TRD's MR2 Roadster
Discussion
I've very nearly bought one of these before. I had a test drive of one in 2006, but couldn't really tell much about it from the test drive around a congested Darlington, but at least they were kind enough to let me out alone in it. The only thing I knew for certain was that it was not as fast as my Clio 182, but to be fair, the engine was belching out smoke by the end of the test drive, so I don't really think it was a fair comparison! 
Anyway, I never bought one then, I stuck with my 182, but I couldn't get the thought out of my mind so I went to see one. An MR-S import, it looked tired and abused. No thanks. Anyway just going on a random "mission" to look at cars, I stumbled upon a really tidy 98-spec JDM ITR. Well, that was that, I bought the teg and the MR2 was relegated to the "maybe next time". A few years later when I got rid of the teg because I wanted to try a RWD car, the MX5 was all the rage on PH, and I managed to find the "ultimate" Mk1, an RS Limited, so again the MR2 was overlooked.
A bit more recently, I very near considered PX'ing a 350Z to get something with cheaper running costs - yep thats the MR2 again, but the PX offer was rubbish and so it didn't happen. Then I ended up buying a Puma instead. I gave it a brief thought again when I had my FN2 CTR, but decided to spend more money and get the Z4 Coupe. A car I loved and always wanted to own.
The Z4 was a great car and I really enjoyed owning it, but I was about to be hit with a series of big bills at a time when I didn't have the money to pay for it and I am in the process of moving house. The MR2 finally had its chance when I moved the Z4 on, and I managed to get a facelift model for £2k in great condition. The price of these has never been lower, and on account of they "don't make cars like these anymore", I can't see them depreciating much further - they may actually go UP in price I believe - it also helps that some people seem to keep crashing them!
That I could get one for this price meant I could pay off a big credit card, and still have some money left over for a few modifications.
And boy am I glad I did. This car is absolutely the most hilarious car I've ever had. It is a scalpel sharp handler, very much like driving a big kart. Wherever you want it to go, it goes. The engine is a pretty coarse thing, but it enjoys being revved and gives a little bit of a "surge" at about 4,000 rpm - we're not talking a VTEC but still noticeable. The car actually feels quite fast considering that acceleration isn't their forte. It just doesn't seem to matter, I personally find the power just right for this car - and thats coming from a 287 bhp Z4. It is just such great fun to drive hard, and it well deserves its baby "Elise" moniker.
Here it is at Hartside on the way home from collecting it:
And here today on its first proper hoon. Apologies for roof not down but it was blowing almost storm forced winds out there!
I love it so much I think I will never sell it. It's just such a great character of a car. It makes my old Z4 not only seem like a blunt, poor handling car, but it also outshines it for pure character too in terms of the drive - the Z4 had a very much "grown up" vibe in comparison, and there was plenty of grip and it did handle OK for its weight, but thats about as complimentary as I can probably be. Its actually taken me to drive the MR2 to realise just how lacking that car was. The MR2 is simply a much more exciting drive and is an almost modern take an an old school rawness.
Plans for the future - well I drunkenly ordered a private plate the other day, all will be revealed when I get around to changing the plates but I think its quite a good one; is it easy enough to change the plates to square ones?
It's also booked in at Powerflow for a new cat back and to have the pre-cats gutted. After that, I'd quite like some lowering springs (Teins) and uprated dampers (KYBs) and then I'll get an alignment done. I will also be after some bracing, so if anyone has any recommendations there I'll be all ears.
I'll probably get an induction kit (or drill the airbox, thoughts?).
The front tyres are some unknown brand so I'll likely replace those, or I may just decide to replace all 4 if I think I can get better ones - after all it can't be too expensive with 15 / 16" wheels can it? Much beyond that though I'll probably leave it as is and just enjoy the thing
Anyway, I never bought one then, I stuck with my 182, but I couldn't get the thought out of my mind so I went to see one. An MR-S import, it looked tired and abused. No thanks. Anyway just going on a random "mission" to look at cars, I stumbled upon a really tidy 98-spec JDM ITR. Well, that was that, I bought the teg and the MR2 was relegated to the "maybe next time". A few years later when I got rid of the teg because I wanted to try a RWD car, the MX5 was all the rage on PH, and I managed to find the "ultimate" Mk1, an RS Limited, so again the MR2 was overlooked.
A bit more recently, I very near considered PX'ing a 350Z to get something with cheaper running costs - yep thats the MR2 again, but the PX offer was rubbish and so it didn't happen. Then I ended up buying a Puma instead. I gave it a brief thought again when I had my FN2 CTR, but decided to spend more money and get the Z4 Coupe. A car I loved and always wanted to own.
The Z4 was a great car and I really enjoyed owning it, but I was about to be hit with a series of big bills at a time when I didn't have the money to pay for it and I am in the process of moving house. The MR2 finally had its chance when I moved the Z4 on, and I managed to get a facelift model for £2k in great condition. The price of these has never been lower, and on account of they "don't make cars like these anymore", I can't see them depreciating much further - they may actually go UP in price I believe - it also helps that some people seem to keep crashing them!
That I could get one for this price meant I could pay off a big credit card, and still have some money left over for a few modifications.
And boy am I glad I did. This car is absolutely the most hilarious car I've ever had. It is a scalpel sharp handler, very much like driving a big kart. Wherever you want it to go, it goes. The engine is a pretty coarse thing, but it enjoys being revved and gives a little bit of a "surge" at about 4,000 rpm - we're not talking a VTEC but still noticeable. The car actually feels quite fast considering that acceleration isn't their forte. It just doesn't seem to matter, I personally find the power just right for this car - and thats coming from a 287 bhp Z4. It is just such great fun to drive hard, and it well deserves its baby "Elise" moniker.
Here it is at Hartside on the way home from collecting it:
And here today on its first proper hoon. Apologies for roof not down but it was blowing almost storm forced winds out there!
I love it so much I think I will never sell it. It's just such a great character of a car. It makes my old Z4 not only seem like a blunt, poor handling car, but it also outshines it for pure character too in terms of the drive - the Z4 had a very much "grown up" vibe in comparison, and there was plenty of grip and it did handle OK for its weight, but thats about as complimentary as I can probably be. Its actually taken me to drive the MR2 to realise just how lacking that car was. The MR2 is simply a much more exciting drive and is an almost modern take an an old school rawness.
Plans for the future - well I drunkenly ordered a private plate the other day, all will be revealed when I get around to changing the plates but I think its quite a good one; is it easy enough to change the plates to square ones?
It's also booked in at Powerflow for a new cat back and to have the pre-cats gutted. After that, I'd quite like some lowering springs (Teins) and uprated dampers (KYBs) and then I'll get an alignment done. I will also be after some bracing, so if anyone has any recommendations there I'll be all ears.
I'll probably get an induction kit (or drill the airbox, thoughts?).
The front tyres are some unknown brand so I'll likely replace those, or I may just decide to replace all 4 if I think I can get better ones - after all it can't be too expensive with 15 / 16" wheels can it? Much beyond that though I'll probably leave it as is and just enjoy the thing
I genuinely don't know what i could replace mine with, had it a few years and only really ended up with it by accident, but i cant see myself parting with it.
This time last year, i was on the verge of buying a 997 but couldn't bring myself to p/x the Roadster - it's worth a fraction of the price of some of the stuff i've had/want but it's a hoot .. and im sure , point to point it's quicker over some of my favourite moorland roads-than much more powerful cars that i've owned/driven.
Love em - your's looks a little cracker
.
This time last year, i was on the verge of buying a 997 but couldn't bring myself to p/x the Roadster - it's worth a fraction of the price of some of the stuff i've had/want but it's a hoot .. and im sure , point to point it's quicker over some of my favourite moorland roads-than much more powerful cars that i've owned/driven.
Love em - your's looks a little cracker
.Cheers, it is in very nice condition for the age.
I'm not sure whether to return the private plate; £500 seems like a fair bit of cash just for a plate; I'd rather a new set of dampers? It is a pretty good plate though I think....
Two things I learned today: 1. the roof is a bit stiffer to put down and put up than on an MX5. 2. The engine sounds better with the roof UP than down. When the roof is down it barely has any voice. Hopefully the exhaust will rectify this.
I'm not sure whether to return the private plate; £500 seems like a fair bit of cash just for a plate; I'd rather a new set of dampers? It is a pretty good plate though I think....
Two things I learned today: 1. the roof is a bit stiffer to put down and put up than on an MX5. 2. The engine sounds better with the roof UP than down. When the roof is down it barely has any voice. Hopefully the exhaust will rectify this.
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Sunday 25th December 20:34
Out for a little hoon today with a fellow PHer in his Exige S, supercharged and remapped. Had a little ride in that and it was stupidly quick and a complete animal!
The exhaust on the '2 is a big improvement.
Suspension next - springs and dampers. Want better looks, and a good ride / handling balance, nothing too firm, overly firm cars can be more of a hindrance on some of the bumpy roads around here. Any suggestions welcomed
Replaced the naff standard gearknob
Not too much more planned for this car I don't think. It was meant to save me money (I got a refund on the private plate too). I was thinking about the suspension, but to be honest, although the ride height is a little higher than I'd like ideally, it was getting to the stage where it was going to be more than just springs, but dampers, top mounts, drop links, the works, it would cost half what the cars worth, and I think Toyota have a spot on compromise between ride and handling here especially for the imperfect north east B-roads. If it was a track car I'd maybe think different, but then I probably would have bought something else in the first place.
If I can find one of those Matt cross brace things for sale I might get one of those as I hear good things... or even the bracing from a 2004 onward car would perhaps do too.
I do need to lose the ditchfinders on the front though!
got some terminal understeer before on a greasy roundabout.
I do fancy the wheels done in dark anthracite or black and at some point I wouldn't mind a cone filter to give it some roar at the top end. Perhaps paint the calipers red and I'm half tempted to remove the spoiler as I'm not really sure it adds anything, but then it may leave holes in the lid, I've never looked to see how its fitted.
After a few weeks of ownership, this car I'm convinced is one of the best drivers car I've ever owned. Sure its not a FAST car, but its fast enough but more importantly it puts a huge grin on your face. I certainly prefer it to the MX5s I've owned, and its a cliche but it really is like a slower, more reliable, cheaper, japanese Elise. I love it!
Not too much more planned for this car I don't think. It was meant to save me money (I got a refund on the private plate too). I was thinking about the suspension, but to be honest, although the ride height is a little higher than I'd like ideally, it was getting to the stage where it was going to be more than just springs, but dampers, top mounts, drop links, the works, it would cost half what the cars worth, and I think Toyota have a spot on compromise between ride and handling here especially for the imperfect north east B-roads. If it was a track car I'd maybe think different, but then I probably would have bought something else in the first place.
If I can find one of those Matt cross brace things for sale I might get one of those as I hear good things... or even the bracing from a 2004 onward car would perhaps do too.
I do need to lose the ditchfinders on the front though!
got some terminal understeer before on a greasy roundabout.I do fancy the wheels done in dark anthracite or black and at some point I wouldn't mind a cone filter to give it some roar at the top end. Perhaps paint the calipers red and I'm half tempted to remove the spoiler as I'm not really sure it adds anything, but then it may leave holes in the lid, I've never looked to see how its fitted.
After a few weeks of ownership, this car I'm convinced is one of the best drivers car I've ever owned. Sure its not a FAST car, but its fast enough but more importantly it puts a huge grin on your face. I certainly prefer it to the MX5s I've owned, and its a cliche but it really is like a slower, more reliable, cheaper, japanese Elise. I love it!
What gearknob is that? And is it the standard stick? Looks good - I might copy that mod!
Induction kit wise - I had originally planned to get one, but decided to try the drilled airbox I mentioned in an earlier thread. It sounds good enough to not warrant an open cone IMO. Not sure how well you'll be able to hear it over the sound of an aftermarket exhaust, but for a free mod it may be worth a try. Gives the engine a nice bit of induction roar when you give it the beans.
Here's a pic (I used either a 12 or 13mm drill bit). All of the holes are on the back of the lower half of the airbox away from the engine, and the holes are in the area with the extra heat shielding in the engine bay to minimise heat soak. My butt dyno hasn't noticed any difference, and certainly less susceptible to heat soak than an open cone in the engine bay.
[pic]
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Induction kit wise - I had originally planned to get one, but decided to try the drilled airbox I mentioned in an earlier thread. It sounds good enough to not warrant an open cone IMO. Not sure how well you'll be able to hear it over the sound of an aftermarket exhaust, but for a free mod it may be worth a try. Gives the engine a nice bit of induction roar when you give it the beans.
Here's a pic (I used either a 12 or 13mm drill bit). All of the holes are on the back of the lower half of the airbox away from the engine, and the holes are in the area with the extra heat shielding in the engine bay to minimise heat soak. My butt dyno hasn't noticed any difference, and certainly less susceptible to heat soak than an open cone in the engine bay.
[pic]
[/pic]Mr Tidy said:
Interesting observations OP!
I still have a Z4 Coupe, but did wonder about a MKII MR2 a few years ago (I just can't get on with the looks of the MKIII).
Maybe I should try one when I fancy a change!
I think you should. Its a completely different character to the Z4C, a car I loved and will always have fond memories of despite the gearbox issue. This is an altogether more raw experience. Sure its a lot slower in a straight line, but especially with the exhaust now, and the roof down, the fact its very light and raw, it bombards the senses which more than makes up for it. I personally think its a much more fun car to drive, but the BMW was definitely a better all round car, faster, better engine, much more comfortable and refined. I actually think they'd be a good pair to run alongside each other.I still have a Z4 Coupe, but did wonder about a MKII MR2 a few years ago (I just can't get on with the looks of the MKIII).
Maybe I should try one when I fancy a change!
Codswallop said:
What gearknob is that? And is it the standard stick? Looks good - I might copy that mod!
Induction kit wise - I had originally planned to get one, but decided to try the drilled airbox I mentioned in an earlier thread. It sounds good enough to not warrant an open cone IMO. Not sure how well you'll be able to hear it over the sound of an aftermarket exhaust, but for a free mod it may be worth a try. Gives the engine a nice bit of induction roar when you give it the beans.
Here's a pic (I used either a 12 or 13mm drill bit). All of the holes are on the back of the lower half of the airbox away from the engine, and the holes are in the area with the extra heat shielding in the engine bay to minimise heat soak. My butt dyno hasn't noticed any difference, and certainly less susceptible to heat soak than an open cone in the engine bay.
My gearknob was cheaper than this, but this is the same one, from the same seller.Induction kit wise - I had originally planned to get one, but decided to try the drilled airbox I mentioned in an earlier thread. It sounds good enough to not warrant an open cone IMO. Not sure how well you'll be able to hear it over the sound of an aftermarket exhaust, but for a free mod it may be worth a try. Gives the engine a nice bit of induction roar when you give it the beans.
Here's a pic (I used either a 12 or 13mm drill bit). All of the holes are on the back of the lower half of the airbox away from the engine, and the holes are in the area with the extra heat shielding in the engine bay to minimise heat soak. My butt dyno hasn't noticed any difference, and certainly less susceptible to heat soak than an open cone in the engine bay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/CHROME-round-aluimi...
To get the stick looking like that, I had to remove the chrome ring at the top of the gaitor by pulling the leather off it and then lifting it off the shaft (with the gearknob removed, obviously). Then if you shuffle the leather down far enough you see a white clip underneath. You need to remove that. Then you refit the chrome ring (which now goes much lower) and screw the gearknob back on.
Thanks for the heads up with the drilled airbox. I've seen it talked about but yours is the first I've seen pictured and it looks quite neat. I think if it increases induction roar that will be good enough for me. I think I would hear it over the exhaust because particularly at high revs the sound of the exhaust becomes a little less pronounced than at lower revs where (I think) you wouldn't hear an induction kit much anyway!
Sillyhatday said:
You'll probably find with decent tyres on the front that you'll not want a suspension upgrade. First upgrade for me is always tyres.
The ride in these is already pretty firm to start with. Obviously it can be improved but like you say, it's probably the best compromise.
That's what I thought. I've read lots of stuff about coilovers and stuff, but I've equally seen many say the standard stuff is the best for the road. Subjectively mine feels great, and it really is just the tyres that are lacking. I'll have to do some research and I might get all four done.The ride in these is already pretty firm to start with. Obviously it can be improved but like you say, it's probably the best compromise.
Perhaps if I see some relatively new TTE springs for sale I might be tempted as they are supposedly the most suited for standard dampers, and still quite soft.
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Saturday 7th January 20:04
One thing I thought I would mention is just how much positive attention the car has got for such a cheap little roadster.
The other day, a guy at a petrol station asked me if it was a Porsche GT3
I think he needed specsavers.
Then today this morning, I was parked outside a cash machine getting some money out, and an older woman walked past and went "that's a lovely little car".
Finally on the way back from a mates, I had the roof down and got a thumbs up from an MGTF driver going the other way.
It's bizarre, I don't think I've ever had this much attention in a car! For something that cost £2k!
The other day, a guy at a petrol station asked me if it was a Porsche GT3
I think he needed specsavers.Then today this morning, I was parked outside a cash machine getting some money out, and an older woman walked past and went "that's a lovely little car".
Finally on the way back from a mates, I had the roof down and got a thumbs up from an MGTF driver going the other way.
It's bizarre, I don't think I've ever had this much attention in a car! For something that cost £2k!
Today I got myself a RaceX tyre pressure gauge after several recommendations on here, its been commented on how sensitive these cars are to tyre pressures... but a more pressing issue for me is the tyres themselves. Ditchfinders on the front with absolute zero grip in damp or slippery conditions mean I have no confidence at all in the handling unless its bone dry, and I've noticed the Yokos on the back are coming to the end of their useful life too, so its a good excuse to get it booked in for some new boots and an alignment.
I also had to buy a new funnel that has a tube on the end as the place to top the oil up is in one awkward place! Speaking of oil I'll be keeping a close eye on that as I've already topped it up twice now and its always been on the low side... it might be a little early to conclude if I have an oil-burner, but I'll keep a close eye on it. I also plan to drill some small holes in the dipstick as it really is extremely difficult to get a good reading I'm finding.
I also had to buy a new funnel that has a tube on the end as the place to top the oil up is in one awkward place! Speaking of oil I'll be keeping a close eye on that as I've already topped it up twice now and its always been on the low side... it might be a little early to conclude if I have an oil-burner, but I'll keep a close eye on it. I also plan to drill some small holes in the dipstick as it really is extremely difficult to get a good reading I'm finding.
Enjoyed reading this through.
I have an Roadster Red Edition and its a fantastic little car, well it will be when I manage to diagnose what's making the irritating vibration when I accelerate
I think I'll also give the gear knob change a go.
Looking forward to doing a few trips out during the summer.
Obligatory piccy.
I have an Roadster Red Edition and its a fantastic little car, well it will be when I manage to diagnose what's making the irritating vibration when I accelerate
I think I'll also give the gear knob change a go.
Looking forward to doing a few trips out during the summer.
Obligatory piccy.
Great write up. I really like these, I was tempted to get one a while back but opted for an MGF as it had more boot space. Little did I know at the time that the MR2 had hidden luggage space behind the rear seats!
I've got a little Elise now with the same 1ZZ engine. I want a little more power but don't seem to find anything to give any real performance gains.
You've got me wanting an exhaust upgrade. I will get into trouble for this. But am going shopping online......now...
I've got a little Elise now with the same 1ZZ engine. I want a little more power but don't seem to find anything to give any real performance gains.
You've got me wanting an exhaust upgrade. I will get into trouble for this. But am going shopping online......now...
Nice little car there sycamore. You should try the gearknob as its so easy compared with other cars I've had, the knob screws off very easily, then buy a one of your choice. If you want to make the shaft look longer like I have, then you push the gaitor down and remove a white clip underneath and screw the ring back on, hey presto!
Deltashad - regarding the power thing, I full acknowledge its not a fast car, but to me it gives a hell of a good impression of speed - I'm sometimes surprised when I look down and in fact I'm not even breaking the NSL limit. This is often for me the difference between a good road car and a great one; it more than makes up for the lack of raw acceleration, which in practice is more than enough for overtakes and the like and enough to still be fairly amusing when its fully wrung out. For a relatively slow car, it is an exciting and fun drive which is what fires it into the "great" category.
You absolutely MUST try a decent exhaust though - it is loud, granted, but I don't mind, it makes the engine sound so much better especially at lower revs where it pops and burbles nicely and really gives it some character.
I have just also found out that the house we wanted is ours, and we're moving in next weekend. This house will allow me to walk to work so I can have the MR2 as a weekend toy, which should keep it feeling special as I was using it as a daily driver.
Deltashad - regarding the power thing, I full acknowledge its not a fast car, but to me it gives a hell of a good impression of speed - I'm sometimes surprised when I look down and in fact I'm not even breaking the NSL limit. This is often for me the difference between a good road car and a great one; it more than makes up for the lack of raw acceleration, which in practice is more than enough for overtakes and the like and enough to still be fairly amusing when its fully wrung out. For a relatively slow car, it is an exciting and fun drive which is what fires it into the "great" category.
You absolutely MUST try a decent exhaust though - it is loud, granted, but I don't mind, it makes the engine sound so much better especially at lower revs where it pops and burbles nicely and really gives it some character.
I have just also found out that the house we wanted is ours, and we're moving in next weekend. This house will allow me to walk to work so I can have the MR2 as a weekend toy, which should keep it feeling special as I was using it as a daily driver.
Back onto this car, I took it out for a drive after my previous post, and the tyres are now a big priority for this car. I adjusted the pressure with my new gauge (excellent little thing), the fronts were ever so slightly under the recommended pressure (26 psi) but the rears were both 26 psi too, so I increased this to 32 as per Toyotas recommendation.
The roads were challenging today, I met with 2 sets of horse riders, one of whom just around a blind bend - I'm just glad I was travelling to the conditions or I would have certainly collided - was not a close call, but I know the way some people drive! It certainly reminds you that you should always make sure you can stop in the distance you can see. Not only that, but some sheep had escaped onto the roads on another stretch so that was interesting. Finally, the roads were really greasy and frequently changed to mud from farm vehicles. With the increased pressure in the rear wheels, in combination with the below par tyres and the conditions of the road made the handling "interesting", including one slight squirm from the rear end when changing from 1st to 2nd in a straight line to remind me how little grip was there. But thats another great thing about these cars, they talk to you. If you listen to what its telling you, its fine, but you do have to respect it!
The roads were challenging today, I met with 2 sets of horse riders, one of whom just around a blind bend - I'm just glad I was travelling to the conditions or I would have certainly collided - was not a close call, but I know the way some people drive! It certainly reminds you that you should always make sure you can stop in the distance you can see. Not only that, but some sheep had escaped onto the roads on another stretch so that was interesting. Finally, the roads were really greasy and frequently changed to mud from farm vehicles. With the increased pressure in the rear wheels, in combination with the below par tyres and the conditions of the road made the handling "interesting", including one slight squirm from the rear end when changing from 1st to 2nd in a straight line to remind me how little grip was there. But thats another great thing about these cars, they talk to you. If you listen to what its telling you, its fine, but you do have to respect it!
You didn't need to give me much convincing.
2bular exhaust ordered. Delivery approx 2 weeks. Can't wait to annoy some neighbours 😊
Don't know if it was just a coincidence with your user name TRD .. very clever.
(TRD induction box and filter also on its way☺)
Have you thought about wheel upgrades for the MRS?
2bular exhaust ordered. Delivery approx 2 weeks. Can't wait to annoy some neighbours 😊
Don't know if it was just a coincidence with your user name TRD .. very clever.
(TRD induction box and filter also on its way☺)
Have you thought about wheel upgrades for the MRS?
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