RE: SOTW: Toyota MR2
Discussion
I own in a skewed way a SOTW feature car.....Anyone who's thinking of buying one, there's nothing to lose ! Easy to work on (access can be an issue if powerfully built
)Engines are pretty bullit proof and will take abuse all day long like ours does.
The snap oversteer isn't an issue I've experienced in ours or the standard road going one I've driven, a slide is more than provokable though. Just respect the drive train layout and it really is fine.
405dogvan said:
soad said:
Turbo makes more sense over n/a, shirley?
I don't get why any driver would actually want a turbo - more power, yes - spiky, unpredictable delivery, NOand believe me, not much is spikier than an MR2 Turbo this side of a Saab 99
wackojacko said:
I own in a skewed way a SOTW feature car.....Anyone who's thinking of buying one, there's nothing to lose ! Easy to work on (access can be an issue if powerfully built
)Engines are pretty bullit proof and will take abuse all day long like ours does.
The snap oversteer isn't an issue I've experienced in ours or the standard road going one I've driven, a slide is more than provokable though. Just respect the drive train layout and it really is fine.
I can't think of many other cars whose reputation and value has been so damaged by a 'hairdresser' image and container ship loads of dodgy imports, they're an absolute bargain IMHO. Hot hatch money, hot hatch running costs (mostly), hot hatch reliability but much better to drive.
I bought one about 8 years ago when they still had a little value (although not much).
I'd have one again if I had the room. From what I can remember T-Bars leak and squeak, but they come with leather and obviously the t-bar, the later they get, the nicer they look and more power they have, but the heavier they get. They take an unusual sized rear tyre that makes them more expensive than the average, that's why you see so many with horrible Chinese tyres on the back and why some people think they're tricky to drive.
I think they're better than a contemporary MX-5 - there, I said it.
I bought one about 8 years ago when they still had a little value (although not much).
I'd have one again if I had the room. From what I can remember T-Bars leak and squeak, but they come with leather and obviously the t-bar, the later they get, the nicer they look and more power they have, but the heavier they get. They take an unusual sized rear tyre that makes them more expensive than the average, that's why you see so many with horrible Chinese tyres on the back and why some people think they're tricky to drive.
I think they're better than a contemporary MX-5 - there, I said it.
This whole Rev1 suspension arse-biter thing is up there with Nikasil and Audi's 100k mile imploding gearbox stories. OK so there may be some anecdotal evidence but it's really a bit of a non-issue.
I abused my Rev 1 like a scouser car thief scrote, and it never so much as slid. The only difference worth talking about is the cooler rear lights (Rev 3 onwards)
Even with slicks in fresh snow, it was ultra controllable.
I abused my Rev 1 like a scouser car thief scrote, and it never so much as slid. The only difference worth talking about is the cooler rear lights (Rev 3 onwards)
Even with slicks in fresh snow, it was ultra controllable.
405dogvan said:
soad said:
Turbo makes more sense over n/a, shirley?
I don't get why any driver would actually want a turbo - more power, yes - spiky, unpredictable delivery, NOand believe me, not much is spikier than an MR2 Turbo this side of a Saab 99
P-Jay said:
I can't think of many other cars whose reputation and value has been so damaged by a 'hairdresser' image and container ship loads of dodgy imports, they're an absolute bargain IMHO. Hot hatch money, hot hatch running costs (mostly), hot hatch reliability but much better to drive.
Yeah that. It does mean that you can now pick up tidy examples (much better than the one shown) for easily sub-£2k that will provide relatively trouble-free, fun motoring, whilst still being practical and good for touring. They really are relatively under-rated in performance car circles for not being quite as sharp to drive as the mk1, and being heavy (but now considered relatively light in comparison to most modern warm hatches.). They really get under your skin once you've owned a good example (I can attest to this..)Had a mk1 t-bar. great car but was rusty even then (5 years old). Black mk2 was a brilliant car, but did spin it twice on slippery roads. You could feel the engine rolling the back of the car when cracking on a bit. 135mph, 28mpg, comfy. Wouldn't hesitate if I were in the market for a cheap fun car that could do it all - apart from carry kiddies...
Iceman82 said:
wackojacko said:
I own in a skewed way a SOTW feature car.....Anyone who's thinking of buying one, there's nothing to lose ! Easy to work on (access can be an issue if powerfully built
)Engines are pretty bullit proof and will take abuse all day long like ours does.
The snap oversteer isn't an issue I've experienced in ours or the standard road going one I've driven, a slide is more than provokable though. Just respect the drive train layout and it really is fine.
I'd suggest an N/a then if you really want power then go for a turbo. Turbos are abit more excitable than the N/a's.
You've got 7500rpm to play with a lovely gearbox. A proper alignment and Toyo T1r's all round would be my best advice. 205 F and 225 R.
Running costs are minimal, of you can Weald a spanner you'll pay nothing in running costs, a service can be had for a standard £140ish. Everything is relatively straight forward other than a Cambelt change which will be abit expensive due to the limited access.
wackojacko said:
I have never driven one daily ( I will be driving our stripped out one for work next week though) yep they will sit fine on a motorway run, comfortable place to be if a little on the cosy side.
I'd suggest an N/a then if you really want power then go for a turbo. Turbos are abit more excitable than the N/a's.
You've got 7500rpm to play with a lovely gearbox. A proper alignment and Toyo T1r's all round would be my best advice. 205 F and 225 R.
Running costs are minimal, of you can Weald a spanner you'll pay nothing in running costs, a service can be had for a standard £140ish. Everything is relatively straight forward other than a Cambelt change which will be abit expensive due to the limited access.
Thanks mate, appreciate the info. Worth a look then I think.I'd suggest an N/a then if you really want power then go for a turbo. Turbos are abit more excitable than the N/a's.
You've got 7500rpm to play with a lovely gearbox. A proper alignment and Toyo T1r's all round would be my best advice. 205 F and 225 R.
Running costs are minimal, of you can Weald a spanner you'll pay nothing in running costs, a service can be had for a standard £140ish. Everything is relatively straight forward other than a Cambelt change which will be abit expensive due to the limited access.
Out of interest, what's the mpg like?
Iceman82 said:
Wackojacko, what are they like as a day to day driver? I need to get something for commuting. Mainly motorway which will be snarled up in the mornings but perhaps a little clearer by the time I leave the office. Was thinking about an N/A. What are the running costs like?
I run a Rev4 NA as my only car. On the motorway, I have seen the other side of 35MPG on a long run (Staffordshire to Scotland), but on average its 30 to 32MPG. Drops a lot round town. I find it very comfortable on a long journey (much more so than my other half 02 Beetle), and the once settled down at 70 to 80mph its actually pretty quiet even with aftermarket intake / exhaust.
You aren't going to win the traffic light GP in the NA model, but that's not what it's about. It's got a nice driving position that sits you nice and low to the ground, a great feeling gearbox, and a revvy engine that makes its power at about 7kRPM. It's fun with the roof off on an empty twisty road!
Just sold my 2 owner (including myself) Dealer serviced rev 4 Azure blue UK car for 650 due to high motorway miles (225k) Couldnt give it away. Best car ive had by far. Dont skimp on rear tyres EVER. It will bite you. Bought an rx8 now but miss the fun of the mr2. 100k in 7 years, maybe a grand or so in costs but all consumables over that time.
SonicShadow said:
I run a Rev4 NA as my only car. On the motorway, I have seen the other side of 35MPG on a long run (Staffordshire to Scotland), but on average its 30 to 32MPG. Drops a lot round town.
I find it very comfortable on a long journey (much more so than my other half 02 Beetle), and the once settled down at 70 to 80mph its actually pretty quiet even with aftermarket intake / exhaust.
You aren't going to win the traffic light GP in the NA model, but that's not what it's about. It's got a nice driving position that sits you nice and low to the ground, a great feeling gearbox, and a revvy engine that makes its power at about 7kRPM. It's fun with the roof off on an empty twisty road!
Thanks SonicShadow. Another great bit of info to help convince me that I should get one! I find it very comfortable on a long journey (much more so than my other half 02 Beetle), and the once settled down at 70 to 80mph its actually pretty quiet even with aftermarket intake / exhaust.
You aren't going to win the traffic light GP in the NA model, but that's not what it's about. It's got a nice driving position that sits you nice and low to the ground, a great feeling gearbox, and a revvy engine that makes its power at about 7kRPM. It's fun with the roof off on an empty twisty road!
Iceman82 said:
Wackojacko, what are they like as a day to day driver? I need to get something for commuting. Mainly motorway which will be snarled up in the mornings but perhaps a little clearer by the time I leave the office. Was thinking about an N/A. What are the running costs like?
Drove mine as my daily for the 4 years or so that I had it. Its not like a Caterham where you have to ask "Could I live with it day to day?" - its just a normal car with 2 seats really.Often drove 5 hours plus, motorways, dual carriageways etc - very comfortable, no issues there. Would (and probably will) buy another.
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