I Want to Buy an MR2...
Discussion
Been living with a MK1 MX5 for some time but the car isn't as practical as I would like it to be and being over 6,3" I find my head hitting the roof when going over speedbumps and the headrest in the back of my neck ;/
Like the car, it has the usual rust problems and the ride is really good but I can't help but think I should have gone with a MK2 Mr2.
I've looked at the MK3 and although the interior looks nice I know that space is virtually non-existent and I'm not too keen about another soft-top and it looks naff compared to the MK2
Which brings me to the point of this thread.
I have read various faqs and guides about the cars and am aware of the various revisions over the years, the rusty boot and sills, leaking T-bars, snap over-steer, mis-matched and cheap tyres, imports and turbos.
I am still left with questions before committing to buying naturally aspirated one:
- Are the import cars better equipped than the UK models? Would a Japanese version of the UK released GT be fitted with air con and other added extras?
- Is there a particular revision to go for or does it depend on what is available?
Everyone says rev3 but what about 4 and 5 as there is only a 5bhp reduction in power due to the EGR and the addition of an adjustable rear wing.
- Are cars past revision 3 worth a look as no-one seems to mention them and despite cars being made up until 1998/9 I have not seen any cars past 1994-95 apart from this example http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MR2-3-day-auction-1200-/... and some rather overpriced ones
- Oversteer, is it as bad as everyone makes it out to be or has it just been blown out of proportion over the years?
- Do the T-bars suffer body warping/bending as it doesn't look like there is a great deal of support up top.
Wouldn't mind knowing about what they're like to live with on a day-to-day basis and if anyone has gone from an MX5 to MR2 MK2 and someone who's tried some of the revisions.
ANy help would be greatly appreciated!
Like the car, it has the usual rust problems and the ride is really good but I can't help but think I should have gone with a MK2 Mr2.
I've looked at the MK3 and although the interior looks nice I know that space is virtually non-existent and I'm not too keen about another soft-top and it looks naff compared to the MK2
Which brings me to the point of this thread.
I have read various faqs and guides about the cars and am aware of the various revisions over the years, the rusty boot and sills, leaking T-bars, snap over-steer, mis-matched and cheap tyres, imports and turbos.
I am still left with questions before committing to buying naturally aspirated one:
- Are the import cars better equipped than the UK models? Would a Japanese version of the UK released GT be fitted with air con and other added extras?
- Is there a particular revision to go for or does it depend on what is available?
Everyone says rev3 but what about 4 and 5 as there is only a 5bhp reduction in power due to the EGR and the addition of an adjustable rear wing.
- Are cars past revision 3 worth a look as no-one seems to mention them and despite cars being made up until 1998/9 I have not seen any cars past 1994-95 apart from this example http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MR2-3-day-auction-1200-/... and some rather overpriced ones
- Oversteer, is it as bad as everyone makes it out to be or has it just been blown out of proportion over the years?
- Do the T-bars suffer body warping/bending as it doesn't look like there is a great deal of support up top.
Wouldn't mind knowing about what they're like to live with on a day-to-day basis and if anyone has gone from an MX5 to MR2 MK2 and someone who's tried some of the revisions.
ANy help would be greatly appreciated!
Mr Prototype said:
- Is there a particular revision to go for or does it depend on what is available?
Everyone says rev3 but what about 4 and 5 as there is only a 5bhp reduction in power due to the EGR and the addition of an adjustable rear wing.
- Oversteer, is it as bad as everyone makes it out to be or has it just been blown out of proportion over the years?
- Do the T-bars suffer body warping/bending as it doesn't look like there is a great deal of support up top.
Had a largely unmodified Rev 3 Mk 2 turbo for a couple of years.Everyone says rev3 but what about 4 and 5 as there is only a 5bhp reduction in power due to the EGR and the addition of an adjustable rear wing.
- Oversteer, is it as bad as everyone makes it out to be or has it just been blown out of proportion over the years?
- Do the T-bars suffer body warping/bending as it doesn't look like there is a great deal of support up top.
T-bar leaked but that's because the rubber was turning. Applied Vaseline which seemed to help.
I thought the point of Rev 3s was that from that point on they were better especially in terms of handling?
Oversteer wasn't a problem. You're coming from an MX5. The turbo kicking in may cause a problem but just drive appropriately. I used to drive assertively even in the wet and it was fine. I did initially drive like a granny in the wet because I'd read how dangerous they were but it's rubbish. Like any RWD car, if you boot it in the wet on a greasy roundabout, you'll be facing the wrong way.
Bendy? Seemed to handle fine in the corners. I was quietly impressed by them. Felt a bit like a track car.
I had trouble from my NA in the wet but only once on a slick roundabout. Not had any trouble with my turbo yet. You have to really push these cars and be hamfisted to get any sort of oversteer.
There is only a slight difference in stiffness between the t-bat and tintop. Not worth worrying about for a road car. Buy on preference.
T bar leaks are usually easily fixed with black silicone sealant. Worked on mine.
Watch out for turbos modified by people with no clue.
It was Rev2 onwards that had not only a factory lsd, but also revised suspension and brakes, making it a much better performing and forgiving car, apparently. The Rev3 turbos respond much better to bolt on upgrades and are considered a sweet spot, hence their popularity. Late Rev turbos are pretty rare.
I can't write too much as my girlfriend is moaning at me, but I have a real passion for these cars. The NA and turbo are each worthy of owning, for different reasons. Worth mentioning is the amazing owners community.
There is only a slight difference in stiffness between the t-bat and tintop. Not worth worrying about for a road car. Buy on preference.
T bar leaks are usually easily fixed with black silicone sealant. Worked on mine.
Watch out for turbos modified by people with no clue.
It was Rev2 onwards that had not only a factory lsd, but also revised suspension and brakes, making it a much better performing and forgiving car, apparently. The Rev3 turbos respond much better to bolt on upgrades and are considered a sweet spot, hence their popularity. Late Rev turbos are pretty rare.
I can't write too much as my girlfriend is moaning at me, but I have a real passion for these cars. The NA and turbo are each worthy of owning, for different reasons. Worth mentioning is the amazing owners community.
I'm on my 3rd. I owned an MX5 as well and there's no way that the MR2 is quite as chuckable, it'd kill you if you drive it like the MX5. That said, treat it with respect and it handles just fine. None of mine have done anything unexpected in the handling department.
Chuckability and steering feel aside it's better in almost every way. N/As are much quicker and make a good noise, they're quieter and more comfortable with plenty of space for luggage / golf clubs whatever. The only thing I failed to haul in mine was a cathode ray tube widescreen TV. Wouldn't quite squeeze into the passenger seat..
The turbos are loony-fast in any spec but rev 3 significantly more powerful than the rev 1/2s as stock.
Chuckability and steering feel aside it's better in almost every way. N/As are much quicker and make a good noise, they're quieter and more comfortable with plenty of space for luggage / golf clubs whatever. The only thing I failed to haul in mine was a cathode ray tube widescreen TV. Wouldn't quite squeeze into the passenger seat..
The turbos are loony-fast in any spec but rev 3 significantly more powerful than the rev 1/2s as stock.
The vast majority of Mk2s are around 20 years old now. So condition is everything.
A decent Rev 2 will be a far better buy than a ropey Rev 3 (or 4/5) money pit any day.
Imports (G-ltd and turbo) are likely to have done fewer km/miles.
And spent less time overall exposed to the UK's salt-laden winter roads.
I recommend joining the owners clubs MR2OC/IMOC (9th year and 4 cars to date).
I did this before buying my first one and it has saved me a shed load of money.
Plenty of info here
http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/kb.php?mode=cat&c...
http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2-knowledge-base/...
Rev 5s are relatively rare simply because the last two years' Mk2 production numbers were so low.
The JDM turbo version is like rocking horse
- mine is a converted UK n/a.
The price/performance ratio of a turbo is unbeatable imo.
If boost isn't your cup of tea though, then try an n/a with a V6 transplant.
A decent Rev 2 will be a far better buy than a ropey Rev 3 (or 4/5) money pit any day.
Imports (G-ltd and turbo) are likely to have done fewer km/miles.
And spent less time overall exposed to the UK's salt-laden winter roads.
I recommend joining the owners clubs MR2OC/IMOC (9th year and 4 cars to date).
I did this before buying my first one and it has saved me a shed load of money.
Plenty of info here
http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/kb.php?mode=cat&c...
http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2-knowledge-base/...
Rev 5s are relatively rare simply because the last two years' Mk2 production numbers were so low.
The JDM turbo version is like rocking horse
- mine is a converted UK n/a.The price/performance ratio of a turbo is unbeatable imo.
If boost isn't your cup of tea though, then try an n/a with a V6 transplant.
The specs and equipment do vary. A UK GT-i16 (for some unknown reason always incorrectly referred to as GT) will come with full leather seats and either T-bar or sunroof. The JDM equivalent had cloth interior and wasn't available with a sunroof.
The whole Rev3 thing is a bit misleading, really it should be Rev3+.
I've owned my Rev2 Turbo since April 2005, and covered 90k in that time. By and large I'd say in terms of reliability they're pretty good. They have known issues such as the brake calipers seizing and in the case of the NA, water ingress onto the alternator but other than that they're pretty solid. As a day to day proposition if u we're coming from a saloon or hatch the jump might seem quite large but seeing as you're coming from a low slung 90s sports car I can't imagine it'll feel hugely different, if anything maybe a little more civilised. Mk2s are very comfy, I used to drive across the country and back every weekend in mine and the seats and driving position were fantastic, perhaps more comfortable than my 5 series barge. Leaky t-bars can be an issue but they can be DIY'd.
Oversteer wise, I have had maybe 3 or 4 unplanned sideways moments in 10 years but each time I was driving hard and my car is pretty far from standard. When driving sensibly they're fine, I've driven in heavy rain, ice and snow as long as I wasn't driving like a tit it was fine.
Maintenance can be expensive and stressful. They're awkward to work on mainly due to A) their MR layout and B) their age resulting in seized nuts and bolts and brittle plastics.
Also, I hate to say it but I've used many of the MR2 specialists over the years and they've all let me down in some way.
I hope that is was you were after, there are a lot of mk2 MR2s out there so take your time to find a good one. Dont get too hung up on revisions, I'd sooner have a mint Rev1 than a rough Rev5. Also, do consider the Turbo, the difference in insurance might not be too great and they're rapid cars even standard. Good luck.
The whole Rev3 thing is a bit misleading, really it should be Rev3+.
I've owned my Rev2 Turbo since April 2005, and covered 90k in that time. By and large I'd say in terms of reliability they're pretty good. They have known issues such as the brake calipers seizing and in the case of the NA, water ingress onto the alternator but other than that they're pretty solid. As a day to day proposition if u we're coming from a saloon or hatch the jump might seem quite large but seeing as you're coming from a low slung 90s sports car I can't imagine it'll feel hugely different, if anything maybe a little more civilised. Mk2s are very comfy, I used to drive across the country and back every weekend in mine and the seats and driving position were fantastic, perhaps more comfortable than my 5 series barge. Leaky t-bars can be an issue but they can be DIY'd.
Oversteer wise, I have had maybe 3 or 4 unplanned sideways moments in 10 years but each time I was driving hard and my car is pretty far from standard. When driving sensibly they're fine, I've driven in heavy rain, ice and snow as long as I wasn't driving like a tit it was fine.
Maintenance can be expensive and stressful. They're awkward to work on mainly due to A) their MR layout and B) their age resulting in seized nuts and bolts and brittle plastics.
Also, I hate to say it but I've used many of the MR2 specialists over the years and they've all let me down in some way.
I hope that is was you were after, there are a lot of mk2 MR2s out there so take your time to find a good one. Dont get too hung up on revisions, I'd sooner have a mint Rev1 than a rough Rev5. Also, do consider the Turbo, the difference in insurance might not be too great and they're rapid cars even standard. Good luck.
Edited by MikeyMike on Friday 1st August 18:26
danjama said:
It was Rev2 onwards that had not only a factory lsd, but also revised suspension and brakes, making it a much better performing and forgiving car, apparently. The Rev3 turbos respond much better to bolt on upgrades and are considered a sweet spot, hence their popularity. Late Rev turbos are pretty rare.
.
not sure thats true, the rev3 turbos had factory LSD the rev2 turbos were an option, I've had a lots of mr2's and both my rev2 turbos didn't have an LSD, the last one was 450hp, sure it could step out but not as bad as everyone (who hasn't had one i might add) makes out.
Condition is everything. You'll see rusty rev4s, pristine rev1s.
Buy a turbo -- or you'll regret it.
A Rev 1 without power steering, air con, air bag, etc. has better power to weight than a Rev 3 with everything. Essentially the car changed from a sports car to a boulevard cruiser.
Rev3 has more mainstream handling, but, as said, you've got to be pretty clumsy to loose an early rev and they are recoverable from pretty extreme situations.
Mk1 is less practical (less space) than Mk2. X19 is an alternative (more practical than Mk1 or Mk3).
The Terry Heick book will tell you most of what you need to know: in the HP series.
Buy a turbo -- or you'll regret it.
A Rev 1 without power steering, air con, air bag, etc. has better power to weight than a Rev 3 with everything. Essentially the car changed from a sports car to a boulevard cruiser.
Rev3 has more mainstream handling, but, as said, you've got to be pretty clumsy to loose an early rev and they are recoverable from pretty extreme situations.
Mk1 is less practical (less space) than Mk2. X19 is an alternative (more practical than Mk1 or Mk3).
The Terry Heick book will tell you most of what you need to know: in the HP series.
TheRealFingers99 said:
Buy a turbo -- or you'll regret it.
Disagree here.. The N/A has it's own advantages. They're fast enough, great throttle response and love to rev. Turbo lag isn't much fun and the turbo muffles the induction note. The noise in the N/A is amazing. I personally prefer the turbo, but having owned both I enjoyed the NA way more than I expected.
TheRealFingers99 said:
I've briefly driven a n/a. It's no more powerful than a 2 litre Alfa 155. Pre Rev 3, there is no turbo lag I can discern. Thing feels a bit like a supercharged car (smaller turbo, spins up very quickly, but all over before the red line).
All over at about 5,500 on a rev 1 or rev 2 in my experience, even after timing advanced, breathing mods, ECU and MBC. Gets wheezy by 6k and after that and you're better off shifting early than trying to wring out the rest of the revs. I think we'll have to agree to disagree on lag. Lots of people agree with you but I honestly can't see how you can say that there's no lag. It's noticeably better than the rev 3+ with the larger CT20b but it's still very much there.
Exactly.
I preferred the smaller turbo for about town and commuting use as it was more responsive when overtaking, but out on the open roads the later models were far superior IMO.
I'm keen to put a V6 my current car at some point but every time I get the cash together I seem to spend it on a holiday
I preferred the smaller turbo for about town and commuting use as it was more responsive when overtaking, but out on the open roads the later models were far superior IMO.
I'm keen to put a V6 my current car at some point but every time I get the cash together I seem to spend it on a holiday
_Al_ said:
I'm keen to put a V6 my current car at some point but every time I get the cash together I seem to spend it on a holiday
Stop swanning about and do it! I had one up my chuff for a lot of the time in Scotland this year.
Was like one of those irritating flies that won't go away...
You never did get back to me about your recent trip across the pond.
Red Devil said:
Stop swanning about and do it!
I had one up my chuff for a lot of the time in Scotland this year.
Was like one of those irritating flies that won't go away...
You never did get back to me about your recent trip across the pond.
I did try to call a few times. Have you changed number recently?I had one up my chuff for a lot of the time in Scotland this year.
Was like one of those irritating flies that won't go away...
You never did get back to me about your recent trip across the pond.
If you've seen my project thread recently you'll know that I'm having bodywork issues. Colour matching a red car is going to be fun. I definitely don't plan on making a project out of a car with a glaring bodywork problem so unless I can sort it to a decent standard I'll be looking to move this one on. Such a shame as there's not a spot if rust on it anywhere.
I had a rev2 mk2 mr2 g limited N/A track only car
first ever track day was greasy damp nankang tyres and a little too much pressure was like driving on ice had a few spins at slow speed.
by the afternoon the track had dried we lowered the pressures and i was having a whale of a time, was a great car (more fun/interesting than my mx5)
it was never on the road but the sills rusted and the engine blew twice so i called it a day and scrapped it (was v cheap to start with though)
then had an mk2 1.8 mx5 pretty much standard
was disapointing on road and in the wet compared to hot hatches
on dry tight technical tracks it was awesome, had my share of spins in the 5 too though so probably my driving/cheap tyres again. got board of the mx5
now have a mk1 mr2 which is awsome probly more fun than the mk2 but wouldnt make a very good daily
first ever track day was greasy damp nankang tyres and a little too much pressure was like driving on ice had a few spins at slow speed.
by the afternoon the track had dried we lowered the pressures and i was having a whale of a time, was a great car (more fun/interesting than my mx5)
it was never on the road but the sills rusted and the engine blew twice so i called it a day and scrapped it (was v cheap to start with though)
then had an mk2 1.8 mx5 pretty much standard
was disapointing on road and in the wet compared to hot hatches
on dry tight technical tracks it was awesome, had my share of spins in the 5 too though so probably my driving/cheap tyres again. got board of the mx5
now have a mk1 mr2 which is awsome probly more fun than the mk2 but wouldnt make a very good daily
Mr Prototype said:
Been living with a MK1 MX5 for some time but the car isn't as practical as I would like it to be and being over 6,3" I find my head hitting the roof when going over speedbumps and the headrest in the back of my neck ;/
Like the car, it has the usual rust problems and the ride is really good but I can't help but think I should have gone with a MK2 Mr2.
I've looked at the MK3 and although the interior looks nice I know that space is virtually non-existent and I'm not too keen about another soft-top and it looks naff compared to the MK2
Which brings me to the point of this thread.
I have read various faqs and guides about the cars and am aware of the various revisions over the years, the rusty boot and sills, leaking T-bars, snap over-steer, mis-matched and cheap tyres, imports and turbos.
I am still left with questions before committing to buying naturally aspirated one:
- Are the import cars better equipped than the UK models? Would a Japanese version of the UK released GT be fitted with air con and other added extras?
- Is there a particular revision to go for or does it depend on what is available?
Everyone says rev3 but what about 4 and 5 as there is only a 5bhp reduction in power due to the EGR and the addition of an adjustable rear wing.
- Are cars past revision 3 worth a look as no-one seems to mention them and despite cars being made up until 1998/9 I have not seen any cars past 1994-95 apart from this example http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MR2-3-day-auction-1200-/... and some rather overpriced ones
- Oversteer, is it as bad as everyone makes it out to be or has it just been blown out of proportion over the years?
- Do the T-bars suffer body warping/bending as it doesn't look like there is a great deal of support up top.
Wouldn't mind knowing about what they're like to live with on a day-to-day basis and if anyone has gone from an MX5 to MR2 MK2 and someone who's tried some of the revisions.
ANy help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Ted, Why don't you take a look at my MK1? It's for sale and PH has made it Shed of the week!Like the car, it has the usual rust problems and the ride is really good but I can't help but think I should have gone with a MK2 Mr2.
I've looked at the MK3 and although the interior looks nice I know that space is virtually non-existent and I'm not too keen about another soft-top and it looks naff compared to the MK2
Which brings me to the point of this thread.
I have read various faqs and guides about the cars and am aware of the various revisions over the years, the rusty boot and sills, leaking T-bars, snap over-steer, mis-matched and cheap tyres, imports and turbos.
I am still left with questions before committing to buying naturally aspirated one:
- Are the import cars better equipped than the UK models? Would a Japanese version of the UK released GT be fitted with air con and other added extras?
- Is there a particular revision to go for or does it depend on what is available?
Everyone says rev3 but what about 4 and 5 as there is only a 5bhp reduction in power due to the EGR and the addition of an adjustable rear wing.
- Are cars past revision 3 worth a look as no-one seems to mention them and despite cars being made up until 1998/9 I have not seen any cars past 1994-95 apart from this example http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MR2-3-day-auction-1200-/... and some rather overpriced ones
- Oversteer, is it as bad as everyone makes it out to be or has it just been blown out of proportion over the years?
- Do the T-bars suffer body warping/bending as it doesn't look like there is a great deal of support up top.
Wouldn't mind knowing about what they're like to live with on a day-to-day basis and if anyone has gone from an MX5 to MR2 MK2 and someone who's tried some of the revisions.
ANy help would be greatly appreciated!
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