Why have Toyota Supra values remained so strong?

Why have Toyota Supra values remained so strong?

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Baryonyx

Original Poster:

18,034 posts

161 months

Thursday 29th March 2012
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Morning all,

I was just thinking today that it had been a while since I had seen a Toyota Supra on the roads. I decided to take a look at the classified ads for these, which got me to thinking about them.

They have always commanded 'high' prices for an ageing import performance car. The prices aren't entirely consistent though, as some can be had for relatively little money (non turbo autos and 5 speed manual N/A's seem the cheapest). Some, like the twin turbo RZ models, command big prices. It seems a high mileage manual twin turbo model can command an asking price of upwards of £10,000 in some places. Even automatic twin turbo RZ's can command an asking price of £7000-8000 with ease. I suppose they are selling at these prices too, as thats what the majority for sale seem to be pitched at.

How have the managed to maintain this appeal, which has lead to relatively strong residuals? Toyota's were on a roll at the time, making the stunningly fast MR2 Turbo. Yet a good MR2 Turbo can be had for a couple of grand. For not much more and you'll get a mint Celica GT4 of the era. So why is it the Supra commands such a premium?

Is it the stunning power the twin turbo models can be tuned to? Is it their appeal to the 'dr1ft boiz' who want to paint them pink and slide them round dark carparks and laybys with other men? What is it about them? By all accounts they were not the best drive of the time; seriously quick in a straight line down the right road but heavy and stodgy in the corners. The equivalent Skyline is no doubt quicker over most roads. Imprezas and Lancer Evolutions no doubt provide far better bang to buck and will blow a Supra into the weeds on any technical A road or B road.

What do I like about the Supra? The interior. I love that wraparound cockpit style, the same sort of vibe I got from my Volvo S60 with the console angled towarsd you. In the Supra it's even more extreme than in the Volvo. I love the look of them, especially from the back with a tall spoiler. I love the noise they make. I would never say never to grabbing a manual model if the right one came along.

Your thoughts?