Will MKIV Toyota Supra Prices Continue Skyrocketing?

Remember when six-figure prices were reserved for the rarest of rare JDM classics like the Hakosuka Skyline? Times have changed, and you might be surprised.

Our recent article discussing the Nissan 240SX, which sold for $31k despite having 119K miles on the clock, proved that recent prices for sought-after 90s cars are going a little crazy.

While you may be able to bag yourself a bargain missile or something that needs extensive repairs, if you want a clean, low-mileage MK4 Supra or a similar desirable JDM car in today’s climate, you’re gonna need deep pockets.

Recent prices continue to prove these 90s heroes are now playing in the big leagues, and we’re looking at some of the most surprising examples.

What’s Causing The Price Surge?

Several factors have made the Supra among the most desirable JDM cars. Its starring role in “The Fast and the Furious” franchise undoubtedly helped, but the limited production numbers, particularly for manual turbo models, have also played a significant role.

As time passes, finding well-preserved, low-mileage examples becomes increasingly challenging. Collectors and investors eager to acquire the finest examples lead to increased competition.

But it’s not just Supra/JDM enthusiasts and collectors looking to land the finest examples that have increased the prices. Under the hood, the Supra has something truly special that’s made it a perfect stock choice and become one of the most sought-after engine swaps, even today.

The Heart Of The Beast – The 2JZ-GTE Engine

A significant factor in the Supra’s popularity and value lies in its legendary 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six engine.

The powerplant has stood the test of time and is widely regarded as one of the greatest engines ever made. Its near-bulletproof iron block construction and overengineered components make it capable of reliably pushing out over 1,000 horsepower with the right modifications.

Unsurprisingly, its incredible potential has made the 2JZ-GTE popular in just about every motorsport discipline, even in the latest builds, particularly in drifting and drag racing.

In the current market, you’re unlikely to find a decent-spec 2JZ-GTE engine for sale for less than $10,000, with respectable ones priced similarly to the one above. A turnkey 1,200-horsepower 2JZ-GTE setup will set you back almost $50,000.

Was 2019 The Final Call For Bagging A Sub-$25k Bargain?

Looking back at older sales in Bring a Trailer (BAT), you’ll find twin-turbo JZA80 MKIV Supra auctions like this one, which sold in 2019 – just five years ago. The price? $24,000.

Sure, it’s not stock, which would help fetch a higher price tag. Still, the high-quality bolt-on mods, which include aftermarket wheels, an A’PEXi Dunk exhaust, coilovers, and an ARC intercooler, are all easily reversible with the stock parts. It also has the Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD).

Mods in the cabin include a Pioneer touchscreen head unit and speakers, which we all know are an upgrade over the bleak stock 90s offerings. There’s also an aftermarket e-brake handle, aluminum pedal covers, and a HKS turbo timer.

Its twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE had just 79,000km (49k miles) on the clock at the time, but we imagine that’s no longer the case now!

It might be the less desirable auto variant, and the right-hand drive JDM vibes won’t be to everyone’s taste. However, that undoubtedly helps make it more affordable, especially given the challenges and cost of carrying out a manual swap on the MK4 Supra.

Still, this seems a pretty reasonable price for what is typically regarded as a true JDM legend (albeit an auto one), right? It would seem so, given that no other 2JZ-GTE Supras have been sold on BAT for under $25k since. Even non-turbo automatic models now commonly sell for $30,000-$50,000.

This Holy Grail Example Went For Nearly $250k

In comparison, just one year later, in 2022, this stunning left-hand drive USDM MKIV was listed on BAT.

It’s immediately clear that this one’s a little different. Instead of talking about coilovers and aftermarket exhausts, the “mod” list is a little more gentlemanly for this one, including “Leather Trim Package, Theft Deterrent Enhancement, mudguards, heated side mirrors, and an ETR CD/cassette stereo.” It also features the removable sports roof.

You get the idea – it’s not your average ragged Supra, but rather the holy grail with almost every desirable factory extra included.

It comes with the original receipt, displaying the initial price tag of $48,895. 28 well-cared-for years later, and after 13,000 miles of what was undoubtedly pure driving joy, 26 bidders fought it out for what would eventually price this perfect example at $232,000.

It’s not alone in the $200k region, either. Another example supposedly sold for $230k just two months prior, although this auction looks a little sketchy and we’re not entirely sure if it’s legit.

Since then, another two years have passed, so we can only speculate about their potential worth now.

Which Direction Are Prices Heading Now?

It’s hard to compare the ones above directly until similar examples surface, and there’s plenty of speculation as to which way the classic/iconic car market is heading. Given the current financial climate, many rumors are suggesting a downward spiral.

Regardless, it’s clear that we’re still a long way from bargain territory. While examples like the ones above are few and far between, other more common offerings have still fetched six-figure price tags this year.

Even Red Ones Still Fetch A Pretty Penny

For example, this 1993 Toyota Supra Auto was sold earlier this year. While also an LHD model, it’s much less desirable than the ones above.

People looking to pay six figures aren’t typically likely to want the aftermarket wheels or the questionable ride height. Also, the “Renaissance Red” (also known as sorta-Ferrari-ish red) with “Ivory” leather doesn’t pair up to become the most desirable color combo either.

However, what does make it desirable is the number on the odometer – 9,000 miles, to be exact. Given the $42,279 receipt from the showroom, it’s clear that there are fewer optional upgrades than the one above.

Despite the auto gearbox, the color, and the mods, it still picked up a respectable $130,000 at auction.

… And The “Higher” Mileage Ones, Too

Finished in a classier and much more desirable “Baltic Blue Metallic” along with the sought-after six-speed manual. Along with a showroom price of $51,680, it’s the most expensive in the list, with the “premium 3-in-1 ETR/Cassette/CD player” adding gulp $985 to the list price – but, would you look at that stunning antenna!

Although it’s fairly clean and stock, the 57,000 miles of enjoyment have taken their toll, with the seller pointing out dings, scuffs, scratches, and stone chips around the body.

Ideally, it’ll need a full respray to get it back to tip-top condition. Still, these downsides didn’t stop it from fetching over $100k at auction just last month.

Surely The Modified Ones Are Cheaper?

You’d be correct in thinking the modified ones typically sell for less, and there will surely be some cheaper options out there if you’re willing to make some compromises.

However, if you’ve got a clean modified example that’s been done “right” by a shop, rather than butchered by the “guy who can do it cheaper”, then chances are it’s still going to fetch a respectable price tag.

The most recent example is this modified red ’94 Supra, which features comprehensive upgrades.

Tuning under the hood includes a PHR S23 turbocharger kit that consists of a Precision 6466 turbocharger, a 4.5″ intercooler, a twin-scroll turbocharger manifold, dual wastegates, and Injector Dynamics ID1300x fuel injectors, paired with an AEM engine management system. All of this produces a perfectly drift-ready 777 horsepower.

However, although it features BC Racing DS-Series coilovers, the grippy Toyo Proxes R888R tires make it clear that the owner is more focused on straight-line power than taking it sideways. Still, given the huge power output, we’re guessing they were still throttle-happy.

Despite living its best life, the car looks in excellent condition, considering it has 52k miles. This undoubtedly helped it collect a very respectable $135,000 at auction, proving that tuner cars aren’t always a terrible investment!

Prices Don’t Seem To Be Slowing Down Just Yet

Sure, the peak market prices have been higher in previous years, but some owners may be waiting for the right time to sell their pristine model. Given the financial climate, right now probably isn’t the time, but it’s clear that the trendline is still heading upward.

It’s worth noting that while we’ve focused on high-end examples, the MK4 Supra market offers a wide range of entry points. According to Classic.com, the average sale price of a 4th Gen (A80) Supra is around $75,000. However, prices vary dramatically based on condition, gearbox, and modifications.

Some can be had for less if you’re willing to work or compromise on condition and mileage. That said, you’ll undoubtedly still need to fork out over six figures for a pristine, low-mileage manual.

For a perfect low-mileage offering, we wouldn’t be surprised if it could still reach the quarter-million mark once again.

If you were hoping to score yourself a MK4 Supra as a cheap drift car, we’re afraid that ship sailed a long time ago. If you’re desperate to build a Supra drift car, its 7M-GTE-powered MK3 predecessor will be a much more affordable alternative, although admittedly not so desirable.

The Most Expensive Supra Ever Sold

While the prices we’ve discussed might seem steep, they’re pretty tame compared to the most expensive Supra ever sold.

The crown for the priciest A80 goes to a very special example that almost any petrolhead will be familiar with – the 1994 Toyota Supra from The Fast and the Furious movie. The iconic car, driven by Paul Walker in the film, fetched a crazy $550,000 at auction.

Needless to say, it’ll take something pretty special to topple that!

Photography Credits

Thank you to BringATrailer for the use of their media.

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