View Full Version : Best Year for MKIII
Phoenix88
06-07-2003, 09:39 PM
Anyone know the historic changes in the MKIII? What is the best year to buy? I know sometimes it doens't make too much difference year to year, I think its about time to get rid of the Lexus and get a MKIII + Bike.
ma71supraturbo
06-07-2003, 09:43 PM
<B><c><H2>1986.5 - 1992:
Supra Separates from the Celica line.</H2>
</B></c>
<IMG ALIGN=Left SRC="http://members.igateway.net/~pscott/images/ma70CutOutb.jpg" ALT="MKIII cut-away">
In mid-year 1986 the all-new MKIII was introduced, officially separating the Supra from the newly front-wheel drive Celica. The 86.5 Supra had a new block under the hood, although it used the crankshaft from the JDM MKII's 6M-GE. The 3-liter, 24-valve DOHC inline six 7M-GE produced 200 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. A notable new feature was the "Intake Air Control" system which tuned the air-tract length for different engine speeds through a separate valve downstream of the throttle valve. Thanks to the IAC, at least 80% of the 185 lb-ft of torque was on hand from 1200 to 6400 rpm. That power was passed through a standard 5-speed transmission, although those with lazy left feet could opt for the electronically controlled 4-speed automatic. 16X7" alloy wheels shod in 225/50VR16 tires were suspended on all four corners by double-wishbone indenpendent suspension. "Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension" (TEMS) was also available in an optional sports package with along with a limited slip differential. This system allowed the driver to select between "normal" (soft) and "sport"(medium) modes. The TEMS computer would automatically set the shocks to medium at freeway speeds, and would go firm under hard braking, acceleration, or sharp steering imputs. The Supra recieved a full assortment of gauges including an 8000rpm tach, speedometer, temperature, oil pressure, and voltage along with warning lights for coolant level, brake pressure/parking brake, and engine trouble codes.
On the comfort and convenience side, the automatic climate control allowed the driver to set the degrees and allow the system to decide on the fan speed and temperature. A tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and the optional 8-way adjustable power driver's seat allowed anyone to fit like a glove in the Supra's cockpit. Cruise control, power windows, and door locks were were additional ammenities, along with a first-rate stereo. For those who faced a rough winter, the power mirrors had a built in defroster, and the headlight sprayers allowed clean lights at the press of a button. If that wasn't enough, a supermonitor was available to calculate fuel mileage or view diagnostic codes.
In 1987 the Supra Turbo is introduced positioning the Supra as a high-performance GT. While the previous version of the Supra competed head-on with Mustangs and Camaros, the new Turbo model placed the Supra in direct comparison with the venerable Z-car, RX-7, and Corvette. The new engine for 1987 featured a turbocharged version of the 7M-GE engine appropriately labeled the 7M-GTE. This intercooled 6-cylinder engine produced 232 horsepower: 32 more than the normally aspirated (NA) version. Continuing as a showcase of technology the new Turbo model offers anti-lock brakes (ABS) for the first time.
<HR>
<A NAME="sales"></A><H2>1986.5-1992: Sales/Recall/Price Data</H2><P><TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=2 CELLPADDING=1><TR align=center><TD><B>Year</B><TD><B>1986.5</B><TD><B>1987</B><TD><B>1988</B><TD><B>1989</B><TD><B>1990</B><TD><B>1991</B><TD><B>1992</B><TR><TD><B>U.S. Sales</B><TD>33,283<TD>29,907<TD>19,596<TD>14,544<TD>6,419<TD>3,623<TD>1,193<TR><TD><B>Recalls</B><TD>None<TD>None<TD>None<TD>None<TD>None<TD>None<TD>None<TR><TD><B>Original List</B><TD>$17,990<TD>$19,990,<BR>$22,260 (turbo)<TD>$21,290<BR>$23,760 (turbo)<TD>$22,360<BR>$24,700 (turbo)<TD>$22,860<BR>$25,200 (turbo)<TD>$23,280<BR>$27,290 (turbo)<TD>$25,280<BR>$28,750 (turbo)</TABLE><HR>
<H2>NOTING THE CHANGES</H2>
<img src="http://www.f33.com/supra/pics/supra902.gif" width=200><B>1986.5: </B> Supra model is newly introduced as a free standing model no longer associated with the Celica. Originally scheduled for a 1986 debut, production delays cause the model to be introduced mid year (hence the 1986.5 designation). Power for the all new Supra is from a 200 hp, 3.0 liter DOHC inline six cylnder. Notable features include an electronically controlled independent suspension going by the moniker, Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS), and a removable Sport-Roof panel.
<img src="http://www.supracentral.com/oldschool/exterior/r_big.jpg" width=200><B>1987:</B> First Supra turbo model is introduced. The intercooled, turbocharged engine boosts hp to 230 and torque to 246 ft-lbs. Other unique features of the turbo are an engine oil cooler and integrated rear spoiler. The sports package, which is standard on the turbo and optional on the base model, offers limited slip differential (LSD), TEMS, and headlamp washers. New Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option on all models.
<img src="http://www.supraforums.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=1124153" width=200><B>1988:</B> Models carried over from 1987 with only minor changes. Base interior changed from vinyl to cloth. Minor engine modifications to improve quietness. Beige/Brown two-tone paint option is dropped, and the third brake light on the spoiler becomes trapezoidal instead of rectangular.
<hr>
<img src="http://ww2.mk3.us:8870/img/leng-supra.gif"><B>1989:</B> Model receives a freshening with a new grille, air dam, taillights, and rear spoiler. Turbo motor upped to 232 hp, torque increased from 246 to 254 lb-ft with intake, wastegate, and turbo modifications. Speed sensitive power steering added. Rear suspension rates increased. Cruise control moved to steering wheel spokes.
<B>1990:</B> Driver's side airbag made standard. Cruise control moved back to column mounted stalk. Fluid filled engine mounts added for smoothnes. Power steering boost trimmed for more feel at high speed.
<img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/191049/DSCF0060.JPG" width=200><B>1991:</B> New five-spoke wheels with Goodyear GS-D Z-rated tires are made standard. ABS standard on turbo models. Outer-sliding power sunroof option added; Sport-Roof and pop-up sunroof still offered.
<B>1992:</B> Last year of the third generation. Automatic transmission shift points revised. A ten-speaker sound system added as an option with the ETR/Cassette/CD system. Two new colors added; Teal Metallic and Garnet Pearl (White Pearl, Silvermist Metallic and Burgandy Pearl are dropped)
Thanks to Jeff A, Larry, Leng, and lilpest for the unknowing use of their Supra pictures
1QwikMK3
06-07-2003, 09:47 PM
^ holy crap:eek:
Phoenix... what kind of bike are you looking at.
As far as the soup goes..personally I'd go for an 89 my up... appearance wise.. they look better imo.
No recalls ever on the MKIII.. toyota has their shit together!
s000pra89T
06-07-2003, 09:51 PM
ma71supraturbo: hehe....nice. :D
Typenamehere
06-07-2003, 09:53 PM
It all depends on which body style you like, and how many safety features you want, and how much your willing to spend.
Go here for info. and prices...
http://autos.msn.com/vip/usedoverview.aspx?make=Toyota&model=Supra&src=LeftNav
toyotasupra88
06-07-2003, 10:09 PM
my year was the best... lol
supraman741
06-07-2003, 10:11 PM
ummmm i think there was a recall 4 the rear hatch seal i dont remember fully but i beleive there was......... im a fan of the 89+ i had a 88 turbo targa 5speed b4 but i like the way my 91 looks:D
waynis
06-07-2003, 10:17 PM
personally i wouldnt have bought my supra if it wasnt a 89+. mines a 89, i like the bumpers and wing a lot better then the 86.5 to 88s.
TRD91whtMK3 ver.2
06-07-2003, 10:24 PM
91 was by far the best year:D
ma71supraturbo
06-07-2003, 10:35 PM
I'm looking for pictures of stock cars from each year, please let me know if you have them so I can stop stealing pictures.
I'd especially like shots pointing out the wheel change in 1991, the steering wheel in 86.5-88/89/90-92, the front changes from 86.5-88/89-92, the rear changes in 87/88/89-92, the mirror change (89?) and the climate control change.
Boostin88T
06-07-2003, 10:35 PM
88 was the best year EVER!!!
hawkeye
06-07-2003, 11:11 PM
89 had the revised rear suspension, no airbag, upgraded cosmetics and was the lightest of the 89-92. I think that is the best way to go. I have an 87 and I really like the way the front end of the pre 89s look, but the rest is definately better on the 89+
CSR Ma71
06-07-2003, 11:53 PM
Originally posted by Boostin88T
88 was the best year EVER!!!
Hell yeah, 88's rule the world.
punkybooster89t
06-08-2003, 12:08 AM
Originally posted by waynis
personally i wouldnt have bought my supra if it wasnt a 89+. mines a 89, i like the bumpers and wing a lot better then the 86.5 to 88s.
Ditto.
I like the '89 the most. It's got the new bumper/side views/spoiler/tail lights and the redesigned climate control plus it's got it's own steering wheel that was only on the '89's. ;) The body colored side moldings of the '90+ are pretty nice but it doesn't bother me at all that mine aren't. And in my mind the later wheels don't enter into the equation, because who willingly keeps stock wheels?
XTC Dynamic Supra
06-08-2003, 12:37 AM
i have an 87 na with sport package. i changed to the 89 taillights(i have a jdm set for sale) and went with the bomew front bumper. i like the front turn signals of the 86.5-88. especially with a 89 style bumper. i went through a couple of interiors for my car. the best one of them all was the turbo R. i love them.
SupraGuy88T
06-08-2003, 12:50 AM
Basically the cars got heavier as they went along. 86.5 being the lightest. The are also the cheapest but in return they are ususally in rougher shape and might need more work. So it all depends on what you want and like.
David_rg79
06-08-2003, 01:27 AM
Originally posted by 1QwikMK3
No recalls ever on the MKIII.. toyota has their shit together!
there should be a recall on hg's as we all know
lol
david
Shawndude
06-08-2003, 03:23 AM
Awesome work on the informative post Ma71supraturbo.
Much props for the effort!
:bigok:
Originally posted by David_rg79
there should be a recall on hg's as we all know
Very dissapointing, Toyota has not even ACKNOWLEDGED, that it is a problem!
At least give me a new head gasket kit, or a free oil change or something.....anything for YOUR screw up Toyota!
But no, Toyota is just too darn much of a "quality" carmaker to make a critical design error. It must be the user. :rolleyes:
Shame on you Toyota, you suck in this regard. :mad:
(Wow, there is "Toyota" on every line of my little rant, hmmm supressed anger coming through....... must not go ballastic...... think of the starving kids in Africa ........ )
bcastine
06-08-2003, 09:15 AM
There was also a recall on the A/C system. I still believe that you can have it performed if it never was. Of course I think 89 was the best year, has the best ring to it too LOL.
TRD91whtMK3 ver.2
06-08-2003, 01:28 PM
I like the stock 91 white rims, and I plan on keeping them. If not, I'll go with MKIV TT rims and paint them white.
Firetape
06-09-2003, 11:15 AM
Long live 88.
Da Kine Guy
06-09-2003, 03:10 PM
Originally posted by punkybooster89t
who willingly keeps stock wheels?
Me. I like my white 5-spokes :D
MkIIISupraMan
06-09-2003, 03:16 PM
Originally posted by Boostin88T
88 was the best year EVER!!!
damn straight!!! :D
pumpkins01
06-09-2003, 05:33 PM
EVERY YEAR WAS THE BEST!!!!!
IRACEMYCOPCAR
06-09-2003, 06:27 PM
i think 92 is the best sice its the rarest, however running a close second is the 91 since there are only a few of those also(and i have one) both these years had the best rims,options,sound systems and imo are less likely to be beaten on because they arent quite as old.:D
TRD91whtMK3 ver.2
06-09-2003, 06:31 PM
Yea, i also love the way the white package looks on the 91-92's and they are pretty rare, thats why it took me nearly 2 years to find mine.
Mikado
06-09-2003, 06:33 PM
Originally posted by Da Kine Guy
Me. I like my white 5-spokes :D
Me too. I happen to LIKE the sawblades and have plans to make 'em look real nice... plans nobody's ever shown on this forum before...
IRACEMYCOPCAR
06-09-2003, 07:55 PM
i met a woman down here that has a 92 white package 5-speed n/a with a sunroof, she really liked her car but didnt know much about it, i told her it was pretty rare. she told me she had lots of people that wanted to buy it from her but she told them all she would never sell it:)
Phoenix88
06-13-2003, 09:41 AM
Holy lots of posts! Great info on the year changes, I had something like that a long time ago but since lost it and forgot about mkiii's till now. I think if I bought one it would have to be 89+... I still have to sell my car, but if I get my exaust done before I sell the car I will just keep it, not that I have to sell her.
Bike wise, I wanted something simple for me to learn on, but nothing boring, probably a used 2000 R6 or something along those lines. MKIII are sweet cars, I was really wanting one before my Lexus, but my cousin had a MKIV, and I couldn't have a MKIII when he had a MKIV, I shouldn't have let that distract me. Oh well. Hopefully soon I will be posting on here with a new MKIII :) Don't know what the chances are though, someone wants to trade me a 300zx TT for my car right now, don't know if I will go through with it.
Thanks for all the great replys, seems like all the MKIII owners are very very very happy with their product. Always been a fan of MKIIIs.
Silver88Turbo
06-13-2003, 09:53 AM
Originally posted by Boostin88T
88 was the best year EVER!!!
I totally agree!! :rockon:
However in ma71supraturbo's post it said that the cruise controls where moved to the steering wheel in 89 but my 88 has em on the wheel. Whats up with that?
ma71supraturbo
06-13-2003, 11:21 AM
Originally posted by Silver88Turbo
I totally agree!! :rockon:
However in ma71supraturbo's post it said that the cruise controls where moved to the steering wheel in 89 but my 88 has em on the wheel. Whats up with that?
my 87's are on the wheel too. My only guess is they meant 90 because of the airbags moving Cruise buttons to the wheel stalks...
Silver88Turbo
06-13-2003, 11:51 AM
oh, I see
knave
09-02-2003, 12:51 PM
Originally posted by TRD91whtMK3 ver.2
Yea, i also love the way the white package looks on the 91-92's and they are pretty rare, thats why it took me nearly 2 years to find mine.
Is that different than the white package in 1989? My 89 has the white package and it looks awesome.
Mike
drjonez
09-02-2003, 01:22 PM
eh. the white package is overrated....people get all fired up that its "rare" but look @ how many you see for sale! good for you if you like it....IMO the MKIII looks fairly bad in white (or brown for that matter!)...
Silver88Turbo
09-02-2003, 01:24 PM
Originally posted by drjonez
eh. the white package is overrated....people get all fired up that its "rare" but look @ how many you see for sale! good for you if you like it....IMO the MKIII looks fairly bad in white (or brown for that matter!)...
yeah, brown is hideous! ;)
ma71supraturbo
09-02-2003, 01:27 PM
Originally posted by knave
Is that different than the white package in 1989? My 89 has the white package and it looks awesome.
Mike
Think he is talking about the white car with white 5-spoke wheels (only available in 91-92), so a true white package is rare. A white MK3 is not
INDO1472
09-02-2003, 02:13 PM
no one is talking about there interiors :D
i'm a fan of the 89-92 (perferably in black) but i absolutley hate the maroon interiors (black exterior w/ maroon interior ruins it) that most (if not all?) 89/90 came with.
what are all the color combos if anyone has them :)
bahraini_zupra
09-02-2003, 03:27 PM
89+ are the best :)
I like 88 they are such nice car too but the earler one is better :)
knave
09-02-2003, 03:48 PM
Originally posted by drjonez
eh. the white package is overrated....people get all fired up that its "rare" but look @ how many you see for sale! good for you if you like it....IMO the MKIII looks fairly bad in white (or brown for that matter!)...
I don't care if it's rare or not. The black trim on a white supra looks like crap, and I'm definitely happy with the car I got. White is my favorite color on this car. *shrugs* (Followed by black, and then dark blue.)
http://8bitrevolution.net:81/mike/cars/supra/images/supra_front.jpg
Mike
knave
09-02-2003, 03:56 PM
Originally posted by ma71supraturbo
Think he is talking about the white car with white 5-spoke wheels (only available in 91-92), so a true white package is rare. A white MK3 is not
Thanks, that makes sense.
Mike
GreenPunkBlood
09-02-2003, 04:10 PM
err, black 87 with jdm 89+ tails, with grey cloth interior with black harness is trhe best!!!
Bishop92T
09-02-2003, 04:14 PM
I don't know where the white package is rare thing came up b/c I've seen tons of them. They are the most common color I see for sale. If you want to talk about rare colors try looking for teal, two tone blue, and light blue.
I do like the white package except for the funky interior colors, namely burgundy and blue. The blue is alright but I think the white package with burgundy is horrible. Gray with the white package is nice. My favorite color is black but it's simply not practical for a daily driven car as it looks dirty so much quicker then the other colors.
:edit: white package actually started in 86.5 It's just only 91-92 white packages got the white 5 spokes. All the other years got white saucers.
bcastine
09-02-2003, 04:20 PM
I agree with Bishop, i've never thought the white package was rare, i've seen ton's of them, I like the <90 white outs as I like the white sawblades, don't like the maroon int. either, reminds me of a lebaron k-car. Best year has got to be 89, most unique as its the only model with that steering wheel LOL.
knave
09-02-2003, 04:31 PM
Guess I'm totally representin' then... white with blue interior. :)
(I agree, a maroon interior would be enough to make me not buy the car.)
Mike
Jeff Lange
09-02-2003, 05:41 PM
My car is an 88 Turbo Targa, just the way I like it. I prefer the rear lights and front bumper on the pre-89's better, but I've got the 89 rear spoiler and mirrors. Best of both worlds, IMO. (Plus I still have the headlight washers -- I think they were gone from 90+ North American Models)
The only other change I will be doing to the exterior is the wheels, that's it for me :).
As for the 91+, the body-colored trim makes the car look so much better IMO, which is why I think I liked my color so much for the pre-89's. (the trim matches with the dark-blue).
The interior and suspension will be getting most of the work this winter, with more engine work getting done next winter.
So in conclusion: the best year for MKIII is the year you own. (unless you don't like it :p). I think for potential buyers though, I'd go 89-92, because of the suspension/steering upgrades, the body colored trim, and the newer rear spoiler.
drjonez
09-02-2003, 05:47 PM
heh, the most rare color is the BROWN two tone....it was only available '86.5 and '87.....and since its hideous, no one bought it! ;)
stonedworm
09-02-2003, 11:46 PM
I love my black 91 turbo... my burgundy (probly the most common colour) 86.5 was sweet too:o
supra1989turbo
09-03-2003, 12:02 AM
89 best year ever with no doubts :) different stering with cruise controls on it, no air bag's, and the beauty of the 89+ looks :)
Jeff Lange
09-03-2003, 12:47 AM
stering cruise controlsAll pre-90 supras has the cruise on the steering wheel, the 89 just had a different style steering wheel.
supra1989turbo
09-03-2003, 12:54 AM
there i fixed my missing word (different) that i just forgot to type ;)
Bishop92T
09-03-2003, 01:00 AM
Technically all MK3's have cruise control on the steering wheel. The 86.5-89's just have it on the front of the wheel. 90-92's have it sticking out the side on a stalk but it is on the steering wheel.
I like each year MK3 for different reasons. They all have good points and bad points...
Jeff Lange
09-03-2003, 01:24 AM
Yeah, I think I'd buy a 92 Teal if I could ever find one though, I love it.
Bishop92T
09-03-2003, 01:31 AM
I'd buy another one if I could find one :) Hell if I could find another 92 targa turbo 5spd in any color I'd buy it...
jdmuscle
03-26-2005, 09:04 AM
that little piece of plastic on the 89 n above mkiii's make a sea of difference....my vote is for 89 n above!!
drjonez
03-26-2005, 01:52 PM
holy old post, batman.
suprahajimoto
03-27-2005, 02:22 AM
19999999999999888888888888888888888888888888888. turbonia. da best.
ah91ts
08-30-2005, 12:01 PM
From what I understand with the head gasket problem deal, the '92 is the best. That year they finally fixed the head gasket problem. I have a 91
drjonez
08-30-2005, 12:30 PM
From what I understand with the head gasket problem deal, the '92 is the best. That year they finally fixed the head gasket problem. I have a 91
heh. and where did you hear this?
miekedmr
08-30-2005, 01:18 PM
Did anyone notice the very similiar thread closer to the bottom of the page?
It's "Best Year for MKIII" versus "Best Year for MKIII?"
SUPRAIWAMOTO
08-30-2005, 01:18 PM
Everone knows that a 1988 T with a 1990 body upgrade is the best!!!!
ah91ts
08-30-2005, 02:11 PM
A head service tech that has owned 4 Supra's and has worked as head service tech in dealerships since the mid-80's.
Not saying there is still some morons who bought the car and immediately drove it like an idiot and blew them. From what I understand you were not suppose to immediately drive the car hard brand new. He said in '92 at the factory they made changes in production to help the head gasket problem be less a nuisance. Had something to do with how the area was bolted down. Not sure if it was a computerized mistake or what.
heh. and where did you hear this?
Jeff Lange
08-30-2005, 02:33 PM
Torque spec never changed, 92's blow head gaskets just as much, the gasket design changed slightly, but from the experiences of many people here on the forums... it didn't really change much.
drjonez
08-30-2005, 02:33 PM
Torque spec never changed, 92's blow head gaskets just as much, the gasket design changed slightly, but from the experiences of many people here on the forums... it didn't really change much.
exactly. the reason you don't hear about many '92s blowing HGs is because there aren't that many of them....
ah91ts
08-30-2005, 03:17 PM
Im just stating what I was told. When I asked what year I should look for when I was looking for my second Supra, I was told 92. Granted I do not use my 'sports car' to do drag racing. However as was stated they did do some changes on the HG to do try to fix it the problem in 92.
3.slow turbo
08-30-2005, 07:14 PM
I totally agree!! :rockon:
However in ma71supraturbo's post it said that the cruise controls where moved to the steering wheel in 89 but my 88 has em on the wheel. Whats up with that?
same in my 87 :dunno:
OneJoeZee
08-30-2005, 07:17 PM
93 is the best year
HiTTman
08-30-2005, 08:40 PM
93 is the best year
ah yes the 93 MKIII, but too many people have it imo :wtflol:
-Elliot :run:
Jeff Lange
08-30-2005, 08:48 PM
92 was the same as 92, there wasn't a single parts change made, it was the same car... it's all listed as the same year basically... 8/91-4/93
Jeff Lange
08-30-2005, 08:52 PM
same in my 87 :dunno:
Read my "Updated Specs and Year Changes (http://www.supraforums.com//forum/showthread.php?t=194124)" thread. It's far more accurate and has many more changes listed.
Kracin
08-31-2005, 01:29 AM
since were on the topic... how about 88 being the best? came with supermonitor, and the same year was the year they made turbo A's right? does it get any better than those 2 specialties?
drjonez
08-31-2005, 05:56 AM
the turbo A was an early '89 model....
1992 is best year because it offered the optional 10- speaker's
beats are important
Jeff Lange
11-12-2005, 06:25 PM
So did 91.
Koenigturbo
06-07-2006, 01:23 PM
Go to
http://www.geocities.com/ma71supraturbo/ ,..."jeff's supra page" there he has it beautifully laid out time line options all the differences' that you ever want to know it tells it all right there
Koenigturbo
06-07-2006, 01:27 PM
Hi can you please tell me where the sub woofer is located in the "92" i have two front two tweeters two in the back seat near the the shoulders or cargo cover whre's the rest??
blown408
06-09-2006, 06:52 PM
Long live 88.
Hell Yeah, the Crazy 88's
I propose a car club of 88 supra's called the Crazy 88's....
Shred
06-10-2006, 08:34 PM
86.5-88 had very little differences that matter. The white package certainly isn't rare, but I kind of like them if they are clean. Even if they are Cressida colors.
So 86.5-88 front end, 89+ tail lights, no wing, solid color body molding, no ABS, no SRS, 5 star wheels, hard top and R154 with 7MGTE would do the trick.
But 91-92 do look damn good.
blown408
06-10-2006, 09:59 PM
86.5-88 had very little differences that matter. The white package certainly isn't rare, but I kind of like them if they are clean. Even if they are Cressida colors.
So 86.5-88 front end, 89+ tail lights, no wing, solid color body molding, no ABS, no SRS, 5 star wheels, hard top and R154 with 7MGTE would do the trick.
But 91-92 do look damn good.
Hardtop, are you MAD? :) I love my targa top like crazy, it's the single best feature of the car!
I don't like spoilers or "wings" but I like on on these. Mine is a factory wing delete car, and i'm going to add one i think. Definitely like the 89+ taillights, and the later Supra wheels, just wish the 90-92 5 stars were at least 8" wide. and 17's... If i were going to build the dream car, it'd be a 1jz instead of the 7M, too!
:)
shadowwolfsupra
06-12-2006, 09:18 AM
all I got to say is that if you want to have an MK3, go with the 87 turbo. Don't forget now, next year they become 20yrs old and they become a collectors item. If you haven't realized already, the price on the 87 mk3 have been steadily going up in price. Here is an example:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=200882955&dealer_id=57786467&car_year=1987&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&make=TOYOTA&distance=200&model=SUPRA&address=33165&certified=&advanced=&max_price=&bkms=1150121156053&min_price=&end_year=1998&start_year=1987&isp=y&lang=en&cardist=99
That car in the listing is the cleanest mk3 I have seen yet in my lifetime. Here is another one, but this one is an 88 mk3 with even lower miles on it:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=202551551&dealer_id=57904708&car_year=1988&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&make=TOYOTA&distance=200&model=SUPRA&address=33165&certified=&advanced=&max_price=&bkms=1150121156053&min_price=&end_year=1998&start_year=1987&isp=y&lang=en&cardist=81
If you have that much money to shell out on it, go for it. All I got to say is that price range for the mk3 has now been ranging around $2,500-7,500. There was another mk3 in the auto trader that had a 1jz with the maxx evo front bumper but guy was asking around 10,000 for it. if he sold it, then damn, he got a big chunk of money in his pocket now for his mk3. All I got to say is choose wisely, there is a wide variety of supras out there and they all have a different price range. No matter what, all mk3's where the best especially the turbo models. I don't think that the year makes a difference. All of them where beautiful no matter what. It all depends on how you look at the car and if you like it or not. just remember that Supra moto that everyone remembers "everything else is just transportation".
blown408
06-12-2006, 11:04 AM
That car in the listing is the cleanest mk3 I have seen yet in my lifetime. Here is another one, but this one is an 88 mk3 with even lower miles on it:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=202551551&dealer_id=57904708&car_year=1988&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&make=TOYOTA&distance=200&model=SUPRA&address=33165&certified=&advanced=&max_price=&bkms=1150121156053&min_price=&end_year=1998&start_year=1987&isp=y&lang=en&cardist=81
Look closer, it's got 35k on a new engine....
shadowwolfsupra
06-12-2006, 11:30 AM
thats true but the first listing, of all supra's I have ever seen in my life, is the cleanest and not just that, the rarest of them all. 70 something thousand miles on the original engine, black exterior with the tan cloth interior, and meticulously maintained and serviced by the dealership. If there was a meuseum for the supra, that will be the prime showcase of all of the mk3's. you definitely don't see that around anymore.
blown408
06-12-2006, 12:02 PM
thats true but the first listing, of all supra's I have ever seen in my life, is the cleanest and not just that, the rarest of them all. 70 something thousand miles on the original engine, black exterior with the tan cloth interior, and meticulously maintained and serviced by the dealership. If there was a meuseum for the supra, that will be the prime showcase of all of the mk3's. you definitely don't see that around anymore.
It's definitely nice
DyslexicSquirrel
06-14-2006, 02:11 PM
I personally have an 88 turbo that I've pretty much made into an 89. I switched out the 88 bumper for the 89 because the OE was in terrible condition... but i think the 86.5-88 bumper looks a hell of a lot better. It just looks like it has more muscle to me... the 89 and up bumber looks to elegant... in my opinion. Also, I'm not too big of a fan of the 89 and up 3-piece taillights. i like the seperate two piece... gives it more character imo....
MassSupra89
06-15-2006, 02:17 PM
thats true but the first listing, of all supra's I have ever seen in my life, is the cleanest and not just that, the rarest of them all. 70 something thousand miles on the original engine, black exterior with the tan cloth interior, and meticulously maintained and serviced by the dealership. If there was a meuseum for the supra, that will be the prime showcase of all of the mk3's. you definitely don't see that around anymore.
I've got an 89 that I bought with 90,000 miles on original engine. Completely stock, interior is in near perfect condition other than broken seatbelt guides. Picked it up for 3,500. All it needs is a paintjob because it's starting to fade.
blown408
06-15-2006, 03:52 PM
I've got an 89 that I bought with 90,000 miles on original engine. Completely stock, interior is in near perfect condition other than broken seatbelt guides. Picked it up for 3,500. All it needs is a paintjob because it's starting to fade.
pretty much the same thing, 117k miles, 2900
MK3_supra
06-15-2006, 05:23 PM
89 just cause i have one =D
xrated89
07-03-2006, 02:39 PM
^^^^
I am with him :)
tommyistommy
07-14-2006, 07:29 PM
87 because I have one. Well I like the look of the 87-88 ones more then 89-92 ones...I like the steering wheel more...But its basically because I have one and like the looks
XsupraXmanX2jzX
08-19-2006, 02:52 AM
I'm looking for pictures of stock cars from each year, please let me know if you have them so I can stop stealing pictures.
I'd especially like shots pointing out the wheel change in 1991, the steering wheel in 86.5-88/89/90-92, the front changes from 86.5-88/89-92, the rear changes in 87/88/89-92, the mirror change (89?) and the climate control change.
here ya go
http://alljapanesecars.com/viewmd.php3?mk=Toyota&md=Supra
**I don't know how accurate that site is, it doesn't look like it's been updated in a while**
SykoCerebral
08-20-2006, 02:15 AM
89 white-package, all of the updates/revisions, without the ugly steering wheels of the newer ones, and best of all, the only ONES until 91 with body-colored molding..
<---89, 5-speed white package, TARGA, blue interior, NO ABS, but i do have an LSD..
what more could you ask for..?!
suprashy
09-20-2006, 08:43 PM
87 Turbo. Yea I got one, but in terms of historical value it was the first year for the turbo. Period. Changes in the following years were minimal, and prolly won't add "uniqueness" to the models, with the exception of the '92 due to its limited availability.
Of course, the irony here is, how many of our Supras are stock!? I imagine that is where the true value of the car would be. BUT, bec. we're not regarded as "classic collectables" the way Detroit iron is, our modded cars will be worth more than a stocker.
If Toyo continues its current sales, and surpasses GM for worldwide top spot, then it will be interesting to see if Toyos become more appreciated for their historical contributions.
No matter what, I sit in my MKIII, and its like drivning a piece of history. Next year, the '87 becomes 20 years old, and I am noticing over time, how she has become quite the headturner over the past few years. I swear she gets more looks than ever before. This holds true for all MKIII's. They just don't make 'em like this anymore! Enjoy your MKIII, it is a piece of automotive history!
Jeff Lange
09-20-2006, 10:41 PM
Although, 87 was only the first year for Turbo in North America. Japan had it from day 1.
jimwww
10-10-2006, 01:40 PM
Note the 1990 cars in Canada do not have an airbag and so the dash and steering wheel is a repeat from 1989. FYI :sadance:
Supra_brothers
10-10-2006, 05:04 PM
88 MILES PER HOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go 1988 Supras :)
SUPRAIWAMOTO
10-22-2006, 08:22 AM
No, no...88 hardtop turbo that is....
frank1
10-22-2006, 11:14 AM
Note the 1990 cars in Canada do not have an airbag and so the dash and steering wheel is a repeat from 1989. FYI :sadance:
My wife's 1990 has drivers air bag. It was sold new in Canada.
Alister_Rizen
10-22-2006, 12:50 PM
IIRC the 92's are probably going to be your best bet if you want an MKIII that will hold value. It's hard to get a 92 since that was the last year they were made and the production was in the low low numbers.
I'd go with a 92 but if you want those crappy 86.5-88 models, go for it. It's all personal preferance and how you take care of it that will make it worth money later on. :bigthumb:
Jeff Lange
10-22-2006, 08:44 PM
My wife's 1990 has drivers air bag. It was sold new in Canada.
Airbags were added for 1992 in Canada. Your wifes was either a 92, wasn't sold in Canada, or had the airbag added to it later.
We never got airbags in 1990.
SUPRAIWAMOTO
10-24-2006, 01:39 PM
No, no...88 Turbo hardtop converted to 89-92 look that is...
SykoCerebral
10-24-2006, 11:46 PM
it's already been proven, 89 targas..
[/thread]
MPF_Supra
10-25-2006, 12:00 AM
92' turbo black on black.
suprafast559
11-13-2006, 10:01 AM
Anyone know the historic changes in the MKIII? What is the best year to buy? I know sometimes it doens't make too much difference year to year, I think its about time to get rid of the Lexus and get a MKIII + Bike.
Get rid of the Lexus!?!? Why!? I have a Lexus SC400 and I love that car to death. It's more for work, and the Supra is for play. A motorcycle is nice, but since a friend of mine had a tragic accident in one, I promised my mom I wouldn't buy one.
OneJoeZee
11-16-2006, 10:33 PM
89 is one of the worst years... too much pre89 and 89+ clusterfucked into one year.
Kenshiro
11-17-2006, 10:20 AM
92
honestabe
11-17-2006, 01:09 PM
90. But maybe I'm just biased for some odd reason (see sig).
Adam
OneJoeZee
11-17-2006, 01:23 PM
90 is the same deal as 89
Jeff Lange
11-17-2006, 02:59 PM
90 is the same deal as 89
wUT.
OneJoeZee
11-17-2006, 03:10 PM
wUT.
feel free to correct me.
If anything, 90 still had sawblades which automatically takes it out of the running for best year. :bigthumb:
brewster
11-17-2006, 03:12 PM
90 gotz an airbag yo
honestabe
11-17-2006, 04:49 PM
I prefer the sawblades to the 5-spokes Joe. Unless they are MKIV TT 5-spokes only because they are wider.
SykoCerebral
11-17-2006, 09:28 PM
i got rid of my sawblades today, for some 5 spokes, but they arent stock 5 spokes..
still white, im rocking the white package fo' life.:D
mobes
11-17-2006, 10:57 PM
I vote '92.
I love my '89, but it really is a cluster fuck when it comes to wiring and options. I do have a more aesthetic steering wheel though :)
Edit: whoa this thread has been around a while
Jeff Lange
11-17-2006, 11:44 PM
wUT.
feel free to correct me.
If anything, 90 still had sawblades which automatically takes it out of the running for best year. :bigthumb:
Well, my comment was really just kinda in response to the fact that you said 90 was the same deal as 89, after saying 89 was a mess of things from pre-89 and 89+.
Personally, all the MK3's as far as years are so close that it doesn't matter. Anything that would make you like one over the other is easily interchanged, so who cares.
honestabe
11-18-2006, 09:02 PM
Well, my comment was really just kinda in response to the fact that you said 90 was the same deal as 89, after saying 89 was a mess of things from pre-89 and 89+.
Personally, all the MK3's as far as years are so close that it doesn't matter. Anything that would make you like one over the other is easily interchanged, so who cares.
:werd:
hanniep
11-23-2006, 12:00 AM
91 Turbo for me,..LOL!!
turbochargedsupraman
11-26-2006, 11:27 PM
the best year was 88, but you have to do the 89-92 side molding conversion, mine has the headlight washers!!which can be used to spray the huge front mount intercooler at the push of a button already supplied by toyota!!
turbochargedsupraman
11-26-2006, 11:28 PM
i have owned an 87, 2, 88's, and just bought a 90, i like the steering wheel of the 90...but no intercooler button(headlight washers)
turbochargedsupraman
11-26-2006, 11:33 PM
i like those headlights, i'd be interested in doin the same conversion on this 88 i just picked up, the headlight buckets are all messed up, and they look cool, more info on the molded polycarbonate glass?
britishguy60
11-26-2006, 11:47 PM
I would have to say that the 91 and 92 models are the best...why?
- for one, they are the last years of the mk3's which we love so much lol
- they are the most rare out of the mk3's
- Seem to be worth a little more and its not just because their newer
- last but not least, because i own a 91 and I love it
mobes
11-26-2006, 11:50 PM
I would have to say that the 91 and 92 models are the best...why?
- they also have better locks
gtsfirefighter
05-29-2007, 10:21 PM
I like the 87 because it's the year I graduated high school and that's what I wanted. Also first year turbo in USA.
Boostedmkiii
05-30-2007, 11:46 AM
Anyone know the historic changes in the MKIII? What is the best year to buy? I know sometimes it doens't make too much difference year to year, I think its about time to get rid of the Lexus and get a MKIII + Bike.
Get rid of the Lexus!?!? Why!? I have a Lexus SC400 and I love that car to death. It's more for work, and the Supra is for play. A motorcycle is nice, but since a friend of mine had a tragic accident in one, I promised my mom I wouldn't buy one.
d00d. That post is 4 years old... :ugh2:
Deranged
06-20-2007, 11:04 AM
i own an 88. I like the climate control in this one better, but I much prefer the spoiler on the newer MKIII's. As for the wheels, I put some BBS RK's on mine, which I think looks better than 5 spoke or sawblades.
plaaya69
06-21-2007, 01:22 AM
I have a 87 Turbo Supra and a 87 N/A the BEST years are 87-88 because not only were those the first years for mk3 Turbo Supras but they seem beter built than the 89+ Supras.
Sure the 89+ Supras have some nice features like the 3-peice spolier, black climate controller(which is the only 89+part I have in my 87 Turbo supra), upgraded moldings, and a few other items but it seems like Toyota lost some points when it came to quality because It seems like their is more plastic that metal and the little things in the inside of the car seem more cheaper in the 89+ Supras that the early mk3 Supras.
1jzer
06-23-2007, 07:20 AM
I think any MKiii is good but since I got my 92 R series I like this year the best all round IMO
AlexSmith
06-23-2007, 09:45 PM
Best year MK3 is subjective. So it just comes down to whichever one you like/appreciate most.
-Alex
OneJoeZee
06-23-2007, 11:54 PM
The best year is and always has been 92. :)
Tygur
06-24-2007, 03:51 AM
Old thread haha...
But for me, I got an 88, or will have in on wednesday, but after I got it and started looking around at the differences, I actually do like it more.
The pre-89 front bumper looks more aggressive, the tail lights look more like a machine than a luxury liner, and the spoiler looks more functional than aesthetic, imho, and all those things are exactly the way I want it. I'm very happy.
But you cant say which ones are better, its all personal taste. I'm just glad I got the one I ended up liking the most.
86.5 the original and best beware of imitations ;)
plaaya69
06-24-2007, 12:53 PM
the tail lights look more like a machine than a luxury liner.
lol.
toyotaguy6
12-01-2010, 11:45 PM
I love my 1991, but u do like the older front bumper, and that's what is on mine now...with original 91 marker lights and custom grill...
RazoE
12-03-2010, 09:45 AM
Wow, old thread, but still, 92's are the best...
medic91x
12-04-2010, 06:43 PM
'89 by far because that's the year I grew around. I remember sitting in the backseat in 88-89 because I was too small to ride in the front.
1989 Black on Tan N/A Auto - best
JDMxMA70
12-17-2010, 05:01 AM
I've got an '88 Turbo Targa 5spd with the Blue/Blue combo. I must say that neither the 86.5-88 cosmetics or wheels appealed to me very much BEFORE I got the car, but after owning my MK3 for awhile it's all grown on me. I'm still rocking the sawblades, although in polished form now...and they go very well with the Dark Blue Pearl paint! 88's are the shizznit!!!
Twin2Turbo
12-17-2010, 08:42 PM
Sig....
\/
BrownMK3Kid
12-17-2010, 08:45 PM
88 ftw
JEvans
05-01-2011, 11:17 PM
I am a new owner of an 88 turbo Supra; the car has been a very great purchase and is a major upgrade to the DSM's that I had previously been playing with. As my Supra is currently stock, of course it isn't as fast as my DSM's were however, that will shortly change. The major plus aside from how good it makes you feel when driving it is that at the end of the day whenever someone asks what you drive you can say I drive a Supra. I love being able to say that about my car.
marcmann982
09-25-2011, 11:55 AM
91 and 92 had the best options rim, stereo, clusters, etc but who cares about all of that lol 89 is always the best year. lightest of the 89+ models and it was the first year of the revised suspension and body. slap some mk4 alloys on one and you got a perfect supra :p
jaime302
11-07-2011, 01:31 PM
I own a dark gray 89 supra targa turbo.. and i love it... [IMG]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2573764749342&set=t.100000069598571&type=1&theater[IMG]
jaime302
11-07-2011, 01:32 PM
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2573764749342&set=t.100000069598571&type=1&theater
ninjadude206
11-08-2011, 06:01 AM
^^ "Mommy wow, I got a Supra now.." ^^
91-'92
- Lowered 1/2" for better stance
- Faster TEMS controllers
- Modernized climate control and stereo(no more '80s faux stainless)
- Beefed up rear subframe
- Color matched side mouldings, makes for sleeker look
- Motor tweeked for slightly more power
- Less made; more rare
- The 5-spokes shit on the sawblades
... all I can think of right now
kneedragger85
11-15-2011, 01:43 PM
- Motor tweeked for slightly more power
Wooo...a whopping what, 2bhp? I'm totally sold on those 91-92 7M's now!
ninjadude206
11-16-2011, 03:26 AM
Wooo...a whopping what, 2bhp? I'm totally sold on those 91-92 7M's now!
Hey, the op asked, so I answered, lol. I could care less what year it is. Get whichever style floats yer boat.
Whoops, according to the year-to-year specs changes thread, the 1/2" drop and power tweak happened in '89, not '91. Yeah, only relevant to those that plan to keep the motor completely stock, like those that live in states with those crazy in depth emmisions inspections. Not much hp, but 10 ft/lbs torque.
http://www.supraforums.com/forum/showthread.php?194124-Updated-Specs-and-Year-Changes-for-MKIII
"1991:
N/A model dropped from lineup (Canada Only)
Heated seats added (Canada Only)
TEMS no longer an option (Canada Only)
Front speakers get updated to 6.5", and get a larger grille
5-spoke 16x7" rims replace the old 16x7" sawblades
Factory sunroof now an option
Subwoofer for stereo now an option (rare)
Square "Supra" emblem on nose replaced with new "T" Toyota logo
Power steering cooler added
All body trim is now the same colour as the body paint
Shadow Grey interior colour introduced (rare, closest to black you can get)
Teal exterior colour introduced
A lot of extra sound deadening material added
Extra coinholder introduced in 1989 replaced with dimmer switch
ABS now standard on Turbo models
"TOYOTA" name plate removed from the front driver's side grille"
Forgot about the 6.5" upgraded door speakers.
Love the modern Toyota emblem in front too., instead of the old school square emblem.
RazoE
11-16-2011, 09:28 AM
Wooo...a whopping what, 2bhp? I'm totally sold on those 91-92 7M's now!
Sounds like someone has 91-92 envy..:D
j/k
kneedragger85
11-16-2011, 12:01 PM
Sounds like someone has 91-92 envy..:D
j/k
I would take the shadow grey leather interior in a heart beat. My burgandy interior is so hideous that not even the sun will shine on my dashboard which means it'll never crack.
87supramario
11-25-2011, 03:29 PM
I'm sure that we can all agree that the 86.5 isn't the best year. Other then the birth part.
/ this stupid thread.
JGomezTT
11-25-2011, 07:23 PM
I would take the shadow grey leather interior in a heart beat. My burgandy interior is so hideous that not even the sun will shine on my dashboard which means it'll never crack.
Haha. Funniest thing I heard all day.
toyota kid
12-14-2011, 04:47 PM
92 is the best, and I have one, all white NA with blue interior
toyota kid
12-14-2011, 05:04 PM
correct,
found my white 5speed 92 sitting in a garage with a BHG and bought it for 600$ 140xxx, just rebuild it and that was all.
flubyux2
12-18-2011, 06:21 AM
91-92 is fail.
Your Camry steering wheel is the worst one
Your center consol can barely hold and envelope and still latch
You lack the ability to have the dual cup holders
Your body color bsm never matches the shade of the body
You have more sound deadener than anyone else
Your stock wheels were "almost" cool.
Your Toyota badge looks like a Texas-style rodeo belt buckle
Your paint in aforementioned belt buckle is never the matching shade
However
You were blessed with 6.5" door speakers
You have improved rubber exhaust hangars
You didn't have sawblades
All of the "improvements" that meant anything on a 91-92 can be retrofitted to an 89 model. And then it will be the "best" year with the least amount of work required to compile the best of everything from the 3rd generation of supras.
Supra NA-T
12-18-2011, 06:31 AM
92 is the best, and I have one, all white NA with blue interior
this but mine is a 89
RazoE
12-19-2011, 08:34 AM
91-92 is fail.
Although 90% of folks here would disagree with you, let's see why...
Your Camry steering wheel is the worst one
only in the US; Canda didn't get the airbag until 92, and in other countries, they never received an airbag at all.
Your center consol can barely hold and envelope and still latch
I hold only the necessities in my car. It's not a mini-van so storage is not an issue. What do I carry in my center console? My aux cable for my stereo. That's it.
You lack the ability to have the dual cup holders
Eh? If you're talking about the cup holders in the center console, I assure you 2 drinks can fit (and you can actually drive with them if you're automatic). If you mean the center "cup", that is not a cup holder. It's supposed to hold random objects but drinks are not one of them. Trust me, you can't get anything in there without the shifter hitting if you're 5-speed. And if you are 5-speed, then you can use the 2nd hole in the center console cup holder. See how that works? Plus 90+ cupholders don't have that support bar that ALWAYS breaks. No worries about 12oz cans falling through.
Your body color bsm never matches the shade of the body
Unless you're a white package, which was also true for EVERY year except that one special brown in 89.
You have more sound deadener than anyone else
And that's a bad thing?
Your stock wheels were "almost" cool.
Your stock wheels were never cool, and they suck. PERIOD
Your Toyota badge looks like a Texas-style rodeo belt buckle
Your badge looks like a tarted-up Celica's cousin. Except without the cool dragon.
Your paint in aforementioned belt buckle is never the matching shade
Your rear bumper never matches either. Remember it's not the paint, it's how the previous owners took care of the paint.
All in all, your entire argument is fail.
HOWEVER, before you try to say I need to own one to know it. Trust me, I currently have an 86.5, and 89, and a 92...
I've been through every revision, 3 different steering wheels, 3 different body styles, 3 different colors and all kinds of options (and lack of)...
That being said, I'd sell my 92 before my 89, as I have had that longer, and replaced pretty much every 89 part with 90+ parts, save the center console
flubyux2
12-20-2011, 01:20 AM
You don't need to own one to understand. You're biased. I've owned all of the models in question which serve as the basis for my statements.
Im speaking logically. You're speaking emotionally, in opinions. I speak in fact. You justify the short comings of your car as if you don't mind them. I state them because they caused sacrifices in initial purpose or function from the ideal design. Just because YOU can fit what you need or don't mind it doesn't mean no one sales didn't mind forgoing the lost features or flaws.
Some things were correct for the style period. That style has passed. You weren't there to make assessments in 85 when sawblade and turbine style wheels were cool. Just because they aren't cool now doesn't mean they were detrimental when the car was new and stock. 5spoke wheels are the mayonaise of wheels. Hence, almost cool. But that was becoming the style after sawblades and turbines. They WERE cool just like sawblades used to be. But you people claim it like its a feature handed down by the gods and it makes the 91-92 superior when in reality, no one who mods cars really gives a shit about stock rims since its so easily upgraded and always a personal statement of taste/style.
Saying you don't need cup holders because they always break is moot. My cup holders never broke. I use them. I'm fully away of what the coin tray is for and that it's not a cup holder. I keep misc bits and spare coins in it. Your argument is like saying, I dont need a head gasket cuz it always blows anyways. Cup holders are a convenience to anyone. We lost them in 90. It's a detriment. No way to spin it as a positive.
Mis matched trim and badges is a detriment. It's not worth
Modern style if the shit isn't cohesive in appearance. A least the contrast was deliberate with the old style... Not "we almost got that shit right..." so what if the old badge is old... It's better than a new badge that's inferior in quality.
I don understand your argument about the camry steering wheel. You justified my statement that the non-airbag wheel is better by saying we only got screwed here in the states... Non usdm cars still had the Good wheel.
The extra sound deadener was pointless since 91-92 as Lexus har already existed as a high-line variant for two years as of 1989. You people got burdened with shit as Toyota mistakenly was blurring the lines between performance and luxury. They figured the shit out in 1993 though, didn't they. Too bad they didn't do Mkiv-quality changes in 1990 to differentiate the Essenece of performance for the supra and leave the luxurious quietetude and plushness for their up-and-coming Lexus brand. So, 91-92 failed for the stand point that it was burdened with shit it didn't need nor made it more functional as a car of a sporting nature. That's why the 300zx blew it out of the water in 1990.
TerrenceLP
12-20-2011, 12:07 PM
1987 first year targa turbo model... Over built and rear end can be strengthened or updated.
But being the first from a design stand point, most of the car was over built. The refinements to follow did aid in making the car better but at the expense of lowering production cost and trying to add more value to the car even though not much really changed through the years. The 7M-gte, r154 & LSD combo is what your after to experience a TRUE Supra MKIII.
flubyux2
12-20-2011, 12:39 PM
I think the early-87 hardtop captured the Essence of a sport-touring model the best... Which is the other car I have right now. The lightest and stiffest mk3 turbo. I wish I had room for two mk3's in my life but no way can I find the time or interest to redo every mod that my 89 has. :/
RazoE
12-21-2011, 08:48 AM
You don't need to own one to understand. You're biased. I've owned all of the models in question which serve as the basis for my statements.
Im speaking logically. You're speaking emotionally, in opinions. I speak in fact. You justify the short comings of your car as if you don't mind them. I state them because they caused sacrifices in initial purpose or function from the ideal design. Just because YOU can fit what you need or don't mind it doesn't mean no one sales didn't mind forgoing the lost features or flaws.
You're stating what you speak is "fact" when in actuality, it's just you spitting YOUR emotions.
Some things were correct for the style period. That style has passed. You weren't there to make assessments in 85 when sawblade and turbine style wheels were cool. Just because they aren't cool now doesn't mean they were detrimental when the car was new and stock. 5spoke wheels are the mayonaise of wheels. Hence, almost cool. But that was becoming the style after sawblades and turbines. They WERE cool just like sawblades used to be. But you people claim it like its a feature handed down by the gods and it makes the 91-92 superior when in reality, no one who mods cars really gives a shit about stock rims since its so easily upgraded and always a personal statement of taste/style.
Upgrading the rims to something not ugly is like Toyota upgrading the body style, spoiler, colors, etc. to improve the ugly pre-89 styling.
Saying you don't need cup holders because they always break is moot. My cup holders never broke. I use them. I'm fully away of what the coin tray is for and that it's not a cup holder. I keep misc bits and spare coins in it. Your argument is like saying, I dont need a head gasket cuz it always blows anyways. Cup holders are a convenience to anyone. We lost them in 90. It's a detriment. No way to spin it as a positive.
By your definition it's okay if we lose the cup holders, as we didn't receive them until 89 and "did without them" for 3 years.
Mis matched trim and badges is a detriment. It's not worth
Modern style if the shit isn't cohesive in appearance. A least the contrast was deliberate with the old style... Not "we almost got that shit right..." so what if the old badge is old... It's better than a new badge that's inferior in quality.
There was no real contrast, Blue cars had blue trim and burgundy cars had burgundy trim, everything else received gray. Toyota tried to body-match back them but didn't get it right either. The only time they got body-matched trim was white packages and that dark brown in 89. So it's not just a 91/92 thing to not have matched trim.
I don understand your argument about the camry steering wheel. You justified my statement that the non-airbag wheel is better by saying we only got screwed here in the states... Non usdm cars still had the Good wheel.
Calling the 90-92 steering wheel a Camry wheel makes no sense as the Camry didn't receive an airbag until 1992. That's like saying the MKIV has a Rav4 wheel because Toyota decided to use the same one years later. "Initial purpose or function from the ideal design" is one of the dumbest statements ever made. Toyota fixed many of the issues with the MKIII.
The extra sound deadener was pointless since 91-92 as Lexus har already existed as a high-line variant for two years as of 1989. You people got burdened with shit as Toyota mistakenly was blurring the lines between performance and luxury. They figured the shit out in 1993 though, didn't they. Too bad they didn't do Mkiv-quality changes in 1990 to differentiate the Essenece of performance for the supra and leave the luxurious quietetude and plushness for their up-and-coming Lexus brand. So, 91-92 failed for the stand point that it was burdened with shit it didn't need nor made it more functional as a car of a sporting nature. That's why the 300zx blew it out of the water in 1990.
But the Z31 300zx got it's ass handed to it in 1986.5 when the MKIII came out, didnt it? Comparing a new model to a competitor's previous model is idiotic. "OOHHHH, my 2011 Honda Accord can blow your 2008 Hyundai Elantra out the water!" Of course it does, AS IT SHOULD. Each model revision is to improve on the competition and leave you on top.
Using terms like "Your center consol[sic.] can barely hold and envelope and still latch" is not FACT, it's an exaggeration of the diminished holding capacity. That would be fact. Of course what you neglected to mention is that's due to the passive safety restraints introduced to protect the driver. THAT is fact.
If you're so hell bent on keeping your car the "ideal design" then why do you modify it? Leave it 100% bone stock and period-correct. Toyota didn't do that so you bash them for improving, but when you do it, I bet you use terms like "Improving the original vision in a non-stock form" or some other made-up term used to justify your hypocritic actions.
The point is Toyota kept changing what it felt it got wrong as the years went by and 91/92's are just an accumilation of all those improvements and that's what most people looking for MKIII's prefer.
THE END
wangan91
12-21-2011, 06:02 PM
Church. Fuck cup holders.
karies
12-21-2011, 06:15 PM
if you want light weight id go for a 86.5 NA supra then put a 7mgte/1/2J lol, but for the most options i would get a 92 supra, leather/post facelift/nicer stock wheels/rarer colors/more stock power.
ive owned both and i loved both but i think the 92 would take my vote for the best year.
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