Preparing for the test-drive of a lifetime

bonus12

bonus12

Backroads Driver
Jul 15, 2006
143
0
0
CA
I have done some serious research into mk3's concerning various things, inlcuding common problems.

With this said, I am going to test-drive a manual '88 turbo with around 160k miles. I am going to look for the most frequent mk3 problems: BHG and second-gear malfunction. I realize there are no other major reoccuring porblems with the mk3 (right)?

However, i am wondering how can find out about any other problems (worn parts, old turbo, etc) by simply driving the vehicle.

My dilemma: what is the best way to drive a supra that will reveal such problems? I am going drive in both the low- and high-RPM range to see if there is any shuddering, vibration or anything else.

Any suggestions or driving techniques would be undoubtedly helpful. Thanks in advance.
 
Clip

Clip

The Magnificent Seven
Oct 16, 2005
2,738
9
38
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Virginia
rod knock is usually more apparent in the higher rpms, but harder to hear (if i remember right).

do a search and find out how to get the diagnostic codes. those will tell you pretty much all you need to know. if youve researched it, then youll probably be able to spot any symptoms of BHG. everything else is pretty much bulletproof.

you'd have to get into the internals to see about a worn turbo, if oil is coming into the intake. check for exhaust color/smell, too.
 
johnathan1

johnathan1

Supra =
Aug 19, 2005
5,056
1
36
36
Downey, California, United States
Drive it for a while, not just five mins...more like 45 mins...pay for the gas if you have to...this will show if it has a leaky headgasket usually.

Listen for Rod knock...

Drive it on the freeway, up to 80MPH, and note anything you hear/feel at certain RPM's/MPH's. (also note what it will boost to at WOT, stock is around 6.5-7psi, and if it boosts smoothly or not, and if it hakes a strange noises, like scraping, grinding)

Drive it at low speeds as well, and downshift to listen for play in the driveline...(seems like most Supra have some, not too big of a deal)

Mess with EVERYTHING! Turn on AC, radio, honk the horn, turn on the lights, EVERYTHING! That way you will know what is wrong with what.

Make sure that when you drive it, you have the windows rolled UP so you can hear every sound the car is making. (When I bought my first supra, which was actually the first car I had every test driven/bought, the guy selling it was a scheming asshole, he rolled down the windows, so I couldn't hear the terrible grinding from the diff, and brakes...so...yea...)

As for under the hood: Check the oil, and if there is anything sparkly in it...WALK AWAY! Check if the coolant is low (Reservoir & Radiator) if so, then it may have a BHG, also check under the oil cap for milkshaky-looking stuff, this also means BHG!...WALK AWAY!

Check under the car for leaks, etc...check for any obviously missing parts, etc...

Also, when I am looking for a car, I always carry a notebook with me, and right down everything I discover about each car...you should do this and write down what I am telling you, as well as what everyone else's advice is!

I hope I helped!

Okay, /thread. :biglaugh:
 
S

SupraDerk

The Backseat Flyer
Sep 17, 2005
546
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40
Tallahassee
Look in the tire well of the trunk also...mine has a hole rusted through in one spot (which I don't really care about cause at some point I hope to get a fuel cell in my biatch). But that'll let you know you have a leak somewhere back there and leaks back there are pretty common. Usually the weatherstripping around the hatch is bad or the taillight gaskets have crapped out.
 
Clip

Clip

The Magnificent Seven
Oct 16, 2005
2,738
9
38
36
Virginia
a major warning. be sure you have some other turbo supra options lined up after this one, cause after you test drive a turbo, you'll hate to go back to NA.
 
G

gixxer750

2jzget comingsoon!
Mar 30, 2005
2,333
0
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Mississippi
Get under car if possible and see if the underside is coated with oil.... I would also go to napa, and get BHG tester kit to be sure the head gasket is ok.
 
bonus12

bonus12

Backroads Driver
Jul 15, 2006
143
0
0
CA
Thanks for the quick replies everybody -- Awesome. If this thread is still around after my test-drive, i will post any peculiarites. i am printing everybody's tips, so thanks a lot for the great ideas i woulda forgot about/ didn't know about!
 
tonysupra

tonysupra

Supramania Contributor
Dec 3, 2005
224
0
0
40
CT
After your test drive, turn the car off and see if you hear any unusual clicking. Wait 20 seconds and turn the car back on again and watch how the car idles.
 
Fozbo

Fozbo

7M Love
Apr 4, 2005
290
0
16
Norman, Oklahoma
Note if the car is already warmed up when you go to turn it on. Tell the owner that you want to check out the engine bay with it cold so you can check stuff out on the engine. A cold start might show you something over a warm start.

Also, when you go WOT, take a look at the oil pressure gauge. It should only increase with the RPMs. If the oil pressure drops a little and then increases, it might be a sign of a bad oil pump (which could mean bigger problems).
 
bigaaron

bigaaron

Supramania Contributor
Apr 12, 2005
4,692
1
0
50
Pomona, CA
www.driftmotion.com
"I realize there are no other major reoccuring porblems with the mk3 (right)?"
Click to expand...
:biglaugh: I so wish that was true :biglaugh:

Best advice I have is make sure the test drive is longer then a few minutes. If it is overheating you may need to drive it for a 1/2 hour or more to tell.

Also, if you plan of buying a MK3 Supra turbo with no problems whatsoever, you will be looking for a long, long, long time. Plan on it needing several maintenance items, possibly a new head gasket in the very near future, and budget that into the total price of the car. I would guess that 80% of mk3's are sold out of pure frustration after a large investment of time and money does not get the car running properly.
 
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bonus12

bonus12

Backroads Driver
Jul 15, 2006
143
0
0
CA
I cant ask for better help, people. i have confidence that i'll find a solid vehicle now. the more help the better! thanks so much, i wish i could return the favor.
 
bonus12

bonus12

Backroads Driver
Jul 15, 2006
143
0
0
CA
Both the bat and phone offer sound good! lol

thanks for the offer, johnathan1, but right now i have only his email. he has to finish putting the door panel back on after upgrading speakers, plus more, and when he finishes, i will have his #. when i get the # (should be soon) i will send you some kind of message thorugh this website. i trust your experience i am glad you are so helpful. ill get back to you when i can.

Thanks again people.
 
tissimo

tissimo

Stock is boring :(
Apr 5, 2005
4,238
0
0
40
Melbourne, FL
i dunno about test drive of a life time (i was thinking carrera gt or something, haha) but yea,, they have it all covered
 
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