Toyota Supra A80

Supra in brief

The Supra nameplate was introduced in 1978 with the Celica Supra, becoming a standalone model in the A70 generation (1986–1993). The A80 generation (1993–2002) is the most famous, with its 3.0-litre six-cylinder engines renowned for their robustness and tuning potential.

After a long hiatus, the GR Supra (A90) was unveiled in 2019, co-developed with BMW — it shares much of its underpinnings with the BMW Z4 (G29) and is manufactured in Austria. It's a two-seater coupe with an engine up front and rear-wheel drive.

The Supra isn't bought as a daily driver but for driving pleasure. Therefore, the most important factors are the car's history, condition, and whether it hasn't been heavily modified.

A80 vs A90 — what's the difference

The A80 Supra is already a collector's item today. Original, unmodified Turbo versions with a manual gearbox are particularly sought after, so their prices in the used market are sky-high, and supply in Europe is limited.

The A90 GR Supra is a modern sports car with BMW engines, gearboxes, and a large portion of electronics. It's far more comfortable for daily use, safer, and quicker, with maintenance being simpler than for an older-generation model.

For many buyers, the most rational choice is the A90 GR Supra. The A80 is worth considering only if you're looking for a collector's car and are prepared to spend a long time finding the right example.

Engines and transmissions

The A80 Supra came with 3.0-litre six-cylinder 2JZ family engines: naturally aspirated and twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE. The turbo version's power output varied by market — around 280hp in Japan, more in export markets. Transmissions were manual or automatic.

In Europe, the A90 GR Supra is offered with a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine (around 340hp) and, from 2020, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (around 258hp). Both engines are of BMW origin.

The A90 was initially produced only with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but from 2022, the 3.0-litre version can also be found with a six-speed manual. All versions have rear-wheel drive.

What to check when buying a used Supra

Sports cars are often modified by their owners, so ask if the engine management software, exhaust system, or suspension have been changed. Modifications can affect reliability, insurance, and the technical inspection.

Check if the car has been used on race tracks: inspect the brake discs and pads, tyre wear, and the underside of the body. Assess the body for repainted parts and uneven gaps — powerful rear-wheel-drive cars often have a history of accidents.

In the case of the A80, the most important things are corrosion, originality, and documentation, while for turbo versions, check if the exhaust pipe isn't rusty and if the engine accelerates smoothly. For the A90, ask for the official service history and verify that all manufacturer service campaign work has been done.

Versions

Supra versions mainly differ by engine and gearbox, while trim packages vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.

A90 GR Supra versions compared

For most buyers, the best choice is the GR Supra 3.0, which best showcases this car's character. The 2.0 version is worth considering if you prioritise lightness and a lower price, while the manual is the pick if you value driving feel over speed.

Frequently asked questions