MRT - Fresh Import

[andy mac]

The NA MR2 is a fine car, and it will 60 in about 7.5, so not slow. Its hot hatch standard. I had one for a year, so its not a dissappointing car, especially as it is so much fun in the twisties. BUT... you will get a bit fed up of the more powerful cars boosting off leaving you in their dust, (although to be honest, they don't leave that quickly!), and you will yearn for a turbo. IF you are not used to having a 5 secong to 60 car, then the na is a fine car to get you up to speed, and get used to the configuration. However, I only had mine a year before I gave it to my bro, and imported an tubby...

I'd still buy an na by the way. Have fond memories of that car.

[_Al_]

Choices choices...

This is one of those happy dilemas where there appears to be no wrong answer.

I really need to drive a good turbo. No MR2 I've driven this far could pull the skin off cold custard...

I can confidently claim that the decision will be made on 'biggest grin factor'.

[_Al_]

DanBoy said:

...when I first got the MR2 after my 1.6 Golf it could accelerate faster than I could think.

I very much like the sound of that...

[andy mac]

The na is more MX5 standard car, the MR2Turbo is more Supra/rx7... Simple as that... Do you want all out power, and handling, or just something that will have a good pace, and handle well?

[_Al_]

I can't really say how much performance I want without driving them both. The standard MR2 is slow, but the G-Limited doesn't sound like it will be.

The turbo should be mind-blowing.

When I come off my current 12 hour day-shifts (tuesday) I'm going to look at a couple more. I want to have the new machine sorted before winter comes along and makes life tricky.

You can't take either of them for a blat in the snow!

This thread (and the long running saga behind it!) should have a final conclusion in the next 3-4weeks.

Of course it'll re-surface next year if I buy the NA - which is probably the best reason to buy a turbo!

>> Edited by _Al_ on Sunday 31st July 19:01

[_Al_]

Gazboy said:

I'll tell you this now - if you drive a tubby back to back against the n/a, you'll buy the turbo, it has so much more mid-range and reach.

I'm yet to experience it - can't wait. Been after one of these for so long I can virtually taste it..

I want a car that can make my adrenal gland wish it had stayed at home..

[_Al_]

Gazboy said:

Have you contacted NewEra for a car?

Blimey, the cars on their website are beautiful!

Where's the : sit-at-desk-and-drool-on-keyboard : smiley when you need it?

Where's a spare £7k in cash when you need that?

[andy mac]

Also try japanese direct imports. Their webby escapes me at the mo.

[_Al_]

andy mac said:

Also try japanese direct imports. Their webby escapes me at the mo.

I'll google it. Cheers.

[DanBoy]

Gazboy said:

I'll tell you this now - if you drive a tubby back to back against the n/a, you'll buy the turbo, it has so much more mid-range and reach.

That's true.

[MrFlibbles]

_Al_ said:

You can't take either of them for a blat in the snow!

I took mine for its second test drive in a blizzard! Just wanted to check i wasn't gonna kill myself

[DanBoy]

Maaaaaan I've done things in the G Limited that I'm almost certain would have put me into the scenery in the tubby.

[MrFlibbles]

DanBoy said:

Maaaaaan I've done things in the G Limited that I'm almost certain would have put me into the scenery in the tubby.

Too much information!

[_Al_]

MrFlibbles said:

_Al_ said: You can't take either of them for a blat in the snow! I took mine for its second test drive in a blizzard! Just wanted to check i wasn't gonna kill myself

You are insane!

[_Al_]

Looking at the current 'lead car' tomorrow in Surrey.

£3,200 - Private sale
1992 (K-plate) GT Turbo.
Hardtop
80,000 miles
Full UK service history (inc recent service)
MOT/Tax May next year
"Excellent condition inside and out"
Red
Leather interior
Climate control

Any useful last minute advice? I'm test driving this threads' original black T-bar first as well. Just to make sure...


>> Edited by _Al_ on Thursday 4th August 01:06

[Steve_Evil]

Make sure it really is still red and not the pink they have a habit of going.

[MrFlibbles]

Steve_Evil said:

Make sure it really is still red and not the pink they have a habit of going.

It'll end up pink in the end.... Al, that sounds suspiciously like my car....stop copying me!

[_Al_]

MrFlibbles said:

Al, that sounds suspiciously like my car....stop copying me!

Um; worryingly I can't guarantee that we won't end up in (near) identical vehicles.

The Review

Price; £3,200 ONO.

Paint: Absolutely mint condition. Very red, no trace of fade or blotching. No scratches/scuffs/stonechips that Chipsaway would bother to get out of bed for.

Spec: 1992 Rev 2. 15" Wheels (standard turbo alloys - VGC), V-rated tyres all round. Gloss black chin spoiler, slightly cracked. PAS, LSD, MP3, UK SH, Air con/CC fully functional, very effective. Retracting mirrors work, lights work, 10 months MOT/Tax.

Interior: wear marks to drivers' seat leather, otherwise good. Yet another instrument binnacle in bloody KMH though. Cat 1 alarm/immobiliser with national full service guarantee still in force.

Engine: Started easily, no smoke of any description. Exhaust shows mild carbon deposits consistant with good running. Modified airbox and unfamiliar looking ECU, otherwise all as expected. Receipts for an excellent service history - very well cared for. Always eats Mobile 1 fully synth. Fresh looking oil, recent cam change, new clutch (but with bite point V close to the carpet for some reason). Lots of evidence of preventitive maintenance.

Coolant was water but he was every bit as suprised by this as me. He said the last place he had it serviced must have made a mistake. He still had a bottle of ForLife ready in his garage for top ups and all previous receipts showed it down as a named coolant.

Test Drive:

At slow speed: it was the tightest, smoothest most tractive MR2 I have ever driven. Quiet ride, no bumps/bangs over dodgy sufaces/speedbumps. Gearbox took some getting used to but feels fine. Steering was a pleasant weight and had a smooth, well-oiled feel.

At high speed: the same was true, all beautifully quiet and uneventful.





Transition between the two: F K me! This was easily twice as fast as the last MRT I drove. Pulled hard any rev any gear, left following traffic in something akin to a vapour trail (figuratively speaking I mean - there was nothing out of the back).

It piled on the KPH like a scaled cat...

...being fired out of a cannon...

...downwards...

This is one hell of a car. My mates' (claimed) 440bhp Impreza didn't feel that fast!

The owner has had the car since it was first imported in 2000. He seems like a real enthusiast and loves the car. He's selling it to start a new job in Ireland. He's not at all keen on mods/big horsepower. When the aftermarket sports exhaust failed he replaced it with a genuine toyota part.

He still lives at home (only a little older than me) and all the other cars on the drive were sporty. Each also looked well maintained and was sat on high-spec rubbber/original wheels.

I mentioned the turbo test (where you unbolt the inlet manifold and feel for free play). I said I wouldn't do it as his non-std airbox would have to come out and I didn't want to disassemble his car. He had the good grace to actually look and sound disappointed!


In short, I've never seen a second hand car in such good nick! Nevermind one being sold..

I get a REALLY good vibe from this car/seller. Can anyone think of a reason I shouldn't buy it?

[MrFlibbles]

_Al_ said:

Can anyone think of a reason I shouldn't buy it?

Because I'll be very jealous!

Sounds like a real good 'un....any pics?

[andy mac]

MR2 Turbos rock!