1993-2002 Toyota Supra MK4 (JZA80) - Complete Buyer's Guide

Quick Specs

• Years: 1993-2002 (US sales ended in 1998; Japanese production ran to August 2002)
• Code: JZA80, A80
• Engine: 2JZ-GTE 3.0L sequential twin-turbo I6 (Turbo) / 2JZ-GE 3.0L I6 (non-turbo)
• Power: 320 hp (US Turbo) / 280 PS, about 276 hp (official Japanese rating)
• Drivetrain: RWD
• Transmission: 6-speed Getrag/Toyota V160 manual (twin-turbo), 5-speed W58 manual (non-turbo), 4-speed automatic

Overview

The Toyota Supra MK4 (A80) is arguably the most legendary JDM car ever made. Its 2JZ-GTE engine has a reputation for toughness: Hagerty's model notes say people have gotten more than 2,000 hp out of it. The Supra became an icon through Fast & Furious, Gran Turismo, and decades of tuning culture. Today, clean, unmodified examples are expensive collector cars. See Average Prices below for current values from a named price guide.

Why the Supra is Legendary:

• Robust 2JZ-GTE engine with an enormous tuning aftermarket
• Fast & Furious immortality (Paul Walker's orange Supra)
• Gran Turismo gaming icon
• Sequential twin-turbo system
• Timeless styling (still looks modern 30 years later)
• Short US sales run: Toyota pulled the Supra from Canada in 1996 and from the US in 1998

Performance & Specifications

Engine: 2JZ-GTE (Twin-Turbo)

• 3.0L inline-6 twin-turbo
• Cast iron block, aluminum head
• Sequential twin turbochargers developed with Hitachi: CT20 on Japanese-market engines, CT12B on export (including US) engines
• JDM: 280 PS official rating, the ceiling set by Japan's industry "gentlemen's agreement"
• USDM: 320 hp / 315 lb-ft torque

NA Version: 2JZ-GE

• 3.0L inline-6 naturally aspirated
• 220 hp (US rating)
• Generally valued below the Turbo (see prices below)

Drivetrain:

• RWD (rear-wheel drive)
• Getrag/Toyota V160 6-speed manual (twin-turbo)
• W58 5-speed manual (US non-turbo)
• A340E 4-speed automatic (avoid for performance)
• Limited-slip differential and electronic traction control on Turbo models

Performance Numbers (Turbo):

• Hagerty's model notes: 0-60 mph in about five seconds, top speed limited to 155 mph, and 70-0 mph braking in 149 ft

Variants:

• RZ (JDM twin-turbo, 6-speed manual; Recaro SR2 front seats from the 1998 model year)
• SZ-R (JDM non-turbo; six-speed V161 manual from 1996)
• Turbo (USDM twin-turbo)
• NA (USDM naturally aspirated)
• 15th Anniversary (1997 US models with "Limited Edition 15th Anniversary" emblems; Hagerty's valuation tool lists 1997 Turbo and non-turbo cars as "Limited Ed." models)

Buying Guide

What to Look For

Good Signs:

• Documented service history with regular oil changes
• Stock or tastefully modified with receipts
• No rust (check rear quarters, frame rails)
• Clean title and vehicle history report; for a Japanese-market car, the export certificate and auction sheet too
• Compression and leak-down results that are even across all six cylinders
• Smooth turbo spoolup, no shaft play

Red Flags:

• Salvage/rebuilt title (Hagerty notes that many Supras have been crashed or heavily modified)
• Blown head gasket symptoms (white smoke, coolant loss)
• Automatic transmission, if you want the most sought-after spec (six-speed manual Turbo)
• Poorly done body kits (Fast & Furious copycats)
• Mix-and-match parts from multiple model years
• Evidence of drag racing (welded diff, stripped interior)
• Rust in rear subframe mounts

Common Issues

Known Problems:

1. Head Gasket - Most often a concern on engines run at raised boost

   • Symptoms: White smoke, coolant loss, overheating
   • Repair: A head-off job. Builders typically fit a multi-layer steel gasket and head studs when raising power, so get a quote from a 2JZ specialist.

2. Turbocharger Wear - The original turbos are now decades old

   • Symptoms: Oil smoke, rattling, loss of boost
   • Many owners replace them with a single-turbo conversion rather than rebuilding the twins

3. Automatic Transmission (A340E) - Check it carefully, especially on modified cars

   • Symptoms: Slipping, delayed shifts, overheating
   • Budget for a rebuild if it shows any of these

4. Targa Top Rattles - Removable roof develops squeaks

   • Symptoms: Annoying rattles, wind noise
   • Fix: New seals and adjustment

5. Rust - Rear quarters, subframe mounts, frame rails

   • Most likely on cars from snowy, salted-road regions
   • Walk away if rust is significant

6. Interior Wear - Leather cracks, dash cracks, door cards fade

   • Symptoms: Cosmetic degradation
   • Trim and upholstery restoration adds up, so price it into your offer

Need parts? Find Supra MK4 (JZA80) parts on eBay — Used OEM and aftermarket parts vary; confirm the part number and fitment for your chassis before buying — sellers set condition. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission from eBay, at no cost to you.

Average Prices (US Market 2026)

We no longer print our own price bands for this car. Values swing on originality, mileage, documentation and title history. Here is what Hagerty's Price Guide showed when we checked on September 28, 2026. These are July 2026 values for #3 ("Good") condition with average spec:

• 1994 Supra Mk IV Turbo coupe: about $88,000
• 1997 Supra Mk IV Limited Edition (15th Anniversary) Turbo, Sport Roof (targa): about $82,500
• 1998 Supra Mk IV Turbo, Sport Roof (targa): about $78,500
• 1994 Supra Mk IV non-turbo coupe: about $57,300

What moves a specific car up or down:

• Turbo over non-turbo, and a six-speed manual over the automatic
• Originality and paperwork: Hagerty notes that good, unmolested, low-mileage examples are hard to find and considerably more desirable than cars with a checkered history
• Modifications, accident history and branded titles pull prices down
• Hagerty's figures are for US-market cars. Right-hand-drive Japanese-market imports trade separately.

These are values, not forecasts. We don't publish price predictions.

Looking for one? Browse matching vehicles on eBay — Listings change constantly; condition, mileage and title status are each seller's claims — verify papers and import eligibility (25-year rule) before you bid. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission from eBay, at no cost to you.

Best Years to Buy

1993-1995 (Early USDM):

• Pros: Six-speed manual Turbo available; hardtop coupe or Sport Roof targa; pre-OBD-II
• Cons: The oldest cars in the run, so condition and history matter more than model year
• Recommendation: Good for heavy modification builds

1996:

• Pros: The Sport Roof targa became standard on Turbos
• Cons: US Turbos were sold only with the automatic for 1996 (OBD-II certification)
• Recommendation: Fine if you want an automatic; manual buyers should look at 1993-1995 or 1997-1998

1997 (15th Anniversary):

• Pros: Manual Turbo returned, plus a facelift (headlights, taillights, front fascia, wheels) and "Limited Edition 15th Anniversary" emblems
• Cons: Verify originality; badges and trim are easy to swap
• Recommendation: A good pick if you want the facelift look with the manual Turbo

1998 (Final USDM Year):

• Pros: Last US model year; three-spoke steering wheel and redesigned radio
• Cons: Short final run, so check history carefully
• Recommendation: Best for stock preservation

1999-2002 (JDM Only):

• Pros: VVT-i twin-turbo engine (Japanese market from late 1997); RZ with the V161 six-speed and Recaro SR2 seats; cars built in 1999 and 2000 are now past 25 years
• Cons: RHD, import costs, harder to find clean; 2001 and 2002 builds become eligible only as each reaches 25 years from its build date
• Recommendation: The choice if you want the last Japanese-market spec and are ready to import

Modifications & Tuning

Tuning Potential:

• Hagerty's model notes say around 700 hp is reportedly possible without opening up the bottom end, and that people have gotten more than 2,000 hp out of the engine
• Realistic, reliable numbers depend on the turbo, fuel system, tune and budget, so get a plan from a 2JZ specialist before you buy parts

Popular Mods:

1. Single Turbo Conversion - Precision 6266, BorgWarner EFR 7670
2. Full Exhaust - HKS Hi-Power, Tanabe Medallion
3. Standalone ECU - AEM Infinity, Haltech Elite
4. Fuel System - Upgraded pump, injectors, rail
5. Suspension - Coilovers from established brands (KW, Ohlins, Tein)
6. Brakes - Pads, lines and fluid suited to the power level

FTC Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.

Ownership Experience

Running Costs:

• Insurance: Agreed-value collector policies suit an unmodified weekend car. Daily use or heavy modifications push premiums up, so get quotes before you buy.
• Maintenance: Plan for age-related work (hoses, bushings, seals) on top of routine service; a 2JZ specialist costs more than a general shop
• Fuel: Premium unleaded
• Registration: Varies by state, classic/collector plates available

Parts Availability:

• OEM parts: Limited and expensive from Toyota
• Aftermarket: Exceptional (HKS, Trust, Greddy, AEM, Precision, BorgWarner)
• Specialist shops: A well-established network of 2JZ and Supra specialists
• Mechanical parts: Readily available
• Interior/body panels: Harder to find, expensive

Reliability:

• Stock/mild builds: Very reliable with proper maintenance
• Heavy modifications: More frequent maintenance required
• The 2JZ-GTE has a strong reputation, but a tired or badly tuned engine is still a tired or badly tuned engine
• Keep a contingency fund for unexpected repairs, especially on modified cars

Insurance:

• Hagerty, Grundy, American Collectors offer agreed value policies
• Collector policies come with usage rules (such as mileage limits or no daily driving) that vary by insurer
• A standard daily-driver policy on a car this valuable costs more, so get quotes first

Import Process (25-Year Rule)

Eligible Years:

• US-market cars (1993-1998) were sold new here, so no import is needed
• Japanese-market cars can be imported once they are 25 years old, counted from the build date. As of September 2026 that covers cars built in or before September 2001; the final cars, built through August 2002, become eligible in 2027.

Import Steps:

1. Choose a reputable importer or Japan-based export broker (ask for references and a written fee schedule)
2. Select vehicle from Japanese auction (USS, TAA, JU)
3. Review the auction sheet with your broker (grade, damage map, mileage notes)
4. Arrange ocean shipping to a US port (get written quotes)
5. Clear customs (DOT Form HS-7, EPA Form 3520-1)
6. Pay import duty: CBP lists 2.5% as the general rate for cars, based on the price paid. CBP's Section 232 FAQ excludes used cars manufactured in a year at least 25 years before the year of entry from the Section 232 auto tariff. Tariff rules have changed repeatedly since 2025, so confirm the current total with a licensed customs broker.
7. Arrange transport from the port
8. Register and insure in your state

Total Import Cost: Vehicle price plus auction and broker fees, export paperwork, ocean freight, duty, port charges and domestic transport. Get an itemized, written estimate before you bid.

Common Import Pitfalls:

• Overpaying at auction (Supra tax is real)
• Missing body damage in low-res photos
• Underestimating total import costs
• Buying automatic by mistake (check "MT" on auction sheet)
• Registration and emissions rules in strict states (California especially)

Sources

• Hagerty Valuation Tools, 1994 Toyota Supra Mk IV Turbo (2dr coupe), 1994 Toyota Supra Mk IV (2dr coupe), 1997 Toyota Supra Mk IV Limited Ed. Turbo (sport roof) and 1998 Toyota Supra Mk IV Turbo (sport roof): Price Guide values (July 2026 update, #3 condition) and model description, hagerty.com, checked September 28, 2026.
• Wikipedia, "Toyota Supra" (fourth generation, A80), accessed September 2026.
• Wikipedia, "Toyota JZ engine" (2JZ-GTE), accessed September 2026.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection, "Importing a Motor Vehicle," cbp.gov, last modified May 21, 2026.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection, "Section 232 Additional FAQs – Automobiles and Auto Parts," cbp.gov, last modified December 19, 2025.

FAQ

Q: Is the Toyota Supra legal to import? A: US-market 1993-1998 Supras were sold here new. Japanese-market cars can be imported once they are 25 years old, counted from the build date. As of September 2026 that means cars built through September 2001; the last 2002 builds become eligible in 2027.

Q: Why are Supras so expensive? A: Fast & Furious fame, Gran Turismo nostalgia, the 2JZ's tuning reputation, a short US sales run, and scarcity. Hagerty notes that many cars were modified or crashed, so good, unmolested, low-mileage examples are hard to find.

Q: Can I daily drive a Supra? A: Stock or mildly modified Supras make decent daily drivers. Heavy mods (single turbo, built motor) require more maintenance and premium fuel.

Q: Supra vs GT-R R34 - which is better? A: The Supra is rear-wheel drive, was sold new in the US with left-hand drive, and has the 2JZ's tuning headroom. The R34 has all-wheel drive, more electronics, and right-hand drive, and it was a Japanese-market car. On price, Hagerty's July 2026 Price Guide puts a #3-condition 1999 R34 GT-R at about $127,000, well above a #3 1994 Supra Turbo coupe at about $88,000.

Q: What's the most important thing to check when buying? A: Compression and leak-down results, signs of head gasket trouble (especially on raised-boost cars), rust around the rear subframe mounts, and a clean title.

Q: How much power can the stock 2JZ handle? A: Hagerty's model notes say around 700 hp is reportedly possible without opening up the bottom end. Big-power builds add upgraded internals, head studs and a multi-layer steel head gasket. How far a particular engine can safely go depends on its condition and the quality of the tune.

Q: Are automatic Supras worth buying? A: Yes, if the price reflects it and you want an easier car to live with. The six-speed manual Turbo is the most sought-after spec, and US Turbos were automatic-only for 1996.

Q: What's the difference between JDM and USDM Supras? A: Japanese-market twin-turbo cars carried a 280 PS official rating; US Turbos were rated at 320 hp. Export engines used different turbochargers (CT12B instead of CT20) and larger injectors. Both markets got the six-speed manual on twin-turbo cars, and later Japanese RZs got the V161 six-speed and Recaro seats. Japanese cars are right-hand drive.

This guide was created to help enthusiasts make informed purchasing decisions about the legendary Toyota Supra MK4. Always have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic before buying.