salehunter.net There are very few phrases in the automotive world that trigger the same level of adrenaline, nostalgia, and financial anxiety as typing “Supra for sale” into a search bar. You aren’t just looking for a used Toyota. You are hunting for a piece of pop culture history, a mechanical titan that humbled Italian supercars in the 90s, and a modern platform that has reignited the tuner wars of the 2020s.
However, the landscape of buying a Supra has shifted dramatically over the last decade. It has evolved from a niche enthusiast purchase into a high-stakes investment game. Whether you are chasing the nostalgia of the Mk4 (A80) made famous by Hollywood, or you are eyeing the sharp engineering of the modern Mk5 (A90/A91), the market is treacherous. It is filled with inflated prices, questionable modifications, and stiff competition.
If you are serious about putting a Supra in your garage, you need to look past the hype. This guide dives deep into the current state of the market, dissecting what you get for your money, how to spot a lemon, and whether you should buy the legend of yesterday or the performer of today.
The Two Markets: Nostalgia vs. Performance
When you search for a Supra, you are effectively stepping into two completely different marketplaces. Understanding the distinction is vital because the buying process, maintenance expectations, and long-term value differ wildly between the generations.
The divide sits between the Mk4 (1993–1998 in the US) and the Mk5 (2020–Present). While the older Mk3 (A70) and even older generations exist, the current buying frenzy is focused squarely on the A80 and the A90. One is a collector’s item that rivals the value of a small house; the other is a warranty-backed sports car you can finance at a dealership.
The Mk4 A80: buying the “Fast and Furious” Dream
Let’s address the elephant in the room. The fourth-generation Toyota Supra is no longer just a car; it is an asset class. Driven by the “Gran Turismo” generation coming into money and the eternal legacy of Paul Walker, prices for the Mk4 have exploded. But if your heart is set on those iconic round taillights, here is what you are facing.
The Turbo Premium
Not all Mk4s are created equal. The holy grail is the factory Twin Turbo model equipped with the V160 6-speed Getrag manual transmission. This is the configuration that commands the six-figure headlines. If you see a “cheap” Supra for sale listed for $40,000, it is almost certainly a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) model, likely with an automatic transmission, or a right-hand drive (RHD) import from Japan.
The disparity in price is massive. A pristine, low-mileage Turbo manual can fetch over $200,000 on auction sites like Bring a Trailer. Meanwhile, a naturally aspirated automatic might sit in the $35,000 to $50,000 range. You must decide: do you want the look, or do you want the performance credibility?
The 2JZ-GTE Factor
The engine is the heart of the sale. The 2JZ-GTE inline-six is legendary for a reason—its iron block can handle massive amounts of boost with stock internals. However, finding a stock one is arguably the hardest part of the hunt. Because these cars were so tuner-friendly, 95% of them have been modified.
When looking at a modified Supra for sale, you are buying someone else’s project. You need to scrutinize the build quality. Was it tuned by a reputable shop? Are the parts high-quality brands (HKS, GReddy, Garrett), or eBay knockoffs? A “single turbo conversion” is common, but if the supporting fuel system and ECU tuning weren’t done correctly, you are buying a ticking time bomb.
The Import Loophole
Since the US market only received the Mk4 until 1998, many buyers are turning to JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) imports. Under the 25-year rule, these cars are now legal to import to the USA. Generally, RHD Supras are cheaper than original US-spec (LHD) cars. However, the gap is closing.
If you go this route, verify the auction sheet from Japan. “R-grade” cars have accident history, which is common but affects value. Also, insure you are comfortable shifting with your left hand before dropping $60,000 on an import.
The Mk5 A90: The Modern Renaissance
If you search “Supra for sale” and filter by “New” or “2020+”, you enter a different world. The release of the Mk5 was controversial due to its partnership with BMW, but the dust has settled, and the verdict is in: it is a spectacular performance machine.
The B58 Powerhouse
The heart of the Mk5 is the BMW-sourced B58 engine. While purists complained initially, the B58 has proven to be the modern spiritual successor to the 2JZ. It is incredibly robust, smooth, and capable of making big power with simple bolt-on modifications. When buying a used Mk5, you generally have fewer worries about engine reliability compared to a 30-year-old car, provided maintenance records are present.
The Manual Transmission Update
For the first few years (2020–2022), the Mk5 was automatic only (ZF 8-speed). While the ZF is one of the best automatics in the industry, the lack of a stick shift hurt sales among enthusiasts. Toyota listened. In 2023, they introduced a 6-speed manual transmission.
If you are looking for a manual Mk5 Supra for sale, expect to pay a premium. Dealers often mark these up, and on the used market, they hold their value significantly better than the automatics. If engagement is your priority, the manual transmission transforms the car from a grand tourer into a true canyon carver.
Trim Levels Matter
When shopping for an A90, pay attention to the cylinder count. Toyota sells a 2.0L 4-cylinder version (the SZ-R in some markets, simply “2.0” in the US). It is lighter and handles beautifully, but it lacks the grunt and the soul of the 3.0L inline-six. Unscrupulous sellers might list a 2.0L at a price that looks like a “steal” for a 3.0L. Always check the VIN and the engine bay.
Crucial Checks Before You Buy
Whether you are spending $50,000 or $150,000, due diligence is non-negotiable. The “Supra Tax” means sellers often overvalue their vehicles. Here is what you need to inspect before handing over the cash.
1. The “Drift Tax” and Abuse
Supras are drivers’ cars. They get driven hard. Check the rear wheel wells for rubber residue, which indicates burnouts. Look at the undercarriage for scrape marks from bottoming out (a sign of cheap coilovers or aggressive driving). On manual cars, ask how old the clutch is. A slipping clutch on a Mk4 is an expensive fix, especially given the rarity of V160 parts.
2. VIN Matching (Mk4 Specific)
For the collector, “VIN tags” are everything. On a Mk4 Supra, there are VIN stickers on all major body panels (fenders, hood, bumpers, trunk). If a panel is missing the VIN sticker, it has been replaced, likely due to an accident. A “all-VIN” car commands a massive premium. If a seller claims the car is “clean title” but the VIN tags are missing, dig deeper into the history.
3. Rust and Corrosion
While Toyotas are generally rust-resistant, Mk4 Supras are now old cars. Check the hatch area (under the carpet), the wheel arches, and the shock towers. For JDM imports, check the undercarriage thoroughly, as cars from snowy regions of Japan can have significant salt damage.
4. Consumables and Maintenance
On the Mk5, maintenance is BMW-priced. Brakes, tires, and oil changes are more expensive than your average Camry. Ensure the previous owner didn’t skimp on tires. Seeing a Supra for sale wearing cheap, off-brand tires is a major red flag—it suggests the owner couldn’t afford to maintain the car properly.
Where to Find the Best Deals
The days of finding a turbo Supra on Craigslist for $15k are long gone. Today, the marketplace has fractured into specific tiers.
- Bring a Trailer & Cars and Bids: These auction sites are the gold standard for high-quality examples. You will pay top dollar here, but the vetting process filters out most of the junk. The comment sections are also excellent for learning about the specific car’s flaws.
- Facebook Groups (Supra Forums): The enthusiast community is tight-knit. Joining groups like “Supra Mk4 Classifieds” or “A90 Supra Owners” can give you access to cars before they hit public listing sites. You are also more likely to buy from an enthusiast who cared for the car.
- JDM Importers: Companies like Japanese Classics, Duncan Imports, or Toprank Importers bring cars over legally. While you pay a markup for their service, it saves you the logistical nightmare of customs and shipping.
- Dealership CPO (Certified Pre-Owned): For the Mk5, buying CPO from a Toyota dealer is the smartest move. You get a warranty that extends the powertrain coverage, protecting you from any potential BMW-related repair bills down the road.
The Investment Perspective
Is a Supra a good investment? The answer depends heavily on which one you buy.
The Mk4 Turbo Manual is a blue-chip collectible. Prices have stabilized somewhat after the COVID boom, but they aren’t crashing. It is a finite resource; they aren’t making any more 1990s Toyotas. Buying a clean, stock-ish example is a safe place to park money, assuming you have proper insurance.
The Mk4 Automatic or Non-Turbo is riskier as an investment, but excellent as a driver. These cars ride the coattails of the Turbo Manual prices. If the top-tier cars rise, these rise with them, albeit more slowly.
The Mk5 (A90) is currently a depreciating asset, like most modern cars. However, specific trims like the “Launch Edition” (2020) or the “A91-CF” (Carbon Fiber edition) may hold value better. The manual transmission models will likely suffer less depreciation than the automatics. Do not buy a Mk5 expecting to flip it for a profit in two years; buy it because you want to drive it.
The Verdict: Which Supra is for You?
Ultimately, typing “supra for sale” is the start of a journey into automotive passion. The choice comes down to what you value more: the raw, analog, legendary status of the 90s, or the sharp, reliable, blistering speed of the modern era.
If you have the budget and the patience for maintenance, the Mk4 is an unparalleled experience. It turns heads at every gas station, appreciates in value, and offers a driving feel that modern safety regulations have effectively outlawed. It is a time machine.
If you want a car that can destroy a track day on Sunday and drive you to work in comfort on Monday, the Mk5 is objectively the better car. It is faster out of the box, safer, and comes with Apple CarPlay. It might not have the same pop-culture worship yet, but it is earning its stripes on the tarmac.
The Supra isn’t just a car; it’s a member of the family. Whether you choose the A80 or the A90, take your time. Verify the history. Inspect the mods. And when you finally hand over that check, know that you aren’t just buying metal and rubber—you are buying into a legacy.
