Possible MR2 owner - advice?
Discussion
Hi all,
Looking to change cars at the start of next year and have always loved the 90s Jap stuff.
I'm 19 years old, 2 years no claims and 3 points. Ideally would be looking at a GTS as my current car is turbocharged and I'm accustomed to the 'shove' that comes with it.
My current car is a 1.6T Ds3, however I've recently changed job and public transport is an option for getting to and from work. I'd prefer to still use the car for commuting as it saves a fair chunk of time, however if the car was out of action for whatever reason I could still make it to work.
Looking for an overview on running costs, reliability, and what to look out for in general. I've ran a few insurance quotes by using reg numbers of turbos from autotrader and the like, then checking the 'Japanese Import' field on the form - coming out at 1450 a year which is less than my current car.
I realize these are getting on a bit now, so is it becoming unreasonable to use one as a daily? I'd be looking to pick up the best example I can find, and have been using the MOT history checker to look for signs of clocking or long standing issues. I have a basic mechanical understanding and usually do my own oil changes, brake pads, and anything else I feel I can manage without breaking anything. My dad is a retired HGV mechanic who gives me a hand with any of the more difficult stuff, however I'd rather not be dragging him out to help with things every other week.
Is an MR2 a viable option for me in my current position? I'd rather pick up something I remember from my Gran Turismo days as a kid than join the BMW/Merc lease brigade...
Looking to change cars at the start of next year and have always loved the 90s Jap stuff.
I'm 19 years old, 2 years no claims and 3 points. Ideally would be looking at a GTS as my current car is turbocharged and I'm accustomed to the 'shove' that comes with it.
My current car is a 1.6T Ds3, however I've recently changed job and public transport is an option for getting to and from work. I'd prefer to still use the car for commuting as it saves a fair chunk of time, however if the car was out of action for whatever reason I could still make it to work.
Looking for an overview on running costs, reliability, and what to look out for in general. I've ran a few insurance quotes by using reg numbers of turbos from autotrader and the like, then checking the 'Japanese Import' field on the form - coming out at 1450 a year which is less than my current car.
I realize these are getting on a bit now, so is it becoming unreasonable to use one as a daily? I'd be looking to pick up the best example I can find, and have been using the MOT history checker to look for signs of clocking or long standing issues. I have a basic mechanical understanding and usually do my own oil changes, brake pads, and anything else I feel I can manage without breaking anything. My dad is a retired HGV mechanic who gives me a hand with any of the more difficult stuff, however I'd rather not be dragging him out to help with things every other week.
Is an MR2 a viable option for me in my current position? I'd rather pick up something I remember from my Gran Turismo days as a kid than join the BMW/Merc lease brigade...
jeffers999 said:
Hiya mate. I have one I've owned for about 4/5 years and use it daily to and from work.
And also from Wales to Devon 3 weekends a month my son lives there. As far as it's been only once let me
Down (head gasket).
Check for rusty sills very common. Everything else is simple on them
Appreciated mate, will keep an eye out for the sills and make sure I have a good poke around. Are they okay for routine maintenance stuff like pads, discs etc? Just as they're a bit older I thought it might be harder to source partsAnd also from Wales to Devon 3 weekends a month my son lives there. As far as it's been only once let me
Down (head gasket).
Check for rusty sills very common. Everything else is simple on them
Appreciate all the responses guys. I'd love to own one, and it seems to be the pick of the bunch for someone my age looking to get into the older Jap stuff - prices seem to be soaring on anything else even remotely desirable.
I'm starting to think I might be being a little unreasonable expecting one as a daily though. If - in the new year - funds allow, I'd possibly look at picking up an N/A to share with my dad whilst getting something newer for my own daily.
Is mileage a big factor on these? I'd probably look for the cleanest, best cared for one I could find but I hadn't considered mileage up until this point.
I'm starting to think I might be being a little unreasonable expecting one as a daily though. If - in the new year - funds allow, I'd possibly look at picking up an N/A to share with my dad whilst getting something newer for my own daily.
Is mileage a big factor on these? I'd probably look for the cleanest, best cared for one I could find but I hadn't considered mileage up until this point.
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