Discussion
The UK spec Supra has only 1 model, with manual and auto variants. Jap spec is a whole different kettle of fish though.
There are two or three non turbo variants (vastly inferior cars, different running gear etc. SZ, SZ-R and maybe a targa top version IIRC.
The turbo models have several too, including a turbo model with no spoilers (can't remember what it was, but think it's an RZ-S), an RZ spec with spoilers and auto spoiler etc, and a GZ model with leather inc. You also get these variants in the Targa top version too.
Personally didn't like the targa top. I went to Japan to buy mine so had some work done to it by TRD, which was handy. Had it derestricted too.
They are excellent cars, but I would say that if you can add a couple of grand and get the UK version. Its got better turbos and better equipment. Mine's an RZ spec with the Bilstein shock absorbers and I had the bonnet vent added for a cost of £850 odd quick.
Some of the standard Jap cars look so weak and crap its worth investing a little time to have a good look at all cars, even the ones at 14-15K just to give you an idea of what I mean by the difference in the cars.
FYI my car is as follows:
Twin Turbo 3.0l
electric wing mirrors
a/c
elec win/mirrors/locks etc.
elec drivers seat
half leather
traction control
auto front spoiler
bonnet vent (added myself)
derestricted (TRD speedo reads 320KPH! Done myself)
cd/rad/cass
17" alloys (UK Spec)
13" discs (UK Spec)
"SUPRA" brake calipers (UK Spec)
The brakes are not all the UK spec style ones, and I think this is an option on the cars. This is one good thing to look for as it will mean that you will at least not have to look around for Jap spec brake pads. Beware though that Jap spec can mean trouble if anything goes wrong as it will mean parts coming from Japan and loads of confusion!
Good Luck.
There are two or three non turbo variants (vastly inferior cars, different running gear etc. SZ, SZ-R and maybe a targa top version IIRC.
The turbo models have several too, including a turbo model with no spoilers (can't remember what it was, but think it's an RZ-S), an RZ spec with spoilers and auto spoiler etc, and a GZ model with leather inc. You also get these variants in the Targa top version too.
Personally didn't like the targa top. I went to Japan to buy mine so had some work done to it by TRD, which was handy. Had it derestricted too.
They are excellent cars, but I would say that if you can add a couple of grand and get the UK version. Its got better turbos and better equipment. Mine's an RZ spec with the Bilstein shock absorbers and I had the bonnet vent added for a cost of £850 odd quick.
Some of the standard Jap cars look so weak and crap its worth investing a little time to have a good look at all cars, even the ones at 14-15K just to give you an idea of what I mean by the difference in the cars.
FYI my car is as follows:
Twin Turbo 3.0l
electric wing mirrors
a/c
elec win/mirrors/locks etc.
elec drivers seat
half leather
traction control
auto front spoiler
bonnet vent (added myself)
derestricted (TRD speedo reads 320KPH! Done myself)
cd/rad/cass
17" alloys (UK Spec)
13" discs (UK Spec)
"SUPRA" brake calipers (UK Spec)
The brakes are not all the UK spec style ones, and I think this is an option on the cars. This is one good thing to look for as it will mean that you will at least not have to look around for Jap spec brake pads. Beware though that Jap spec can mean trouble if anything goes wrong as it will mean parts coming from Japan and loads of confusion!
Good Luck.
Some info here:-
www.japanese-car-imports.co.uk/
Place is run by a couple of enthusiastic blokes. Bit too keen on bolt on bits, but that weighs in favour of those looking for something a little more understated.
www.japanese-car-imports.co.uk/
Place is run by a couple of enthusiastic blokes. Bit too keen on bolt on bits, but that weighs in favour of those looking for something a little more understated.
Actually doesn't cost much to run.
Services are
£85 for an oil service.
Then there are A, B and C services. A is about £200, B is around £350 and the C service is a little bit more. Can't remember exactly but the C service is only every 36K miles.
The cambelts have to be done every 5 years or 60,000 miles. It cost me £880 including the C service. So not really very expensive. And those prices are from Toyota dealership, so specialist might be less.
Other than an electrical problem, it was perfect. Never a problem and you could hammer it day in day out and it wouldn't care. I am still deliberating on whether I can afford to keep and run mine as a third car. For the money the performance is exceptional. The only thing that might cost a bit if you're enjoying yourself is petrol.
Services are
£85 for an oil service.
Then there are A, B and C services. A is about £200, B is around £350 and the C service is a little bit more. Can't remember exactly but the C service is only every 36K miles.
The cambelts have to be done every 5 years or 60,000 miles. It cost me £880 including the C service. So not really very expensive. And those prices are from Toyota dealership, so specialist might be less.
Other than an electrical problem, it was perfect. Never a problem and you could hammer it day in day out and it wouldn't care. I am still deliberating on whether I can afford to keep and run mine as a third car. For the money the performance is exceptional. The only thing that might cost a bit if you're enjoying yourself is petrol.
Thats not too bad really especially considering what it is! Kind of doing a "if I sell my prelude and move up to a supra can I still afford to eat?" thing at the moment.
I guess its a case of service A @ 6000 miles, B @ 12000 ish, C @ 36 000 then?
I guess fuel is the main issue. Do they only really cane fuel if you boot around all day or can they be reasonably OK (for a 3 litre!) if you are careful?
I guess its a case of service A @ 6000 miles, B @ 12000 ish, C @ 36 000 then?
I guess fuel is the main issue. Do they only really cane fuel if you boot around all day or can they be reasonably OK (for a 3 litre!) if you are careful?
The service intervals are 9K, 18K and 36K
Oil service every 4.5K.
They can be go through fuel if you are really hammering it, but they are not that bad. If you drive like a normal human being, and keep the revs low, then its not really that bad at all. Tried this for a week and was amazed at the results. A full tank of petrol (70litres) usually gives me around 270km, but driven like a absolute girl I got over 550km. Average though, and I mean this includes booting the car around quite a bit, you should get 400km comfortably.
Oil service every 4.5K.
They can be go through fuel if you are really hammering it, but they are not that bad. If you drive like a normal human being, and keep the revs low, then its not really that bad at all. Tried this for a week and was amazed at the results. A full tank of petrol (70litres) usually gives me around 270km, but driven like a absolute girl I got over 550km. Average though, and I mean this includes booting the car around quite a bit, you should get 400km comfortably.
quote:
Tried this for a week and was amazed at the results. A full tank of petrol (70litres) usually gives me around 270km
Thats some heavy right foot ninja! (Christ knows what you get out of the fezza....)
Think you've saved my mate from buying a non turbo jap car. He's only wanting to spend 8k, so any other thoughts on a good Jap car for around that mark would be welcome.
Have heard good things about Tesco. This is the chronology of my insurance for the Supra (
):
I've had my licence since 17 and got the pass plus thingy.
19yrs old,2yrs NCB : £2,050 with Endsleigh
20yrs old,3yrsNCB : £1,750 with Endsleigh
21yrs old,3yrsNCB : £1,650 with Endsleigh
22yrs old,4yrsNCB : £1,450 with Admiral
23yrs old 5yrsNCB : £1,300 with Admiral
24yrs old 6yrsNCB : £1,100 with Admiral now increased to £1,995 after moving all my NCB.
My previous cars helped me out in the earlier years (325i @17, and Calibra 4x4 turbo @18) as the insurance company took that into consideration. Its be best car by far and its the reason why I kept it so long. Still love it.
Mr Tony,
ha ha ha. I do have a heavy right foot. In the 355 I get around 120 miles for a full tank (60 or 70 litres?) but the 1K RPM idle doesn't help either. Motorways give me 220 miles. Not too bad.
): I've had my licence since 17 and got the pass plus thingy.
19yrs old,2yrs NCB : £2,050 with Endsleigh
20yrs old,3yrsNCB : £1,750 with Endsleigh
21yrs old,3yrsNCB : £1,650 with Endsleigh
22yrs old,4yrsNCB : £1,450 with Admiral
23yrs old 5yrsNCB : £1,300 with Admiral
24yrs old 6yrsNCB : £1,100 with Admiral now increased to £1,995 after moving all my NCB.
My previous cars helped me out in the earlier years (325i @17, and Calibra 4x4 turbo @18) as the insurance company took that into consideration. Its be best car by far and its the reason why I kept it so long. Still love it.
Mr Tony,
ha ha ha. I do have a heavy right foot. In the 355 I get around 120 miles for a full tank (60 or 70 litres?) but the 1K RPM idle doesn't help either. Motorways give me 220 miles. Not too bad.
quote:
Just out of interest, how much? Is it the new shape?
Mark
new shape with the factory bodykit + big wheels + leather. has that sequential semi-auto box thing too (I love it cos I'm too lazy to use a clutch) but it might put some people off. just been major serviced, MOT'd + taxed. 8 grand. Only thing is i'm temporarily living in germany til a few weeks time so its not quite on the market yet!
Supra insurance sounds about right. i think tesco quoted me about 1100 quid with 5 years NCB (i'm 25). might try those others and see what they say. cheers for the info
quote:
Ninja -still who could resist keeping the revs up in a 355! Have to join you lot for a tunnel blast sometime. Not sure my engine note (AMG C36) will compare though!
Please do! And the C36AMG actually sounds very nice, thank you very much! Had the pleasure of racing one a year or so ago in the Supra and its f quick too.
Just spotted this thread. I have a Japanese MkIV Supra Twin Turbo. I think spending 8-9K on one is pushing it a bit, but spending another grand or two should get a 1994-1995 model.
Probably the worse thing about the Jap models is the brakes. They are still very good, but not in the same league as the UK spec ones.
I wouldn't be concerned about performance at all. The Jap ones actually have more torque lower down the rev range. Mine's had a few modifications and does 0-100mph in 12 seconds
My best fuel economy on the motorway was 26mpg. Around town/country roads gets about 17mpg.
Anyway, I'm very pleased with it.
Probably the worse thing about the Jap models is the brakes. They are still very good, but not in the same league as the UK spec ones.
I wouldn't be concerned about performance at all. The Jap ones actually have more torque lower down the rev range. Mine's had a few modifications and does 0-100mph in 12 seconds
My best fuel economy on the motorway was 26mpg. Around town/country roads gets about 17mpg.
Anyway, I'm very pleased with it.
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