Toyota Supra Mk4 1995 review
Photo: 先従隗始 (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Few cars of the 1990s cast a longer shadow than the Mk4 Toyota Supra. Launched in 1993, the JZA80 paired dramatic curves with the legendary 2JZ-GTE: a 3.0-litre sequential twin-turbo straight six. UK-spec cars got larger steel turbos for 326bhp and 325lb ft, plus bigger brakes, 17-inch wheels and an active rear spoiler. Only around 600 official UK cars were sold between 1993 and 1996, making them genuinely rare.
The driving experience is old-school muscle with Japanese precision. The sequential turbos spool the small one first for response, then bring in the big one for a shove that still feels violent today. The chassis is beautifully balanced, the six-speed Getrag gearbox is a delight, and the 2JZ engine is famously near-indestructible in standard tune.
Know what you are buying: official UK cars command a premium over Japanese imports, which have smaller ceramic turbos and 280PS. Manuals are worth far more than autos. Check turbo health (smoke, boost leaks), look for accident damage and poor modifications, inspect rear arches for rust, and be deeply suspicious of cars with unknown mapping or cut wiring looms.
UK price from: £45,000
Specifications
| Engine | 3.0L 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo straight six |
| Power | 326 bhp (243 kW) |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 seconds (approx., UK spec) |
| Top speed | 155 mph (limited) |
| Production years | 1993-2002 |
| Kerb weight | 1,585 kg (approx.) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 22 mpg (combined, approx.) |
| Length | 4,520 mm |
Features
- 3.0L 2JZ-GTE sequential twin-turbo straight six
- Six-speed Getrag manual gearbox
- Rear-wheel drive with Torsen limited-slip differential
- 17-inch alloy wheels with uprated UK brakes
- Active rear spoiler
- Leather upholstery
- Traction control and ABS
- Driver-focused wraparound cockpit
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £59.99 | For UK-spec larger front brakes |
| Oil filter | £9.49 | For 2JZ-GTE engines |
| Turbochargers (reconditioned pair) | £899.99 | Exchange; inspect oil lines and intercooler |
| Clutch kit (uprated) | £449.99 | Handles standard power plus mild tuning |
| Radiator | £179.99 | Check for plastic end-tank cracks on originals |
| Spark plugs (set of 6) | £54.99 | Platinum; for twin-turbo engines |
Pros
- The 2JZ-GTE is one of the great engines — strong and tuneable
- Genuine UK cars are rare and highly sought after
- Supercar pace with Toyota reliability in standard tune
- Cultural icon status underpins values
Cons
- Many cars are modified, abused or poorly repaired
- UK manuals now command very serious money
- Heavy fuel and insurance costs
- Japanese imports need careful history verification