Toyota MR2: PH Carpool
Fun, fast, not an MX-5 ... but practical? Yes, says this week's Carpooler
Car: Toyota MR2 Roadster
Owned since: May 2012
Previously owned: Ford Puma, MR2 Mk2, MR2 Mk2 Turbo ... to name a few
Minimalist but all you need according to our man
"Having previously owned two Mk2s, I was familiar with the idea behind the Mk3 - less weight, more involvement. I loved both my Mk2s, however even my 275hp turbo didn't quite feel like a true sports car.
"About a year or so after selling the turbo, I was looking for something more 'back to basics' but still affordable to buy and run. Naturally I test drove an MX-5 (Mk2) but whilst very capable it didn't quite grab me for some reason. I then drove an MR2 Roadster and I knew that was what I was after. I immediately saw what the Mk3 boys had been going on about when saying there was no comparison between the second and third generations. I signed up to the Roadster Owners Club to find out all I could before looking at a few more examples. I then viewed a car in Preston owned by a member of the club. Deal done!"
What I wish I'd known:
"I did my homework before taking the plunge with a Roadster, and found out about the well-known issues such as the pre-cat problem. The car I bought had a stainless steel manifold fitted to replace the pre-cats, which gave me piece of mind and saved me having to buy and fit the part.
"Due to the age of all Roadsters now, there are inevitably some poor examples around. To anyone thinking of buying one, take your time and make sure you know what to look for." [Check out the PH Buying Guide here to do just that! - Ed.]
Owners' club swotting helped land a beauty
"Despite what you would think, I have found the Roadster to be a pretty capable 'everyday' car. I have used it year round, including hour-long commutes in the depths of winter, the weekly shop, long drives down to Wales, etc. OK, so it isn't the perfect car for such scenarios, but it dealt with them no problem which is all you can ask for from a rear-wheel drive two-seater.
"The Roadster's main selling point though is that when you want to press on it really is huge fun! The engine works well with the chassis rather than dominating the whole experience (like it did in the turbo), and everything is so much more mechanical and raw than in most cars today. The mechanical grip thanks to being mid-engined and having a limited-slip differential means it just clings on long after I have chickened out, and the level of feel through the steering wheel is something the Mk2s just did not have. Basically, it's the fun 'back to basics' sports car I wanted - and then some."
Things I hate:
"There have been times when my fiancé and I have been going away and I have wanted to take the Roadster, only to find there simply isn't enough space for us both plus the luggage. For most day to day situations there's plenty of space for a few small bags especially if you can use the passenger seat, but once you add a passenger in to the mix and a more serious luggage count, you're in trouble! Apparently the Roadster was intentionally designed this way so people couldn't ruin the weight distribution by cramming suitcases in to it!
"The engine isn't very torquey so you have to work it when you want to make serious progress, but then again isn't that how a sports car should be?"
Chris claims practicality - we're not convinced
"I have found running costs very reasonable. Because of their lack of weight you can get amazing mpg if you want to. Many on the Owners Club (myself included) regularly see well over 40 to the gallon. I use an independent garage to service the car and the cost is comparable to a typical saloon/hatchback. More in depth engine/gearbox/clutch work could prove more expensive however due to the more limited access to the engine. Parts from Toyota can vary from 'surprisingly reasonable' to 'excuse me?' so clubs and eBay are often the cheapest options."
Where I've been:
"As I live in North Yorkshire and near to the Lake District, I am lucky to have plenty of great roads nearby. I had great fun driving the Buttertubs Pass in early spring this year, and a roof-down drive with some remaining snow was something I will not forget in a hurry. I have plans to attack the Black Mountains with it too as they are on the doorstep of my soon-to-be in-laws! Other than that, I'll just see where I end up with the car and try to make the most of it!"
What next?
"At present I have no plans to sell the car. It does everything I need from it at the moment, and until that is no longer the case I intend to keep enjoying it as much as possible!"
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
Since I've fitted a new Nardi wheel, the steering feel is quite good and if you drive the car properly (i.e. keep the throttle on during cornering) it's got a balance of very controllable oversteer and suprising speed (even with Continental Eco Contact 5's on each corner).
Added to that, the ride is brilliant and I can fit a mountain bike in the passenger seat with wheels, track pump, Camelback, and rucksack in the boot.
In summary, The MX5 was the winner over the MR2 for me primarily because of the better ride, dirt cheap parts (e.g. £17 a brake disc), better space and cheaper price. However, fair play to anyone who did buy an MR2 as they can still be an excellent buy.
Best regards,
Matt
P.S> Watch out for early MK3 MR2's, I've heard the air intake can fail leading to severe repair bills.
Is it the same 1.8 engine as the one in the Celica? If so, which state of tune is it in, because they did 150 and 190bhp versions if I remember correctly? Either way, must be fun when the VVTLI kicks in in something that light.
Love the alloys too, non-standard?
Both can be used as a daily driver throughout the year, but the MX-5 would be better than the MR2 for that. As a cheap, fun, weekend car I'm really pleased with my MR2.
Is it the same 1.8 engine as the one in the Celica? If so, which state of tune is it in, because they did 150 and 190bhp versions if I remember correctly? Either way, must be fun when the VVTLI kicks in in something that light.
Love the alloys too, non-standard?
Standard alloys but repainted.
Having said that, there are plenty of turbocharged versions out there that are very quick... But not so well balanced, much like the OP said.
The storage space is terrible as per the OP - managed to get minimal stuff for a 2 nights away and that's probably the most you can go away for in this car.
Driving position is a bit questionable I find too - no matter how much I adjust the seats/ steering wheels either I'm too far away from the pedals or my hands get caught between my legs and the steering wheel!
Excellent little driver though - back in the summer I went out for a drive with a s2000 and a boxster and I wasn't too far behind in the twisties. All was surprised and they no longer called it a... hair dressers cars.
Very much "80% of an Elise for 30% of the price".
Matt
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