New Member intro, Toyota MR2
Discussion
Hi there everyone, I've been browsing these forums for a long time now reading through countless threads about members cars so I think it is about time I joined and introduced myself. I've always been a petrol head for as long as I can remember and I enjoy driving and nice cars.
I'm only 19 years old, been driving for 2.5 years and i'm in my second year of my apprenticeship at Bentley in Crewe. I spend as much time and money with my car as I can.
My first car was a Golf mk4 TDI, which although a little boring, it did me for driving about in for 2 years. I didn't put silly body kits and tacky alloy wheels on it, which lots of people round here sadly seem to do to their first cars, I just upgraded it in an OEM-ish type way. Towards the end I realised that as much as I liked it, it was time to move on to something a little more interesting.
My next car was a weird choice for someone of my age, I wanted something with more shove that was a little interesting but most importantly handled well. I initially began looking at 182's/Cooper S's/Fiesta ST's but I started to read and watch videos on the MK3 MR2. Generally the outlook was quite positive bar for the lack of luggage space, Evo and Tiff rated them quite well so I went to have a look at one to see what I thought. Upon driving one I loved it, it had an easy folding roof, handled really well and although not mega fast in a straight line, it was enough for me to have in a rear wheel drive car at 19. I eventually found a really good example, it was an 05 plate, with one lady owner from new and 29000 miles so I took the plunge. So far it as been a joy to own, Its been reliable and a blast to drive on twisty roads. The lack of luggage space has been an issue though and I've had to plan around this numerous times. I plan on selling up next summer and buying an S1 Elise or VX220. A collegue at work has recently purchased an S2 Elise which is amazing, I would really love to own an Elise next year. Anyway here is a pic of my MR2 on a roadtrip around Exmoor national park.
So that my intro done, thanks for having me
I'm only 19 years old, been driving for 2.5 years and i'm in my second year of my apprenticeship at Bentley in Crewe. I spend as much time and money with my car as I can.
My first car was a Golf mk4 TDI, which although a little boring, it did me for driving about in for 2 years. I didn't put silly body kits and tacky alloy wheels on it, which lots of people round here sadly seem to do to their first cars, I just upgraded it in an OEM-ish type way. Towards the end I realised that as much as I liked it, it was time to move on to something a little more interesting.
My next car was a weird choice for someone of my age, I wanted something with more shove that was a little interesting but most importantly handled well. I initially began looking at 182's/Cooper S's/Fiesta ST's but I started to read and watch videos on the MK3 MR2. Generally the outlook was quite positive bar for the lack of luggage space, Evo and Tiff rated them quite well so I went to have a look at one to see what I thought. Upon driving one I loved it, it had an easy folding roof, handled really well and although not mega fast in a straight line, it was enough for me to have in a rear wheel drive car at 19. I eventually found a really good example, it was an 05 plate, with one lady owner from new and 29000 miles so I took the plunge. So far it as been a joy to own, Its been reliable and a blast to drive on twisty roads. The lack of luggage space has been an issue though and I've had to plan around this numerous times. I plan on selling up next summer and buying an S1 Elise or VX220. A collegue at work has recently purchased an S2 Elise which is amazing, I would really love to own an Elise next year. Anyway here is a pic of my MR2 on a roadtrip around Exmoor national park.
So that my intro done, thanks for having me
I was behind one up near Stonehaven the other day and thought the little car looked great for its age. It was silver as well. I read EVO every month and since they started mentioning one in the fast fleet section I have checked the classifieds for these. They are a great little car.
Both your cars look great and not bad for a young lad at all. Wish I had those as my first cars.
Both your cars look great and not bad for a young lad at all. Wish I had those as my first cars.
i hope to see the MR2 in Wales next summer.Thanks very much for the positive comments, it's great to know people who actually know about cars and driving appreciate the MR2's. Sadly the people that don't just refer to me as being a hairdresser, I just laugh and soon forget about it when driving it down a nice twisty road Thanks chaps
Thanks chaps 
Here's a pic of it in Wales.
LaurasOtherHalf said:
In all honesty, the mr2 is a better car than the lotus. Superb little cars
Thanks a lot for the positive comment, as someone who has owned the Lotus and the MR2, how do they compare to each other? The biggest thing with me is how cheap the MR2's are now, they are a bargain of a car for the fun you can in them.Jman93 said:
Thanks very much for the positive comments, it's great to know people who actually know about cars and driving appreciate the MR2's. Sadly the people that don't just refer to me as being a hairdresser, I just laugh and soon forget about it when driving it down a nice twisty road Thanks chaps
My mate had a mk3 MR2 and used get loads of stick off others in derv FWD shopping trolleys. He's since part exchanged it for a TDI Scirrocco which is a pity. Thanks chaps On the Lotus vs VX220 front I have nothing to add except insurance will be twice as much for the Lotus compared to the vx220. I've never owned or driven either but I did consider both pre kids but bought a Ducati instead.
My mk3 mr2 is getting sold tomorrow. It'll be sadly missed :-( Shame I need 4 seats now. Ignore the hairdresser comments, the MR2 are an absolute steal for the money these days and the best handling car I've ever driven.
Just be careful in the cold/wet on that summer rubber. The MR2 can bite and when it does its not easy to correct.
Just be careful in the cold/wet on that summer rubber. The MR2 can bite and when it does its not easy to correct.
dai1983 said:
Jman93 said:
Thanks very much for the positive comments, it's great to know people who actually know about cars and driving appreciate the MR2's. Sadly the people that don't just refer to me as being a hairdresser, I just laugh and soon forget about it when driving it down a nice twisty road Thanks chaps
My mate had a mk3 MR2 and used get loads of stick off others in derv FWD shopping trolleys. He's since part exchanged it for a TDI Scirrocco which is a pity. Thanks chaps On the Lotus vs VX220 front I have nothing to add except insurance will be twice as much for the Lotus compared to the vx220. I've never owned or driven either but I did consider both pre kids but bought a Ducati instead.
Well done for the Ducati, my friends Dad bought a brand new 916/996 (cant remember which) back in 1999 and that thing was awesome, he still had it up until last year.
Still unsure what to have really, I'd like to stick to stay RWD and get another sportscar, whether it would be a VX220 or S1 Elise. Boxster's are very tempting at the money they fetch and the idea of a flat 6 is just a dream for me at the moment.
stargazer30 said:
My mk3 mr2 is getting sold tomorrow. It'll be sadly missed :-( Shame I need 4 seats now. Ignore the hairdresser comments, the MR2 are an absolute steal for the money these days and the best handling car I've ever driven.
Just be careful in the cold/wet on that summer rubber. The MR2 can bite and when it does its not easy to correct.
What a shame, I hope its being replaced by something decent Just be careful in the cold/wet on that summer rubber. The MR2 can bite and when it does its not easy to correct.
It's on Bridgestone Potenza's all round at the moment, they were great in summer but god only knows what they'll be like in the winter.
Absolutely cracking car, better half has one (I may have helped influence the choice). Drives in it are really rewarding and it puts a grin on your face even if its just a trip to the shops.
Enjoy it, can't think of much else in the same fun/light/cheap mold these days. Tyres seem a bit tricky but it's worth it.
Enjoy it, can't think of much else in the same fun/light/cheap mold these days. Tyres seem a bit tricky but it's worth it.
Jman93 said:
LaurasOtherHalf said:
In all honesty, the mr2 is a better car than the lotus. Superb little cars
Thanks a lot for the positive comment, as someone who has owned the Lotus and the MR2, how do they compare to each other? The biggest thing with me is how cheap the MR2's are now, they are a bargain of a car for the fun you can in them.I think the greatest compliment I can say about the mr2 is it never felt like it needed improved in any meaningful way whereas the lotus had loads of little things that incrementally added up to an annoying experience. Bare in mind I used both as my daily drivers.
The mr2 could have more power but I found it was perfectly suited to what it had, you could rag it everywhere & in the wet at least I found I drove it sideways at every opportunity, the lotus was never as friendly at the limit. I span the Exige more in 6 months than I did in 3 years of the Toyota..
To put it simply the mr2 was just in the sweet spot insofar as power, handling, steering, grip & weight are concerned.
I felt that the Exige just wasn't as balanced & thus less fun to drive-more power, more grip but all that meant was the fun started much higher up the scale. Drifting at 45 mph is great fun, the same at 75mph less so, especially when the transition is so much snappier.
I'm no racing god but I can lap a wide variety of cars at some respectable times, I feel the mr2 was key in teaching me how to drive properly
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