Toyota MR2 MK3.5
Discussion
Firstly, will I fit?! (5ft 11in, 32" inside leg!) - It looks tight - I found the Honda S2000 a bit tight (seat wouldnt go back far enough) is the MR2 Mk3 (04 onward) ok?
Were all the problems fixed for the 03/04 onward facelift model?
Any exhaust better than the Remus TTE?
Is the lack of poke tedious or does lack of weight compensate well enough (saving up for an HR 350z, which is only 200 hp / ton so not a huge leap)
Welcome enthusiastic feedback as fed up with looking at used cars I cant afford!
Is the back road ride supple or does it 'crash' over potholes
Much scuttle shake?
thx
Were all the problems fixed for the 03/04 onward facelift model?
Any exhaust better than the Remus TTE?
Is the lack of poke tedious or does lack of weight compensate well enough (saving up for an HR 350z, which is only 200 hp / ton so not a huge leap)
Welcome enthusiastic feedback as fed up with looking at used cars I cant afford!
Is the back road ride supple or does it 'crash' over potholes
Much scuttle shake?
thx
My girlfriend had a 2004 'Red' for about six years and covered over 100k miles in it.
I'm 5'10" and whilst it is a compact car I never found it cramped or uncomfortable.
I don't think these cars, early or late, suffered from many common issues, I think the later ones can still suffer from pre-cat failure but it's not common and can be prevented by removing their innards if it's a concern.
Facelift cars will also have the revised piston rings which eliminate another potential, but also rare, failure.
I own a 350Z, but never found the MR2s lesser power tedious, I just enjoyed the direct steering, sweet gearchange, grippy chassis (it was always run on correct sized and spec Bridgestones) and it's light weight feel (especially compared to my Nissan).
Keeping the engine buzzing a little, especially down a winding B-road, and it was a real joy to drive.
I never found the suspension too crashy, it's maybe a little harder than an MX-5 but softer than a more focused sports car like an Elise, for instance.
Scuttle shake is something I loathe, (ever driven a Mini convertible?!) but happily for me it was hardly noticeable in the MR2.
The lack of storage space was rarely an issue for us, we had several weekends away in it with bags packed in the stowage bins behind the seats.
Oh, and it averaged almost 40mpg, even when driven quite hard.
Servicing and maintenance is quite straight forward (I did all of it whilst my o/h owned it) and parts are not expensive.
It really was a cracking car, try one, I don't think you'd be disappointed.
I'm 5'10" and whilst it is a compact car I never found it cramped or uncomfortable.
I don't think these cars, early or late, suffered from many common issues, I think the later ones can still suffer from pre-cat failure but it's not common and can be prevented by removing their innards if it's a concern.
Facelift cars will also have the revised piston rings which eliminate another potential, but also rare, failure.
I own a 350Z, but never found the MR2s lesser power tedious, I just enjoyed the direct steering, sweet gearchange, grippy chassis (it was always run on correct sized and spec Bridgestones) and it's light weight feel (especially compared to my Nissan).
Keeping the engine buzzing a little, especially down a winding B-road, and it was a real joy to drive.
I never found the suspension too crashy, it's maybe a little harder than an MX-5 but softer than a more focused sports car like an Elise, for instance.
Scuttle shake is something I loathe, (ever driven a Mini convertible?!) but happily for me it was hardly noticeable in the MR2.
The lack of storage space was rarely an issue for us, we had several weekends away in it with bags packed in the stowage bins behind the seats.
Oh, and it averaged almost 40mpg, even when driven quite hard.
Servicing and maintenance is quite straight forward (I did all of it whilst my o/h owned it) and parts are not expensive.
It really was a cracking car, try one, I don't think you'd be disappointed.
Im 6ft1 and fit no problem.
I've got a 2zz converted one and its a good little car.
Later model has additional bracing and supposedly less chance of pre-cat / oval bore problems.
Handling is great, fun round a track, running costs / maintenance is low, storage is crap - fine for a runabout, weekend car.
I've got a 2zz converted one and its a good little car.
Later model has additional bracing and supposedly less chance of pre-cat / oval bore problems.
Handling is great, fun round a track, running costs / maintenance is low, storage is crap - fine for a runabout, weekend car.
hi guys, thx
Martin, I see we share some motoring passions! - Being a TVR driver yourself, how do you rate the 350? - Have you test driven a Z roadster top down to evaluate ride and scuttle shake?
What power is your Z and how do you rate the feel of acceleration and sound against the TVR? (What engine size in the wedge?)
Enthusiastic remarks on the MR2 then - How can you be certain a car is both UK & a 'Mk3.5' - Is the 6 speed definitive indication or was that offered in ltd editions like the Red without some of the other many apparent upgrades?
Is the MR2 Mk3.5 Roadster a better choice than the, ironically 'Mk3.5' MX5? - If so, why? (The elec hardtop is tempting
Martin, I see we share some motoring passions! - Being a TVR driver yourself, how do you rate the 350? - Have you test driven a Z roadster top down to evaluate ride and scuttle shake?
What power is your Z and how do you rate the feel of acceleration and sound against the TVR? (What engine size in the wedge?)
Enthusiastic remarks on the MR2 then - How can you be certain a car is both UK & a 'Mk3.5' - Is the 6 speed definitive indication or was that offered in ltd editions like the Red without some of the other many apparent upgrades?
Is the MR2 Mk3.5 Roadster a better choice than the, ironically 'Mk3.5' MX5? - If so, why? (The elec hardtop is tempting
Count Vampirski said:
Enthusiastic remarks on the MR2 then - How can you be certain a car is both UK & a 'Mk3.5' - Is the 6 speed definitive indication or was that offered in ltd editions like the Red without some of the other many apparent upgrades?
Is the MR2 Mk3.5 Roadster a better choice than the, ironically 'Mk3.5' MX5? - If so, why? (The elec hardtop is tempting
Facelift Mk3's or "3.5's" came along 2003, with the earliest available on 52 plates. They have the revised bumpers and headlights.Is the MR2 Mk3.5 Roadster a better choice than the, ironically 'Mk3.5' MX5? - If so, why? (The elec hardtop is tempting
Personal opinion I think the pre-facelifts look better (darker headlamps)
Having driven both the MX5 and the MR2 quite a bit, I would say that the 2 is a lot more fun. But more of a compromise. The softtop on the 2 is lightweight and the quickest ive ever used, can do it one handed at traffic lights. with some simple bracing mods and lowering springs it really can handle very well.
go try them both out, similar cars in that they're both 2 seater roadsters - but in my opinion really quite different!
a Mk3.5 MX5 is going to be a fair bit more than a MR2 though isnt it?
Hi.
I've never driven, or even been in a 350Z Roadster, so I can't answer those questions, sorry.
There is a very good forum for the 350Z/370Z, someone here might be willing to answer those questions;
http://www.350z-uk.com/index.html
My Z is an early 276bhp model, but I'm told there is little difference in performance against later models, and cheaper road tax!
I've had mine for three and a half years and 33k miles, and it has been superb.
It does eat tyres quite quickly and the Bose stereo is unreliable, but I have a half stainless steel (Cobra) exhaust, so rarely have CDs in the car anyway. I do like the sound of a V6.
On short trips and around town it's heavy on fuel (low 20s / gallon), and some parts are a little pricey, so not super cheap to run.
I no longer own the TVR, but that was 350I, 3.5 litre Rover V8 engine.
It's difficult to compare it with the Nissan, they are so utterly different.
I suppose the TVR felt faster than it really was and was more exciting (scary!) than the Nissan.
Technically, it wasn't a good car at all, but if I could have kept it as a second car I probably would have!
It was a lot of fun, but it was my daily driver for two years and was very time consuming and sometimes frustrating keeping it going!
In the rain you got wet, in the dark you couldn't see and in the cold you stayed cold. On a wet, cold night it was miserable to drive!
On a warm sunny day it was fantastic!
I often sing the praises for the MR2 Roadster on here, I think they're underrated.
I'm not sure if any pre-facelift cars had 6 speed gearboxes, as Paul says, the front and rear lights and bumpers are the main distinguishing features.
I think all of the 'Reds' are mk3.5.
U.K. cars will have a 17 digit VIN, I think imports have a shorter one.
Also, I think the indicator stalk on Jap imports are on the 'wrong' side, and they might not have alarm / immobiliser, and I think they are badged differently and may have a square rear number plate.
As Paul also said, the hood is nice and quick to put up or down, one person can do it without getting out of the driver's seat.
I personally prefer them to the MX5s because they are sharper to drive, and I prefer the look of them, but that's just personal preference.
I've never driven, or even been in a 350Z Roadster, so I can't answer those questions, sorry.
There is a very good forum for the 350Z/370Z, someone here might be willing to answer those questions;
http://www.350z-uk.com/index.html
My Z is an early 276bhp model, but I'm told there is little difference in performance against later models, and cheaper road tax!
I've had mine for three and a half years and 33k miles, and it has been superb.
It does eat tyres quite quickly and the Bose stereo is unreliable, but I have a half stainless steel (Cobra) exhaust, so rarely have CDs in the car anyway. I do like the sound of a V6.
On short trips and around town it's heavy on fuel (low 20s / gallon), and some parts are a little pricey, so not super cheap to run.
I no longer own the TVR, but that was 350I, 3.5 litre Rover V8 engine.
It's difficult to compare it with the Nissan, they are so utterly different.
I suppose the TVR felt faster than it really was and was more exciting (scary!) than the Nissan.
Technically, it wasn't a good car at all, but if I could have kept it as a second car I probably would have!
It was a lot of fun, but it was my daily driver for two years and was very time consuming and sometimes frustrating keeping it going!
In the rain you got wet, in the dark you couldn't see and in the cold you stayed cold. On a wet, cold night it was miserable to drive!
On a warm sunny day it was fantastic!
I often sing the praises for the MR2 Roadster on here, I think they're underrated.
I'm not sure if any pre-facelift cars had 6 speed gearboxes, as Paul says, the front and rear lights and bumpers are the main distinguishing features.
I think all of the 'Reds' are mk3.5.
U.K. cars will have a 17 digit VIN, I think imports have a shorter one.
Also, I think the indicator stalk on Jap imports are on the 'wrong' side, and they might not have alarm / immobiliser, and I think they are badged differently and may have a square rear number plate.
As Paul also said, the hood is nice and quick to put up or down, one person can do it without getting out of the driver's seat.
I personally prefer them to the MX5s because they are sharper to drive, and I prefer the look of them, but that's just personal preference.
Edited by Martin350 on Friday 24th July 16:43
Count Vampirski said:
...sorry being a newby still unsure what to check as unfamiliar with front end changes and cant rely on reg date as could be some late registered early cars
Look at some Google images, or Ebay, or Autotrader, you'll see the difference between the early and late type lights, it's very noticeable!Facelift - note clear front lights and fogs in bumper http://www.convertiblecarmagazine.com/wp-content/g...
http://www.convertiblecarmagazine.com/wp-content/g...
Pre Facelift - no fogs and black headlight inserts http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8/eightsixgts/z...
http://www.convertiblecarmagazine.com/wp-content/g...
Pre Facelift - no fogs and black headlight inserts http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8/eightsixgts/z...
Martin350 said:
My girlfriend had a 2004 'Red' for about six years and covered over 100k miles in it.
I'm 5'10" and whilst it is a compact car I never found it cramped or uncomfortable.
I don't think these cars, early or late, suffered from many common issues, I think the later ones can still suffer from pre-cat failure but it's not common and can be prevented by removing their innards if it's a concern.
Facelift cars will also have the revised piston rings which eliminate another potential, but also rare, failure.
I own a 350Z, but never found the MR2s lesser power tedious, I just enjoyed the direct steering, sweet gearchange, grippy chassis (it was always run on correct sized and spec Bridgestones) and it's light weight feel (especially compared to my Nissan).
Keeping the engine buzzing a little, especially down a winding B-road, and it was a real joy to drive.
I never found the suspension too crashy, it's maybe a little harder than an MX-5 but softer than a more focused sports car like an Elise, for instance.
Scuttle shake is something I loathe, (ever driven a Mini convertible?!) but happily for me it was hardly noticeable in the MR2.
The lack of storage space was rarely an issue for us, we had several weekends away in it with bags packed in the stowage bins behind the seats.
Oh, and it averaged almost 40mpg, even when driven quite hard.
Servicing and maintenance is quite straight forward (I did all of it whilst my o/h owned it) and parts are not expensive.
It really was a cracking car, try one, I don't think you'd be disappointed.
^^ This. I've had mine (04 reg) for just over a year now, and I love it I'm 5'10" and whilst it is a compact car I never found it cramped or uncomfortable.
I don't think these cars, early or late, suffered from many common issues, I think the later ones can still suffer from pre-cat failure but it's not common and can be prevented by removing their innards if it's a concern.
Facelift cars will also have the revised piston rings which eliminate another potential, but also rare, failure.
I own a 350Z, but never found the MR2s lesser power tedious, I just enjoyed the direct steering, sweet gearchange, grippy chassis (it was always run on correct sized and spec Bridgestones) and it's light weight feel (especially compared to my Nissan).
Keeping the engine buzzing a little, especially down a winding B-road, and it was a real joy to drive.
I never found the suspension too crashy, it's maybe a little harder than an MX-5 but softer than a more focused sports car like an Elise, for instance.
Scuttle shake is something I loathe, (ever driven a Mini convertible?!) but happily for me it was hardly noticeable in the MR2.
The lack of storage space was rarely an issue for us, we had several weekends away in it with bags packed in the stowage bins behind the seats.
Oh, and it averaged almost 40mpg, even when driven quite hard.
Servicing and maintenance is quite straight forward (I did all of it whilst my o/h owned it) and parts are not expensive.
It really was a cracking car, try one, I don't think you'd be disappointed.
My OH is 5' 11" and he fits in fine.
The TTE exhaust generally seems to be accepted as the best, although obviously it's a matter of taste - some people go for the Cobra; others find that too loud. Mine just has a standard exhaust.
You mention the MR2 forum - have you tried the MR2 Roadster Owners Club forum? http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/index.php
Edited by moorx on Friday 24th July 21:41
Electric hardtop on mx5 very slow compared to "flick-flick-shove" on mr2 or soft-top mx5, but better for parking in crap neighbourhoods
I found more room in mr2, not leg room but wiggle room, probably because there's no prophet running through the cabin?
You can fit a surprising amount of stuff in an mr2 if you keep it in soft bags!!!
Just got one as a cheap daily, loving it. Today has been only the third day in 27 I've not had the top off! Brilliant fun
I found more room in mr2, not leg room but wiggle room, probably because there's no prophet running through the cabin?
You can fit a surprising amount of stuff in an mr2 if you keep it in soft bags!!!
Just got one as a cheap daily, loving it. Today has been only the third day in 27 I've not had the top off! Brilliant fun
thanks guys and gals for that - yes trying to register on the free MR2 forum
Looking forward to testing both MR2 & Z + Z roadster - Love the Alfa Spider / GTV but rust prone, fragile and prices being pushed way above true value, comparatively speaking
Anyone tried comparing the MR with a TT...?
Re the Z, there are so many conflicting reports -one camp says engine sounds mechanically tortured + awful road noise and not quick - tother camp says you dont need quicker, engine sounds awesome and ride + road noise only a problem on 370 (engine sounds worse too..)
From the youtube clips with aftermarket induction and exhaust the Z engine would appear to be very exciting, no?
Exhausts: TTE for MR2 & Nismo for 350 appear best - What exactly is a TTE & where can you get them from (CAT back or inc sport CAT? - Taking out pre-cat seems a good move too)
Looking forward to testing both MR2 & Z + Z roadster - Love the Alfa Spider / GTV but rust prone, fragile and prices being pushed way above true value, comparatively speaking
Anyone tried comparing the MR with a TT...?
Re the Z, there are so many conflicting reports -one camp says engine sounds mechanically tortured + awful road noise and not quick - tother camp says you dont need quicker, engine sounds awesome and ride + road noise only a problem on 370 (engine sounds worse too..)
From the youtube clips with aftermarket induction and exhaust the Z engine would appear to be very exciting, no?
Exhausts: TTE for MR2 & Nismo for 350 appear best - What exactly is a TTE & where can you get them from (CAT back or inc sport CAT? - Taking out pre-cat seems a good move too)
I have driven Audi TTs hardtops and convertibles, but I prefer rear wheel drive so they aren't my thing. The interiors are quite nice though. And the 1.8 turbo engine is very tuneable.
MR2 is much more of a sports car, and more fun.
Yeah, the 350Z does seem to divide opinion somewhat on here.
They get berated for the plasticky interior, but it's never bothered me, and I love my orange seats!
They also get blasted for being too heavy, but they aren't really any heavier than an E46 BMW M3, and nobody mentions the weight of those!
The controls are quite heavily weighted so they are a little bit truck-like to drive, but I quite like the 'meaty' feel of it, but they can actually be quite nimble.
I'd never describe the Z's engine as sounding tortured, it's quite unstressed, and I love the noise it makes.
I'd say it's quick, not mega fast, but around 6 seconds to 60mph and around 14 seconds to 100mph, it's no slouch. In Germany last year it happily cruised at around 140 where conditions allowed, and it just takes it in its stride.
Road noise has never been something I've noticed particularly, though you can buy (or make) dividers quite cheaply which partially separates the boot area from the cabin, which I've read cuts down on road noise.
Your best bet, as you mention, is to try one to see if it's your cup of tea or not, after all, we all like different things!
MR2 is much more of a sports car, and more fun.
Yeah, the 350Z does seem to divide opinion somewhat on here.
They get berated for the plasticky interior, but it's never bothered me, and I love my orange seats!
They also get blasted for being too heavy, but they aren't really any heavier than an E46 BMW M3, and nobody mentions the weight of those!
The controls are quite heavily weighted so they are a little bit truck-like to drive, but I quite like the 'meaty' feel of it, but they can actually be quite nimble.
I'd never describe the Z's engine as sounding tortured, it's quite unstressed, and I love the noise it makes.
I'd say it's quick, not mega fast, but around 6 seconds to 60mph and around 14 seconds to 100mph, it's no slouch. In Germany last year it happily cruised at around 140 where conditions allowed, and it just takes it in its stride.
Road noise has never been something I've noticed particularly, though you can buy (or make) dividers quite cheaply which partially separates the boot area from the cabin, which I've read cuts down on road noise.
Your best bet, as you mention, is to try one to see if it's your cup of tea or not, after all, we all like different things!
moorx said:
AFAIK, the TTE exhaust is not made any more, it is only available second hand (and is becoming increasingly difficult to find).
There is a lot of debate regarding pre-cat removal. Some people don't bother, but OH removed them on my car not long after we bought it.
The TTE exhaust is made by Remus and I think you can still buy them new from them. Stupid money though about £600. The only difference is the Remus has round tips vs oval and they are slightly bigger. 2nd hand TTEs go for about £250, I just bought one myself.There is a lot of debate regarding pre-cat removal. Some people don't bother, but OH removed them on my car not long after we bought it.
stargazer30 said:
The TTE exhaust is made by Remus and I think you can still buy them new from them. Stupid money though about £600.
Still listed on their website - http://www.remusuk.com/model.asp?id=W3%201.8l%20VV...
The only difference is the Remus has round tips vs oval and they are slightly bigger. 2nd hand TTEs go for about £250, I just bought one myself.
Nope: that link is for the 'stock' Remus round tip version. The TTE oval tip one with the embossed logo is no longer available except on the s/h market.Still listed on their website - http://www.remusuk.com/model.asp?id=W3%201.8l%20VV...
The only difference is the Remus has round tips vs oval and they are slightly bigger. 2nd hand TTEs go for about £250, I just bought one myself.
The OP may find this article helpful - http://www.spydermagazine.com/2002/July/tte/tte-re...
Other possible alternatives - http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=7&...
The main issues on a mk3 are:
- precats
- rusted rear subframe
- oval bore syndrome
- internal condensation in the headlights
- broken soft top straps ('ears')
Info for all of these can be found on MR2ROC.
Have a read of these as well
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=145...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It depends on what you're looking for, but imo stuffing the 190bhp 2ZZ-GE into a mk3 makes it what Toyota should have offered as an option from the start.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=8&a...
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