MKII owner thinking of buying a MKIII - got a question!
 

Hi -

I've been a MKII owner for about 5 years ('86, 5-speed, all stock, like new condition, 122K miles). I have an opportunity to buy a MKIII.

Here's the deal - '88 MKIII, Turbo, automatic, 132,000 miles, all stock.

I haven't driven the car yet (it's a few hours away, a friend has seen it says it's nice, drives well, blah blah) I won't know until I see it.

The issue: The car has no maintenance records whatsoever. So the history of the car is totally unknown. (my friend's neighbor got it on a trade and has no interest in it).

My question: with no records and with 132K miles - can I ASSUME the head gasket issue has already been addressed? I know little about MKIIIs, but the one thing I do know is they are prone to head gasket failures. Can one go this many miles before failure on the original one?

The last thing I want is to get the car & have to deal with a the head gasket. Of course, I still need to do my inspection of it...

thanks!

auto_cran
1986 Toyota Supra MKII

id personally say its a toss up. ive heard of 7m's not blowing a gasket, ever. and ive heard of them going b4 100k miles.

if it runs good and everything else checks out, id just retorque the HG right after i got it. thats my 2c..

good luck!

You have the most desirable year mk2 there is. I wouldn't give it up for a mk3 unless it was a 91 or 92. If you're getting a car with no service history, you should treat it as though nothing has ever been done to it and start from scratch with maintenance. You don't necessarily have to replace anything, but spend a good amount of time inspecting the wear items. Definitely test the coolant for HC's and the engine compression.

Thanks for the tips. I'm gonna try to make it out and inspect it this weekend.

Oh, and I'm not getting rid of my MKII. I love it too much! lol