RE: Toyota MR2: PH Carpool
Discussion
I've had one and to be honest whilst I appreciated the honesty of the little thing, it was not exciting in any way and was completely underpowered. The build quality was ok but so in readily dull inside and having driven both Mk1 and 2 MX5s, it's not a patch on either of them. I simply don't buy the comment about the Mr2 turbo having driven several of these too.
The mr2 is a cutesy little car that holds a candle to very little in the way of real sports cars. For the £2-3k that you could easily buy one of these for you could get an older S2000, Civic Type R, MX5, Rev 3 MR2 Turbo, Celica Turbo, etc. are we sure he isn't a hairdresser?
The mr2 is a cutesy little car that holds a candle to very little in the way of real sports cars. For the £2-3k that you could easily buy one of these for you could get an older S2000, Civic Type R, MX5, Rev 3 MR2 Turbo, Celica Turbo, etc. are we sure he isn't a hairdresser?
V6GT said:
deadmau5 said:
7.2 seconds to 60 isn't too bad.
Surprised by that figure actually. I was expecting at least 8+.aki1987 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.
The Wife and I successfully toured the UK in ours for a week, taking a large tent, cooking equipment, suitable clothing for all weathers and occasions. We didn't even take the spare wheel out.The storage space is not terrible.
deadmau5 said:
V6GT said:
deadmau5 said:
7.2 seconds to 60 isn't too bad.
Surprised by that figure actually. I was expecting at least 8+.On a bad start, a fat brother in the car, and on ditch finders managed 7.6, some people claim 6.9 - which is probably the best you could get out of it without putting a pair of r888s or the like on it!
I think 7.2 is a fair representation of its speed, it feels swift up to 100ish then the 138 feels the strain.
But the dynamics are awesome, and that's what its all about.
With regard to the mazda,
Jethro from EVO has often said its far better than the mk2 mx5, not sure what people say about it vs the mk1, but most people who have driven both say the MR2 is better than the mk2 there was even a Pistonhead review which said as much!
Im not sure how little room chris needs in a car, but its not practical!
I have one. It is much better than two mx5 I had previously... It is completly different car to mr2 mk2 which i also owned before, MK2 mr2 feel so heavy and "dull" handling. This MK3 feel very very alive, it really respond to you. The gearbox are very close ratio, so it feel quite short.
It is most fun car i ever owned, and i owned many fun cars. I have no problem with storage space, it is bit small yes but I dont carry passanger...
It is most fun car i ever owned, and i owned many fun cars. I have no problem with storage space, it is bit small yes but I dont carry passanger...
vrooom said:
I have one. It is much better than two mx5 I had previously... It is completly different car to mr2 mk2 which i also owned before, MK2 mr2 feel so heavy and "dull" handling. This MK3 feel very very alive, it really respond to you. The gearbox are very close ratio, so it feel quite short.
It is most fun car i ever owned, and i owned many fun cars. I have no problem with storage space, it is bit small yes but I dont carry passanger...
To be fair on the MX5, most examples require work to sharpen them up a bit to factory fresh e.g. full four wheel alignment, gear linkange replacement, replacement steering wheels.It is most fun car i ever owned, and i owned many fun cars. I have no problem with storage space, it is bit small yes but I dont carry passanger...
I've done the above on mine and the car is feeling more transformed each time I carry out some work to return it to as fresh as possible.
Most MX5's are dogs in terms of condition, and it's interesting to note that the MX5 Chris Harris reviewed wasn't in particularly good shape (worn suspension & gear linkage just for starters).
Best regards,
Matt
My wife bought one 18 months old with 20k on it, then when she moved onto an S2000 i took it off her cos i couldn't bring myself to sell it. It is now 9 years old with 131k on it. I would absolutely recommend one to anyone, the handling is incredible, the steering and suspension are spot on. I normally get 300 miles to a tank (40 litres = 8.8 gallons = 34mpg) however i drive like a maniac. I normally find i have to buy new rear tyres every 10 months (bridgestones £110 each) the insurance is group 11 so very cheap. Whilst it isn't as quick as most TTs Z4s and Boxsters on a dry road you will give them a lot of problems and you have much lower running costs. The clutch lasted until 110k it has also had a new radiator and water pump. Other than that nothing has had to be replaced it is even on the same headlight bulbs. If you have more cash to burn you are probably better off going down the Z4 / boxster road but for driving a sports car on a budget these things are amazing.
BeirutTaxi said:
kambites said:
One of my favourite modern cars; far more fun than many objectively "better" sports cars.
Very much "80% of an Elise for 30% of the price".
Kambites - Since you always come across as someone who likes 'pure' drivers cars, I'm interested to know your opinion on the MX5 Very much "80% of an Elise for 30% of the price".
Matt
deadmau5 said:
Andy ap said:
Does that say midship runabout?
Er O.K. I didn't know that's what the 'MR' stood for, there now a whole lot less appealing with such a dour statement embossed in plastic in the car.
I think it's some Japanese term that didn't translate very well.Er O.K. I didn't know that's what the 'MR' stood for, there now a whole lot less appealing with such a dour statement embossed in plastic in the car.
McAndy said:
The Wife and I successfully toured the UK in ours for a week, taking a large tent, cooking equipment, suitable clothing for all weathers and occasions. We didn't even take the spare wheel out.
The storage space is not terrible.
Really?? Did you use the space under the hood storage compartment? The storage space is not terrible.
Mine had the hardtop on when we went, and there was literally no more space left with two rucksacks and a handbag!
redroadster said:
Worthwhile looking at if you want a reliable fun car, has anybody got a fast one/modified ?
There are loads of them out there with modifications; turbos, 2zz and beyond. I believe a 200 / 240hp turbo version will manage something like 0 - 60 in 5.7 / 5 which really changes things.aki1987 said:
McAndy said:
The Wife and I successfully toured the UK in ours for a week, taking a large tent, cooking equipment, suitable clothing for all weathers and occasions. We didn't even take the spare wheel out.
The storage space is not terrible.
Really?? Did you use the space under the hood storage compartment? The storage space is not terrible.
Mine had the hardtop on when we went, and there was literally no more space left with two rucksacks and a handbag!
paulmaurice99 said:
They weigh around 950kg, have phenomenal traction, corner faster than most of us would want to... They're fast enough. But that's missing the point really...
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 turbo kit doesn't really change the handling balance I don't think - if it didn't cost the same as the total value of the car I'd probably have one on mine. Or the 190bhp 2ZZ conversion.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 thing I like about it is it's the only insurance friendly, reasonable running costs mid engined car you can buy. I'd like an Elise or VX220, but it's much more money.
I've had mine over 6 and a half years now.
It's modified with coilovers, intake, exhaust, cams, lightened flywheel, 16" alloys, bracing.
With the Apexi ecu it's putting down 170bhp and it's quite entertaining.
I have driven probably every flavour of turbo kit attached to this little sportscar and they make for quite potent performance, some are designed to boost low end torque while reaching 200bhp, and others are more attack-orientated producing 260bhp upwards ... they can feel quite brutal when you hit the go pedal with the engine pushing the rear wheels into the tarmac.
It's a two seater mid-engined sportscar so practicality is obviously not what it's aimed at ... saying that when I bought mine I used to go for trips on a motorbike so figured packing wouldn't be that much of a challenge. As a single person I've had two weeks away crossing Europe and staying in Tuscany, packing was fine and there was stuff I ended up not needing ... you just need to plan your packing "efficiently".
I did test drive the MK3 MX5, Z3 2.2, they just weren't involving enough for me.
I was sold on mid-engined cars by having an Eddie Herbert experience day driving S2 Lotus Elise's, with the K-Series engine.
I wanted something that gave me close to that feel but a bit more robust and trustworthy.
Over 6 years later in the MR2 Roadster and I've personally driven 110,000 miles and enjoyed it all.
The car is getting older now, and obviously with that mileage starts needing extra care and maintenance, but it's excellent to work on. All panels bolt on and you can get to the engine for major work probably easier than many front engined cars. The rear bumper comes off and you can then unbolt quite a bit and drop the engine out the back.
Things to watch for are;
Oil use, they have a habit of using oil at high mileage or the cars that haven't been maintained painstakingly. Oil rings are the main problem, fix before anything else goes wrong. Engine rebuilds can cost anything up to £2000 depending how picky you are, but a build half engine from Toyota is around £700 ... that's not shoddy at all.
Rear suspension cross-beam, the exhaust passes very close to it and more than a few have rotted from the inside. Replacement item from Toyota is around £260. Considering it's structure and importance, again that's not really bad.
6-Speed gearboxes get whiney in high mileages, probably more to do with a lack of oil changes. Usually 3rd bearings(most used for hooning), or final drive bearings. Both fixable before they let go.
Cam chains and tensioners last over 100K miles, even more unless the car's been well caned. It's fiddly to replace but possible with engine in place.
The Universal Joint at the bottom end ot the steering column is pretty exposed and on high mileage cars can start to fail giving a yes-no-yes feel to steering. Preventative greasing is the best option but there are specialists who will replace it for £60-£80.
Good upgrades are;
Braided brake lines, decent pads, and good quality brake fluid ... the brakes are damned good when looked after. Just compare the size of the disks with your average MGF/TF!
Underbody brace or the smaller breastplate.
Strut top braces.
They all add subtle but telling strengths to an already very capable chassis.
The car is highly sensitive to tyre choice and pressure ... it causes endless discussion and arguments, but I've found keeping the tyre stagger and same make & model all-round is best.
The main thing about cars like this and the Lotus is maintaining momentum. They're not over-engined but you can keep any speed you've earned through the corner better than many other cars. Whenever I drive it, it feels special, you feel very much "in the zone" and enjoy every moment.
I'm back off to Tuscany next summer, I'll be in my Roadster with a number of friends, we will thoroughly enjoy ourselves
It's modified with coilovers, intake, exhaust, cams, lightened flywheel, 16" alloys, bracing.
With the Apexi ecu it's putting down 170bhp and it's quite entertaining.
I have driven probably every flavour of turbo kit attached to this little sportscar and they make for quite potent performance, some are designed to boost low end torque while reaching 200bhp, and others are more attack-orientated producing 260bhp upwards ... they can feel quite brutal when you hit the go pedal with the engine pushing the rear wheels into the tarmac.
It's a two seater mid-engined sportscar so practicality is obviously not what it's aimed at ... saying that when I bought mine I used to go for trips on a motorbike so figured packing wouldn't be that much of a challenge. As a single person I've had two weeks away crossing Europe and staying in Tuscany, packing was fine and there was stuff I ended up not needing ... you just need to plan your packing "efficiently".
I did test drive the MK3 MX5, Z3 2.2, they just weren't involving enough for me.
I was sold on mid-engined cars by having an Eddie Herbert experience day driving S2 Lotus Elise's, with the K-Series engine.
I wanted something that gave me close to that feel but a bit more robust and trustworthy.
Over 6 years later in the MR2 Roadster and I've personally driven 110,000 miles and enjoyed it all.
The car is getting older now, and obviously with that mileage starts needing extra care and maintenance, but it's excellent to work on. All panels bolt on and you can get to the engine for major work probably easier than many front engined cars. The rear bumper comes off and you can then unbolt quite a bit and drop the engine out the back.
Things to watch for are;
Oil use, they have a habit of using oil at high mileage or the cars that haven't been maintained painstakingly. Oil rings are the main problem, fix before anything else goes wrong. Engine rebuilds can cost anything up to £2000 depending how picky you are, but a build half engine from Toyota is around £700 ... that's not shoddy at all.
Rear suspension cross-beam, the exhaust passes very close to it and more than a few have rotted from the inside. Replacement item from Toyota is around £260. Considering it's structure and importance, again that's not really bad.
6-Speed gearboxes get whiney in high mileages, probably more to do with a lack of oil changes. Usually 3rd bearings(most used for hooning), or final drive bearings. Both fixable before they let go.
Cam chains and tensioners last over 100K miles, even more unless the car's been well caned. It's fiddly to replace but possible with engine in place.
The Universal Joint at the bottom end ot the steering column is pretty exposed and on high mileage cars can start to fail giving a yes-no-yes feel to steering. Preventative greasing is the best option but there are specialists who will replace it for £60-£80.
Good upgrades are;
Braided brake lines, decent pads, and good quality brake fluid ... the brakes are damned good when looked after. Just compare the size of the disks with your average MGF/TF!
Underbody brace or the smaller breastplate.
Strut top braces.
They all add subtle but telling strengths to an already very capable chassis.
The car is highly sensitive to tyre choice and pressure ... it causes endless discussion and arguments, but I've found keeping the tyre stagger and same make & model all-round is best.
The main thing about cars like this and the Lotus is maintaining momentum. They're not over-engined but you can keep any speed you've earned through the corner better than many other cars. Whenever I drive it, it feels special, you feel very much "in the zone" and enjoy every moment.
I'm back off to Tuscany next summer, I'll be in my Roadster with a number of friends, we will thoroughly enjoy ourselves
kambites said:
BeirutTaxi said:
kambites said:
One of my favourite modern cars; far more fun than many objectively "better" sports cars.
Very much "80% of an Elise for 30% of the price".
Kambites - Since you always come across as someone who likes 'pure' drivers cars, I'm interested to know your opinion on the MX5 Very much "80% of an Elise for 30% of the price".
Matt
Aren't mid engined cars typically 'twitchy' when compared to their front engined counterparts though?Matt
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