1989 Toyota MR2 Mark 1
Discussion
I picked this up quite cheap on eBay. It's a total hoot. Quite good condition at 97,000 miles, but the rear wheel arches may need doing in the next year or so. Fast, handly, and stoppy, and not thirsty on petrol . Really good fun, and mega eighties.
The wheels are from a Mark 3. so I will put some Mark 1 wheels on in due course.
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|https://thumbsnap.com/n16AphRn[/url]
The wheels are from a Mark 3. so I will put some Mark 1 wheels on in due course.
url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/n16AphRn[/url]Looks very smart and well done for going Japanese (must be hugely refreshing to have something so precise to drive and well made with your best of British fleet). I loved my Mark 1 MR2. Toyota launched these in 1985 and still feels good to drive today.
Tip for winter driving put a heavy object in the front boot - big trolley jack or sack of coal - nice to have a bit of extra bit on the front tyres when its cold and damp and slippy.
Tip for winter driving put a heavy object in the front boot - big trolley jack or sack of coal - nice to have a bit of extra bit on the front tyres when its cold and damp and slippy.
I owned one for almost seven years and did loads of camping trips into Europe in it. Mine was a T-bar with leather and I sold it in 2004 with about 140k on the clock.
If I could have one of my old cars again, this would be it. Like you say, everything just feels right with them. The handling, grip, revvy NA engine were lovely. Mine was pretty reliable in the seven years - biggest thing was a new battery!
The biggest downside was the rust. Mine wasn't too bad but the rear arches went, sills and the front cross member were also not great.
Happy times - enjoy!
Mike
If I could have one of my old cars again, this would be it. Like you say, everything just feels right with them. The handling, grip, revvy NA engine were lovely. Mine was pretty reliable in the seven years - biggest thing was a new battery!
The biggest downside was the rust. Mine wasn't too bad but the rear arches went, sills and the front cross member were also not great.
Happy times - enjoy!
Mike
Fantastic!
I had a white T-Bar version.
E599 BTA was the plate. That was back in the early '90s.
Great car. Used to run it in winter with a big bag of coal in the front boot - helped to stop the car spinning when pulling out onto wet roads at speed.
Hope you can find some more original wheels.
Enjoy!
I had a white T-Bar version.
E599 BTA was the plate. That was back in the early '90s.
Great car. Used to run it in winter with a big bag of coal in the front boot - helped to stop the car spinning when pulling out onto wet roads at speed.
Hope you can find some more original wheels.
Enjoy!
I had a 'T' bar in red. It was MY88 and only a couple of years old when I bought it. I kept it for a few years and had great fun. Not the fastest thing on the road but it handled beautifully. I've done a Registration Number search and nothing's coming up so it's either long gone or possibly on a different number.
Edit:
I fitted some aftermarket wheels to mine. They were 5 spoke Compomotives and were slightly larger in diameter (15" I think) and looked much better IMHO than the orginal wheels, which, like most 'Diamond Cut' wheels, had corroded badly. I also fitted an aftermarket exhaust which I think was made by Sebring. It was a twin exhaust with outlets left and right (I don't remember having to modify the bodywork) so looked much better and sounded great but not in a loud aftermarket 'shouty' exhaust way.
I don't mean to hijack your thread OP but it brings back so many memories. This was mine:
Edit:
I fitted some aftermarket wheels to mine. They were 5 spoke Compomotives and were slightly larger in diameter (15" I think) and looked much better IMHO than the orginal wheels, which, like most 'Diamond Cut' wheels, had corroded badly. I also fitted an aftermarket exhaust which I think was made by Sebring. It was a twin exhaust with outlets left and right (I don't remember having to modify the bodywork) so looked much better and sounded great but not in a loud aftermarket 'shouty' exhaust way.
Edited by CharlieAlphaMike on Monday 26th November 10:52
I don't mean to hijack your thread OP but it brings back so many memories. This was mine:
Edited by CharlieAlphaMike on Monday 26th November 11:57
Oooh that's right lovely that, BV. Red as a dog's dick too!
So you've finally seen sense and given up on the fleet of old Brit crocs then?
I quite fancy one of these at some point, but most of them seem to be primarily constructed of newspaper and filler these days. I take it you've waved a magnet at it?
So you've finally seen sense and given up on the fleet of old Brit crocs then?
I quite fancy one of these at some point, but most of them seem to be primarily constructed of newspaper and filler these days. I take it you've waved a magnet at it?
Britcrocks remain - currently I have a Lotus Eclat, a Land Rover Series III, and a Morris Sherpa van. I also have a Lancia Beta and an old Italian bike. I now have a big barn to let them be eaten by mice in.
Photies of other old MR2 s welcome.
I have bought a new air box and filter. The spare wheel is in the three slot pattern of the early cars, although pepperpots/ telephone dials might be more age appropriate for a 1989 car.
Photies of other old MR2 s welcome.
I have bought a new air box and filter. The spare wheel is in the three slot pattern of the early cars, although pepperpots/ telephone dials might be more age appropriate for a 1989 car.
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