Why Owning an Older Supra Isn't Great

After seeing a similar post about MK4 Supras, I thought I’d share what life is like with a MK3 Supra.

1.) The Name

Whenever I say I drive a Supra, everyone instantly assumes its some kind of child eating turbo monster. Realistically most MK3 Supras are in an absolute mess. Sure there’s a few really cared for and incredible builds, but some are in even worse condition than mine, and go for parts or straight to the scrapyard.

2.) Parts

Unless you have a JZA70, you can forget about modding. There’s hardly any parts available for the earlier MA70 Supra’s (those with the 7M-GE/GTE motors). Sure you can get a bolt on exhaust, maybe put a pod filter that might actually help the engine, but that’s about it. When it comes to suspension there’s a couple options, but all are expensive and new, there’s not much of a second hand market for these cars.

3.) “What is it?”

I get it all the time, “Nice 180 bro!” “Is that a Ferrari?” “Sweet Celica!” Even in the car community, they’re so rare that not many people recognize them immediately. Representation for the A70’s is small, so most people have just forgotten they exist.

4.) “Why didn’t you get a MK4?”

Almost every single owner of a MK3 Supra that I’ve spoken to, have also driven or owned MK4 Supras. The choice is unanimous. They all prefer the MK3. They’re not as boaty, and in my opinion they look better (come on, pop ups) . It’s a pain having to explain this.

5.) Most of them are auto

My car is an auto, so are about 99.9999999999% of A70’s. The a340 transmission in them aren’t too horrible, but being a 3 speed overdrive, things get quite drone-y about 80km/h, I don’t think I’d enjoy a long road trip in my car. Sure you could do a manual conversion, but for the right gearbox, its sometimes costs more then that car itself.

6.) TEMS

Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension. Not all the cars were fitted with this, it was an option available across a lot of Toyotas in the late 80’s/early 90’s. Its pointless if you ask me, it still worked but I pulled it out of my car. The regular ride was too soft and when stiffened up, I didn’t think the car performed very differently.

7.) Targa top

Again this is not for every MK3 Supra, but if you’re lucky enough to get a hold of an awesome targa top, its probably got some leaks after 20+ years. The seals are expensive to replace, around $500. That’s almost as much as a whole roof for an MX5. Then there’s how it drives with the roof off. The chassis flex is horrid. at about 40km/h the entire car vibrates, around 100km/h, the steering becomes quite vague. I’ve looked for targa braces but my efforts came up short. It’s awesome having the roof off, but its awful to drive.

Despite all this, the MK3 Supra’s are incredible cars. They’re also quite cheap. These are all minor problems (I left out talking about the head gasket on the 7M motors), and can be overlooked fairly easily. They don’t matter in comparison to owing what was once the fastest car out of Japan.