MR2 Roadster - A Tale Of Woe, Maybe...
Discussion
Quick update, a few things have happened lately.
Firstly, a couple of months ago the battery gave up so I replaced that.
Then a few weeks later it was replaced again under warranty as it wasn't holding a charge.
Then the alternator gave up, which is quite a fiddly job to change due to its location and involves the removal of the right hand engine mount.
Before that I had to move the charcoal canister and its bracket, and both mounting bolts for the bracket snapped, so that just sort of hangs there now.
And since then the stereo won't switch on and there's an electrical drain somewhere so I've just been pulling the battery earth lead off every time I leave the car for more than an hour or so.
The rear window is making a bid for freedom from the hood.
You can also see the misted windows from all the water that's still in the carpet.
And this morning I went through a huge puddle which ripped the engine undertray front mountings so it then dragged down the road and didn't do it much good!
That's now in the bin so the car is without its 'nappy' as it's known in MR2 circles.
It's slowly dying but keeps on going!
Firstly, a couple of months ago the battery gave up so I replaced that.
Then a few weeks later it was replaced again under warranty as it wasn't holding a charge.
Then the alternator gave up, which is quite a fiddly job to change due to its location and involves the removal of the right hand engine mount.
Before that I had to move the charcoal canister and its bracket, and both mounting bolts for the bracket snapped, so that just sort of hangs there now.
And since then the stereo won't switch on and there's an electrical drain somewhere so I've just been pulling the battery earth lead off every time I leave the car for more than an hour or so.
The rear window is making a bid for freedom from the hood.
You can also see the misted windows from all the water that's still in the carpet.
And this morning I went through a huge puddle which ripped the engine undertray front mountings so it then dragged down the road and didn't do it much good!
That's now in the bin so the car is without its 'nappy' as it's known in MR2 circles.
It's slowly dying but keeps on going!
Edited by Martin350 on Wednesday 15th January 16:42
You're now watching a knackered old car coming to the end of its life, ha! 
I forgot to mention also, the tyres (which are cheap rubbish ones that were on the car when I bought it) are also getting near the legal limit, and this morning I also had a slightly nerve wracking aquaplaning moment mid bend at about 55mph (in a 60 limit) which sent me slightly sideways with oncoming traffic which certainly got my attention!
Its MOT expires mid-April.
I'm in two minds whether to just call it a day on that date or source new tyres and put it through another MOT and run it through the summer.
I can't really see myself going through another winter with it.
If I do end up scrapping it there are some parts which I've replaced relatively recently (rear calipers, alternator, battery) that might be quite handy to keep hold of if I bought another MR2 to replace this one...
I forgot to mention also, the tyres (which are cheap rubbish ones that were on the car when I bought it) are also getting near the legal limit, and this morning I also had a slightly nerve wracking aquaplaning moment mid bend at about 55mph (in a 60 limit) which sent me slightly sideways with oncoming traffic which certainly got my attention!
Its MOT expires mid-April.
I'm in two minds whether to just call it a day on that date or source new tyres and put it through another MOT and run it through the summer.
I can't really see myself going through another winter with it.
If I do end up scrapping it there are some parts which I've replaced relatively recently (rear calipers, alternator, battery) that might be quite handy to keep hold of if I bought another MR2 to replace this one...
Ha, thanks, I've started having a look to see what tyres I could get.
My ex's MR2 was always on Bridgestones and they really inspired confidence in the wet, but a set of those would cost more than my car is worth!
But yes, with the worn out Sonars that are on mine it's like treading on egg shells!
My ex's MR2 was always on Bridgestones and they really inspired confidence in the wet, but a set of those would cost more than my car is worth!
But yes, with the worn out Sonars that are on mine it's like treading on egg shells!
I decided on Uniroyal Rainsport 3's for mine, they seem to suit it well and were a very decent price from Camskill (around £230 I think?).
Kind of wish I had shelled out the extra for the Yoko AD08R's though now, as I've decided to go down the full suspension refresh route, so would like to get it handling as good as possible.
Mine is a facelift on the OE staggered wheels though, which limits availability of tyres (matching sets anyway). You should have much more choice with the 15's all round.
Kind of wish I had shelled out the extra for the Yoko AD08R's though now, as I've decided to go down the full suspension refresh route, so would like to get it handling as good as possible.
Mine is a facelift on the OE staggered wheels though, which limits availability of tyres (matching sets anyway). You should have much more choice with the 15's all round.
I'm running budget Landsails on the rear (shock horror) and I daily my car in all weathers, and they are honestly fine. In fact I find in the wet the fronts lose grip well before the rears, which are Bridgestones so make of that what you will. I get understeer very quickly when turning sharp in the wet. Although, getting the tracking done has improved handling quite a lot, so the guys on MR2roc kept telling me.
OP, why don't you just book the MOT as it is, see how it goes, and then decide? It may be a difficult decision and you still have the parasitic fault to consider.. and the wet carpets wherever that may be from.
Does sound like some faff that you have been through with the battery and alternator. I bought mine needing the roof to be replaced so I have past that point but unfortunately you may be getting to the point where your's will need some attention.
OP, why don't you just book the MOT as it is, see how it goes, and then decide? It may be a difficult decision and you still have the parasitic fault to consider.. and the wet carpets wherever that may be from.
Does sound like some faff that you have been through with the battery and alternator. I bought mine needing the roof to be replaced so I have past that point but unfortunately you may be getting to the point where your's will need some attention.
mrtwisty said:
You should have much more choice with the 15's all round.
That is true.I have been keeping an eye on ebay for a set of wheels and tyres, it might be a cheaper way of getting a set that I'll probably only need for less than a year and a couple of thousand miles (this isn't my only car).
B_Tank88 said:
I'm running budget Landsails on the rear (shock horror) and I daily my car in all weathers, and they are honestly fine. In fact I find in the wet the fronts lose grip well before the rears, which are Bridgestones so make of that what you will. I get understeer very quickly when turning sharp in the wet.
Interesting.The understeer in mine is horrendous, and quite annoying sometimes, but then the rear has just as little grip and can be quite hilarious and a lot of fun, even at very low speed.
B_Tank88 said:
OP, why don't you just book the MOT as it is, see how it goes, and then decide? It may be a difficult decision and you still have the parasitic fault to consider.. and the wet carpets wherever that may be from.
I'll probably re-MOT it soon before it expires mid April and see how it goes.For the electrical drain I just need to spend a bit of time with a mate, to pull fuses for me, as I check a multimeter at the battery.
I'm sure the water in the carpets is residual from before I unblocked the drain tubes, it's just not been warm enough lately for them to dry out. They might be ok by about August.
B_Tank88 said:
you may be getting to the point where your's will need some attention.
Haha, it's gone way past that point!Remember, I bought this car nearly four years ago for £922 and quickly sold the hard top for £350, so effectively £572.
It's now a disposable car as far as I'm concerned, but I'd like to enjoy another summer with it.
If only you knew someone constantly on the hunt for cheap bangers that could save you the hassle of buying tyres 
This would certainly be more interesting than my Jan or Feb sheds....
Love the colour!
This would certainly be more interesting than my Jan or Feb sheds....
Love the colour!
Edited by Toaster Pilot on Friday 17th January 12:38
Toaster Pilot said:
If only you knew someone constantly on the hunt for cheap bangers that could save you the hassle of buying tyres
This would certainly be more interesting than my Jan or Feb sheds....
Love the colour!
Haha, I don't think my conscience would let me sell this car, there's simply too much wrong with it! This would certainly be more interesting than my Jan or Feb sheds....
Love the colour!
Plus I still love it, and I drive it/park it where I wouldn't be comfortable to in my other cars and not worry about dents, scratches or bits falling off, it's stress free motoring.
I've bookmarked your thread which I shall read tonight with a bottle of red.
Thanks! When I was looking for one of these I only wanted one this colour, I love it too!
stew-STR160 said:
Tyres for the 2. I'm running Toyo R1-R, which I don't think are available anymore. I first ran them on my Elise a decade ago and found them to be great, and still do.
Once they're done, I'm considering Federal 595RS-R. My friend runs them on his 2 all year round.
Thanks for the suggestions.Once they're done, I'm considering Federal 595RS-R. My friend runs them on his 2 all year round.
When this one eventually goes I will quite probably buy another, preferably a facelift car in good condition, and I would want it on at least half decent rubber.
Toaster Pilot said:
I didn’t even know they came in this colour, certainly never seen one!
It's always been my favourite MR2 Roadster colour, it's a shame Toyota dropped it for the facelift models.There used to be another green one around Maidstone but not seen it for at least a year.
danllama said:
Landsail's on the back of my roadster too (cheers PO) and i honestly can't fault them, and i don't drive like miss daisy! 
Interesting about the Landsails, again.I just looked online, they're not the cheapest tyre in that size, but by no means the dearest, of course.
I'll keep those in mind then.
Craikeybaby said:
I didn’t realise you had a Roadster too.
I’m in the market for tyres for my facelift Roadster. As had the car 6 years and not replaced tyres yet.
Yes I picked it up in June to use as a fun daily, and as dull as the 1zz is I cannot fault it for my usage! And best of all it keeps the miles off the Mk2 and I don't care too much if it gets dings or dinks I’m in the market for tyres for my facelift Roadster. As had the car 6 years and not replaced tyres yet.
That said the little rascal is growing on me and I've started looking at wheels/suspension etc
If you've not replaced the tyres in 6 years you probably should! You'll probably notice the difference
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