The 1987 Toyota Supra is a sporty 2-door hatchback coupe from the third-generation (A70) Supra lineup, positioned as Toyota’s flagship performance grand tourer of the late 1980s. It’s ideal for drivers who want classic Japanese turbo or inline-six character, rear-wheel-drive balance, and a practical hatchback design that still feels special today. In its era, the Supra competed with cars like the Nissan 300ZX and Mazda RX-7, offering a strong mix of comfort, tech features, and straight-line performance. Today it’s a popular enthusiast classic, but prospective buyers often search for 1987 Toyota Supra reliability and 1987 Toyota Supra problems before committing.

1) Engine options: Most 1987 Supras came with Toyota’s 3.0L inline-six (7M-GE) in naturally aspirated form, while the turbocharged 7M-GTE was available on Turbo models, delivering a notable jump in power and tuning potential. 2) Rear-wheel drive performance layout: A front-engine, rear-wheel-drive chassis with available limited-slip differential (varies by trim and market) gives the 1987 Supra a balanced feel that’s still fun on modern roads. 3) Practical hatchback packaging: The long liftback rear and folding rear cargo area make it more usable than many two-door sports cars, fitting weekend luggage and larger items with ease. 4) Available advanced features for its time: Many cars were equipped with digital/“electro” dash elements, cruise control, and premium audio options, and some trims included adjustable suspension features depending on configuration. 5) Strong aftermarket and parts support: Because the A70 Supra has a long enthusiast history, maintenance parts and upgrade solutions are generally easier to source than for many 1980s performance cars.

Owners researching 1987 Toyota Supra common issues will find that these cars can be dependable when maintained, but several well-known weak points show up repeatedly. 1) Head gasket vulnerability on 7M engines (7M-GE/7M-GTE): A widely discussed issue is head gasket failure, often tied to factory head bolt torque specifications. Symptoms include unexplained coolant loss, overheating, milky oil, or bubbling in the coolant overflow. Failures can occur anywhere from around 80,000–150,000 miles, especially if the cooling system has been neglected or the engine has been overheated even once. 2) Cooling system wear and overheating risk: Aging radiators, brittle hoses, tired fan clutches, and stuck thermostats are common on a 1987 vehicle. Overheating is especially dangerous on these engines because it can quickly lead to head gasket problems or warped components. Many owners report temperature creep in traffic or during spirited driving if the system isn’t refreshed. 3) Turbo-related wear (7M-GTE): On Turbo models, oil leaks, tired turbo seals, and boost leaks from old vacuum lines/intercooler couplers can appear with mileage, often around 120,000+ miles depending on use and oil change history. A smoky exhaust on deceleration, oil consumption, or inconsistent boost are common red flags. 4) Age-related electrical and interior failures: Expect issues like failing power window motors, intermittent gauge clusters, worn ignition switches, and brittle connectors/grounds after decades of heat cycles. These are typically solvable, but they can be time-consuming to diagnose on a modified or poorly maintained car.