Pre-purchase walkaround
1994 Toyota Supra Mk IV (A80)
45,000 miles · asking $116,852
Five-year cost to own, maintenance and fuel
~$22,900
The A80 Supra is a legendary 90s sports GT built around the near-indestructible 2JZ inline six, which is exactly why prices went insane. The money goes into finding an unmolested car, since most have been modified, and into the aging turbo, transmission, and rubber that even a bulletproof engine cannot save.
The roadmap
45k → 105k mi · 12k a yearYear 1Brakes and consumables.~$4,156
Year 2Brakes and consumables.~$4,461
Yrs 3-5The ordinary rhythm: scheduled work and fuel. · Suspension comes around again.~$14,267
Five years, all in~$22,900
typical parts + government labor rates (national labor rates) · an estimate, not a quote
What to look for on this one
Every used example of this chassis has the same questions. The bands show when each tends to surface; the gold line is this car at 45,000 miles.
Sequential twin-turbo system faults$1,300-$3,080 if not done
0typical window 80k-150k · this car: 45k, ahead of it150k mi
The stock sequential setup uses a maze of vacuum lines and actuators that crack and leak with age, causing the twin turbos to hand off poorly. Flat spot, surging, or boost drop around the transition from primary to secondary turbo.
6-speed manual (V160/V161) wear$350-$1,250 if not done
0typical window 90k-160k · this car: 45k, ahead of it150k mi
The Getrag 6-speed is strong but expensive, and hard launches plus tired synchros make second-gear crunch a known trait. Grinding into 2nd or 3rd, notchy shifts, or difficulty engaging gears.
Prior modification and hard usepriced only if found
Condition-driven, not mileage-driven, so it is not in the totals and inspection is the only answer. Boost gauges, aftermarket ECU, spliced wiring, and worn tires from launches.
windows from 10 owner complaints on file with NHTSA and community service data · · profile researched with cited sources, review pending
0 recalls + 24 service bulletins →
Service bulletins by area
EQUIPMENT (13) · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3) · POWER TRAIN (3) · AIR BAGS (2)
Hand this to your inspector
A $300 inspection against this list is the best money in the whole deal.
01Pull the ECU codes and check for an aftermarket or piggyback tune hidden under the dash
02Inspect all vacuum lines around the sequential turbo system for cracking and rot
03Compression and leak-down test the 2JZ to confirm the engine has not been over-boosted
04Lift the hatch trim and check rear quarters, sunroof/targa drains, and floor pans for rust
Walking into a negotiation?
This roadmap as a PDF, priced for your zip code, with the inspection checklist, a fair price for this example, and the negotiation sheet. Saved to your garage the moment you pay.
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typical parts + government labor rates · an estimate, not a quotecheck another car →