MR2 buying advice
Discussion
A friend is looking to change their relatively recent supermini for something a bit more interesting and has pretty much decided on a mk2 MR2. They can only spend what they get for selling their current car, round about £3k
How much MR2 can you get for that sort of money? Quick look on the Autotrader website throws up quite a few cars at around 13 years old and about 100,000 miles. I'm likely to be asked to look at some, so is there anything in particular that needs checking with an MR2 of this age and mileage?
Are there any models that are more desireable than others? They'd like a T-bar ideally and turbos are out due to the insurance cost.
Thanks,
David
How much MR2 can you get for that sort of money? Quick look on the Autotrader website throws up quite a few cars at around 13 years old and about 100,000 miles. I'm likely to be asked to look at some, so is there anything in particular that needs checking with an MR2 of this age and mileage?
Are there any models that are more desireable than others? They'd like a T-bar ideally and turbos are out due to the insurance cost.
Thanks,
David
I am looking to chop the CS in for a N/A MR2. Ideally to free up some cash, but also to have something a little more economical to run about in, thats still fun to drive.
Gaz, when you say "You get what you pay for", are you saying that cars under the £3k bracket are gonna be trouble??
At the end of the day, they are still Toyota's.
Thats a good thing, isn't it?!?!
Gaz, when you say "You get what you pay for", are you saying that cars under the £3k bracket are gonna be trouble??
At the end of the day, they are still Toyota's.
Thats a good thing, isn't it?!?!
turbo-tastic said:
Gaz, when you say "You get what you pay for", are you saying that cars under the £3k bracket are gonna be trouble??
I wouldn't say that#s neccesarily the case.
When I seriously get down to selling mine, it's gonna be going for about £2500. That's down to a few minor defects in the bodywork - The car itself will go on and on. I've had it for over a year and it's not let me down once - The only work it's had done is to have new brakes (pads all round and new discs at the rear) and a new clutch. Given that the MR2 is a mid-engined sports car, parts were actually quite reasonably priced too.
>> Edited by DanBoy on Monday 23 May 11:21
>> Edited by DanBoy on Monday 23 May 13:23
The MR2's tend to have no problems with rust, and the engines are reletively bulletproof. The ones in the 3k bracket should be ok, just take it for a test drive, and look at the brakes, suspension, and any oily/smokey engine problems. Rest should be ok. 100K on a 3s_ge engine wouldn't worry me.
Thanks for the help, good to know that we should be able to find a car that isn't likely to turn into a huge money pit for that kind of cash 
Danboy, your's is probably a bit far away
Although at 2.5k I might be tempted myself 
Gazboy, the 'nobbers' guide would be appreciated... I think
Danboy, your's is probably a bit far away
Although at 2.5k I might be tempted myself Gazboy, the 'nobbers' guide would be appreciated... I think
There are 3 (main) Mk2 MR2 Owners clubs that can help you with info / have well looked after cars for sale.
www.imoc.co.uk (International MR2 Owners, as Mentioned)
www.mr2oc.co.uk(MR2 Owners Club)
and (I suppose) www.mr2dc.com = The MR2 Drivers club.
You should be able to find plenty on there - one thing I would also say is your prob. looking at a N.A. revision 1 or 2 model <Dec 93 anything badged "G-Limited" is a Jap import which MAY have a better spec i.e. Aircon but might cost a bit more on insurance.
HTH,
Gareth
>> Edited by frosty-11 on Tuesday 24th May 07:27
www.imoc.co.uk (International MR2 Owners, as Mentioned)
www.mr2oc.co.uk(MR2 Owners Club)
and (I suppose) www.mr2dc.com = The MR2 Drivers club.
You should be able to find plenty on there - one thing I would also say is your prob. looking at a N.A. revision 1 or 2 model <Dec 93 anything badged "G-Limited" is a Jap import which MAY have a better spec i.e. Aircon but might cost a bit more on insurance.
HTH,
Gareth
>> Edited by frosty-11 on Tuesday 24th May 07:27
I would just like to add that some uk cars had aircon too (optional extra).
I had a rev 2 t-bar with aircon.
Leaky roof can be fixed in 5 mins for a few pence, or take the proper expensive route.
The cars really are bullet proof, but make sure you get one with FSH, doesn't matter where from, just as long as it has been looked after.
Oh, if you look at t-bars, the leather seats will be a little worn (unless replaced).
I had a rev 2 t-bar with aircon.
Leaky roof can be fixed in 5 mins for a few pence, or take the proper expensive route.
The cars really are bullet proof, but make sure you get one with FSH, doesn't matter where from, just as long as it has been looked after.
Oh, if you look at t-bars, the leather seats will be a little worn (unless replaced).
Ta for the advice everyone, after looking at a few my friend put a deposit down on one today, she picks it up next weekend.
Its a K plate, UK car with 95k miles. Its completely standard apart from the stereo, seller even has the original radio cassette if we want that. Done about 2k miles on a new clutch and the exhaust, alternator and radiator have also been replaced recently. Easily the tidiest car she'd looked at, the engine runs like new and it drives and rides beautifully.
Its a K plate, UK car with 95k miles. Its completely standard apart from the stereo, seller even has the original radio cassette if we want that. Done about 2k miles on a new clutch and the exhaust, alternator and radiator have also been replaced recently. Easily the tidiest car she'd looked at, the engine runs like new and it drives and rides beautifully.
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