Toyota MR2 MK3 1.8 vvti opinions?
Discussion
We had one for a short while, lovely car in terms of fun and handling, we also liked the looks.
Ours was a model with all available factory options; A/C, leather and hardtop (you don't really pay any extra so you might as well seek a well specced model.
The issue with ours was it used a lot of oil, general consensus is this points to a knackered engine with ovalled bores.
While we had it I did a few bits and pieces on it (changed rad, general service etc...) and found it surprisingly easy to work on.
Prospect of a new motor was too much though, so I swallowed the loss and chopped it in for a Mk3 MX5.
The MX5 (2.0) felt much quicker, but probably wasn't so different, but the MR2 was definitely the more fun car and in my opinion handled better.
The MR2 certainly isn't slow down a twisty road as long as you keep the revs up, but in a straight line drag it will be left behind by derv hatches, that's not really what it's about though.
So in summary, watch out for oil use, these engines are renowned for it (though post 03 is supposedly a much safer bet). But overall, a fun, reasonably practical (lack of a proper boot didn't bother us, and you can actually get a fair bit behind the seats) and economical car for little money these days.
Ours was a model with all available factory options; A/C, leather and hardtop (you don't really pay any extra so you might as well seek a well specced model.
The issue with ours was it used a lot of oil, general consensus is this points to a knackered engine with ovalled bores.
While we had it I did a few bits and pieces on it (changed rad, general service etc...) and found it surprisingly easy to work on.
Prospect of a new motor was too much though, so I swallowed the loss and chopped it in for a Mk3 MX5.
The MX5 (2.0) felt much quicker, but probably wasn't so different, but the MR2 was definitely the more fun car and in my opinion handled better.
The MR2 certainly isn't slow down a twisty road as long as you keep the revs up, but in a straight line drag it will be left behind by derv hatches, that's not really what it's about though.
So in summary, watch out for oil use, these engines are renowned for it (though post 03 is supposedly a much safer bet). But overall, a fun, reasonably practical (lack of a proper boot didn't bother us, and you can actually get a fair bit behind the seats) and economical car for little money these days.
Bought mine in March and am very happy with it.
Presumably you are happy with the luggage and practicality aspect so we wont go down that well trodden path.
If your car is pre-facelift watch out for the pre-cat menace - best if they have been taken out. Facelift cars have the fog lights and 6 speed 'boxes.
The hood is very good, and aside from the security side the hard top is not necessary. Good on fuel,and a giggle when you get a move on. The base spec isn't slow, but I wouldn't describe it as fast either. However there is an established tuning scene if you want to rectify that.
Presumably you are happy with the luggage and practicality aspect so we wont go down that well trodden path.
If your car is pre-facelift watch out for the pre-cat menace - best if they have been taken out. Facelift cars have the fog lights and 6 speed 'boxes.
The hood is very good, and aside from the security side the hard top is not necessary. Good on fuel,and a giggle when you get a move on. The base spec isn't slow, but I wouldn't describe it as fast either. However there is an established tuning scene if you want to rectify that.
MInlaws had two - the semi auto which was a bit useless, then the manual; an absolute hoot to drive, well made and almost had the feel of a mini exotic inside.
Ignore mk2 turbo comments. They may be quick but the mk3 chassis is infinitely better.
Mpg is fairly good, the only downside is almost no space for luggage.
Ignore mk2 turbo comments. They may be quick but the mk3 chassis is infinitely better.
Mpg is fairly good, the only downside is almost no space for luggage.
Probably the best "cheap" driver's car I've ever driven. Leagues ahead of the mk2 and whilst the MX5 gets a lot of glory on here, the mk3 MR2 is a much better car to drive, IMO. The lack of boot puts a lot of people off, as does the tendency for early cars to suck bits of their intake manifold into the engine (that did get fixed, though, not sure what year).
I'd guess 30mpg when driven hard, 40 on the motorway? That's about what an Elise does with the same engine, anyway.
I'd guess 30mpg when driven hard, 40 on the motorway? That's about what an Elise does with the same engine, anyway.
Edited by kambites on Friday 27th April 09:23
kambites said:
Probably the best "cheap" driver's car I've ever driven.
Agreed - it's great little sportscar.I'm sure the only reason it didn't sell in greater numbers was the slightly dainty appearance. Elise took the hard-core and MX5 had the traditional cheaper sportscar segment sewn up.
trickywoo said:
Somnophore said:
0-60 in 7.7 is pretty good I think.
They don't feel at all fast. Don't think the dull engine note helps.I wouldn't even be looking at any of the pre-facelift models due to various reliability issues.
trickywoo said:
Somnophore said:
0-60 in 7.7 is pretty good I think.
They don't feel at all fast. Don't think the dull engine note helps.I wouldn't even be looking at any of the pre-facelift models due to various reliability issues.
However once the revs build up it seems to run out puff despite dyno charts saying otherwise and a small VVTi 'kick' at 4500ish rpm. Personally I'd perfer an engine that thrived on revs like a VTEC or even the 2.0 in the MX-5.
I've put a custom back box on so it sounds a bit nicer, if a little chavvy
Handling is first class, although perhaps a little uninvolving compared to an FR car.
Practiallity? TBH the two seats are the biggest hindrance, not the lack of storage.
30-35mpg compared with 25mpg from my previous Civic Type-R on my 10 mile commute. 40+mpg on longer runs is easy.
As for the Precat failure thing, mine is a facelift ('04) so might be ok. I'd rather remove then but I've asked around and just get a lot of blank faces
Although if someone around Aberdeenshire could do it I'd be happy to hear from them 
Vocal Minority said:
Toyota refuse to admit there is such a thing as pre-cat failure
Pre-cat and oil usage tends to merge into one, but mine was using a litre every 500miles and the precats were perfect (until I took them out).Corollas and Avensises developed oil useage issues without the pre-cat issue of the MR2.
That engine had several issues IMO, but apparently 03 onwards were better.
Great fun to drive, and 38mpg.
I had a 2001 car a few months ago, black hardtop and just £2100 with 66000 miles on. Being pre facelift I changed the pre cats to a de cat SS system, and I needed 2x O2 sensors as they seem to go through them.
Rust on rear x member was a problem too. Water dripped through the engine cover and left a 2" hole in mine. Also needed a bush for the MOT. Toyota wanted £250 as it came on a wishbone, Polybush sold them for £30.
The facelift 6 speeder is the one to go for if your budget will stretch, as early cars encounter more problems with oil usage etc. (Although mine was fine)
If you can live with the tiny storage compartments they are great fun, but dont expect any performance as they are pretty much the same as a MK1. That said they are the best handling out the lot.
I had a 2001 car a few months ago, black hardtop and just £2100 with 66000 miles on. Being pre facelift I changed the pre cats to a de cat SS system, and I needed 2x O2 sensors as they seem to go through them.
Rust on rear x member was a problem too. Water dripped through the engine cover and left a 2" hole in mine. Also needed a bush for the MOT. Toyota wanted £250 as it came on a wishbone, Polybush sold them for £30.
The facelift 6 speeder is the one to go for if your budget will stretch, as early cars encounter more problems with oil usage etc. (Although mine was fine)
If you can live with the tiny storage compartments they are great fun, but dont expect any performance as they are pretty much the same as a MK1. That said they are the best handling out the lot.
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