Friday, October 03, 2008 - 01:40 am, by: James Buchan(Jrbuch)
Allright guys, I'm new here, so go easy on me. I'm a 3rd and final year uni student. Graduating at the end of the year.
For the last year while my brother has been overseas, I've been driving his 96 JZA80 Supra N/A manual. Its bog stock save for a set of rims and at a recent dyno day, put down 135.6rwkw. Delighted would be an understatement.
He gets back from England on Monday and I'll be car-less. But I have saved up some cash (not as much as I'd have liked)7,5 - could prob stretch to 8k. Enough to get me a daily driver. Soarers are well priced, and i've been in one before - a bog stock TT and it shocked me how quiet it was as it accelerated. A front mount/exhaust combo would have made it even more insane. Go the 1JZ.
So i've made some inquiries on some cars for sale. Heres a couple i've been looking at
First question - how reliable is a Soarer with a 1JZ that has 190,000km's on it - car seems to be in good nic from the photos. Or would you guys avoid a car with 190,000kms.
Second question - how hard is it to get a RWC on these cars, provided they're not a complete bomb and havn't been looked after?
third and final question - is it worth getting one with mods already done to it, or is it safer getting a stock car? Love the idea of a FMIC/Exhaust on a stock auto TT. Should move along nicely!
Anyway, daresay there's a little for me to learn, and when my brother comes back he'll help me in regards to checking some cars out. Who knows - might be an owner soonHope you guys can give me some pointers.
Regards James
Peter Nitschke Junk Filterer South Australia UZZ30 UZZ31
Friday, October 03, 2008 - 01:57 am, by: Peter Nitschke(Pen)
James.
Better to have a possibly honest 190,000k's than a dishonest low reading. Just go by the condition of the car, it's really the best guide.
Consider getting a $14 (I think) Pedders suspension test done to find out if it needs bushes etc which may be expensive.
Check wear on the pedals and steering wheel, usually more accurate than the speedo. Find out if the car had the proper 100k service done, and at what point. On face value, you will need to do one soon - timing belts etc, a reasonable job on a TT, though not as bad as the V8.
Other TT owners will be along to give you more pointers in a few hours.
Friday, October 03, 2008 - 02:20 am, by: James Buchan(Jrbuch)
Hi Peter, thanks for the quick reply and all the info. A pedders suspension check would be a good idea. Both cars, should ideally have had the timing belt changed at some point (evidence of this would be good in the purchase) And the car with 190,000km's will be needing a timing belt change at some point soon too I'd imagine.
My dad will be also a great deal of help. What he doesn't know about engines isn't worth knowing.
Will also be looking for obvious signs such as burnt rings, blown turbo's, gaps in body panels, power steering being quiet etc. Lots of people get put off imports (especially older ones) but every Toyota I've had has only ever been reliable. So a Soarer shouldn't be an exception.
Looking forward to learning some more and hopefully making an educated buy.
Friday, October 03, 2008 - 09:04 am, by: David Brunt(Dbrun)
Welcome James, mate when buying these, the stock ones can be more of a headache than one that has been mod'd. it all comes down to how well they have looked after the car. you personally just have to way up the two options. will you be happy driving something that is stock if you pass up on one that is mod'd but then would you be happy with those particular mods or would you prefer to do something else with it. i bought mine fairly stock, found the one i believe had the best maintained engine. now sometimes i wish i had've bought a different one mostly because i'm impatient and cant be bothered saving up to upgrade. just keep in mind. those two you are looking at are both have shift kits so it will feel different to the stock one you were in.
Friday, October 03, 2008 - 02:02 pm, by: Kyle Wathen(Cspot)
Dont put too much consideration onto how many km's the dash displays - we all know the true km's on imports is hard to determine.
As others have said look at the condition of the car. Worn seats, steering wheel, carpet near drivers heel and handbrake usually indicate a car that has done quite a few km's. Check for leaks and do a search of common soarer issues.
I'd recommend using www.stateroads.com.au if you want a thorough independent inspection that looks at panel, mechanical and suspension components.
The car in the first link is owned by Alen Sadikovic who is on these forums.
Oh yeah buy a car with some mods already, it will save $$$ doing it yourself.
James Buchan wrote on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 01:40 am:
Second question - how hard is it to get a RWC on these cars, provided they're not a complete bomb and havn't been looked after?
Thats a question no one can answer. Each and every car is different, espicially 15yr old cars whose maintenance history can vary significatnly. Pay $60 and get a RWC inspction done before purchase for piece of mind.
Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 12:59 am, by: James Buchan(Jrbuch)
Will be looking into all of this shortly when my brother comes back Thanks for the few words of advice. One particular car i've mentioned has problems - the owner has since emailed me saying that it will need a new gearbox. So, RACV/Stateroads check, pedders check. I guess I should drive a few too - see what the common quirks are. I guess what I'm saying is will I get a decent car for about 8k or am I asking too much?
Also what are they like to drive in comparison to a very healthy N/A supra?
Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 10:38 am, by: Kyle Wathen(Cspot)
James Buchan wrote on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 12:59 am:
So, RACV/Stateroads check, pedders check.
Do NOT use RACV they are a waste of money, plus they don't do onsite inspections for imports. Maybe ok to use them for a Corolla or Commodore but not an import.
Stateroads is the place to use. They are very knowledgable about imports, there reports are 10x more in-depth than RACV and they are a mobile service. They also cost about $50 less last time I checked. I have used them before and know several others who can't recommend them highly enough.
James Buchan wrote on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 12:59 am:
I guess what I'm saying is will I get a decent car for about 8k or am I asking too much?
Yes you can, but just dont expect it to be 100% perfect, you are buying a used car afterall.
When comparing it to what else $8k could buy you, I think the Soarer is a good choice.
Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 11:49 am, by: James Buchan(Jrbuch)
Yup - i'm not expecting it to be perfect - consider it's age. But for the money - what other car will come close for options and power. I really can't think of any.
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Hope you guys can give me some pointers. 
James. 
