MK3 MR2 - How impractical are they?
Discussion
So, as another cheap car alternative, at the other end of the spectrum, compared to a Clio 172/182, i am looking at the above.
Now, I have looked at MX5's and i do like them. I just really don't want to deal with catastrophic and terminal rust that comes with them.
I've read up on the issues of the MR2, mainly the pre-cat failures. But, the main issue is the practicality side of things. The only stuff that i really need to fit in there are 3 large bags of weekly shopping (bags for life-size). I've seen the boot and it really doesn't look do-able at all.
This will also be my daily and my only car. Is there anyone on here with one, who is able to make do, in a similar scenario?
Now, I have looked at MX5's and i do like them. I just really don't want to deal with catastrophic and terminal rust that comes with them.
I've read up on the issues of the MR2, mainly the pre-cat failures. But, the main issue is the practicality side of things. The only stuff that i really need to fit in there are 3 large bags of weekly shopping (bags for life-size). I've seen the boot and it really doesn't look do-able at all.
This will also be my daily and my only car. Is there anyone on here with one, who is able to make do, in a similar scenario?
I've got one, there's no getting around the fact it's less practical than a hatch but it all depends what you want to do with it. Mine serves perfectly well for the weekly shop, it just goes in the passenger footwell, this would be less ideal if you had a passenger for said trip. To be honest it wouldn't be much good for a two person camping trip but I've never found it wanting for anything else I've wanted to do with it.
As a side note I've owned a Clio 182 and a 182 Trophy, the MR2 is hands down more enjoyable to own.
As a side note I've owned a Clio 182 and a 182 Trophy, the MR2 is hands down more enjoyable to own.
My wife used to have one and we used it for supermarket trips quite often. There are luggage bins behind the seats as well, and we'd get about 3 bags in there plus a couple in the front. It's not a practical car but it was fine for her as a daily.
Great little car, I used to love driving it as long as roof was down (I'm 6'3" and didn't really fit with roof up!). Although I did end up using it as a snow car one bad winter as much more usable in snow than the E46 330 Sport I had at the time - drifted around gently sideways!
Great little car, I used to love driving it as long as roof was down (I'm 6'3" and didn't really fit with roof up!). Although I did end up using it as a snow car one bad winter as much more usable in snow than the E46 330 Sport I had at the time - drifted around gently sideways!
They are great little cars. Though as an only car it stretches plausibility. A mate had one and love it, but it has so little storage space that unless it is just the driver things are difficult. Said mate took his girlfriend away for the weekend. His tactic was always to pack clothes and belongings around the car and fold a bag/hold-all behind seats. His gf didn't get the memo and had a small flight case with her for the few days away. She had to sit with her luggage on her lap. Needless to say it didn't go well. If weekends away are your thing or roadtrip so with 2 people rather than just you then best look elsewhere. MX5, Alfa Spider Z4 or Boxster if you can stretch to it would all provide a more practical roadster proposition
I have one, it's great, but never practical. 3 shopping bags are fine, as long as there's no passenger. I have generally found 2 people and sports kit is about it.
But I don't care, as it's great fun, not hugely fast, but it picks up from low revs well,and just drives really really nicely.
If you do go for it, I found the front cross bar was quite rusty underneath the plastic 'boot'. That's now been treated and all is well.
My rad was leaking,and I managed to cook the engine - that was not hugely helpful, but not terminal (a weekend changing the engine), and the steering knuckle joint seized,making it difficult to steer.
Finally,it's very sensitive to tyre pressures and tracking - both need to be spot on, or it will squirrel a bit when there is a power change.
I also have a Volvo estate.
But I don't care, as it's great fun, not hugely fast, but it picks up from low revs well,and just drives really really nicely.
If you do go for it, I found the front cross bar was quite rusty underneath the plastic 'boot'. That's now been treated and all is well.
My rad was leaking,and I managed to cook the engine - that was not hugely helpful, but not terminal (a weekend changing the engine), and the steering knuckle joint seized,making it difficult to steer.
Finally,it's very sensitive to tyre pressures and tracking - both need to be spot on, or it will squirrel a bit when there is a power change.
I also have a Volvo estate.
I've got one, and i love it.
Not my only car, but sometimes gets used for weeks on end- as such.
We've done the two person big shop in the car and it,s do-able, you just have to think out of the box- i.e large Pizza's fit better propped up behind the seats rather than getting bent in the rear cubby holes- that sort of thing
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Never tried a 2 person weekend type trip but have contemplated it and i'd probably buy one of those 70's style rear mounted luggage racks.
Not the most practical of cars, but well well worth the effort - these Roadsters are hidden gems, and so cheap at the moment.
Minimal corrosion (none really ,on mine) and Toyota reliability (mines the later 6speed) - but the main thing is the handling and driving experience - brilliant.
Not my only car, but sometimes gets used for weeks on end- as such.
We've done the two person big shop in the car and it,s do-able, you just have to think out of the box- i.e large Pizza's fit better propped up behind the seats rather than getting bent in the rear cubby holes- that sort of thing
.Never tried a 2 person weekend type trip but have contemplated it and i'd probably buy one of those 70's style rear mounted luggage racks.
Not the most practical of cars, but well well worth the effort - these Roadsters are hidden gems, and so cheap at the moment.
Minimal corrosion (none really ,on mine) and Toyota reliability (mines the later 6speed) - but the main thing is the handling and driving experience - brilliant.
My dad ran one for a few years.
If it's usually just you in the car then stuff (work bag, shopping, etc) just goes in the passenger footwell unless you need it particularly secure. For weekends away or carrying more then it's worth finding bags that fit well - you can (or at least could) get a set of 3 bags that fit the space perfectly. You can actually wedge a decent size suitcase behind the passenger seat if you don't need someone to sit in it.
A couple going away will obviously have to make compromises on what they take. How much of a problem that is will depend on how the other one packs and if you have access to another car (or don't mind hiring) for the times when you do need to carry things too bulky to fit.
If it's usually just you in the car then stuff (work bag, shopping, etc) just goes in the passenger footwell unless you need it particularly secure. For weekends away or carrying more then it's worth finding bags that fit well - you can (or at least could) get a set of 3 bags that fit the space perfectly. You can actually wedge a decent size suitcase behind the passenger seat if you don't need someone to sit in it.
A couple going away will obviously have to make compromises on what they take. How much of a problem that is will depend on how the other one packs and if you have access to another car (or don't mind hiring) for the times when you do need to carry things too bulky to fit.
Thanks for the help, all 
Generally, i don't need a practical car. In fact, at current, the saloon i have at the moment is actually way too practical, for me. The boot is completed wasted on us and i've literally carried passengers in the back about twice in one and a half years. This is where i'm thinking i could/should go for a 2-seater while i can.
I like the idea of having something low-seated, RWD, with a focus on fun and drive-ability. So, basically, the opposite of what i have now. I do like MX5's but i feel the performance of the Toyota is a bit more what i'd be happy with and the mid-engined thing is a bonus. A rust-free MX5 also doesn't stay that way for too long, either.
I'll have to go and have a nosey at one. I've got a feeling it may take some convincing from the other half too, typically.
Generally, i don't need a practical car. In fact, at current, the saloon i have at the moment is actually way too practical, for me. The boot is completed wasted on us and i've literally carried passengers in the back about twice in one and a half years. This is where i'm thinking i could/should go for a 2-seater while i can.
I like the idea of having something low-seated, RWD, with a focus on fun and drive-ability. So, basically, the opposite of what i have now. I do like MX5's but i feel the performance of the Toyota is a bit more what i'd be happy with and the mid-engined thing is a bonus. A rust-free MX5 also doesn't stay that way for too long, either.
I'll have to go and have a nosey at one. I've got a feeling it may take some convincing from the other half too, typically.
its not a big car, so it wont be any good for ikea trips.
But if you have a 3 man tent+sleeping bags and mats, plus gubbins for a weekend's camping and a passenger it'll all fit if you're careful. The cubby behind the seats is decent size, but remove the plastics and it doubles in size. Do this with the roof up and its a big space, just awkward to put big things in due to the seatbelt brace bar.
if you REALLY want to get some luggage in it you can not only remove the spare wheel, but the whole of the under bonnet plastics. it is basically a huge cavern of a space and you can get tons of stuff in there. You'll need to secure it though cos it goes straight through to the road and the steering bits n bobs. But its an option.
But if you have a 3 man tent+sleeping bags and mats, plus gubbins for a weekend's camping and a passenger it'll all fit if you're careful. The cubby behind the seats is decent size, but remove the plastics and it doubles in size. Do this with the roof up and its a big space, just awkward to put big things in due to the seatbelt brace bar.
if you REALLY want to get some luggage in it you can not only remove the spare wheel, but the whole of the under bonnet plastics. it is basically a huge cavern of a space and you can get tons of stuff in there. You'll need to secure it though cos it goes straight through to the road and the steering bits n bobs. But its an option.
Good to know you're aware of the pre cat issues. I had an MR2 for a couple of years and was quite sad to see it go when we moved house. As soon as I bought mine I had the pre cats removed. Got a little more power and a nicer exhaust sound.
I found there was always enough room for a good supermarket shop providing I was on my own and the passenger seat and footwell was available.
Got a similar problem now too as my current toy is a Smart Roadster.
I found there was always enough room for a good supermarket shop providing I was on my own and the passenger seat and footwell was available.
Got a similar problem now too as my current toy is a Smart Roadster.
Hmmm... I think we could, just about, cope with it. I can already see her winging and bickering about it though. Maybe, if i'm going to go down this route, it really will be the standard PH answer that is the MX5.
It's a shame they rust so badly, otherwise they'd literally be the perfect choice. But, we all know that doesn't exist. At least there's various forums and threads on remedial maintenance to keep the dreaded tin-worm at bay.
I'm still unsure on whether to go hot-hatch (Clio) or cheap sports-car next. I'd like to do both so it's down to which route i go first. Unless one or the other becomes a revelation...
It's a shame they rust so badly, otherwise they'd literally be the perfect choice. But, we all know that doesn't exist. At least there's various forums and threads on remedial maintenance to keep the dreaded tin-worm at bay.
I'm still unsure on whether to go hot-hatch (Clio) or cheap sports-car next. I'd like to do both so it's down to which route i go first. Unless one or the other becomes a revelation...
well they are so cheap... you could get one this winter while they are even cheaper, try it, and if you dont like it push it on in 6 months when the sun comes back and probably not lose a penny.
alternatively get a Celica 190 which is also a nice steer, but is a practical 4 seat hatchback. yes with the seats folded you can get a tall fridge freezer in it. Also very cheap compared with the Clio.
alternatively get a Celica 190 which is also a nice steer, but is a practical 4 seat hatchback. yes with the seats folded you can get a tall fridge freezer in it. Also very cheap compared with the Clio.
I love mine and it's easily practical enough. I can put my golf trolley and clubs on the front seat and footwell and my kit bag in one of the storage areas behind the seat.
As others have said, if it's just you in the car then you can chuck a fair bit in, but what you can't do it carry anything big. You can carry lots of shopping bag sized things with ease though.
They're just great cars, but if you get one you'll want an '03 facelift. Plenty to be had around £2k. Mine cost £1,850. It's in excellent nick and has covered just 74k. At that price if I ran it for two years and scrapped it we're still talking tons of fun for very little money.
As others have said, if it's just you in the car then you can chuck a fair bit in, but what you can't do it carry anything big. You can carry lots of shopping bag sized things with ease though.
They're just great cars, but if you get one you'll want an '03 facelift. Plenty to be had around £2k. Mine cost £1,850. It's in excellent nick and has covered just 74k. At that price if I ran it for two years and scrapped it we're still talking tons of fun for very little money.
OP seems aware of any problems the MR2 has. Mainly precats and oval cylinder bores in pre facelift cars (I understand post facelift isn't 100% immune) Other problems can include: lambda sensors, rear cross members, sticky brake callipers and ineffective handbrakes, steering column knuckles, OE wheel corrosion. The MR2 is also pretty tyre sensitive as well. In terms of storage, I couldn't live with mine as I have a large backpack and a kit bag I need for work, neither would fit in the 'frunk' and its an arse having stuff in multiple locations.
The MK3 MX5 is down to pocket money now, last year I paid £3100 for a 2006 1.8 with full history and about 60K on it. Good usable boot and a pretty bullet proof ford derived engine. I think my only niggles were a bit of rust inside the boot lid and a seatbelt with retracted sluggishly.
The Toyota is probably a slightly sweeter drive but a standard MX with a set of Eibach springs chucked in is still a giggle, real 10/10ths driving
The MK3 MX5 is down to pocket money now, last year I paid £3100 for a 2006 1.8 with full history and about 60K on it. Good usable boot and a pretty bullet proof ford derived engine. I think my only niggles were a bit of rust inside the boot lid and a seatbelt with retracted sluggishly.
The Toyota is probably a slightly sweeter drive but a standard MX with a set of Eibach springs chucked in is still a giggle, real 10/10ths driving
RedAndy said:
well they are so cheap... you could get one this winter while they are even cheaper, try it, and if you dont like it push it on in 6 months when the sun comes back and probably not lose a penny.
That's true. There's a MK1 MX5 import up on AT for £1200 with a huge description of all the work it's had done and all receipts and invoices to back it up. The only issue is it's an automatic. However, with my commute, that could be a good thing. In fact, that'st one of the reasons why i'm put off the Clio, as it has a very heavy clutch.RedAndy said:
alternatively get a Celica 190 which is also a nice steer, but is a practical 4 seat hatchback. yes with the seats folded you can get a tall fridge freezer in it. Also very cheap compared with the Clio.
I have looked at them but they're just a bit meh. They don't do much for me and i've heard that the power-band in the 190 models are a bit silly and hard to keep on the boil.Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff