MR2 Roadsters - what to look for?
Discussion
Thinking of buying an MR2 roadster. What should I look for, and are there any spec changes to look out for?
I fancy a mid engined car - sold Toyotas when the Mk1 MR2 was new, and built my own mid engined kit car (GTM Libra in profile)
Would appreciate comments on usability, handling etc. BTW, I really loved the MK1, but struggled with the early Mk2 types.
I fancy a mid engined car - sold Toyotas when the Mk1 MR2 was new, and built my own mid engined kit car (GTM Libra in profile)
Would appreciate comments on usability, handling etc. BTW, I really loved the MK1, but struggled with the early Mk2 types.
Main issue is pre-cats although there are others. Best to get a post face-lift version 03 onwards.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=840...
http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/index.php
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=840...
http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/index.php
Mk3 is same performance as the MK1.
Great handling little things. I picked a black 2001 with hardtop and 66kmiles for £2100 last year. Engine warning light came on next day!, 2 x O2 sensors were required and is a common fault.
Also I removed the manifold and fitted a stainless one off ebay for about £100 without the pre cats in.
Worstwas the rear subframe had rotted through and was over £300 from Toyota. This too is common and was changed on the facelift. I bought a second hand one for £80 and painted it with rust proof paint. Itscaused by water dripping through the engine cover down onto it.
I sold it early this year for £2100.
Great handling little things. I picked a black 2001 with hardtop and 66kmiles for £2100 last year. Engine warning light came on next day!, 2 x O2 sensors were required and is a common fault.
Also I removed the manifold and fitted a stainless one off ebay for about £100 without the pre cats in.
Worstwas the rear subframe had rotted through and was over £300 from Toyota. This too is common and was changed on the facelift. I bought a second hand one for £80 and painted it with rust proof paint. Itscaused by water dripping through the engine cover down onto it.
I sold it early this year for £2100.
I owned a 2000 Roadster for a few years and to this day it is one of the most involving cars I have driven and I have driven various things such as the Elise, Europa and various turbo jap racers. It could always do with a lot more power but what it does have is used very well. They are very economical but seriously lack storage space, although it does teach you to pack carfully and if you use small holdalls and the spare wheel well under the bonnet then you can easily get enough gear in for a long weekend.
The thing I miss the most about mine is the on the limit control. It can be drifted very easily but rarely feels as if its getting away from you, although if you are not paying attention it can snap away when your not expecting it so you need to be on your toes at all times!!
In terms of engine issues there are the common problems as mentioned up the page but most cars you would be looking at would have either already had the damage done and be obvious or repaired or will probably be fine for the rest of its life. There are some conversions out there to the 190 engine and also OlberJ (I think) on here has dropped a few V6 engines into the roadster which is a pretty good swap from what I can gather. If you are handy with the spanners then either could be a simple project to undertake.
They do sound great too with an aftermarket system fitted. All in, they are a great buy for 2 grand!!
The thing I miss the most about mine is the on the limit control. It can be drifted very easily but rarely feels as if its getting away from you, although if you are not paying attention it can snap away when your not expecting it so you need to be on your toes at all times!!
In terms of engine issues there are the common problems as mentioned up the page but most cars you would be looking at would have either already had the damage done and be obvious or repaired or will probably be fine for the rest of its life. There are some conversions out there to the 190 engine and also OlberJ (I think) on here has dropped a few V6 engines into the roadster which is a pretty good swap from what I can gather. If you are handy with the spanners then either could be a simple project to undertake.
They do sound great too with an aftermarket system fitted. All in, they are a great buy for 2 grand!!
Hi to Everyone
Had a 2001 MR2 for the last seven years,it ain't no Boxter but what a credit to Toyota's ethos.A pleasant every day sports car built to go the distance
Main draw back is storage,but hey? who cares when you can get an excellent example for £2000 and a fair bit less!Sadly I haven't cared for mine as one should
attention so far:
52000 mls 4 x BF Goodrigde tyres
1 x minor servie
1X battery
1x discs & pads all round
Regular top up :engine oil:they need oil,often.10 litres per year Tesco's fully synthetic 5W30 does the trick
But that is it! Mine is a litte bit battered now on 128,000 but she's still so drivable. I love this beautiful little car
Get one!!
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