Make me look good!

After a few weeks getting a feel for models and prices and insulting members of this site (!), I am going to look at a couple of cars that look plausible this weekend, all being well.

I am looking at a couple of NA aero-tops - one manual one auto.

I always miss something important when I am looking at cars, what would you guys suggest are the five most important things to check carefully or do ie: a big bill waits if I don't!

I look forward to your responses - thank you in anticipation of your help!

Have you read [thread=23259]THIS THREAD[/thread]?

Post up details/photos (take a camera with you) of the cars you're looking at here and we'll give you an assessment.

The ideal thing would be to take someone with you that knows the Supra, try asking here, you may find a member local to the car that would be willing to meet up with you.

The general condition of the car tells you a lot, if it's been looked after and maintained.

Service history etc.

Bimta can do mileage checks on imported cars.

Get the AA or somone to check it over if you're not sure.

Like most cars you've got to look out for panels that have been painted and might not match the rest of the car, it's the type of thing you don't always spot until later on.

Accident damage, look out for crumpled areas in the boot around the spare wheel and also under the bonnet.

The thread by Paul is very good but isn't too Supra specific, that said NA's are pretty much bullet proof. Things to look out for are pretty much the same as any 'normal' car. Main 'supra specific' points are to check for are:

- Accident damage, particularly the rear quarters and front chassis legs/inner wings.

- Check the brakes are not worn and don't pull to either side.

- Check the interior for obvious abuse and wear (remember that its a 12 year old car in some cases!)

- The manual gearbox is fairly clunky (though 5 spd is a bit smoother than the 6 spd), the auto is very smooth indeed. In the auto check all gears in auto and manu model.

- Rust is a no-no. Supra's can occasionally get a bit of rust on the lower rear window seal, but anywhere else look closely for any damage or accident repair.

- Check the PAS works turn to turn when stood still, lots of whine could mean a worn pump (£££)

- Check the fluids are nice and clean, should show how well its been looked after

- Make sure the tyres RR and FF match, these cars don't like mismatched tyres

- Avoid cars with 'ebay' bodykits, anything fibreglass with a sign of 'ripple' in it means its cheap rubish and should be avoided.

If you have a car in mind then get the model number and all the stuff of the VIN plate posted up here (maybe except the frame number) and someone will be able to confirm exactly what the car should have on it.

As Nic says, it's best to have someone experienced with you when you view a car. There's quite a few members in your area who could help you out if you ask nicely

That’s about all I can think of for now!

I am looking at a couple of NA aero-tops - one manual one auto.

Manual aerotop??? That would be nice, make sure the conversion is good though

My advice? Have a look yourself, if still intersted pay someone who REALLY knows the cars to vet it a second time. I am seeing cringingly bad cars bought for silly money, in good faith, by people who wished they had paid for a proper inspection. A specialists knowledge can save you BIG BIG money. Not touting my wares, too busy to look at cars unless things fall in to place remarkably well, just good advice. Also a lot of people are apying FAR too much for what are now elderly cars.

Manual aerotop??? That would be nice, make sure the conversion is good though

I thought manual NA aerotops were available stock??

I thought manual NA aerotops were available stock??

They are

Yep, One of my US friends has one

yeah, I know the US got manual aero's, didn't realize there was a RHD version as well...

Learn something new everyday...

When I bought my Supra. The most I concern which is the chasis. If it is smooth and straight, which means the car never had any big or major accident. If you know a well-known body shop. Bring it there and they will check everything for you

yeah, I know the US got manual aero's, didn't realize there was a RHD version as well...

 

Learn something new everyday...

Me too, I love this forum

All NA aerotops, like TTs, are autos AFAIK (with the probable except LHD US models).

There has been the rumour of the NA manual aerotop in RHD, but I don't think anyone one board has one and I've not seen one.

All NA aerotops, like TTs, are autos AFAIK (with the probable except LHD US models).

 

Correct

Thanks for your help and for pointing out the similar threads.

You are right guys, I haven't found a 'unicorn' or a 'conversion' - it was a normal tintop that I had mistakenly put in the Aerotop pile!

That certainly, answers one of my questions though - I guess I can stop looking for that manual NA aero now!

An auto will be fine - I drive an Evo 8 during the week (which is a manual!) so it will be nice to let my hand hang to the side at weekends!

I have just recently sold an import MR2 that was an auto and I liked that - its just a shame that none of the buyers did! I count myself extremely lucky that I managed to get a disabled ex-biker interested!

I will let you know how I get on.

The auto MR2 has to be THE most underated car out there. The manuals are a really `orrible cable change, and the early models had weak synchros. The auto MR2 is a baragin buy for the initiated. People seem to hate them, but have invariably never tried one...

I used to live in Hull, though have recently moved, though i am returning for a w.end soon... Dazsir, C5 sup, and The Hornet, all live in Hull, i'm sure one of them would be happy to act as an extra set of eyes and give words of advice.

The Hornet has sold his supra recently; so i'm not sure if he is still chatting on the forum???

Good luck

The auto MR2 has to be THE most underated car out there. The manuals are a really `orrible cable change, and the early models had weak synchros. The auto MR2 is a baragin buy for the initiated. People seem to hate them, but have invariably never tried one...

"Chris Wilson in Auto" shocker

The auto MR2 has to be THE most underated car out there.

At the risk of being accused of hijacking my own thread - you are right! I had the car for 2 years and it ran like a dream and never cost a penny in repairs.

I only sold it because I was a little bit bored with it and it was just sitting in the garage.

I hope that my proposed Supra ownership is as trouble free.

I hear what you are saying about dragging a member to see a car - The only problem with that is that often the cars are a long way from where I live and so it would probably be easier to find a member close to where they are rather than dragging some good natured soul half way across the country and back on their day off!

If I get out this weekend to see some cars, I will put up a post if there is anything worth a second look - and then we might see if there is anybody with a kind heart and some insight in the vicinity.

Hello,

I know what you mean about finding one close to home. I got mine from leigh-on-sea which meant one journey down to see it and another a week later to pick it up. I didn't know about this forum until after I bought it. It was the first one I viewed and if I knew then what I have since learned about Supra's (not that much by the way) I maybe would have looked at a few more as there are lots about.

On another note... the evo 8. Are you a member of the lancer register? A guy I work with has a nice evo 6 and was wondering if you have been on the Whitby run. His forum name is T15 MAF

Hey, another Hullite!

Yup, I am on the MLR but I haven't been a Whitby Run - I think I have seen the car you refer to, but I don't think I know him.

Weekend didn't go to plan (due to weather) so, I didn't get to see any cars.

I hope I do better this next week.