has a very attractive shape and sound, and I get looks from people where ever I go. Plus it's a chick magnet, especially with the custom sound system I put in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2008

1987 Toyota Supra Base from North America

Summary:

Might have been a good car in 87, but now it's just a junker

Faults:

Thrown rod, blown head gasket, bad condition interior.

General Comments:

I have always admired the Supra and it was my dream to own one. Had the chance to buy a Supra body for $500 but the engine was gone. Replaced the engine with a JDM for $1000. Did all the work myself and in the beginning it was fun, but after a week I realized what an over complicated piece of crap this thing really was. Ended up fixing the head, and replacing the clutch, timing belt and water pump in the process.

Lo and behold, the electrical system was crap too. Had to make a new wiring harness because the Toyota one was a nightmare. In the end I got this thing running and out in the street. It leaked oil and misfired, despite all of my work.

I ended up pouring all of my money into the engine and parts, which left none for the interior or fixing up the rust and wheel wells. The car was in ugly condition when I got it, and its only gotten worse from there. It is just not a good looking car when it's obviously a junker.

Took it out for racing, but realized the thing wasn't as fast as I remembered. In fact the thing was a heavy piece of bad shifting crap. It would jump rpm's and get some decent acceleration, but at the cost of some MAJOR fuel consumption. At first I thought it was burning rich until I saw the fuel ratings. That's when I was just finished with this car. Sold it to some kid for $1000 bucks and last I heard he totalled it a week later trying to race in the snow. It's a rear wheel drive car and performs like even more crap in the winter heh.

Not a good experience for me. I will stick to Honda next time or my old Toyota Corolla. For anyone thinking that this Supra is desirable, think again. It just isn't worth it. If you really want one, just go on eBay and buy one of the ones there for $2000, but plan to spend a lot more in repairs and gas.

Now the good news. I bought the good Supra. A 94 to be exact. WOW. It's almost embarrassing to call the 87 Supra a Supra in the first place. It just ruins the legacy. Save your money for the good model years, 93 and up. Don't waste anything on the 87 Supra/boat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2008

26th Oct 2010, 18:47

Apparently, it sounds like you bought a lemon.

4th Apr 2011, 09:30

You can tell the quality of a mechanic by how much RTV he uses! I never touch the stuff myself, sounds like you should go to a tech school. Why would you go to the hassle of pulling an engine and not use fresh gaskets or replace a new bottom end and not recondition the head? The clutch came out with the engine so why didn't you inspect it then? Don't blame the car's engineering on this one, it's all you. A famous person once said "Man's got to know his limitations".