The Toyota Supra cemented the Japanese company’s legacy of making driver-focused and engaging sports cars. All five generations have brought something unique and helped build the current part-BMW MKV. The name Supra comes from the Latin root meaning “to surpass” and the evolution of this Toyota into a tuner legend makes that name an apt choice. The newest MKV Toyota Supra currently retails for around $50,000 with the six-cylinder B58 BMW-powered Supra going for around $60,000.
On the other hand, prices for the previous MKIV Supra produced between 1993 and 2002 have skyrocketed due in part to its appearance in the Fast and Furious franchise. These 20-plus-year-old cars go for even more than their new counterparts, with the cheapest MKIVs selling for more than $60,000. They aren’t exactly cheap cars anymore. While the most expensive MKIV Toyota Supras can set you back more than six figures, there are still some cheap ways to get into the iconic Japanese line with a smooth six-cylinder and legendary tuning potential.
With a small frame, manual transmission, a six-cylinder engine, and a nimble chassis, these cars provide a great look into the Japanese auto industry of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Believe it or not, for under $30,000, you can get into this efficient platform that transports you right back to a time when Toyota was first bringing out some of its most iconic models. Read on to see the 10 cheapest Toyota Supras you can buy today based on the average sale price of the last five years per classic.com. These cars were fast for the era and should feel even more nimble compared to the heavy EVs and performance cars of today.
1984 Toyota Celica Supra $20,156
Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Configuration | Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 2.8-liter |
| Power | 160 hp |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft |
The 1984 Classic Celica Supra
1984 brought small changes to the Supra, such as a higher compression ratio and a larger intake on manual transmission examples. While similar to older models, the 1984 Celica Supra barely makes this list with a $20K average price in the last five years. It’s hard to say what makes this such a collectible example, but being a few years newer does help its case. Perhaps its old-school appeal has captured buyers. Like many Supras, including the one from today, this one too had a six-cylinder engine.
1985 Toyota Celica Supra $19,780
Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Configuration | Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 2.8-liter |
| Power | 161 hp |
| Torque | 169 lb-ft |
The Last Year And A Half of the MKII
Despite still being valuable today, the 1985 Celica Supra is virtually unchanged from its predecessor. It’s still powered by the same engine with the same options and part of the Celica line. Still, the last year of the Supra being part of the Celica line does have some historical significance, since 1986 will bring many changes.
1980 Toyota Celica Supra $19,580
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Configuration | Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 2.0 or 2.6-liters |
| Power | 110 hp |
| Torque | 136 lb-ft |
Adding Luxury Amenities To The Celica Supra
Besides optional leather-trimmed seating and automatic climate control, the 1980 Toyota Celica Supra is unchanged from its predecessor. It still features the same 2.6-liter inline-six-cylinder engine as well as still sharing a model lineup with the Celica. Still, as you’ll see, the 1980 Supra has a significant price bump over 1979, selling for just under 20K, a competitive price bracket today, just as it was back in the 1980s when the Mustang, Camaro, Firebird, Buick Grand National, and Corvette, all competed with the Supra for best sporty car. Now, the competition is in the used market.
1988 Toyota Supra $18,000
Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Configuration | Turbocharged Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 3.0-liter |
| Power | 230 hp |
| Torque | 246 lb-ft |
A Targa Top On A Turbo MKIII Supra
While the 1987 Supra was the first to introduce a turbocharged model, the 1988 Supra is the first car on this list with a turbo. Turbocharging started a craze in the 1980s that lasts today, and it makes sense the first turbo Supra would be priced outside this list. Still, the model right after it features the same turbo engine, anti-lock brakes, and a Targa-type sport roof akin to the t-top Corvettes and other cool cars famous for it.
1986 Toyota Supra $17,502
Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Configuration | Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 3.0-liter |
| Power | 200 hp |
| Torque | 196 lb-ft |
The First To Get A 3.0-liter Six-Cylinder
Finally, with the 1986 and a half model year, the Supra became its own model and the MKIII Supra was born. No longer sporting the title Celica, the Supra received a 3.0-liter DOHC engine with similar four-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension at all corners as the earlier models. The first year of the MKIII Supra lands at a respectable $17,502 on the used market, not bad for the start of such a widely known sports car.
1989 Toyota Supra $17,188
Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Configuration | Turbocharged Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 3.0-liter |
| Power | 232 hp |
| Torque | 254 lb-ft |
Another MKIII Toyota Supra
The 1989 is in much the same boat as the 1988. It’s pretty much the same as its predecessor and notably features a turbocharged engine. Still, it’s the newest car here and comes at just a tad above $17,000. For retro Japanese thrills, this is probably your best bet assuming it’s been kept well. With its solid engine and interesting looks, it could even be a good restomod candidate with a 2JZ and modern tires.
1983 Toyota Celica Supra $16,857
Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Configuration | Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 2.8-liter |
| Power | 150 hp |
| Torque | 159 lb-ft |
A Follow-Up To The 1982 Toyota Supra
According to Toyota’s own article about the history of the Supra, the 1983 is essentially identical to the 1982 Supra. It keeps the 2.8-liter engine and the same packages, while still being a part of the Celica line. Still, this slightly newer MKII Supra demands a premium of $16,857. If a 1980s Supra isn’t your taste, there are plenty of other cheap sports cars out there.
1982 Toyota Celica Supra $13,805
Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Configuration | Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 2.8-liter |
| Power | 145 hp |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft |
The MKII Supra
1982 was a big year for the Celica Supra. It was redesigned along with the Celica line-up that encompassed it and was available as the L-type and Performance models. Both models kept the 2.8-liter engine of the 1981 but added another overhead cam to up fuel delivery capabilities. The only differences were the fender flares, wider wheels and tires, and the sports interior of the performance packages. This Supra features pluses for the demanding driver and its 5k premium over the 1981 reflects that, coming in at over $13,000.
1979 Toyota Celica Supra $12,751
Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Configuration | Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 2.0 or 2.6-liters |
| Power | 110 hp |
| Torque | 136 lb-ft |
The Toyota Supra That Started It All
First unveiled to the world in 1978, the 1979 Celica Supra was the first Supra and second cheapest on this list. Besides being the same year as the introduction of the Fox body Ford Mustang, it was a wider and longer style of the Celica’s lift-back design. It featured a 2.6-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, Toyota’s first production engine to feature the relatively new technology of electronic fuel injection.
The original was available with an automatic or manual transmission, four-wheel-independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. While simple by modern standards, this hinted at the high-performing Supras to come. You can pick up this automotive originator for just under $13,000, not bad considering the pedigree.
1981 Toyota Celica Supra $8,000
Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Configuration | Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 2.8-liter |
| Power | 116 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft |
The Cheapest Toyota Supra Money Can Buy
The cheapest Toyota Supra you can buy today is also the first one with true updates of the original. The slightly updated Supra featured a larger 2.8-liter six-cylinder single overhead cam engine and a revised 4-speed automatic with different final drive gearing. It also ushered in the new sport suspension package which helped to firm up the car’s handling and make it even more fun on the back roads. This package may have been among the first hints of the Supra’s sporting pedigree to come.
Despite these exciting updates for the enthusiast driver, the 1981 Supra is a historic steal at $8,000. However, it might be hard to find as only one was sold according to classic.com in the past five years. This model might be suffering from a small sample size. Still, this car has a classic look that might even be cooler than a used V8 car.
