Owning a Soarer is like being in “your” crowd.

First generation (Z10, 1981-1985)

Let’s start at the beginning, 1981. Toyota decided to make a car that would be both comfortable and fast – imagine a guy in a Gucci suit, but with a rocket engine under the hood. That’s how the Soarer Z10 came to be. At that time it was a luxury grand tourer for the domestic Japanese market – a kind of Japanese Lexus, even before Lexus itself appeared.

Fun fact: The Soarer was always considered premium, and it was more like its “European brother” than a typical Japanese sports car. It was equipped with powerful (by the standards of those years) engines, such as the 2.8-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine (M-TEU). In those days, people were thrilled that their coupe not only looked chic, but could push the gas just as hard as the sports models.

What to check before buying?

1. Corrosion: The first generation has long since crossed the age when rust begins to actively eat away at the metal. Wheel arches, sills and underbody are particularly vulnerable. If there is a hint of corrosion – get ready for a serious investment in body repairs.
2. Steering and suspension: In older cars, the suspension may be tired. Check the shock absorbers, silent blocks, and steering rack. Older Soarers can suffer from backlash in the steering mechanism, and this can be a problem.
3. Electronics: The digital instrument cluster is the highlight of the first Soarer, but it’s also one of the most vulnerable parts. Check to make sure all the screens and buttons are working. Time has not spared these electronics.
4. Engine and turbo: The 2.8L M-TEU turbo motor is cool, but after 30+ years you need to check compression, turbo performance, and overall engine health. The turbo may not “blow” the same way it used to.

Tip: Consider whether you’re willing to invest in a car that’s more suited to collections and occasional outings than everyday driving. Old iron can get expensive.

Second generation (Z20, 1986-1991)

With the release of the second generation, Toyota decided: “Let’s make it even cooler!” In 1986, they introduced the Z20, which looked futuristic for its time – angular, like an NES gamepad, but with the innards of a sports simulator.

The trick of the second generation – is the 7M-GTE engine, the famous 3-liter turbo “inline six” that made owners really respect their Soarer, because this motor would later become the basis for the Toyota Supra. And if you’ve heard the phrase “the legendary 2JZ”, well, it was on the basis of this generation Soarer that Toyota began to develop its turbo monsters.

What to check before buying?

1. Turbine and Motor 7M-GTE: This engine is cool, but it has a weak spot – the cylinder head. Problems with the cylinder head gasket are a 7M-GTE disease, so look out for antifreeze leaks, overheating, and uneven engine performance. If the former owner did not replace the gasket, you will have to do it yourself.
2. Suspension and steering: The vehicle has been on the market for a long time and its suspension may have worn out. Check the shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, steering knuckles, and ball joints. All of these may need to be replaced.
3. Electrics and wiring: The car gets older, and with it the electrics. Check the headlights, power windows, and climate control operation. Wiring problems in older Soarers can cause a lot of trouble.Electronics: The digital instrument cluster is the highlight of the first Soarer, but it’s also one of the most vulnerable parts. Check to make sure all the screens and buttons are working. Time has not spared these electronics.
4. Automatic transmission: Automatic transmissions of the time were not known for their durability. Check how the gears shift, if there are no delays or jerks. If there is slippage, the transmission may require major repairs.

Tip: It is better to choose copies with an already renewed engine or at least with a replaced cylinder-head gasket. This will save you a lot of nerves.

Third generation (Z30, 1991-2000)

And here we come to a true icon. In 1991, Toyota rolled out the Soarer Z30, which would rule the world of tuning and drifting. This car became not just a continuation of the series, but a dream come true for those who wanted to combine the comfort of a business sedan and the daring temperament of a sports car.

The main event was – the introduction of the 1JZ-GTE engine, a 2.5-liter turbo engine that could be accelerated so fast that your grandmother would cross her arms. This engine was a bomb for tuners, and it is thanks to it that the Soarer became a cult in drifting circles.

And now a meme: if you ask the internet what sound a perfect engine should make, most will say: “Vr-vr-vrrrrr-zuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum!” – it’s exactly the sound the 1JZ turbos “blow”.

By the way, the third generation Soarer was so cool that it was exported to the US as the Lexus SC300/SC400. In the States, the car was bought by those who wanted a luxury coupe but couldn’t afford the Germans. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

What to check before buying?

1. 1JZ-GTE and 2JZ-GE engine: These engines are considered reliable, but their age and mileage require attention. Check the compression in the cylinders, the condition of the turbo (if it’s a turbo version) and generally how the car drives under load. If the turbo doesn’t give a proper “ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch”, it may need to be replaced or rebuilt.
2. Automatic transmission: Especially for versions with 2JZ-GE engine (SC400 in the States). The automatic transmission can “die” by this time, especially if the car has been in the hands of a racer or drifter. Check for smooth shifts and no jolts when driving.
3. Suspension and wishbones: This Soarer was both comfortable and powerful, causing owners to drive it hard. Check the stabilizer bars, shocks, and silent blocks, as many components may have given up long ago.
4. Body condition: Rust is less common on this generation of Soarer, but the arches and sills should still be inspected. Also pay attention to the condition of the paint – Japanese cars of those years can suffer from fading and peeling paint.
5. Electronics: Especially climate control and sensors. There have been cases of failures in electronic systems, so it is worth checking the air conditioning, all displays and buttons on the dashboard.

Tip: 1JZ-GTE – is a ticket to the world of tuning and drifting, but there is always a risk that the car has been “raped” on the tracks. Look for copies with full service history and preferably in stock condition, if you don’t want to go into tuning with your head.

Fourth generation (Z40, 2001-2005)

This is where the drama begins. In 2001, the last Soarer was – released, the Z40, which became a convertible. Yes, yes, they decided to remove the roof, and this made many fans very angry. Engines became less aggressive, and the car turned from a wild beast into a luxury pensioner, which is already time to retire. But it still found its fans among those who loved the wind in their hair and comfortable coastal drives.

Interesting facts about Toyota Soarer

1. Soaring on technology: The first generation Soarer had one of the first digital dashboards. It was sort of “cyberpunk” in the 80’s era – everyone looked at it and thought, “Wow, this is what the future looks like!”.
2. Impact on drift culture: the 1JZ and 2JZ under the hood of the Z30 were the reason why the Soarer became one of the most popular drift platforms. In essence, it became the “drift bro” for those who didn’t have the money for a Supra but had a passion for sideways skids.
3. JDM fans go crazy: In Japan, the Soarer is considered so iconic that it’s still supported to this day, even though production ceased nearly two decades ago. It’s about as if you keep wearing your old sneakers because they’ve become a symbol of your youth.
4. Little known fact about the SC400: In the US, the Lexus SC400 version was one of Hollywood’s favorites. This car often appeared in movies and TV series of the 90s and 2000s, although its Japanese self, the Soarer, was much more “charismatic”.