1994 Toyota Supra GZ twin turbo

This 1994 Toyota Supra GZ twin turbo automatic coupe with 37,000 kms was inspected for a client at USS Nagoya auction on 26 August 2016.

Being a relatively rare GZ with factory leather and cruise control, and with such low kms and an auction grade of 4, we were hoping it would present well on inspection.

However, this is an example of why it’s not a good idea to buy a vehicle from auction without inspection even if it’s a grade 4. Gradings are variable and there are many grade 4 cars which are not up to our standard for various reasons.

The first issue was that it was auctioned 16 days prior at a different auction, where it was graded 3.5 and the following points noted — front bumper inner housing replaced, core-support has bends or warps. Meaning it had probably had a minor bump in the front and been repaired. An issue with the airconditioning was also mentioned.

The car appeared to sell for about 1.6 million Yen FOB the first time and was moved to the second auction where it was graded 4 with no mention of front repair.

Both auction sheets and original auction supplied pictures are shown above, note the same chassis code.

Setting this aside for a moment we inspected the vehicle to see what condition it was actually in for ourselves, including a good look at the front for past repair. While any repairs were not that noticeable we found the overall condition to be quite poor for the apparently low kms. Damage / discolouration to the dash and steering wheel was obvious and the body had several scrapes and scratches as pictured.

The driver’s seat had significant wear. There was surface rust and corrosion evident and the car had not even been detailed as it badly needed a wash and vaccuum.

It appeared to have been kept outdoors for at least part of its life and was simply not in the condition it should be for the kms showing.  As a result we did not recommend this Supra to our client.

As this Supra was sold on negotiation we don’t know what it sold for the second time around, however based on the first auction price of approx. 1.6 million Yen FOB, the complied price in Australia would have been $29,200, plus tyres and on road costs (calculated at 77.09 Yen to the dollar). A premium price would be warranted if the vehicle was in pristine condition, but we can’t imagine anyone that received this car would be happy after paying this amount for it.

In contrast, this 1994 Supra RZ TT with 22,000 kms and in very clean condition is the sort of vehicle we do recommend.

We only source the best vehicles with clean and tidy interiors, and only vehicles we would be pleased to own ourselves. This is why we are constantly told by clients that the vehicles we source are well above the condition of most others on the local market.

Whether you’re looking for a Supra GZ twin turbo like this, or another year or model of vehicle we can find it for you in nice condition.

The pictures are typical of the information we provide prior to auction for each vehicle of interest, with any faults shown so you can clearly see the condition before we discuss whether to bid, and your budget.

It is vital when sourcing your vehicle to use an agent that takes the time to physically check each vehicle and looks beyond the auction pictures and report to confirm condition. Some vehicles may have an unpleasant smoke or other odour, rust underneath, or other faults which are impossible to know without inspection.

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