Mk1 MR2’s?

[Cl4rkyPH]

quigonjay said:

Ad says 1992 but clearly a rev3 engine, bit too modified for my liking, prefer standard look.

Ahh yes you’re right.

I’m starting to wonder if the rev1 I originally found is the way to go. The seller is very communicative and has sent me all the service history, it’s just a rev1. It also has cruise control which is a rare optional extra.

The mileage and condition is incredible for the age.

Should I really be that put off by the revision 1?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/402253270204

[quigonjay]

Cl4rkyPH said:

Should I really be that put off by the revision 1?

It is your money so only you can decide what it is worth. If it was half the asking price it would still be top asking price for a rev 1 in my opinion. You have to consider resale price as well, when you come to sell it there might not be anybody about willing to pay top money for a rev 1. Being stood for 10 years can also bring unseen problems not initially obvious (various seals/gaskets hardening over time for instance)
Having been around the MR2 forums for almost 20 years have seen it all before with rev 1's - first you want to upgrade the brakes to rev2+ brakes but then of course you have to get the bigger wheels to go with them. Then you want more power so you start looking at your options and eventually decide a rev3 + engine upgrade is the best option etc etc
I can understand that you seem keen to get one, as I was before I got mine, but please don't get caught up in the excitement of getting your first sports car (making assumptions here). From one of your previous posts where you said you where willing to pay the asking price despite no service history etc I fear this is where you are heading. The right one will come along eventually.

[Cl4rkyPH]

No no you’re absolutely right. I’m going to wait around for another revision 3 to come up and hang on to my money until then!

[Cl4rkyPH]

A couple more have gone up on eBay in the last couple of days, a revision 1 that doesn’t have an MOT (not yet tested due to lockdown) but is priced accordingly (the seller gave me his preferred sell price via PM) and a revision 2 GT which is nice but in Glasgow! Neither are perfect in terms of paintwork/rust but are reasonably priced.

The revision 1 has absolutely all the service history, and is pretty much standard, just no MOT. The revision 2 has very little service history.

Both have honest sellers, both are forthcoming with information, and interestingly both cars are red.

On a side note, one thing I’ve noticed, particularly with the revision 1, is how quickly people bid on these cars, the 1 went up as I was scrawling through eBay, so I was the first one to look at it... within an hour it had about 12 bids!

Still holding out for a revision 3.

[EshAsh]

Get one of these....MK3......fantastic car. I’ve had it 7 years.....garaged, dry miles only and only weekend/summer car. Took me a year to find the right combination of colour, spec etc. Mine is the super rare one with the hard top with soft top underneath. Most MK3’s are soft top only. Super reliable; in 7 years only a sensor and tyre! Typical awesome Toyota reliability. A beautiful ‘Cayman-like’ head turner, only lots cheaper and more reliable lol. Just passed its MOT yesterday and no advisories!

I’ll be selling mine soon simply coz no ‘weekend away’ luggage space, and will probably advertise it here. Other than that it would be a keeper. What other sports car is out there which looks this good, is this reliable and not expensive?? Get one; you won’t regret it. I’m not a petrol head, but my view is this would not need a Turbo!

Here she is, garaged and on Trickle charger when not used.

[Red Devil]

Cl4rkyPH said:

quigonjay said:

Ad says 1992 but clearly a rev3 engine, bit too modified for my liking, prefer standard look.

Ahh yes you’re right.

I’m starting to wonder if the rev1 I originally found is the way to go. The seller is very communicative and has sent me all the service history, it’s just a rev1. It also has cruise control which is a rare optional extra.

The mileage and condition is incredible for the age.

Should I really be that put off by the revision 1?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/402253270204

Revision 1? The car in that e-bay ad is a 1992 K Reg which will be a Rev 2.
If you can get the seller to give you the chassis/frame number (SW20XXXXXXX) off the V5C/VIN plate in the frunk I'll be able to confirm with more detailed info from the Toyota EPC..

The Ct26 turbo on the Rev 2 runs out of puff at the top end compared with the Ct20b on the Rev 3.
The latter will pull to the red line in every gear.

That said, with a 25+ year old car condition is everything. Better to have a decent Rev 2 than a ropey Rev 3!

As for things to look out for, see these links.
https://www.mr2oc.co.uk/know-your2/mk2/95-mk2-gene...
https://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/kb.php?mode=article&...

If you want to hold out for a Rev 3 you'll need to be patient as examples don't come up very often.
People seem to be hanging on to them. Especially the good examples!
It will require keeping a close watch the owners forums and Fleabay/Gumtree/etc in case you miss oneit.

I noticed this wording in the e-bay ad: 'Due to current situation with virus viewing is restricted'.
If that still holds good it's a problem. Buying a car of that age sight unseen is not a good idea.
Photos can only tell you so much.

Another issue would be any lack of a test drive (even if is only as a passenger).
How much is he asking for it? I can't see a figure mentioned anywhere.

[Cl4rkyPH]

Red Devil said:

Revision 1? The car in that e-bay ad is a 1992 K Reg which will be a Rev 2.
If you can get the seller to give you the chassis/frame number (SW20XXXXXXX) off the V5C/VIN plate in the frunk I'll be able to confirm with more detailed info from the Toyota EPC..

The Ct26 turbo on the Rev 2 runs out of puff at the top end compared with the Ct20b on the Rev 3.
The latter will pull to the red line in every gear.

That said, with a 25+ year old car condition is everything. Better to have a decent Rev 2 than a ropey Rev 3!

As for things to look out for, see these links.
https://www.mr2oc.co.uk/know-your2/mk2/95-mk2-gene...
https://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/kb.php?mode=article&...

If you want to hold out for a Rev 3 you'll need to be patient as examples don't come up very often.
People seem to be hanging on to them. Especially the good examples!
It will require keeping a close watch the owners forums and Fleabay/Gumtree/etc in case you miss oneit.

I noticed this wording in the e-bay ad: 'Due to current situation with virus viewing is restricted'.
If that still holds good it's a problem. Buying a car of that age sight unseen is not a good idea.
Photos can only tell you so much.

Another issue would be any lack of a test drive (even if is only as a passenger).
How much is he asking for it? I can't see a figure mentioned anywhere.

Appreciate your response! That car is sold now.

Earlier in the thread you can see we were pretty sure it was a revision 1, the chassis number is SW20/00476554.

That number appears to have one extra digit which confused me a little (12 instead of 11), but that is what is on the V5C.

I presumed the 4 on the end was some kind of other identifier which they included when entering the info on the V5C.

Regarding viewing it, I spoke to him on the phone and the seller was actually happy for me to view it regardless of COVID-19, he put that on the ad as a precaution.

All your others points are extremely helpful, thank you.

All things considered I’m just going to be patient and wait for a revision 3, I’m not in any rush!

Been checking the forums and selling sites daily too, nothing has come up yet but good things come to those that wait!

Thanks for your help.

[Cl4rkyPH]

This one has just came up in the last few hours, bidding strongly already.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324197494637

It’s an honest ad. Not sure how put off I should be by the rust on the doors? How easy is this to repair?

ABS not working either. Seems like it could be an expensive issue to fix.

Edited by Cl4rkyPH on Sunday 14th June 12:45

[samoht]

Cl4rkyPH said:

This one has just came up in the last few hours, bidding strongly already.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324197494637

It’s an honest ad. Not sure how put off I should be by the rust on the drivers door? How easy is this to repair?

ABS not working either. Seems like it could be an expensive issue to fix.

I'd ask the seller for the registration so you can check the MoT history.

I'm suspicious that the rust could be more widespread, sideskirts are great for hiding rusty sills til you can pass a car on to the next sucker

Not necessarily bad, just would need careful checking, if you view make sure to have a checklist of areas to check for rust.

PS Check out the sticker in the back window

[quigonjay]

Cl4rkyPH said:

This one has just came up in the last few hours, bidding strongly already.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324197494637

It’s an honest ad. Not sure how put off I should be by the rust on the doors? How easy is this to repair?

ABS not working either. Seems like it could be an expensive issue to fix.

Edited by Cl4rkyPH on Sunday 14th June 12:45

You seem to know all the right questions to ask from your previous posts but when my doors where that rusty the sills where equally as rusty so you would need to have a good look underneath. Abs issues can be expensive to fix due to the sensors being tricky to replace, usually means a new/replacement hub. Notice has the rare traction control option which is a bit rubbish, better off just disabling it by removing the fuse.

[quigonjay]

Red Devil said:

Revision 1? The car in that e-bay ad is a 1992 K Reg which will be a Rev 2.

You can not just go off the registration with imports as many are registered incorrectly.

[Red Devil]

quigonjay said:

Red Devil said:

Revision 1? The car in that e-bay ad is a 1992 K Reg which will be a Rev 2.

You can not just go off the registration with imports as many are registered incorrectly.

I don't know about many but I'm aware it does happen (see below).

Cl4rkyPH said:

Appreciate your response! That car is sold now.

Earlier in the thread you can see we were pretty sure it was a revision 1, the chassis number is SW20/00476554.

That number appears to have one extra digit which confused me a little (12 instead of 11), but that is what is on the V5C.

I presumed the 4 on the end was some kind of other identifier which they included when entering the info on the V5C.

Regarding viewing it, I spoke to him on the phone and the seller was actually happy for me to view it regardless of COVID-19, he put that on the ad as a precaution.

All your others points are extremely helpful, thank you.

All things considered I’m just going to be patient and wait for a revision 3, I’m not in any rush!

Been checking the forums and selling sites daily too, nothing has come up yet but good things come to those that wait!

Thanks for your help.

You're welcome. YHPM.

A couple of anomalies right there. The extra digit can't be correct. Most likely a typo. Paper documents can be defective. The VIN plate would be a better source.
Rev 1 ended in '91 and the chassis/frame numbers (last 5 digits) are 00001 to 59265. However K prefix registrations run from 01/08/92 to 31/07/93.
Again most likely a DVLA error. They may well have used the date of importation rather than date of first registration (in Japan).

If you're planning on getting a MR2 (especially a turbo), I recommend becoming a member of MR2OC/IMOC. I did before buying my first one.
The subscription has been repaid many times over in money saved over the subsequent 14 years. All of my MR2s except that first one have been previously owned by forum members.

samoht said:

Cl4rkyPH said:

This one has just came up in the last few hours, bidding strongly already.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324197494637

It’s an honest ad. Not sure how put off I should be by the rust on the drivers door? How easy is this to repair?

ABS not working either. Seems like it could be an expensive issue to fix.

I'd ask the seller for the registration so you can check the MoT history.

I'm suspicious that the rust could be more widespread, sideskirts are great for hiding rusty sills til you can pass a car on to the next sucker

Not necessarily bad, just would need careful checking, if you view make sure to have a checklist of areas to check for rust.

I've never understood why people feel the need to obscure the VRM. It's hardly a state secret, so what's the point?
It stops a prospective buyer checking the online MOT history. Likewise whether there is any info or negative feedback about the car on the MR2 forums.

I concur about the rusty doors/sideskirts issue. Rust repairs on doors are often ineffective and resurface later on. The cause is blocked drainage holes/channels.
Defective window seals don't help either. Personally I would look for another pair of doors from a car being broken.

Re the non-functioning ABS. Could be a cheap fix or serious money - https://www.mr2oc.com/threads/toyota-mr2-abs-issue...

samoht said:

PS Check out the sticker in the back window

Very JDM. A better pic here - https://images.cdn.circlesix.co/image/1/700/0/uplo...
It was an OEM/dealer option offered in Japan (IIRC around 10% of turbos had them). It's rare on UK imports. I've got one.

That said, aftermarket decals can be found. Occasionally they pop up on Fleabay - https://www.ebay.ie/itm/MR2-MAN-IN-DANDISM-REAR-SC...

The bid is already at £5400 plus it will need more spent on it in rectifying the rusty doors. If the sills are toast as well you're looking at £££.
The clear coat damage is further bad news. Personally I don't think the current bid stacks up. YMMV.

[Cl4rkyPH]

samoht said:

I'd ask the seller for the registration so you can check the MoT history.

I'm suspicious that the rust could be more widespread, sideskirts are great for hiding rusty sills til you can pass a car on to the next sucker

Not necessarily bad, just would need careful checking, if you view make sure to have a checklist of areas to check for rust.

PS Check out the sticker in the back window

I’ve actually messaged the seller on eBay with a load of questions including the reg, he hasn’t come back to me yet which isn’t a great sign but perhaps he’s busy (or just happy with the current level of bidding).

I get the impression that a lot of these buyers who bid on these unseen probably know the MR2 well (or better than me) and aren’t being as picky as I am.

It does surprise me how expensive these bid up to even with all the listed problems, I’m starting to wonder if I’m going to be able to afford one that’s in good nick.

It’s making the green rev 3 that I viewed a couple of weeks ago (with no service history) looking a bit of a bargain, on the basis that it was in complete working order.

[Cl4rkyPH]

quigonjay said:

You seem to know all the right questions to ask from your previous posts but when my doors where that rusty the sills where equally as rusty so you would need to have a good look underneath. Abs issues can be expensive to fix due to the sensors being tricky to replace, usually means a new/replacement hub. Notice has the rare traction control option which is a bit rubbish, better off just disabling it by removing the fuse.

Thanks to all you guys yes, I’m learning to ask the right questions!

Your comments around the ABS are useful, I might steer clear of this one and let someone with a bit more knowledge take it off his hands.

[Cl4rkyPH]

Red Devil said:

quigonjay said:

Red Devil said:

Revision 1? The car in that e-bay ad is a 1992 K Reg which will be a Rev 2.

You can not just go off the registration with imports as many are registered incorrectly.

I don't know about many but I'm aware it does happen (see below).

Cl4rkyPH said:

Appreciate your response! That car is sold now.

Earlier in the thread you can see we were pretty sure it was a revision 1, the chassis number is SW20/00476554.

That number appears to have one extra digit which confused me a little (12 instead of 11), but that is what is on the V5C.

I presumed the 4 on the end was some kind of other identifier which they included when entering the info on the V5C.

Regarding viewing it, I spoke to him on the phone and the seller was actually happy for me to view it regardless of COVID-19, he put that on the ad as a precaution.

All your others points are extremely helpful, thank you.

All things considered I’m just going to be patient and wait for a revision 3, I’m not in any rush!

Been checking the forums and selling sites daily too, nothing has come up yet but good things come to those that wait!

Thanks for your help.

You're welcome. YHPM.

A couple of anomalies right there. The extra digit can't be correct. Most likely a typo. Paper documents can be defective. The VIN plate would be a better source.
Rev 1 ended in '91 and the chassis/frame numbers (last 5 digits) are 00001 to 59265. However K prefix registrations run from 01/08/92 to 31/07/93.
Again most likely a DVLA error. They may well have used the date of importation rather than date of first registration (in Japan).

If you're planning on getting a MR2 (especially a turbo), I recommend becoming a member of MR2OC/IMOC. I did before buying my first one.
The subscription has been repaid many times over in money saved over the subsequent 14 years. All of my MR2s except that first one have been previously owned by forum members.

samoht said:

Cl4rkyPH said:

This one has just came up in the last few hours, bidding strongly already.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324197494637

It’s an honest ad. Not sure how put off I should be by the rust on the drivers door? How easy is this to repair?

ABS not working either. Seems like it could be an expensive issue to fix.

I'd ask the seller for the registration so you can check the MoT history.

I'm suspicious that the rust could be more widespread, sideskirts are great for hiding rusty sills til you can pass a car on to the next sucker

Not necessarily bad, just would need careful checking, if you view make sure to have a checklist of areas to check for rust.

I've never understood why people feel the need to obscure the VRM. It's hardly a state secret, so what's the point?
It stops a prospective buyer checking the online MOT history. Likewise whether there is any info or negative feedback about the car on the MR2 forums.

I concur about the rusty doors/sideskirts issue. Rust repairs on doors are often ineffective and resurface later on. The cause is blocked drainage holes/channels.
Defective window seals don't help either. Personally I would look for another pair of doors from a car being broken.

Re the non-functioning ABS. Could be a cheap fix or serious money - https://www.mr2oc.com/threads/toyota-mr2-abs-issue...

samoht said:

PS Check out the sticker in the back window

Very JDM. A better pic here - https://images.cdn.circlesix.co/image/1/700/0/uplo...
It was an OEM/dealer option offered in Japan (IIRC around 10% of turbos had them). It's rare on UK imports. I've got one.

That said, aftermarket decals can be found. Occasionally they pop up on Fleabay - https://www.ebay.ie/itm/MR2-MAN-IN-DANDISM-REAR-SC...

The bid is already at £5400 plus it will need more spent on it in rectifying the rusty doors. If the sills are toast as well you're looking at £££.
The clear coat damage is further bad news. Personally I don't think the current bid stacks up. YMMV.

Thanks Red Devil, all comments noted!

Interesting regarding the chassis number isn’t it.

As I said that car is now sold so I don’t want to waste too much time talking about it, but I am keen to find out the deal with that number... it might help me in future.

Here’s a snip of the V5C... I note that the chassis number is made up with the engine number. Is that normal? If not, maybe it points us towards a clue as to what the typo is and/or if that even is the chassis number after all!



If that is normal... I know it would be pure speculation but I’m trying to figure out what the typo would be. At first I thought 5 instead of 55, but then that would mean the engine number would be wrong too.

Then I thought perhaps the first 4 after the zeros isn’t meant to be there but that’s a weird typo... however it would then begin with a 7 and therefore be a revision 2!

I should add that the seller seemed very genuine and was adamant the car was a rev 2.

Unfortunately, despite the seller being very forthcoming with loads of documents and pictures, I never received a picture of the chassis number on the car.

I guess we’ll never know for sure but I’ll at least make sure to double check the chassis number on the car and make sure it has the correct number of digits.

[rotaryjam]

One thing I'd say about the door rust is that both of my t bars have had it but the sills have been fine.

Must be something about how they leak that rusts that area of the doors.

So I wouldn't assume rust is a problem elsewhere because of it basically.

[Cl4rkyPH]

I have messaged him about the car and his answers were honest and he sent me a picture of the chassis number too.

Weirdly the bid of £5400 has been removed. I’m guessing either by eBay, the bidder, or the seller.

With one day left to run on the auction the current bid definitely makes it seem more attractive.

[magpie215]

samoht said:

PS Check out the sticker in the back window

My friends old Mr2 turbo had that sticker....you can see my GT4 in the background...great times.