Discussion
Hello all,
Just thought I'd post a few pictures of my MR2 Turbo, which I have recently purchased. It's a Japanese import, brought over to Scotland in 2007 and looked after meticulously by it's buyer there. I've since picked it up from a bloke who is something of a Japanese car specialist, and it is quite stunning.
It's done 133,000kms, which equates to some 82,000 miles, and it's kept well through this miles and it's life! It's basically standard, though the 15" SSR wheels, HKS Turbo Timer and stereo are new items. Having had the pleasure of driving it this afternoon, it's much better than the MX5 I used to own. It's a Japanese sports car hero to me! I had long scorned the mk2 MR2 because of it's boy racer image. But, taking a fresh look at it and trying to appreciate what the designers intended, I see a real beauty in it. Ferrari-esque front end lines, a touch of Lamborghini at the back and all created with fantastic Japanese styling. It also drives like a proper sports car, the mid engine and RWD configuration lends itself to gripping the road and subtle, neat handling. But the turbo boost is ferocious. I drove it most of the way home in the wet today without using the turbo at all.
When you do use it though, it is frighteningly fast. The boost comes on like a bomb in your face, though it's no slouch beneath full boost either. You'll soon become accustomed to watching the boost guage and seeing where you can safely enjoy some face melting turbo boost. However, it demands a gentle squeeze of the throttle. The first time I tried to test the boost in second I stabbed the pedal far too hard and felt the car squirming under the generous power it developed in an instant.
So, it's an incredibly fast car. It's the JDM model, meaning it's making somewhere in the region of 242bhp. It certainly doesn't need anymore. The paradox is, it's about as fast and accurate as anything on the road. Conversely, it's been driven far slower than my Volvo because it demands so much respect, and pin sharp reactions and attention.
I've got a few pictures from the advert, I'll take my own soon:
Just thought I'd post a few pictures of my MR2 Turbo, which I have recently purchased. It's a Japanese import, brought over to Scotland in 2007 and looked after meticulously by it's buyer there. I've since picked it up from a bloke who is something of a Japanese car specialist, and it is quite stunning.
It's done 133,000kms, which equates to some 82,000 miles, and it's kept well through this miles and it's life! It's basically standard, though the 15" SSR wheels, HKS Turbo Timer and stereo are new items. Having had the pleasure of driving it this afternoon, it's much better than the MX5 I used to own. It's a Japanese sports car hero to me! I had long scorned the mk2 MR2 because of it's boy racer image. But, taking a fresh look at it and trying to appreciate what the designers intended, I see a real beauty in it. Ferrari-esque front end lines, a touch of Lamborghini at the back and all created with fantastic Japanese styling. It also drives like a proper sports car, the mid engine and RWD configuration lends itself to gripping the road and subtle, neat handling. But the turbo boost is ferocious. I drove it most of the way home in the wet today without using the turbo at all.
When you do use it though, it is frighteningly fast. The boost comes on like a bomb in your face, though it's no slouch beneath full boost either. You'll soon become accustomed to watching the boost guage and seeing where you can safely enjoy some face melting turbo boost. However, it demands a gentle squeeze of the throttle. The first time I tried to test the boost in second I stabbed the pedal far too hard and felt the car squirming under the generous power it developed in an instant.
So, it's an incredibly fast car. It's the JDM model, meaning it's making somewhere in the region of 242bhp. It certainly doesn't need anymore. The paradox is, it's about as fast and accurate as anything on the road. Conversely, it's been driven far slower than my Volvo because it demands so much respect, and pin sharp reactions and attention.
I've got a few pictures from the advert, I'll take my own soon:
I'm hoping it turns out to be just that. One of my colleagues is a walking encyclopaedia on MR2's, particularly working on them. I hope he will be able to advise with everything that I could ever need to do with it, and I hope he enjoys this car too as it is quite a stunning example. Well worth the trip to go and get it!
I was thinking of getting some leather seats in it, but I'll probably stick with the cloth seats to stop me sliding about too much. The seats are fantastic, really supportive and comfortable - though they need to be, as the ride is teeth chattering! They're far, far better than the standard seats in an MX5.
I was thinking of getting some leather seats in it, but I'll probably stick with the cloth seats to stop me sliding about too much. The seats are fantastic, really supportive and comfortable - though they need to be, as the ride is teeth chattering! They're far, far better than the standard seats in an MX5.
marky911 said:
Not bad.
Thought you were getting a Cosworth though?
The leather seats are leather with alcantara centres so you don't slide around.
They're quick cars but not a scary, fire breathing monster. You can get away with a lot in the dry. They're crap in the wet though.
White Rev3s look the best. Just get some gunmetal rays rims on it and it'll be perfect.
I was all set to go and look at a Cosworth, working down that road of viewing until I found the one I wanted. In the end, the insurers put me off that when they said it would be an extra £400 to insure the Sapphire over the 4X4. And it was a 4X4 that I wanted, so I decided not to see the Sapphire. I spoke to them over the phone and asked for transfer cost and for a new quote. The new quote was ridiculous, although some other insurers were quite good with Cosworth prices. Thought you were getting a Cosworth though?
The leather seats are leather with alcantara centres so you don't slide around.
They're quick cars but not a scary, fire breathing monster. You can get away with a lot in the dry. They're crap in the wet though.
White Rev3s look the best. Just get some gunmetal rays rims on it and it'll be perfect.
In the end, I rang my insurers again to discuss ways of limiting the price. They advised me to get a Skyline! The bloke on the phone was pretty good though, and obviously liked cars enough to be able to discuss them in a proper manner. He informed me that the Sierra Cosworth is up in the specialist/restricted category with the Skylines. However, of the Cosworths they'd insured, against the Skylines, the Cosworth was something ridiculous like 40-odd percent more like to have a claim on the policy. Even though the Skyline would cost more due to being a powerful, desireable car like the Cosworth, the bloke reckoned it was a safer bet as nowhere near as many were stolen, and nowhere near as many written off in minor bumps.
I spoke to a few friends who are traffic police or ex traffic police and they were of the opinion that they wouldn't keep a Cosworth outside of a Garage, due to rust and risk of theft. A couple were stolen very close to me earlier this year and never seen again, likely stripped for parts. And thats the danger of having a car worth more in parts than as a whole, when there is still a huge collectors and enthusiasts scene. One quote from the insurers was that if I bought a car for £5000, it could be stripped for at least £7500 in parts...! That and constant worry about it put me off, as did the thought of wheel clamping my car every time I parked it.
To that end, I dropped the Cosworth idea. I looked at the MR2 Turbo after seeing the thread about MR2s in the GG thread. I liked the look of the, and the idea of RWD and a turbo appealed. I had a look at them, and the one I liked most turned out to be relatively close to me, hence I went and bought it! I've driven it home in the dry today and it feels a lot more stable there, I managed to wind up some boost on a couple of dual carriageways coming home and it feels wonderful and sounds incredible. If you're a person who loves to hear the sounds their car makes, the MR2 turbo is a joy. The whistle and sucking noises of the turbo, the rasp of the twin cam, the burble of the exhaust on the overrun; it's addictive! Makes up for the crap stereo, though I might replace that at some point.
Mods wise, the car is almost stock. There are no engine mods, other than the HKS Turbo Timer mounted on the steering wheel mount. The paperwork includes a Japanese Tein adjustable coilover receipt and manual, so it could well have those fitted. It looks about standard in terms of ride height, so maybe they're on a just not lowered? Aside from that, it's all standard.
I'm going to get some new tyres on it, as the Potenzas on it currently are looking a little worn. Are there any that come recommend? The Uniroyal Rainsports seem to be a favourite.
marky911 said:
Interesting comments re the Cosworth. I didn't know they were still bad but they sound like a mare. Probably due to wanting to keep it outside too mind.
The MR2s are great cars. They feel way more special than their price tag suggests and pop up lights still rock!
Someone mentioned 30mpg but, I think you'll be lucky to get that very often. 12-13 years ago I was getting about 60 mile to a tenner so it's going to be much less now.
I'd say low 20s if commuting in town or round the doors.
If you're ever stuck for a part my mate Chris runs "GTS Chris.com". Based in Bedlington and Cramlington. Does tuning parts and busts dozens of cars a month for good used standard parts.
One more thing to note always run wider wheels/tyres on the rear. It's how the car was designed. We used to see the boyracers fitting Halfords style rims, all the same width. It's not wise.
Enjoy the car! Like I say white Rev3s look ace!
Well, even if I had a grage I'd have been put off the Cosworth. I was given a recommendation of drilling in 4 mounts into my garage floor and chaining the car up! A colleage of mine uses his Escort Cosworth every day, but it never gets parked anywhere other than his garage and a secure car park at work. The MR2s are great cars. They feel way more special than their price tag suggests and pop up lights still rock!
Someone mentioned 30mpg but, I think you'll be lucky to get that very often. 12-13 years ago I was getting about 60 mile to a tenner so it's going to be much less now.
I'd say low 20s if commuting in town or round the doors.
If you're ever stuck for a part my mate Chris runs "GTS Chris.com". Based in Bedlington and Cramlington. Does tuning parts and busts dozens of cars a month for good used standard parts.
One more thing to note always run wider wheels/tyres on the rear. It's how the car was designed. We used to see the boyracers fitting Halfords style rims, all the same width. It's not wise.
Enjoy the car! Like I say white Rev3s look ace!
But yes, the MR2 does feel very special for the amount it cost me. Pound for pound, it slays my old MX5. That car was no dog, and this takes a little more fuel but is so much more special. I was getting stares from pedestrians and headlight flashes from oncomers who obviously like these sporty little Japanese cars. I've also had a chance to test out the turbo in the dry, and it's fantastic. It's very, very quick! And the handling is great too. I love how heavy the wheel feels in my hands, my Volvo had very noticeably assisted steering, which was very light for such a big car. Going to a small car with heavy, vibrant steering seemed a little odd at first but it's an enjoyable sensation. Every detail of the road works it's way to you through the steering and the suspension, which is always appreciated in a car like this.
Mine seems to have had a sensible owner, as the back wheels are 225's and the front are 195's. I imagine the handling balance would be quite compromised with a set of Halfraud wheels and same-size tyres!
I've got a three hour round trip to Wetherby tomorrow, down the A1 so I'm waiting to see how that will be. I expect it will be quite tiring, but we'll see. If I get settled down into 5th gear and cruise along with something good on Radio 4 it should be alright. Makes me think I should have kept the Volvo a few more days, but then when I think of how enjoyable it is just driving to and from work I am reminded I made the right choice! The Volvo was so comfortable and capable, but this is raw and exciting.
I could also go on about how this is a much better can than the MX5 too, I might have a think about that and post some thoughts later.
Well, I am quite impressed with how this has handled it's long motorway trek. It was a three hour journey, which is fairly unusual for one of my cars, which tend to see local use and B roads. But it handled things well, and even the wind and road noise wasn't too much trouble. The seats are supremely comfortable for a sports car, a tough seat combined with the rock hard suspension would make for a real kidney-puncher. The seats are firm, snug and supportive, but most importantly they are well cushioned! They also feel a lot more ergonomically pleasing than the MX5 seats, which I never really found that comfy.
It was quite a bit more relaxed on the motorway than my MX5 was. My MX5 had the 5-speed gearbox, and was doing something like 4200rpm on the motorway, which was wearing quite quickly as the insistent noise permeated the whole car, combined with huge amounts of wind noise. The MR2 was cruising somewhere in the 3000rpm range at 70mph, 3400rpm if memory serves. That's about as economical as things seemed to get, and it took me a surprising amount of petrol to get there and back. I wasn't even on the turbo that much! The turbo plays a nice supporting role, even on the motorway, providing a ready response even in 5th gear for overtakes, though it was often not needed.
As for further thoughts regarding the MX5, it is quite simply better in every way. The steering is noticeably heavier, the pedals are better spaced and there is much more room in the footwell. The foot rest next to the clutch can actually be used in the MR2, whereas in the MX5 I always feared that if I used the foot rest I'd get my size 11 trainer caught under the pedal. I suppose if you had smaller feet this might not be an issue! The interior is of a much higher quality, even down to the carpeted doors, it just feels as though more care has gone into designing the MR2. It's a far more entertaining experience, as while the MX5 is fun, especially when you get the momentum going between corners, it lacks the flair and excitement of the MR2. With the turbo on hand to provide more power than you could ever wish for on these roads, your attention is constantly honed to a pin-sharp level and it is utterly engaging. Both cars felt like they had the potential to step out of line though, but the MX5 is the far better starting place for someone new to RWD cars, particularly low slung two seaters.
On the case of values of the two cars, the MX5 cost me more, though I did spend time hunting out the best one I could. The MR2 is definitely the hidden gem of the two. It's far more rewarding for a keen driver, though it's not for everyone. I wouldn't recommend a casual driver getting in the MR2 Turbo, as it has the potential to cause mischief very quickly, especially in the wet. If you're looking for a special, cheap-ish sports car, I'd go for the MR2. The mid-engine, RWD and bags of turbo power make it feel like something very special indeed. Actually, I suppose thats a self-fulfilling statement, because it is very special indeed.
One last point, likely controversial, is that the MR2 has a better gear shift than the MX5. I suspect mine has had a short shifter conversion, as the throw is very, very small indeed. Once you've learned the muscle memory of the shift, they fall naturally beneath your hand and give even more tactile satisfaction than the MX5 box. The small, golf ball sized gear stick head is a bit more pleasing on the palm than the MX5 stick too.
It was quite a bit more relaxed on the motorway than my MX5 was. My MX5 had the 5-speed gearbox, and was doing something like 4200rpm on the motorway, which was wearing quite quickly as the insistent noise permeated the whole car, combined with huge amounts of wind noise. The MR2 was cruising somewhere in the 3000rpm range at 70mph, 3400rpm if memory serves. That's about as economical as things seemed to get, and it took me a surprising amount of petrol to get there and back. I wasn't even on the turbo that much! The turbo plays a nice supporting role, even on the motorway, providing a ready response even in 5th gear for overtakes, though it was often not needed.
As for further thoughts regarding the MX5, it is quite simply better in every way. The steering is noticeably heavier, the pedals are better spaced and there is much more room in the footwell. The foot rest next to the clutch can actually be used in the MR2, whereas in the MX5 I always feared that if I used the foot rest I'd get my size 11 trainer caught under the pedal. I suppose if you had smaller feet this might not be an issue! The interior is of a much higher quality, even down to the carpeted doors, it just feels as though more care has gone into designing the MR2. It's a far more entertaining experience, as while the MX5 is fun, especially when you get the momentum going between corners, it lacks the flair and excitement of the MR2. With the turbo on hand to provide more power than you could ever wish for on these roads, your attention is constantly honed to a pin-sharp level and it is utterly engaging. Both cars felt like they had the potential to step out of line though, but the MX5 is the far better starting place for someone new to RWD cars, particularly low slung two seaters.
On the case of values of the two cars, the MX5 cost me more, though I did spend time hunting out the best one I could. The MR2 is definitely the hidden gem of the two. It's far more rewarding for a keen driver, though it's not for everyone. I wouldn't recommend a casual driver getting in the MR2 Turbo, as it has the potential to cause mischief very quickly, especially in the wet. If you're looking for a special, cheap-ish sports car, I'd go for the MR2. The mid-engine, RWD and bags of turbo power make it feel like something very special indeed. Actually, I suppose thats a self-fulfilling statement, because it is very special indeed.
One last point, likely controversial, is that the MR2 has a better gear shift than the MX5. I suspect mine has had a short shifter conversion, as the throw is very, very small indeed. Once you've learned the muscle memory of the shift, they fall naturally beneath your hand and give even more tactile satisfaction than the MX5 box. The small, golf ball sized gear stick head is a bit more pleasing on the palm than the MX5 stick too.
I think a big part of the attraction for me is that it's still a fairly standard car. I hear the engines are easily tuned, but to be honest it's more than powerful enough for you get a huge amount of enjoyment from on our roads. As I was driving back from work this morning I got caught behind a dawdler on a NSL road and quickly powered off on an overtake from second gear upwards. It was just effortless, and I was in love.
Having just drove this home from work in the rain, it has again provided much enjoyment. The stereo is knackered though. It will switch on, but no sound is coming out. Previously, this could be fixed by fiddling with the buttons but now it seems f
ked. Still, it's a pretty stty stereo so it will be coming out and a new one going in when funds allow. Thats not an immediate concern though, as the soundtrack of the rasping twin cam and the dramatic turbo noises are more than enough to entertain; they are positively addictive and make it all the more appealing to find that space and open the taps.
Over the last week, I've become accustomed to the car, getting to know it much better. I've got the throttle sensitivity nailed now, whereas previously I was prone to heavy footed advances on the gas, leading to jerky boost and lumpy downshifts, I now feel at one with it. Forget the MX5, this is Jinba Ittai. I think my leaden right foot had developed over the course of Volvo ownership, which had a very slow electronic throttle. This made my usual double de-clutched downshifts slow and ponderous, with plenty of time in neutral to give the revs a chance to rise. In the MR2, the downshifts are extremely fluid and quick, even when double de-clutching, and they really add to the stability of the car. The throttle response is razor sharp, and the pedal is pleasingly weighted. I say weighted, not stiff, as it is perfectly smooth to engage but takes a good positive pressure to work. The car is a tactile joy, the power steering is perfectly judged giving a heavy, stable feel at low speeds and lightening into a smooth and supple experience when you're carrying some pace.
I'll soon be introducing myself to the local MR2 Turbo specialists (GTS Chris in Cramlington/Bedlington) to see if he can sort out the faded LED's in the instrument cluster.
ked. Still, it's a pretty stty stereo so it will be coming out and a new one going in when funds allow. Thats not an immediate concern though, as the soundtrack of the rasping twin cam and the dramatic turbo noises are more than enough to entertain; they are positively addictive and make it all the more appealing to find that space and open the taps.Over the last week, I've become accustomed to the car, getting to know it much better. I've got the throttle sensitivity nailed now, whereas previously I was prone to heavy footed advances on the gas, leading to jerky boost and lumpy downshifts, I now feel at one with it. Forget the MX5, this is Jinba Ittai. I think my leaden right foot had developed over the course of Volvo ownership, which had a very slow electronic throttle. This made my usual double de-clutched downshifts slow and ponderous, with plenty of time in neutral to give the revs a chance to rise. In the MR2, the downshifts are extremely fluid and quick, even when double de-clutching, and they really add to the stability of the car. The throttle response is razor sharp, and the pedal is pleasingly weighted. I say weighted, not stiff, as it is perfectly smooth to engage but takes a good positive pressure to work. The car is a tactile joy, the power steering is perfectly judged giving a heavy, stable feel at low speeds and lightening into a smooth and supple experience when you're carrying some pace.
I'll soon be introducing myself to the local MR2 Turbo specialists (GTS Chris in Cramlington/Bedlington) to see if he can sort out the faded LED's in the instrument cluster.
I would have another. They are a superb buy, very cheap, reasonable to insure.
On the downside, they are thirsty (my current 4.2 V8 steed is not much thirstier - if at all!), and they can rust quickly. When I got mine I hadn't spotted a tiny scrape on the bottom of the driver's door that had been painted over. That really rusted quickly in the winter. Across the space of about 3 months, it grew rapidly. I was planning on getting it sorted but sold the car before doing so.
Aside from that, there was so much to like about. I never did get the faded LED in the dash fixed. That meant it could be difficult to see an indicated 30mph at night when cars were coming towards you, but aside from that it was a quibble. I used to love watching the boost gauge too, particularly on full bore upshifts.
It wasn't the best car to commute in though. Very comfortable to sit in, but the clutch was heavy and sometimes when you finished work in the early hours of the morning, you just wanted to fly home to bed in comfort. The MR2 was always demanding if you were looking to make progress, and in some places, it just couldn't make progress as quickly as say, the TT, Impreza and A8 that have followed it. Great for a weekend car though.
On the downside, they are thirsty (my current 4.2 V8 steed is not much thirstier - if at all!), and they can rust quickly. When I got mine I hadn't spotted a tiny scrape on the bottom of the driver's door that had been painted over. That really rusted quickly in the winter. Across the space of about 3 months, it grew rapidly. I was planning on getting it sorted but sold the car before doing so.
Aside from that, there was so much to like about. I never did get the faded LED in the dash fixed. That meant it could be difficult to see an indicated 30mph at night when cars were coming towards you, but aside from that it was a quibble. I used to love watching the boost gauge too, particularly on full bore upshifts.
It wasn't the best car to commute in though. Very comfortable to sit in, but the clutch was heavy and sometimes when you finished work in the early hours of the morning, you just wanted to fly home to bed in comfort. The MR2 was always demanding if you were looking to make progress, and in some places, it just couldn't make progress as quickly as say, the TT, Impreza and A8 that have followed it. Great for a weekend car though.
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