Mark 2 MR2s (looking at one tomorrow, advice...) :)
Discussion
Hi guys, looking at a K registration MR2 N/A tomorrow. Anything inparticular i should look out for? It hasn't got a T-Bar (has a sunroof), and from what buyers guides say these cars shouldn't have any particular problems to look out for - correct? Obviously i'll do usual checks, like smoke/idling/electric switches/ble smoke/mayo in filler cap.
Also, will this car be a Rev1 or Rev2? It is a GTi-16, if that helps.
Sorry it's a bit short notice, fingers crossed Gazboy or one of you other chaps is around
Rob.
[edit]After much research i figure it's a Rev2 as it's got the flat-spoke alloys, and a few other things - which is good[/edit]
Also, will this car be a Rev1 or Rev2? It is a GTi-16, if that helps.
Sorry it's a bit short notice, fingers crossed Gazboy or one of you other chaps is around
Rob.
[edit]After much research i figure it's a Rev2 as it's got the flat-spoke alloys, and a few other things - which is good[/edit]
Edited by Rob_F on Monday 2nd July 00:23
PS - will it kill me? I realise it's a massive jump from the ka, but i'm not 17 anymore and can excersize throttle control - plus it's on decent tyres (michelins at the back, yokos at the front), so i shouldn't crash just because it drizzles right? 
Also, can i get a suitcase in the boot? Really would be good to be able to get a decent amount of kit in it as i'll be moving up norf soon and i don't want to have to pay entrust too much valuable shit with interlink.
Oh, and 95k isn't anything for these cars, right? And are parts easy to come by and bills not to bad? I'd by happy paying a grand a year to have it serviced/mot'd - much more and i'd be a little put off.
Rob.
Also, can i get a suitcase in the boot? Really would be good to be able to get a decent amount of kit in it as i'll be moving up norf soon and i don't want to have to pay entrust too much valuable shit with interlink.
Oh, and 95k isn't anything for these cars, right? And are parts easy to come by and bills not to bad? I'd by happy paying a grand a year to have it serviced/mot'd - much more and i'd be a little put off.
Rob.
Gazboy said:
Edit- suitcase may be a bit tight, depends how much of a girl you are, I should think it's a similar sized boot to your Ka.
Rumbled, i'll leave the heels at home. Aslong as it's sub a grand a year it should be okay, hopefully it won't depreciate too much if i keep on top of maintainance. I feel sort of guilty/stupid not just buying a hot hatch, but it's just as cheap to insure, should be more reliable than most, and about as cheap to run. Apart from the lack of space (i'll just have to pack more carefully, eh), I can't see any reason not too. I'll take a good look at it tomorrow then try and get a test drive Cheers for advice mate,
Rob.
cheesesliceking said:
listen out for a squealing from the alternator, the design of the engine cover causes water to drip directly onto the bearings and is will kill it over time, v quickly if its been sat. its very tricky to get out & replace. easier to take exhaust off & get to from underneath
Nice one, been to look at it again, and got a test drive booked for 2pm.Best get my skates on!
Rob.
Started first time, drove quite well although i didn't really push it enough - even though i've driven quick cars before it's always suprising stepping out of a 59bhp car just how much better a 160bhp car moves!
Sounds smooth, no bumping or squeaking from the suspension, good body control. Didn't really rev itmuch over 6k as traffic was busy and they pick up quite well from low revs so i probably had it in too high a gear.
Just one niggle: The
ing oil filler cap won't budge, they're going to give it a full service before i pick it up so it will be sorted, however i couldn't check for mayo. The cooling seemed fine and no steam so i assume there's no HGF but it's a bit annoying - is it usual for the oil filler cap to stick on!? It's got a 3 month very basic warranty as it's from a stealer, so hopefully should the worst happen (soon) i'd be okay anyway.
It's nice, very nice. Going to sleep on the idea, but thanks for all the help.
Rob.
Sounds smooth, no bumping or squeaking from the suspension, good body control. Didn't really rev itmuch over 6k as traffic was busy and they pick up quite well from low revs so i probably had it in too high a gear.
Just one niggle: The
ing oil filler cap won't budge, they're going to give it a full service before i pick it up so it will be sorted, however i couldn't check for mayo. The cooling seemed fine and no steam so i assume there's no HGF but it's a bit annoying - is it usual for the oil filler cap to stick on!? It's got a 3 month very basic warranty as it's from a stealer, so hopefully should the worst happen (soon) i'd be okay anyway.It's nice, very nice. Going to sleep on the idea, but thanks for all the help.
Rob.
Verdict - didn't get it. It's missing the plastic front boot liner which holds the spare wheel/other stuff in properly. No idea why it is, the rest of the car looks mint - but it's enough to put me off.
Saw a 200SX today and the bonnet release was broken so walked, and hopefully looking at another Mister2, and an Almera GTI tomorrow
Rob.
Saw a 200SX today and the bonnet release was broken so walked, and hopefully looking at another Mister2, and an Almera GTI tomorrow
Rob.
If you are looking at MR2s, try to get a Rev 3 onwards (1995/M reg). The handling was much improved - I drove my Rev 3 Turbo quite hard, even in the wet, and it never spat me off the road. I was driving it around like a big girl's blouse for the first month after hearing all the horror stories but realised that it wasn't as bad (I suspect it partly comes from people stepping into the MR2 from their FWD hot hatch and driving it as such; pretty much the same reason why Lotus Elises command such a high insurance premium nowadays).
Another thing, if you get a Turbo, TVR owners that you take on will be calling the likes of Austec the following morning to book a service or upgrade. It's not to say that you will leave them behind so much as make them wonder if their car isn't performing at its best.
Another thing, if you get a Turbo, TVR owners that you take on will be calling the likes of Austec the following morning to book a service or upgrade. It's not to say that you will leave them behind so much as make them wonder if their car isn't performing at its best.
Edited by shadowninja on Wednesday 4th July 16:08
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrtworob/There's some pictures of the new motor. Needs a full service, cambelt done fairly soon (it was last done - for the first time - in 2002 at about 52k, now on 94k). The bodywork really is mint though, and otherwise it's in fairly fine fettle. Only other niggles are it's wearing a set of Nankang Ditchfinders at the rear (should be lively
) and - this is the irritating one - the soundproofing on the underside of the bonnet is disintegrating. I'm a bit worried about bits of it ending up in the engine so would it be alright to just rip it off? And could i replace it? Also the little clip that holds up the bonnet latch rod thing has broken so it's held on by cable tie, this should be fairly easy to sort right? Cheers,
Rob.
Rob_F said:
Thanks flatpack, really enjoying it! 
Rob.
Thats a shame, I could of been tempted to part with my MR2 Mk2.Rob.
It is a P-reg Azure Blue MR2 GT 2.0L 16V Mk2(T-Bar)(168bhp) with full toyota service history, cam belt recently changed and has done 88,000 miles. 2 carfull owners and non-smokers. It will need a new clutch, exhaust, and radiator at some stage, as it still has the original ones.
Can't really afford to run a TVR aswell as an MR2, so I'm looking to get a cheap diesal run around. I must admit, driving the MR2 after the TVR is like driving a bus, and I'm not doing justice to the MR2.
If someone comes up with a decent offer then I might be tempted to part with it, or I'll just keep it and suffer the petrol costs and run it till it falls to pieces.
Rob_F said:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrtworob/There's some pictures of the new motor. Needs a full service, cambelt done fairly soon (it was last done - for the first time - in 2002 at about 52k, now on 94k). The bodywork really is mint though, and otherwise it's in fairly fine fettle. Only other niggles are it's wearing a set of Nankang Ditchfinders at the rear (should be lively
) and - this is the irritating one - the soundproofing on the underside of the bonnet is disintegrating. I'm a bit worried about bits of it ending up in the engine so would it be alright to just rip it off? And could i replace it? Also the little clip that holds up the bonnet latch rod thing has broken so it's held on by cable tie, this should be fairly easy to sort right? Cheers,
Rob.
Rob_F said:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrtworob/There's some pictures of the new motor. Needs a full service, cambelt done fairly soon (it was last done - for the first time - in 2002 at about 52k, now on 94k). The bodywork really is mint though, and otherwise it's in fairly fine fettle. Only other niggles are it's wearing a set of Nankang Ditchfinders at the rear (should be lively
) and - this is the irritating one - the soundproofing on the underside of the bonnet is disintegrating. I'm a bit worried about bits of it ending up in the engine so would it be alright to just rip it off? And could i replace it? Also the little clip that holds up the bonnet latch rod thing has broken so it's held on by cable tie, this should be fairly easy to sort right? Cheers,
Rob.
One word of warning. If you're planning on getting a Toyota dealer to do your maintenance be prepared for an attack on your wallet for a cambelt change! If it was done at 52k you have some leeway as the recommended interval is every 60k miles.
And get rid of those Nankangs before you end up in hedge! I dispensed with mine within 2 days of getting my MR2 and replaced them with Eagle F1s.
If you are new to the MR2 I would defintely recommend joining one or both owners clubs - MR2OC and IMOC.
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