Discussion
I think the Boxster is about to leave the driveway this week, and I've been looking for a replacement and the Mk3 MR2 looks like it's very good value at the moment, but what are they like? I know that Evo seem to rate them highly, but having never thought of owning one before I've not done too much reading on them.
Do many people on here own them? I'm worried it's going to be like the Boxster, but without the grunt, which would make it seem like too much of a come down...
Do many people on here own them? I'm worried it's going to be like the Boxster, but without the grunt, which would make it seem like too much of a come down...
Apparently, a good drive, according to web reviews and car clubs, and very reliable. The only issue is the location of the cat which can end up depositing bits of itself into the engine. The solution is to smash the cat and remove the pieces yourself!!
http://mr2wiki.com/MKIII/Pre-CatFailure
http://mr2wiki.com/MKIII/Pre-CatFailure
My friend's evo has its pulley easily worn out, but I don't think it is a big problem, unless fuel consumption which is higher than average car. It shouldn't be a problem either for cars offer comfort drive more while the lesser consumes less fuel. I guess the MR2 and general Toyota have the same characteristic.
Fabulous handling car ( a little nervous in the wet at times)
Go for a post facelift version and you wont be disappointed. If you are you can turbo it
Handled just as well as my VX220 (imo)
Lots of info on the owners club:
http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/index.php
Go for a post facelift version and you wont be disappointed. If you are you can turbo it
Handled just as well as my VX220 (imo)
Lots of info on the owners club:
http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/index.php
Prefer my MR2 MK3 to my previous MX5 MK1. A bit more grunt, rear-engined and fits a tall driver better (I'm 6'4 1/2 and didn't properly fit in the MX5).
Still not particularly quick in a straight line but goes around corners on rails (though nervous in the wet) and always puts a smile on my face. It's subjective, but also prefer the looks with the roof down - mine's silver with red seats and looks great in the sun. Plus they're a slightly rarer sight than the MX5.
Get the facelifted version (Dec 2002 on) for a 6-speed box and no problems with disintegrating cats.
Downside is no boot - just a couple of lockers behind the seats. Viable for a weekend trip but you do have to unpack your soft bags into the space, then compact the bags and put them under the bonnet.
Does mean you're never asked to taxi people or things around, though.
Buy one! You won't regret it.
Still not particularly quick in a straight line but goes around corners on rails (though nervous in the wet) and always puts a smile on my face. It's subjective, but also prefer the looks with the roof down - mine's silver with red seats and looks great in the sun. Plus they're a slightly rarer sight than the MX5.
Get the facelifted version (Dec 2002 on) for a 6-speed box and no problems with disintegrating cats.
Downside is no boot - just a couple of lockers behind the seats. Viable for a weekend trip but you do have to unpack your soft bags into the space, then compact the bags and put them under the bonnet.
Does mean you're never asked to taxi people or things around, though.
Buy one! You won't regret it.
Edited by blueski on Thursday 23 April 12:35
Wadeski said:
Or buy a cheap pre-facelift car and do a V6 or 2ZZ (Celica / Elise engine) conversion - costs about 3 grand and you get a silky smooth 200bhp in a 1000kg car!
Worth considering the Mk2 Turbo as well, its a bigger car, but also a lot of fun.
I always wondered why Toyota didn't use the 2ZZ lump in the last MR2. I've never seen the conversion done either - I assume it's pretty straightforward?Worth considering the Mk2 Turbo as well, its a bigger car, but also a lot of fun.
Mr E said:
Wadeski said:
Or buy a cheap pre-facelift car and do a V6 or 2ZZ (Celica / Elise engine) conversion - costs about 3 grand and you get a silky smooth 200bhp in a 1000kg car!
Worth considering the Mk2 Turbo as well, its a bigger car, but also a lot of fun.
I always wondered why Toyota didn't use the 2ZZ lump in the last MR2. I've never seen the conversion done either - I assume it's pretty straightforward?Worth considering the Mk2 Turbo as well, its a bigger car, but also a lot of fun.
Shame you didn't like it, i only have positive happy memories of mine.
It's possibly the only car i still miss to this day and have vowed to get one again some day.
Was there anything specifically about the car you didn't like or was it just the whole package that was a disappointment for you?
Also, did you get to really push on in it, round the twisties etc?
It's possibly the only car i still miss to this day and have vowed to get one again some day.
Was there anything specifically about the car you didn't like or was it just the whole package that was a disappointment for you?
Also, did you get to really push on in it, round the twisties etc?
I drove the Silverstone Performance version with 240bhp... now THAT was a hoot to drive!
ETA - PH Review - http://www.pistonheads.com/roadtests/SilverstonePe...
ETA - PH Review - http://www.pistonheads.com/roadtests/SilverstonePe...
Edited by Podie on Thursday 30th April 21:42
1MZ V6 is ally block, and weighs bugger all. The massive increase in torque over the wheezy 1ZZ four easily makes up for it.
Its a much tighter fit than the mk2 swap, which people have done at home. I dont think anyone has homebuilt a mk3 yet - you need to cut away bulkheats and fab a new crossmember as the stock one has clearance issues.
Its a much tighter fit than the mk2 swap, which people have done at home. I dont think anyone has homebuilt a mk3 yet - you need to cut away bulkheats and fab a new crossmember as the stock one has clearance issues.
Wadeski said:
1MZ V6 is ally block, and weighs bugger all. The massive increase in torque over the wheezy 1ZZ four easily makes up for it.
Its a much tighter fit than the mk2 swap, which people have done at home. I dont think anyone has homebuilt a mk3 yet - you need to cut away bulkheats and fab a new crossmember as the stock one has clearance issues.
But aren't all modern 4 pots alloy anyhow??Its a much tighter fit than the mk2 swap, which people have done at home. I dont think anyone has homebuilt a mk3 yet - you need to cut away bulkheats and fab a new crossmember as the stock one has clearance issues.
Not saying its a bad thing at all or that the extra grunt wouldn't help.
Just can't see a 975kg car remaining 1000kg when swapping in a V6, even more so if body/chassis mods are likely.
Would the stock tranny be upto the task?
I only say this because weight can add up pretty quickly. The Ford Racing Puma was a nice example. Despite running the same engine it still gained around 170-200kg in racing trim over the stock model.
I swapped an RV8 into my TR7. The TR was only meant to weigh about 1000kg with the stock engine. And despite people saying the RV8 weighs the same as the 4 pot (4 pot cast iron block) people forget to say that you'll need a bigger heavier axle, propshaft, gearbox, radiator, two exhaust manifolds and more exhaust tubing and so on.
No idea what my car weighs, but I suspect its kerb weigh has increased.
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