Toyota MR2 2003
Discussion
So some of you may have followed my previous thread about my Twingo GT that I've had for 7 years and done 120+k personally ( nearly 140k total) in.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=87...
Well it's time for a change. I've managed to still stay under 1 tonne weight (all my cars I have regularly driven - Corsa B, classic Mini, Twingo, Aygo). But this one is a bit more fun.
I've been looking into them for 2 years. I'd decided on face lift (less risk of bore ovalation, 6 speed box etc.) plus factory hard top (means a/c) in blue/black/sable.
So a car popped up in October that was in my price range. I didn't think I'd be buying until March as most cars were 3k or so and that's when my saving would stretch that far. But a car in Brighton that fit the bill was up at 2300. So I set up to view. Unfortunately someone bought it the day before I was going down. Gutted. Never mind.
Two months later and I'm idly browsing gumtree, which I usually avoid, and up pops a car that fits the bill. Take a closer look. The plate looks familiar. It's the Brighton car. Why sell so soon? And claims of a new clutch at 700 quid... Why sell?
I fire off a message through gumtree and no response. Car was listed for 22 days already probably gone. I keep checking gumtree. It pops up again with 100 quid off. I message through gumtree again but leave an alternative email and mobile number. One day later success. Email. I arrange to view. Car is half the distance away with a supposed new clutch, but why sell.
So my Dad and I make the trip this morning. Guy meets us and is really nice. Shows the car and without us asking explains that for health reasons, that I won't disclose here, he is unable to drive for the foreseeable! Genuine reason for sale. Shows receipt for clutch. Happy. Carried out all the usual checks on the car. All seems fine. Wheels need a refurb but it is a common issue. Exchange cash. Sort out paper work. Get insurance/tax on phone. Enjoy the drive home!
Pics.
On the trip home next to my Dad's Forester.
So next weekend I shall be giving her a clean and prepping the Twingo for sale. Refurb the wheels soon. Discs and pads later in the year. Enjoy!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=87...
Well it's time for a change. I've managed to still stay under 1 tonne weight (all my cars I have regularly driven - Corsa B, classic Mini, Twingo, Aygo). But this one is a bit more fun.
I've been looking into them for 2 years. I'd decided on face lift (less risk of bore ovalation, 6 speed box etc.) plus factory hard top (means a/c) in blue/black/sable.
So a car popped up in October that was in my price range. I didn't think I'd be buying until March as most cars were 3k or so and that's when my saving would stretch that far. But a car in Brighton that fit the bill was up at 2300. So I set up to view. Unfortunately someone bought it the day before I was going down. Gutted. Never mind.
Two months later and I'm idly browsing gumtree, which I usually avoid, and up pops a car that fits the bill. Take a closer look. The plate looks familiar. It's the Brighton car. Why sell so soon? And claims of a new clutch at 700 quid... Why sell?
I fire off a message through gumtree and no response. Car was listed for 22 days already probably gone. I keep checking gumtree. It pops up again with 100 quid off. I message through gumtree again but leave an alternative email and mobile number. One day later success. Email. I arrange to view. Car is half the distance away with a supposed new clutch, but why sell.
So my Dad and I make the trip this morning. Guy meets us and is really nice. Shows the car and without us asking explains that for health reasons, that I won't disclose here, he is unable to drive for the foreseeable! Genuine reason for sale. Shows receipt for clutch. Happy. Carried out all the usual checks on the car. All seems fine. Wheels need a refurb but it is a common issue. Exchange cash. Sort out paper work. Get insurance/tax on phone. Enjoy the drive home!
Pics.
On the trip home next to my Dad's Forester.
So next weekend I shall be giving her a clean and prepping the Twingo for sale. Refurb the wheels soon. Discs and pads later in the year. Enjoy!
Edited by Blayney on Monday 8th January 20:22
If you want it ultra sharp handling and very "pointy" this is a known recipe for success:
Mat underbody brace kit
Cusco type front strut brace
Tein 25mm lower springs and uprated dampers
Whiteline camber bolts and max out the front and rear camber (still road useable)
Fit new droplinks
Lower tyre pressure thank stock 24psi front 26 rear.
Omg these things are sweet when set up nice.
Get some grease on your power steering uj, make sure your handbrake cables and rear calipers work and enjoy!
Mat underbody brace kit
Cusco type front strut brace
Tein 25mm lower springs and uprated dampers
Whiteline camber bolts and max out the front and rear camber (still road useable)
Fit new droplinks
Lower tyre pressure thank stock 24psi front 26 rear.
Omg these things are sweet when set up nice.
Get some grease on your power steering uj, make sure your handbrake cables and rear calipers work and enjoy!
IntriguedUser said:
Really like these.
Have been thinking about buying a cheap one and getting the guys on the Corolla page to swap my 2zzge engine and box in it... hmmm
I might be interested in selling mine (great base for a conversion) if interested as I've chance of buying an already converted car myself. They are stunning fun.Have been thinking about buying a cheap one and getting the guys on the Corolla page to swap my 2zzge engine and box in it... hmmm
Pm me if interested. Blue like the one above
Nice upgrade from the Twingo I have looked at these in 2006 but ended up with a octavia vrs.
Followed your Twingo thread as I have a 133, you do some amount of miles!
I have a jr air filter for one of these if your interested they are similar to K&N it was just in with some other stuff I purchased some time ago.
Will be following with interest as its still a car I want at some point.
Followed your Twingo thread as I have a 133, you do some amount of miles!
I have a jr air filter for one of these if your interested they are similar to K&N it was just in with some other stuff I purchased some time ago.
Will be following with interest as its still a car I want at some point.
stew-STR160 said:
Welcome to MR ownership.
Best thing I did to mine...stick a 2ZZ in it.
Maybe some day in the future... for now she's a simple daily!Best thing I did to mine...stick a 2ZZ in it.
avenger286 said:
Nice upgrade from the Twingo I have looked at these in 2006 but ended up with a octavia vrs.
Followed your Twingo thread as I have a 133, you do some amount of miles!
I have a jr air filter for one of these if your interested they are similar to K&N it was just in with some other stuff I purchased some time ago.
Will be following with interest as its still a car I want at some point.
Yeah the poor Twongi has been battered up and down the country of the years! I'm the sort of a person who takes an Aygo from Swansea to do a tour of the Scottish Highlands though...Followed your Twingo thread as I have a 133, you do some amount of miles!
I have a jr air filter for one of these if your interested they are similar to K&N it was just in with some other stuff I purchased some time ago.
Will be following with interest as its still a car I want at some point.
I'll keep in mind that air filter, at the moment funds are a bit depleted as you can imagine!
Blayney said:
stew-STR160 said:
Welcome to MR ownership.
Best thing I did to mine...stick a 2ZZ in it.
Maybe some day in the future... for now she's a simple daily!Best thing I did to mine...stick a 2ZZ in it.
Just a whole lot more fun.Eibach springs, KYB dampers, braces, light flywheel, exhaust system, cone air filter. Simple, yet effective.
the main gains on the mk3 MR2 are very easy to sort and transform the already good handling.
the cars inherently understeer a little for safety, and seem to tramline badly and wander at speed.
the Mat chassis brace does work, as does lowering 30mm as the cars ride too high. the main thing though is a proper alignment, its all fully adjustable, and get someone who knows what they doing to set it up. cost me £150 for a full day on a hunter alignment rig (after i'd fitted 4 new struts and teins etc).
proper tyres (so many mr2 have cheap crap fitted) and then play with tyre pressures. you dont have to spend a fortune on these cars.
dont mess with the brakes, they are fabulous, if they arent then something isnt working right. mine almost runs into the back of cars on trackdays i can brake late and hard, and the turn in is stunning.
the cars inherently understeer a little for safety, and seem to tramline badly and wander at speed.
the Mat chassis brace does work, as does lowering 30mm as the cars ride too high. the main thing though is a proper alignment, its all fully adjustable, and get someone who knows what they doing to set it up. cost me £150 for a full day on a hunter alignment rig (after i'd fitted 4 new struts and teins etc).
proper tyres (so many mr2 have cheap crap fitted) and then play with tyre pressures. you dont have to spend a fortune on these cars.
dont mess with the brakes, they are fabulous, if they arent then something isnt working right. mine almost runs into the back of cars on trackdays i can brake late and hard, and the turn in is stunning.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff