UK or J spec?

[Slayer]

Hi all,

 

I have had 2 Supra’s (at different time) when I was in Australia...

 

Having seen the new Zupra, just want to buy another again.

 

Would you say the UK spec is more special ?

 

Also, can anyone recommend a specialist to inspect a supra near Leicester ?

 

Does anyone know this particular car?

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F223756411486

[Mo Reviews]

Also, can anyone recommend a specialist to inspect a supra near Leicester ?

 

Contact Keron at Extreme Performance, he'll be your man in Leicester.

[tayr]

I love J spec personally as feel that’s the “original”

[Boyne]

UK spec is the daddy, but there so rare now in fact all supras in good condition are becoming rare.

[Style]

I much prefer the facelift bits a pieces that come with a later JSpec model. So I'd regard that as the better one to have as a personal preference.

 

Price wise, I think the UK's are still a little stronger though. Good luck finding a good one as Boyne mentioned

[Bobbeh]

Nice name, UK specs Reign in Blood

 

I thought this was a good general overview.

 

UK specs are more 'special' in terms of collect-ability, but as has been mentioned, they're all becoming rarer these days.

Edited December 16, 2019 by Bobbeh (see edit history)

[Frank Bullitt]

UK'ers have been on the UK roads at the worst 26 years and at the very best 23 years. Take into consideration how wet the UK is and how much salt they throw on our roads. They are laggier than a J-spec, have smaller turbos than the j-spec but have the refinements of leather heated seats and the infamous rear foglight switch. They do have stronger suspension components but what use they are now I couldn't say as they must be past their best and in need of refreshing unless you find a well cared for low miler or a concours example.

 

They were a smaller run so most OEM parts are very hard to come by and very expensive when you do. As an example the rear diff coolers are rotting away and can't be replaced. I believe the diff pump can be rebuilt but again I believe it's discontinued now too. Then there is the UK hood scoop, snorkel to cool the rear cylinders, glass headlights and rear lights. They are discontinued too. But the cars command a higher resale price because of the low numbers available.

 

If you are looking to jump on another Supra I would suggest looking for the cleanest best functioning example you can. Don't be put off by high miles if it's a mint example with a verifiable history.

 

EDIT

 

MOT history and advisories for are available for M709TBA. Copy and paste the registration here - https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk

Edited December 16, 2019 by Frank Bullitt
Link added. (see edit history)

[Big Supes]

Whatever car is native to that country is the key (so, no grey imports), but that being said, the Euro-Spec is the highest spec Supra made.

 

All this aside, it really depends on what your plans are with it.

[Bobbeh]

the Euro-Spec is the highest spec Supra made.

 

Why is that so?

[fullthrottle]

Euro and uk spec are the same apart from the obvious lhd to rhd

[Noz]

I prefer jspec facelift. It just looks so nice and still modern today. The uk scoop typical interior and washer jets just look a bit dated. For the extra cost. It seems a bit of a collector's marmite decision.

[Dnk]

I'd be buying on condition now rather than j spec uk spec etc, if i had to pay the prices being asked i'd want any car i was looking at

on a ramp at the minimum so i could have the car properly inspected

Edited December 17, 2019 by Dnk (see edit history)

[Big Supes]

Why is that so?

 

I guess Toyota felt the UK were hard to please.

[Bobbeh]

I wanted you to tell me why you think Euro specs are higher spec'd than UK.. as far as I know there are no differences other than LHD/RHD, headlight washers, and aerotop options to my knowledge, hence it doesn't make them higher spec'd. If you know otherwise, I invite you again to let me know (unless you meant that by 'Euro' spec - if so no worries lol)

Edited December 17, 2019 by Bobbeh (see edit history)

[mplavery]

Id be more concerned about rust so jspec will have more of a chance of being rust free then a UK model

 

Money wise UK model will be cheaper to insure though plus there worth a little more

[Bobbeh]

Id be more concerned about rust so jspec will have more of a chance of being rust free then a UK model

 

Money wise UK model will be cheaper to insure though plus there worth a little more

 

Agreed, although it depends how long it's been in the country, especially with no underseal... seen plenty of rotted JDM posts on here too. Not all UK specs have rust issues

[Scooter]

I've owned loads and there really is little in it. These days I would say condition is everything and what life it's had (harder to determine).

 

The evidence servicing (oil particularly) and rust would be big issues when looking these days. With the big price rises what you see it a more rusty, dubiously serviced car has huge potential for costs and may never really be 'right', but this car to buy right now will never be the price of a mint one less the costs to put right! It'll be cheaper sure but a potential false economy. Mint cars are pricey but probably worth it in the long run it you are serious about ownership these days, some pricey cars however are far from mint and the worst of both worlds.

 

Have to be picky these days and have deep pockets, pretty much zero bargains these days but definitely good/better value ones around if you can stomach the current general price level.

 

In summary prices don't vary as much as the range in quality, high price should mean better quality but it's no guarantee, they are old cars and additional cost on any is almost certainly required, obviously more for the more ocd and those with todays cash are often more exacting buyers (you don't throw around £25K plus lightly or then expect to drive something not presentable to them?)