Am I mkiv material?

Hello all,

I am new member that found this forum in pursuit of one of his life's dreams - owning a MkIV.

I loved the look of the car since I first saw it and I always said I will eventually get to own one. I am not at the point that I might afford my dream car so after spending the last few days going through the forum (a perk of quitting your job is that nobody sais anything if you spend your last days browsing forums).

You guys have set up a nice forum with plenty of useful information but at the same time like any enthusiast forum it goes a lot into modding, performance parts and how each is explaining to the missus why the vacation was postponed again. Don't get me wrong - I love some of the builds but except the buyer's guide (I'll buy the guy that put it together a pint the first time I see him) and a couple of other threads (close to Wycombe but won't be travelling there anytime soon) not much for a complete newb.

When I consider a car I also consider if I can afford to have and keep in the long run so here comes my question to you - I am looking for a NA, preferably aerotop but not necessarily. I don't mind auto or manual or the colour that much (to a certain extent) but I do want a solid car and not a money pit - I know, everyone's dream. I also prefer the OEM look but a nice body kit is considered.

I noticed the prices are going up b the minute but do you guys think that ~5K would get me the above?

Also, never actually driving one is the car suitable as a daily driver? Not much of a commute - 10 miles-ish and the weekend getaways. What should I expect as a yearly maintenance figure? Is it a car that I need to work on every weekend so as to get to work on Monday or is it just a 20 year old car that will inevitable have the occasional issue that needs sorting?

I also noticed the monthly Basingstoke meeting - is this open to non-Supra owners, would anyone mind if I tag along one month so as to get to know you and see some cars?

I'd appreciate any help with the above.

Thanks,

Hopefully soon to be a fully pledged, Supra owning member.

Hello all,

 

I am new member that found this forum in pursuit of one of his life's dreams - owning a MkIV.

 

I loved the look of the car since I first saw it and I always said I will eventually get to own one. I am not at the point that I might afford my dream car so after spending the last few days going through the forum (a perk of quitting your job is that nobody sais anything if you spend your last days browsing forums).

 

You guys have set up a nice forum with plenty of useful information but at the same time like any enthusiast forum it goes a lot into modding, performance parts and how each is explaining to the missus why the vacation was postponed again. Don't get me wrong - I love some of the builds but except the buyer's guide (I'll buy the guy that put it together a pint the first time I see him) and a couple of other threads (close to Wycombe but won't be travelling there anytime soon) not much for a complete newb.

 

When I consider a car I also consider if I can afford to have and keep in the long run so here comes my question to you - I am looking for a NA, preferably aerotop but not necessarily. I don't mind auto or manual or the colour that much (to a certain extent) but I do want a solid car and not a money pit - I know, everyone's dream. I also prefer the OEM look but a nice body kit is considered.

I noticed the prices are going up b the minute but do you guys think that ~5K would get me the above?

 

Also, never actually driving one is the car suitable as a daily driver? Not much of a commute - 10 miles-ish and the weekend getaways. What should I expect as a yearly maintenance figure? Is it a car that I need to work on every weekend so as to get to work on Monday or is it just a 20 year old car that will inevitable have the occasional issue that needs sorting?

 

I also noticed the monthly Basingstoke meeting - is this open to non-Supra owners, would anyone mind if I tag along one month so as to get to know you and see some cars?

 

I'd appreciate any help with the above.

 

Thanks,

Hopefully soon to be a fully pledged, Supra owning member.

Hi There

Nice introduction, thats rare these days

I have never owned a NA but I have been on here long enough to know its not a quick car, so if you just want a Supra for pleasure of driving and not getting your face ripped off then a NA is for you, for sure.

Yep prices for stock examples are on the up, £5k for a NA will bag you a good one, I personally would only ever purchase a car off the forum, like you said these cars are getting old now and to purchase one despite showing history etc may still bag you a bad one. At least if you find a member on here you will find out loads about the car, how its been treated and what the owner is like. Usually the good cars stay within the forum... and there is a reason for it.

Cost wise, will very much depend on your age. Insurance is a killer for the younger folk, you said you have a missus and that you go on holiday etc, therefore I would imagine you are not a nipper with dreams

Fuel prices, the NA is still a thirsty car, the actual figures escape me now, but imagine a 20 year old 3ltr engine vs todays... its not going to be "that" economical.

If the car has been looked after, you should not see any heavy repair bills, just general servicing, all of which you can do if you wanted to if you are a good with a spanner, but stay on top of it. If not then a general garage can take care of these beasts you dont need a "supra" specialist to be totally honest, just a garage that listens to what you want doing. That said taking it to a specialist isnt an issue, I think SRD will be your closest one. Im sure someone will be along to correct me if I am wrong.

I used to commute my Auto TT from the New Forest to Theale everyday, if you can afford it do it.. but I did that 7 years ago and it still cost me £650 a month in fuel, dread to think what it could be now if the prices go back up.

I hope thats helpful.

Hi there and appreciate the reply.

Already did my homework insurance-wise and for some very unknown reason it doesn't come much more expensive than the current car (31 old, 13 y/o license and 3NCB came up to around £600 / year). You are right, I am not after the power - I'd rather have a nice daily driver that can take me where I need to go. Also, I know it won't be anywhere near some of the cars around here but I doubt it will be that slow.

Fuel wise - well I expect that. I now have a 1.8 that does anywhere in between 20 and 35(motorway) and I don't think it will be too much lower than that 20.

Garage wise - I have a small garage close to me where the guys are quite good and have more than decent prices. I can use them for normal servicing and maintenance and find a specialist should the need come up - I read about SRD but mostly about their mapping/engine build part - I really hope that bug won't bite me or I might use the car more than planned (as a hotel as well). If anything the money will go into getting it as OEM as possible.

I am keeping my eye on the forum for anything that comes up. My plan is to get one around - Apr-May this year so I have some time to look around. Maybe spring will come with some more ads.

Also, I was looking at Jurgen's imports (and one other company which I can't recall) - are they also bringing in NAs or just TTs? All I saw were TTs. Would I stand a chance to get a fresh import with my budget?

Best regards,

J

PS: Very nice looking car Manwithsupra

Fuel prices, the NA is still a thirsty car, the actual figures escape me now, but imagine a 20 year old 3ltr engine vs todays... its not going to be "that" economical.

I get between 19 and 25mpgs from mine, though that'll vary depending on how heavy your right foot is.

They're nice daily drivers in the sense that they're fairly reliable and comfortable to drive. The downsides are the MPG and the fact that they don't have any room for passengers in the back seat or room to carry around larger items. You can definitely get a nice NA for £5k budget, there's a good one in the Classifieds section for under that at the moment.

welcome, 5k as said before will get a nice NA possibly get you a Auto TT, but I am unsure that 5k will get a Aerotop, (all Aerotops are autos from the factory) not sure about the Aerotops for the USA market from factory as seems there are loads that are manual.

I would say that getting a ride along in a N/A is your best bet then a ride along in a standard TT or BPU your probably find yourself looking for a TT. just be sure to buy a solid car that is running. Do not make the mistake and buy with your heart just becuase its an Aerotop I would also recommend buying from the forum but also I'd recommend if you can taking someone with you when you go to buy that knows the cars and there faults and problems this is the only thing that I wish I did.

Good luck with your hunt

There is a lovely 5 speed manual n.a currently in the classfields. Not an aerotop, but looks to be in good form which is getting rarer as these cars get older.

Supra is a GT car and it feels right at home for a nice driving experience and cruising, so if you aren't power crazy then the NA will be a good place to start.

NA's are generally are cheaper to maintain then their TT brothers, however cruising around cities/towns I wouldn't expect more than 300 miles out of a tank. You only start to get better fuel mileage on motorways ~350mi.

Definitely come to the Basingstoke meet.

Welcome to the club newbie

I have been organising the Basingstoke meet for the last 7-8 years. Come along, it doesn't matter what you turn up in and you will get to chat 'Supra' I've got a meet arranged for Sunday 7th February, get your name on the list if you want to come

I sold my NA aerotop for £4,000 nearly 2 years ago, which I had owned for 7 years (See 'View my Supra' under my forum name).

Awesome car and fun, I'd say you could get a nice clean aero NA for £5,000.

My old aero-

Hey guys,

Thank you for all the replies, I am surprised by all the answers i got on a new member thread.

Not sure I can make Feb meeting due to work arrangements but will sure try.

Kamasupra, I would buy that at 4k today...I saw the one in Scotland but being in between jobs I will wait till I settle down....Apr-may would be ideal for me time wise.

Mpg - better than expected, I tend to have a heavy foot so 20 mpg is just fine. I would rather have a lower power car that I can take to the limit than too much and be afraid to use it.

Pe: had a few pints so will review this tomorrow and apologise where needed.

Cheers,

J

Welcome dude, there's quite a few of us around your way. I'm in bucks, 10 mins from Wycombe

Too close to boyz toyz or whatever they call themselves nowadays. I'm in reading...is there any other meet besides the Basingstoke one? Don't think I can make Feb one....only weekend day I have work duties

Everyone is Supra material :-)

I ran a N/A auto and it was fine. like people have said no rocket ship but with the auto box locked in 2nd gear it would do circly skids around roundabouts and was a blast to drive.

Welcome

The NA Supra is a great car. It's a superb looking car for the money, and the looks just seem to get better with age. They aren't particularly quick, but they're quick enough to be fun. Fuel economy for the performance is pretty dire, but if you factor in no depreciation, and pretty low maintenance costs, they can make financial sense. These cars were so over engineered that breakdowns seem to be a very rare occurrence. The only mechanical/electrical faults I've ever had on any of my 4 Supras was due to aftermarket modifications.

If you want to get a nice one for £4k, I would get moving quickly. A nice manual NA 5 speed hardtop or auto aerotop will stretch your budget as it is, and I wouldn't be surprised if the prices go up again this year.

Welcome

 

The NA Supra is a great car. It's a superb looking car for the money, and the looks just seem to get better with age. They aren't particularly quick, but they're quick enough to be fun. Fuel economy for the performance is pretty dire, but if you factor in no depreciation, and pretty low maintenance costs, they can make financial sense. These cars were so over engineered that breakdowns seem to be a very rare occurrence. The only mechanical/electrical faults I've ever had on any of my 4 Supras was due to aftermarket modifications.

 

If you want to get a nice one for £4k, I would get moving quickly. A nice manual NA 5 speed hardtop or auto aerotop will stretch your budget as it is, and I wouldn't be surprised if the prices go up again this year.

Cheers mate,

That is part of the reason why I am looking for one as stock as possible. If I want a daily driver the last thing I want is to work on it every other week or think twice if I'll get somewhere. Mods are great if you garage it and only take it out for a bit of fun and events.

My plan is to keep my eye out and ideally get one around Apr-May. I am currently in between jobs and I'd rather have the money in case of rather than tied in a car - wish I was 20 again and not give a F$#k

Maybe I'll get lucky and someone around here wants to change their aero. I know there are only auto but that's fine. I might even have some more put aside and can up my budget.

I'll try and make it to a couple of meetings and get to know some of you. I am more than impressed with the amount of answers and how helpful everyone is.

Gumtree facelift (very rare) na aerotop for £5k, body kit but not horrendous?

be a bit early for you by the sounds of it, but could be 12mths or more til a similar car comes up.

Most na's will be reliable daily runners, but they are old so expect the odd job here and there.

Welcome to the club

There is a Bluewater Kent meet the first Friday of every month from about 7 pm till 11 pm - meet is for a bit of food and supra chat. We are a friendly bunch so come along if you can the next one is this Friday - details are on the south east events section.

See you are concerned about mods- they are fine if the are done properly by people who know what they are doing.

Good luck with your search.

Welcome

 

The NA Supra is a great car. It's a superb looking car for the money, and the looks just seem to get better with age. They aren't particularly quick, but they're quick enough to be fun. Fuel economy for the performance is pretty dire, but if you factor in no depreciation, and pretty low maintenance costs, they can make financial sense. These cars were so over engineered that breakdowns seem to be a very rare occurrence. The only mechanical/electrical faults I've ever had on any of my 4 Supras was due to aftermarket modifications.

 

If you want to get a nice one for £4k, I would get moving quickly. A nice manual NA 5 speed hardtop or auto aerotop will stretch your budget as it is, and I wouldn't be surprised if the prices go up again this year.

This.

I had mine for 3 years and the only issues I had were the alternator and starter motor died, and the Mines ECU started to have a meltdown.

Quite frankly who can be surprised that two 20 year old electrical parts finally failed. Minus the poor fuel to performance issue they look great, drive well and I'd probably have another one if I could (would obviously prefer a TT though)

As I've stated before I do feel sorry for people looking to buy now due to the inflated prices. People are going to be prone to getting lumbered with a dog from Gumtree or High Wycombe if they don't do there homework. Due to these reasons I think I'd only ever buy from this forum or JM Imports 'if' I was seriously ever going to buy another.

hey guys!! who much i need to prepare a supra mk4 with 800?

hey guys!! who much i need to prepare a supra mk4 with 800?

About £46.68 per square inch of car.

is so expensive to do that here?

About £46.68 per square inch of car.

Does that include VAT?

This.

 

I had mine for 3 years and the only issues I had were the alternator and starter motor died, and the Mines ECU started to have a meltdown.

 

Quite frankly who can be surprised that two 20 year old electrical parts finally failed. Minus the poor fuel to performance issue they look great, drive well and I'd probably have another one if I could (would obviously prefer a TT though)

 

As I've stated before I do feel sorry for people looking to buy now due to the inflated prices. People are going to be prone to getting lumbered with a dog from Gumtree or High Wycombe if they don't do there homework. Due to these reasons I think I'd only ever buy from this forum or JM Imports 'if' I was seriously ever going to buy another.

You can have that with a much newer car, I'd say that's nothing in 3 years. I'm don't know much about Supras so I think I'll keep my eye on here and hope something comes up.

Gumtree facelift (very rare) na aerotop for £5k, body kit but not horrendous?

 

be a bit early for you by the sounds of it, but could be 12mths or more til a similar car comes up.

 

Most na's will be reliable daily runners, but they are old so expect the odd job here and there.

Cheers, doesn't look too bad. Needs some tlc but can be made into something nice. Unfortunately it is not the time for me. Need to sort out the job first. Hopefully the "right" one will come along.

Hi and Welcome, great introduction .

Be sure to read the buyer guide to get an idea what to look out for

hey guys!! who much i need to prepare a supra mk4 with 800?

800 what horse power?

if so your looking at £15K - £30K not to mention the running costs and maintenance costs.