MK2 MR2 Turbo Temptation
Discussion
Hi All again,
For the past couple of days I've had a temptation to look for a MK2 MR2 (SW20) Turbo
I am Currently in the market for a new car (2 seater jap sports car) which I always lusted over, Now as I am selling my MK5 Gti I am finally in the position to go out and get one.
Another benefit is that I live 1.3 miles from my workplace therefore most of the time I either just cycle or walk to work, Therefore I only will use the MR2 on the weekends to attend car shows,cruises and B road hoons and very occasionally drive 1.3 miles to work if it rains heavily.
So far I have found some perfect MK3 MR2 Roadsters and MK2.5 Mazda MX5's
However before I go out and purchase on of the options above, I was wondering if a MK2 MR2 Turbo is a possible option as well? Again It will be my only car however I do less than 3500Miles a year.
Would you recommend one as an only car?
Are they fairly reliable compared to a MK3 MR2 or Mazda MX5's?
Will they be sufficient enough for weekend driving, short trips, car meets and occasional driving to work being over 20 year old car?
And lastly how are they like in the winter ? as from November-early February I tend to drive to work due to the cold weather
Cheers Chaps.
For the past couple of days I've had a temptation to look for a MK2 MR2 (SW20) Turbo
I am Currently in the market for a new car (2 seater jap sports car) which I always lusted over, Now as I am selling my MK5 Gti I am finally in the position to go out and get one.
Another benefit is that I live 1.3 miles from my workplace therefore most of the time I either just cycle or walk to work, Therefore I only will use the MR2 on the weekends to attend car shows,cruises and B road hoons and very occasionally drive 1.3 miles to work if it rains heavily.
So far I have found some perfect MK3 MR2 Roadsters and MK2.5 Mazda MX5's
However before I go out and purchase on of the options above, I was wondering if a MK2 MR2 Turbo is a possible option as well? Again It will be my only car however I do less than 3500Miles a year.
Would you recommend one as an only car?
Are they fairly reliable compared to a MK3 MR2 or Mazda MX5's?
Will they be sufficient enough for weekend driving, short trips, car meets and occasional driving to work being over 20 year old car?
And lastly how are they like in the winter ? as from November-early February I tend to drive to work due to the cold weather
Cheers Chaps.
With any old jap car, you just need to buy on condition and look after them, and they'll look after you.
I run a 20 year old Toyota which I use on weekends etc as I walk to work, and in the main it's very reliable and doesn't feel it's age at all, you just need to spend a few quid refreshing the worn out stuff.
Rust is probably the biggest consideration and flag, unless it's been imported from Japan in the last couple of years... the UK MR2s have all suffered our winters and will have probably been welded at some stage unless the owner has been meticulous with storage and avoided winter use.
That's just some general advice, i've not owned an MR2, but have run several 15-20 year old japanese cars over the last 10 years.
All three of those are RWD so can obviously be a bit testy in winter if not driven with some consideration. I ran an mx5 for 6 years which was driven all year round, snow inclusive.. i had a lot of fun in it, but also the occasional minor brown trousers moment....good quality tyres, decent alignment setup and a sensible right foot are the key things.
I have heard that the mk2 MR2 can be a bit more of a handful due to it's mid engined layout, but they did some revisions of the design over the years it was available and i think some are more snappy than others. I know the turbos can catch you out for sure.
If it's your first RWD, then an MR2 turbo is going to have to handled carefully while you learn to drive it, they are quick cars.
I run a 20 year old Toyota which I use on weekends etc as I walk to work, and in the main it's very reliable and doesn't feel it's age at all, you just need to spend a few quid refreshing the worn out stuff.
Rust is probably the biggest consideration and flag, unless it's been imported from Japan in the last couple of years... the UK MR2s have all suffered our winters and will have probably been welded at some stage unless the owner has been meticulous with storage and avoided winter use.
That's just some general advice, i've not owned an MR2, but have run several 15-20 year old japanese cars over the last 10 years.
All three of those are RWD so can obviously be a bit testy in winter if not driven with some consideration. I ran an mx5 for 6 years which was driven all year round, snow inclusive.. i had a lot of fun in it, but also the occasional minor brown trousers moment....good quality tyres, decent alignment setup and a sensible right foot are the key things.
I have heard that the mk2 MR2 can be a bit more of a handful due to it's mid engined layout, but they did some revisions of the design over the years it was available and i think some are more snappy than others. I know the turbos can catch you out for sure.
If it's your first RWD, then an MR2 turbo is going to have to handled carefully while you learn to drive it, they are quick cars.
Edited by designforlife on Wednesday 22 January 11:07
As someone who has owned a turbo MR2 for more than 10 years and used one as a daily.
No, unless you have a backup car forget it. They can be made nice as a daily car but parts are getting harder to get and many smaller bits are NLA. Even the nicest ones you'll see for sale will need some work. They are all now prone to rusting on the rear sills which is fixable but can be costly depending on how bad it is.
Engines can be a mixed bag and really depends on if the PO has looked after it, even then you could still have issues. Even the newest cars are going to be 20 years old and will need some work.
YMMV but when i was using mine as a daily I was constantly fixing things. My current one is a fun car/track toy and I can accept it being off the road.
Edit: I'm retarded and didn't read the op properly.
Double edit: As a weekend car the turbos are fine, however I'd say no to short trips the engines really do need getting up to temp properly.
No, unless you have a backup car forget it. They can be made nice as a daily car but parts are getting harder to get and many smaller bits are NLA. Even the nicest ones you'll see for sale will need some work. They are all now prone to rusting on the rear sills which is fixable but can be costly depending on how bad it is.
Engines can be a mixed bag and really depends on if the PO has looked after it, even then you could still have issues. Even the newest cars are going to be 20 years old and will need some work.
YMMV but when i was using mine as a daily I was constantly fixing things. My current one is a fun car/track toy and I can accept it being off the road.
Edit: I'm retarded and didn't read the op properly.
Double edit: As a weekend car the turbos are fine, however I'd say no to short trips the engines really do need getting up to temp properly.
Edited by IdiotRace on Wednesday 22 January 11:10
A good NA MR2 would be an alternative, however last time I looked prices have risen a bit. A few years back you could pick a decent one up for about a grand. Saying that I paid 3 grand for my turbo and now they seem to be going for way more.
There are several revisision of the MK2, the 1st revision sold from 1989 to 1991 is the one renowned for 'snappy' handling. This one also has smaller brakes.
The second revision goes from late 1991 to 1993 which has bigger brakes and revised subframe + suspension to somewhat aleviate the handling issues.
The 3rd, 4th and 5th revisions, add better engines and some cosmetic things, these are from late 1993 to 1999. Also both engines get improvements, NA goes from 150hp to around 170 and the turbo goes from 225hp to 240 with various changes. Also there is a late runout version of the NA that got a VVTI engine, but is import only and very rare.
If you are looking to buy a decent car the 3/4/5 ones are the ones you should be looking at, the probabilty of finding a nice rev1/2 is much lower.
There are several revisision of the MK2, the 1st revision sold from 1989 to 1991 is the one renowned for 'snappy' handling. This one also has smaller brakes.
The second revision goes from late 1991 to 1993 which has bigger brakes and revised subframe + suspension to somewhat aleviate the handling issues.
The 3rd, 4th and 5th revisions, add better engines and some cosmetic things, these are from late 1993 to 1999. Also both engines get improvements, NA goes from 150hp to around 170 and the turbo goes from 225hp to 240 with various changes. Also there is a late runout version of the NA that got a VVTI engine, but is import only and very rare.
If you are looking to buy a decent car the 3/4/5 ones are the ones you should be looking at, the probabilty of finding a nice rev1/2 is much lower.
I've had 3. They are absolutely fabulous. A good one will be very reliable and a joy to own, but be prepared to pay a premium for it. Given the state of most of them in the UK I'd look at importing one yourself. Won't have the rust issues with a fresh import, then get it undersealed asap.
You want a Rev 3 or later - better engine.
Personally I like the GT T-Bar spec.
You want a Rev 3 or later - better engine.
Personally I like the GT T-Bar spec.
ThatredGTI said:
Would you recommend one as an only car?
No, not for 1 mile trips in the winter. You'll spend ages waiting for the windscreen to clear as the defroster is useless and the turbo won't like the short cold journeys.For the other use cases you've listed, yeah they're great! Still very quick even by modern standards and great fun to drive.
I've owned 3 MK2 turbos, a NA, a roadster, and a V6. The roadster is great apart from the 1zz.
The MK2 turbo must be one of the most underrated, under valued cars going. Honestly such a special car - it's an experience every drive. But be warned - once you've had one you will never want to be without one.
That said, go in with your eyes open. Sills and rear arches rust from the inside out, they've been cheap for a while so may have been neglecting. Check MOT histories thoroughly.
I've just sold my 94 turbo in favour of the V6. I'd recommend a V6 highly if you can find one. If not, a revision 3 turbo is the best version overall, but in the real world, buy the best condition one you can find.
Oh and yes they've all been mostly reliable - alternators and ignition components are a weak point, but they're Toyota's so very very rarely let you down. I did 30k miles in my last turbo in 4 years. I only have a roadster for the commute, keeps the miles off the MK2.
I wouldn't recommend a roadster as an only car, UNLESS you plan to swap the engine or turbocharge the 1zz. The chassis is brilliant but the 1zz is a nagging disappointment.
The MK2 turbo must be one of the most underrated, under valued cars going. Honestly such a special car - it's an experience every drive. But be warned - once you've had one you will never want to be without one.
That said, go in with your eyes open. Sills and rear arches rust from the inside out, they've been cheap for a while so may have been neglecting. Check MOT histories thoroughly.
I've just sold my 94 turbo in favour of the V6. I'd recommend a V6 highly if you can find one. If not, a revision 3 turbo is the best version overall, but in the real world, buy the best condition one you can find.
Oh and yes they've all been mostly reliable - alternators and ignition components are a weak point, but they're Toyota's so very very rarely let you down. I did 30k miles in my last turbo in 4 years. I only have a roadster for the commute, keeps the miles off the MK2.
I wouldn't recommend a roadster as an only car, UNLESS you plan to swap the engine or turbocharge the 1zz. The chassis is brilliant but the 1zz is a nagging disappointment.
Edited by danllama on Wednesday 22 January 11:35
If you manage to get one with working aircon, the screen clears pretty quickly. Unfortunately thats a bit of a rarity and I've been fighting with getting mine working.
They do take a bit longer to warm up than normal cars tho, but the engine especially a turbo will not enjoy not getting up to temp regularly. An NA I'd probably not worry so much.
Theres also stuff like having very little decent tyre selection for the standard 15" wheels, 16" used to get you some decent tyres, but now it's mainly crap or track tyres. 17" is also an option, but if you just buy some cheap wheels the extra unsprung weight blunts the handling somewhat so Ideally a nice light set of wheels would be good.
They do take a bit longer to warm up than normal cars tho, but the engine especially a turbo will not enjoy not getting up to temp regularly. An NA I'd probably not worry so much.
Theres also stuff like having very little decent tyre selection for the standard 15" wheels, 16" used to get you some decent tyres, but now it's mainly crap or track tyres. 17" is also an option, but if you just buy some cheap wheels the extra unsprung weight blunts the handling somewhat so Ideally a nice light set of wheels would be good.
I used to daily one 4 years ago, for 16 miles a day (for about 30k miles). Gave me very little trouble bar a seized caliper and some consumables. I also disagree that they're poor on icy days - I found it heated up really quickly. Also the MR traction was a bonus in the snow (if you're careful on the throttle!)
I now have a different one which is a bit more highly strung (1.2 bar boost) and is used exclusively for fun. This one has been more problematic. It's an old car now (1994 Rev 3) and obviously wasn't as looked after by POs as my old one.
TLDR; They're good dailys. Buy on condition.
I now have a different one which is a bit more highly strung (1.2 bar boost) and is used exclusively for fun. This one has been more problematic. It's an old car now (1994 Rev 3) and obviously wasn't as looked after by POs as my old one.
TLDR; They're good dailys. Buy on condition.
Cheers for all the responses,
I do love the look of the MK2 Turbos and would love to own one, I do accept all the maintenance and all the rust issues,
Also the Turbo will not like the short winter trips as some of you've have mentioned as I know the oil temps wont get to the perfect temp by the time I get to work or home,
other than winter I cycle or walk to work all spring, summer and autumn so it will only be a weekend car however it wont be happy with the short winter trips,
I think it will be the best idea to stick with my other 2 options MK3 Roadster or an MX5.
I do love the look of the MK2 Turbos and would love to own one, I do accept all the maintenance and all the rust issues,
Also the Turbo will not like the short winter trips as some of you've have mentioned as I know the oil temps wont get to the perfect temp by the time I get to work or home,
other than winter I cycle or walk to work all spring, summer and autumn so it will only be a weekend car however it wont be happy with the short winter trips,
I think it will be the best idea to stick with my other 2 options MK3 Roadster or an MX5.
In the past I used a Mk2 Turbo as a daily for several years and have a hankering for another, but only as a second car for fun. They are very much an enthusiasts car at this point being ~25 years old and they aren't always the easiest things to work on (e.g. timing belt is a PITA). I would expect rust to be an issue on most UK cars by this stage, though you could import a minter from Japan I suppose (if you can find one).
Great fun in the dry with plenty of performance and massive traction from standing start, but much less fun in wet and icy conditions.
Great fun in the dry with plenty of performance and massive traction from standing start, but much less fun in wet and icy conditions.
danllama said:
The MK2 turbo must be one of the most underrated, under valued cars going. Honestly such a special car - it's an experience every drive. But be warned - once you've had one you will never want to be without one.
]
I completely agree. The other cars suggested just aren't comparable, and i've owned most to know. A MX5 is a fun car but its nothing like a MR2 Turbo. ]
My one was bulletproof, got used as a daily and needed nothing other than servicing. OP you really need to try one to know if its for you. Its a different experience to the other cars in its price bracket. I'd have another one in a heartbeat but good ones are thin on the ground. My advice would be to look at recently imported ones.
Loved mine but bought it at the bottom of the market. Needed a replacement fifth gear, was due a cambelt, and had been sitting so had gone rather pink.
Specialists can do the cambelt without breaking the bank - it's a tricky job for DIY unless you're experienced. Fifth had been damaged by someone resting their hand on the gearknob it seemed - that was replaced with the box in situ so very cheap.
Rust was a worry. Mine was fairly solid, but parts of the underside were getting thin. The radiator and condensor dissolved completely, though the rad was an easy swap. I actually removed the AC pump in the end which has its own belt so very easy to delete.
Sadly didn't use it as much as it deserved, but driving it was an event. That was a rev 2 on standard 15" wheels - fairly predictable when driven hard, good ride and adequately quick. I did cheat and put standard UK spec struts on when the original Bilsteins expired - these have replaceable shocks inside unlike the Billies - no noticeable downside. Would have been better with coilovers but options were limited.
Sold as the other half hated it. Wasn't too sad, I'd had it six years and only done 2000 miles. Replaced with a TT which is far more dull, but actually gets used.
Specialists can do the cambelt without breaking the bank - it's a tricky job for DIY unless you're experienced. Fifth had been damaged by someone resting their hand on the gearknob it seemed - that was replaced with the box in situ so very cheap.
Rust was a worry. Mine was fairly solid, but parts of the underside were getting thin. The radiator and condensor dissolved completely, though the rad was an easy swap. I actually removed the AC pump in the end which has its own belt so very easy to delete.
Sadly didn't use it as much as it deserved, but driving it was an event. That was a rev 2 on standard 15" wheels - fairly predictable when driven hard, good ride and adequately quick. I did cheat and put standard UK spec struts on when the original Bilsteins expired - these have replaceable shocks inside unlike the Billies - no noticeable downside. Would have been better with coilovers but options were limited.
Sold as the other half hated it. Wasn't too sad, I'd had it six years and only done 2000 miles. Replaced with a TT which is far more dull, but actually gets used.
BuzzBravado said:
danllama said:
The MK2 turbo must be one of the most underrated, under valued cars going. Honestly such a special car - it's an experience every drive. But be warned - once you've had one you will never want to be without one.
]
I completely agree. The other cars suggested just aren't comparable, and i've owned most to know. A MX5 is a fun car but its nothing like a MR2 Turbo. ]
My one was bulletproof, got used as a daily and needed nothing other than servicing. OP you really need to try one to know if its for you. Its a different experience to the other cars in its price bracket. I'd have another one in a heartbeat but good ones are thin on the ground. My advice would be to look at recently imported ones.
Anyway, sounds like the OP isn't up to it and thats fine its not for everyone - half the reason they are still affordable i guess.
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