In answer to Flateric, I cant think of a single one. However, I bought the Supra at the tail end of my "owning cars" lifetime. I considered many as well, vettes, older Camaros, Firebirds, etc (pre-70) and considered a new car (there are some "spiffy" ones out there), but in the end, I just remember all my multitude of cars I have owned. My first car was a 72 Corolla and I owned a few of them and then graduated to Celicas. Then 6 kids forced me into Mini-vans with the Odyssey. Throughout I have owned all different kinds (foreign and domestic) and I have never been happier than when I drove Toyotas. For me personally, thats the brand.
When I went to buy the Supra, I wanted a MKII originally, but failing to find one that suited my needs, I stumbled on a MKIII. Of all the Supra models, this one just seems to be the most perfect for my tastes and the turbo/targa was a bonus that I didn't even consider at first. However, I am not by any means "young".. as I edge 50 now... so comfort wise, the car is pretty close to being perfect, albeit it is a sports car. I believe the bulk of MKIII owners are initially young (pre-25) and buy them for the looks/power/status of the Supra name. Then they meet the demons and we can go out and pick them up for very cheap (which is another attraction for the young crowd). However, in the end, those of us who love the car and want it to be better than original end up spending as much as we would on a new car.
Now.. when I go out shopping for a new car (and I do occasionally.. just to see what they are producing..), even with all the bells and whistles and their advertised 300+HP... I see a lot of things I dont like about them. One being the fact that they are all meant to be driven a lot and be low maintenance until the 5-7 year mark. Then they are thrown in the jelly bean jar with all the rest of the jelly beans and their value is shot to hell and the repairs are just the same as what we face on building our cars.
I think that if you are a true Supra owner, you chose to be because
a. They are unique. (face it.. every time I hit the road I get people following me, the pump-jockeys have to always do the "walk-around" and I cant go on the highway without a car pulling up beside me to either "thumbs-up" or "lets go!".
b. They have potential. Choose what you want.. and build it. The car facilitates you.
c. They are unique. Did I mention that?
There are definitely "better" cars to buy out there (less headache), provided you understand how to maintain a car.. but there are very few of our cars on the road. 20,000 - 80,000 into it... to me.. is totally worth it. If you go for broke and pump a whole whack of $$ and time into the car, you will know whats under your butt pushing you along on the roadway.. you wont be staring at a car with a blinking light wondering.. "well.. wtf... ".
The Supra (for me the MKIII) is a totally worthwhile endeavour.. and other than my wife.. I have not met anyone who doesnt envy me owning mine. I think that says a bit.
