Buyer's checklist: 4th gen Toyota Supra 1993–1998

This checklist comes from a draft dossier that has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Inspection sheet Mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.

Walk away if 1

Any one of these is reason enough to leave the car where it is.

Crash damage and bad modificationsAll yearsRun a history check, look for filled panels with a paint-thickness gauge, and ask what was changed and by whom.^1,2

Known problems, and how to check for each.

A non-turbo converted to turboAll yearsCheck the VIN and build against what the seller says it is.²
Worn turbos or turbo controlsAll yearsFeel for boost below 4,000 rpm and a clean handover at 4,000 rpm, listen for whine or grinding there, and look for smoke at start-up, under load and on overrun.^2,1
Dried hoses and tired ignition partsAll yearsLook at the hoses, coil wires and cam sensor connectors, and for coolant leaks at the radiator and expansion tank.^2,1
Automatic input shaft and second gearAll yearsHagerty's specialist names the input shaft as a weak point, and says second gear's sprag can fail under hard use.²
Rust in the rear lower quarter panelsAll yearsLook at the bottoms of the rear quarter panels, where water collects.²
Timing belt dueAll yearsAsk for the service history and when the cambelt was changed.¹

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 20V0330001997–1998The driver's airbag inflator can absorb moisture, which may make it rupture or under-inflate the airbag. The inflator is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^3,4,5

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

AutomaticAll yearsEdmunds' 1996 review says the automatic is likely to disappoint beside the manual, and Hagerty's specialist calls it the less wanted gearbox. An owner in Classic & Sports Car prefers it.^6,2,1

The boxes are for you: nothing you tick is sent or kept.