2001 Toyota

TOYOTA MR2 (MK3) ROADSTER TTE TURBO (£5,750)

Thanks for reading this advert for my 2001 MR2 Roadster TTE Turbo. As the name suggests, this is no ordinary Roadster.

Some 20k miles ago, it was fitted with the Toyota approved Toyota Team Europe Turbo kit taking power to 197bhp and torque to 210lb/ft. Please see the links below for details on the kit:

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/201942/toyota_mr2.html

http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=47&i=14678

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/toyota/first-drives/tte-toyota-mr2-turbo

Given the light weight of the car (approx. 950kg) the upgrade totally transforms it from a likeable sports car to a properly quick little mid-engined machine.

I purchased the car early last year with the sole intention of developing it into a useable trackday toy. After a succession of kits and highly focussed cars I wanted something RWD that looked pretty standard but performed as it should when on track. I also wanted something I could drive to and from the circuit even when raining, use on sunny days and generally enjoy without too much compromise on the road. To this end I sourced and then had the following items professionally fitted:

Carbotech XP8 Pads front and rear

Goodrich braided brake lines

Racing blue brake fluid

CHE front lower chassis brace

CHE rear lower chassis brace

Silverstone Performance centre chassis brace

Cusco front strut brace

BC Racing Type RA Coilovers 5/7kg

CHE Anti Roll Bars front and rear

2s ‘R’ Us Drop links front and rear

Moroso baffled sump (1ZZ/2ZZ fitment)

Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 15x7 ET35 wheels

Federal 595RS-R 205/50/15 tyres

MWR Oil Cooler

Stack Oil Temp Gauge

Track geo/setup applied

Many of the parts are approved for use in the MR2 championship and there’s a healthy modding scene on the forums. The TTE turbo kit itself is also sought after and commands a decent price (about £2k). One of my realistic options is to break it as I’ve kept all the parts removed so a return to semi standard is an option. However, I’m after a simple life and I'm hoping there’s a buyer out there who wants a nicely prepared car which bridges the gap between road and track.

The MOT date was 14th October 2013 and it sailed through. At just 51k miles it’s not had a particularly hard life and is solid in all respects. It's been regularly serviced with the last oil/filter change dated 01/09/13 using fully synth Mobil 1. The engine was fully rebuilt over winter 2012 due to piston ring issues leading to oil usage. This work was completed by a respected MR2 specialist with receipt to prove. This engine work is still under warranty. The oil temp gauge and cooler were fitted at this time to ensure no repeat of the cause (likely to have been oil temperature too high).

The interior of the car is almost standard and in good condition. The interior features the usual mk3 creature comforts plus aircon (needs re-gassing) and heated red cloth seats which were options. There’s very little wear to the seats and I recently fitted a Kenwood MP3/USB head unit plus a smaller OMP steering wheel which is miles better.

On the exterior, the roof is fully operational with no leaks, cracks or tears. Paintwork is good, with some minor scratches in places and some stubborn rubber marks but nothing of note. It's in great condition for its age.

With parts plus the cost of buying the car it stands me at a good few quid. I know from experience that I’ll never see that back but if someone fancies a ready to go vehicle without the hassle of developing it themselves then I think it’s very attractive at the asking price. After a few track days and two enjoyable summers I have my eye on an upgrade and want to move it on to another enthusiast.

It’s on a personal registration at present. Original Y plate will be on shortly. Any test, trial or inspection is welcome. Car is located nr Jnc 19 M6 (Knutsford).