New member, Looking to buy MK3

[Supra5MGTE]

First off, I'm new to this forum. Looks like a good bunch of folks. 2ndly, I already own a supra... 1984 P type 5spd that is 5M turbo to the hill. I know some good amount about the MK3's from being a big fan of them, but never getting my hands on one, have some Q's and what not I'd like to ask. I'm looking to buy a 90-92? MK3 Auto for my g/f. she can't drive stick.... so. Now I'm not sure if we should go turbo or not. We're not looking to make it a race car, just a daily driver we can work on a bit and tinker with and do some minor performance mods like downpipe and full exhaust, intake, rims/tires etc. nothing crazy.
1-Can you run 87 octane gas on a turbo model if you drive it easy? If you don't spool the turbo it's like NA right? She drives very slow and lightly on the gas.
2- What are the pros/cons of going turbo or na? like I know the turbo has DIS ignition while the NA has the old cap/rotor which I'm not really a fan of.
Any tips for buying a MK3 would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[mrnickleye]

Well, IMO, if you don't want to get a bunch of HP, and you don't want to keep spending a bunch of $$$ keeping it up, I would NOT get the turbo MKIII. There are more components, and they are expensive to fix. N/A is what you want, by your post. You can add about 20hp with intake and exhaust. They are easier to work on, and easier and cheaper to maintain.

Who's this 'freak' saying this crap, you're asking yourself. Well....

I've had my 89 n/a for 3 years. It runs perfectly everyday, as its my only car now. I've been a professional mechanic for longer than you are old.

I enjoy driving this Supra EVERY time i go somewhere. Once you get one in good running condition, you can spend $2-500 on mods, and it will hot rod you around very well. (don't forget some rims and tires for approx $1200)

 

[SidewayzSupra]

I know you say that now (nothing too crazy) but once you get a mark3 and start learning more and adding exhaust,rims,etc...you then start seeing others want to play around a bit(Turbos) I'd personaly get a turbo model. You can drive it moderatly and if the time comes where you do want to go crazy; you already have the powerplant. Both cars are very much a like so you'll basically come across the same problems either or. Its better to get a turbo now then down the road, then you'll be looking for a turbo,tranny,ecu,and the turbos come with more options your g/friend would like(luxury). Later-T

 

[Supra5MGTE]

So in other words if either comes up go for it, but lean toward the N/A. I can't seem to find used supras. I checked Autotrader.com, not many in the FL Area. Any other places i can look for supra listings? Seems like the Turbo just might be overkill for what we need. She is driving a 2000 4runner Limited 2wd Auto with 76K currently. But with gas prices high, it getting about 16mpg driving it EASY, and her talking about a sports car.. the MK3 seemed like a natural thought I love my MK2. I think with some bolt-ons the NA should do way more than she needs. She's used to 180HP in a 5,000lb box. How is the turbo less dependable than the non turbo model?

 

[Nick M]

The intent of the MA70 never was an all out rocket. If you dont want it to be, it will still be a very nice car to drive every day.

 

[SupraMario]

try Cars.com
they seem like they are getting rarer everyday, and an NA is a DD
Turbo can be, but like these guys already said it is a high maintence car.
as for the 87 octance question, I pretty sure everyone that owns a turbo uses 93, 87 is perfect for the NA but turbo i would stick with the recommended.

 

[Supra5MGTE]

Well, I checked cars.com.... nothing I'm looking for. not NA or T. I might just look into this NA locally. 87K miles, looks awsome. He's a bit over book, but has rims tire and a sound system. He can keep the boom booms for all I care. All we need is a nice head unit, and some speakers to replace the factory ones.

Logically we need a NA. Less maintance, and 87octane, all we need with some mods. the "cool" thing about having a Turbo and the possibilities with it... itchy. lol. but thats why i have my mk2 turbo car. so technically I shouldn't itch to bad.

 

[Brewster]

He's a bit over book, but has rims tire and a sound system.

MKIII's often sell for over book value. Just a fyi.

 

[mkIIIman089]

Good condition ones especially. I found mine in very very good condition by posting a WTB thread here and on SF. Some people don't post theirs and only go for the WTBs so I'd suggest that for best results. Make sure you're fairly specific on what it has to be. (for you it HAS to be 90-92 and auto)

 

[Charlie97L]

if you don't want it to detonate like crazy, you must use premium on a turbo. it's not really an option. you'll have a broken car pretty quick if you use 87.