1990 Toyota Supra Review

There are some cars that after a few years seem to slow down in their rate of depreciation. This is not to say that they have become so cheap that there can’t get any cheaper. Instead these cars become very sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, and their prices remain relatively stable for some years. Another possible reason is that they become cult cars and cash-rich individuals will pay silly prices. One such car is the Toyota Celica from three generations ago.

Curvaceously restyled for 1990, Toyota’s sports coupé rode the same front-drive wheelbase as the prior Celica generation with only two engine choices. The base engine was a twin-cam 130bhp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. This Celica came with either a five-speed manual shift or a four-speed automatic.

The All-Trac (permanently engaged four-wheel-drive) edition employed a 200bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and came only with manual shift. This was the base unit that Carlos Sainz won his first rally in. A true performance machine this was a very rare car in Malaysia and most owners will be hard pressed to sell, even at silly prices. The common model was either the GT or the GT-S.

Handling and roadholding are decent and quite sporty with a GT or GT-S. Those two stick to the road tautly and respond well in changes of direction. Each model offers refined road manners and a solid ‘feel’. The GT’s suspension has the softest damping, therefore, ride quality is somewhat smoother. Other Celica models don’t absorb bumps quite as well, but offer minimal cornering lean and crisper steering response.

The 4WD model not only hugs the road tenaciously, but delivers a mighty blast of power. Refined road manners and an impressively solid bearing are particularly borne out by the very rare and ‘dumpy’ looking convertible, which suffers only minimal body shake of the sort that’s all too common in drop-tops.

Base-engine performance is adequate with a five-speed manual, but automatic drains away its strength. Manual shift is also the best performance bet with the 2.0-litre engine, though acceleration and petrol mileage are impressive with either transmission. Few cars in this category isolate their occupants better from engine and wind noise, but tyre roar and exhaust sounds are intrusive.

Low-set seats mix with a high-waist profile to impair outward visibility. Space is okay up front, but tall drivers (and front passengers) might have to recline the front backrests to get adequate head room. The backseat is limited to kids and small sized adults with its limited legroom and width, while cargo space is marginal in size and suffers from a high liftover.

Like most Toyotas, Celicas are well built. They’re also reliable, and serve as models of ergonomic intelligence for others to learn from. However there can be some minor problems in its ownership. The expansion valve in the air-cond system is prone to failure sometimes and may lead to ineffective air-conditioner operation. Like most two-door cars, the front doors could start sagging after some time due to hinge failure or being leant on too much by owners. The fuel door may also rattle after some years.

Engines are bulletproof. However, there have been cases of engine misfire under light throttle that can be corrected with a new EGR vacuum modulator. On the inside, the front headrests can start rattling but this can easily be rectified at an upholstery shop or you could wrap them with self-adhesive tape.

Selling prices are still quite high at between RM$40k and RM$50k for a non-turbo good example. Turbo 4WD models will fetch almost an additional RM$10k. Sometimes it would make better sense to buy the non-turbo version and plonk in a ‘half-cut’ turbo unit from a junkyard