Turbo MR2: Better than a Subaru STI?
Discussion
Hi all,
I test drove a JDM Hawkeye STI today with the EJ20 twin scroll. I loved it but don't want to commit to any car until I've driven a MK2 MR2 turbo. I've driven a NA SW20 and liked it but wanted more power.
I've wanted an MR2 since I started driving 6 years ago but have never been in a position to buy one until now. Has anyone got experience in both? Any preferences? Differences in running costs etc?
Also, is there anyone within a reasonable distance of Cambridge UK who would be willing to take me out in their car?
Cheers
I test drove a JDM Hawkeye STI today with the EJ20 twin scroll. I loved it but don't want to commit to any car until I've driven a MK2 MR2 turbo. I've driven a NA SW20 and liked it but wanted more power.
I've wanted an MR2 since I started driving 6 years ago but have never been in a position to buy one until now. Has anyone got experience in both? Any preferences? Differences in running costs etc?
Also, is there anyone within a reasonable distance of Cambridge UK who would be willing to take me out in their car?
Cheers
Great fun I’m running little shy of 500bhp on my current set up . Running costs are dirt cheap. However I’m used to 9mpg an £700 for a pair of discs so all relative. I’ve had a Hawkeye Sti there’s no comparison for me the mr2 wins every time. However there not easy to find a good one now there getting very rare . And not at all practical in any sense. Modifications aren’t as cheap as Subaru’s as parts are rare an trd stuff commands good money .
Weekendrebuild said:
Great fun I’m running little shy of 500bhp on my current set up . Running costs are dirt cheap. However I’m used to 9mpg an £700 for a pair of discs so all relative. I’ve had a Hawkeye Sti there’s no comparison for me the mr2 wins every time. However there not easy to find a good one now there getting very rare . And not at all practical in any sense. Modifications aren’t as cheap as Subaru’s as parts are rare an trd stuff commands good money .
Post some pics and spec up. 500hp is a lot in one of these! Had several over the years, last was rev3 running 400hp on a forged build.Will type out spec this afternoon, she’s a rev4 the best engine to start from stronger don’t crack like the Rev3 photos to follow as she’s currently in pieces in a spray booth having a full respray . Followed by a full re trim in alacantara
Just pulled pump for charge cooler for updated unit hopefully be back together end of week, If I can get the new gearbox in my m6 by lunch . Love a challenge
Just pulled pump for charge cooler for updated unit hopefully be back together end of week, If I can get the new gearbox in my m6 by lunch . Love a challenge
Weekendrebuild said:
Great fun I’m running little shy of 500bhp on my current set up . Running costs are dirt cheap. However I’m used to 9mpg an £700 for a pair of discs so all relative. I’ve had a Hawkeye Sti there’s no comparison for me the mr2 wins every time. However there not easy to find a good one now there getting very rare . And not at all practical in any sense. Modifications aren’t as cheap as Subaru’s as parts are rare an trd stuff commands good money .
I'm looking to get a fresh import so hopefully will be able to get something in better condition. I loved the STI but almost thought it was too confidence inspiring, it didn't seem to have limits and I'm pretty certain that if you found them it wouldn't end well. How hard are parts to get hold of then? Will Toyota be able to get them in or is it moving to patent parts/aftermarket stuff? Parts for the most aren’t to bad it’s more performance parts that are expensive for what they are . Comes down to rarity . My mr2s an import and it took nearly 18 months to source it 4 years ago as there just not that common now ! Seals around trims are hard to get I make my own as there all discontinued now . Along with most parts from Toyota barring service items . Impreza are a good car just not my cup of tea I’ve had 2 in 6 years they were both bought to sell at the unit really I would have a clean classic Sti wagon tho ! Impreza faster out the box but does have a bit of a stigma I think !
They definitely have a stigma but then they are brilliant cars! Would the availability of parts be enough to put you off if you were to do it all again now?
I currently have a MK1 JDM 1.6 MX5 that I really like because it's simple and fun. I have a 2008 FN2 type r as my daily and am getting bored with it. I only do a 5 mile round trip to get to and from work 3-4 times a week so am looking to get a fun car to keep me entertained.
Would you say an MR2 turbo stands above the STI, Celica GT4, Nissan Silvia S13/14/15, Honda dc2/5 Integra type r and ek9 civic type R's?
That's essentially the list of things in my price range that I can think of, I love the look of the car and thought it was comfortable but am worried that I'll end up buying something that will be really difficult to get bits for or I won't like over the long term, although a Californian blue hardtop is to me the best looking car out there
I currently have a MK1 JDM 1.6 MX5 that I really like because it's simple and fun. I have a 2008 FN2 type r as my daily and am getting bored with it. I only do a 5 mile round trip to get to and from work 3-4 times a week so am looking to get a fun car to keep me entertained.
Would you say an MR2 turbo stands above the STI, Celica GT4, Nissan Silvia S13/14/15, Honda dc2/5 Integra type r and ek9 civic type R's?
That's essentially the list of things in my price range that I can think of, I love the look of the car and thought it was comfortable but am worried that I'll end up buying something that will be really difficult to get bits for or I won't like over the long term, although a Californian blue hardtop is to me the best looking car out there
The cars are just so different, day to day I'd take the STI, 4 doors, 4wd and plenty of parts availability.
I suspect the MR2 will be more fun on the limit but how often do you drive on the limit.
A Celica GT4 would be a good middle ground between the 2 and from what I've seen prices are rising so you might be able to avoid depresiation
I suspect the MR2 will be more fun on the limit but how often do you drive on the limit.
A Celica GT4 would be a good middle ground between the 2 and from what I've seen prices are rising so you might be able to avoid depresiation
As above there all very different prospects ! Check my garage out it doesn’t include the k20 swap Elise in there aswell and I very often choose the mr2 for a weekend blast when I gets some time off . It does feal like an event with the mid engine layout an boost noise ! As a day to day tho it’s not a good idea personally would want more comfort . But each to there own . Gt4 is a good shout! Hard to get a good one
I would definitely consider a GT4 and the shortlist really comes down to GT4, JDM Blobeye STI or MR2 turbo.
The trouble with the toyotas is that they're both fairly rare so I'd have to find a kind owner who'd take me out in theirs before i make a choice. I like all 3 to be honest but definitely prefer the shape and interior of the MR2 the most, I've just never driven a turbo'd one
The trouble with the toyotas is that they're both fairly rare so I'd have to find a kind owner who'd take me out in theirs before i make a choice. I like all 3 to be honest but definitely prefer the shape and interior of the MR2 the most, I've just never driven a turbo'd one
Owned a MR2 Turbo Rev3 and a JDM STI. The MR2 is much more of an event and the only car out of dozens i regret selling. The subaru was slightly quicker but you wouldn't know it. With the MR2 you are lower down, the turbo spooling away right behind your head, it puts a grin on your face. Then you have the pop up lights. The only negative i would say is the front gets worryingly light, but only around 140mph, and how often are you up there. 300Bhp is easily do-able with minimal mods.
My friend had a stripped GT4 with 400hp, and that was crazy quick, but i still preferred how the MR2 felt.
My friend had a stripped GT4 with 400hp, and that was crazy quick, but i still preferred how the MR2 felt.
Edited by BuzzBravado on Monday 23 September 09:18
What would you expect to pay for one? I'm looking at fresh imports and I'll probably go to Torque GT but I know they're rare as hens teeth now.
Highly modded ones sit around £10k from what I've seen but my insurance would be astronomical, standard they are only £500 for me.
Is the MR2OC still active? Where would be the best place to talk to the MR2 community apart from here?
Highly modded ones sit around £10k from what I've seen but my insurance would be astronomical, standard they are only £500 for me.
Is the MR2OC still active? Where would be the best place to talk to the MR2 community apart from here?
Torque do have a good reputation for importing very high quality cars. If you want to buy one privately then look on imoc - it's actually a bit dead but they do come up for sale occasionally.
MR2-OC was pants even back in the day, IMOC is still pretty active. Privately I'd probably be expecting 6k minimum for a good low(ish) mileage example with history, although I haven't looked for a while so not that hot on pricing. Quite annoying as I sold my last one for 2,800 5 years ago... I expect this is why there are so few around now as prices were silly cheap a few years back so lots were crashed.
Importing one yourself is probably a better bet. Never done this myself but I would go via Torque GT. Spec to go for is a Rev 3 or newer in GT spec (half leather). My 3 were all T bars and I preferred them to my mates hard top.
MR2-OC was pants even back in the day, IMOC is still pretty active. Privately I'd probably be expecting 6k minimum for a good low(ish) mileage example with history, although I haven't looked for a while so not that hot on pricing. Quite annoying as I sold my last one for 2,800 5 years ago... I expect this is why there are so few around now as prices were silly cheap a few years back so lots were crashed.
Importing one yourself is probably a better bet. Never done this myself but I would go via Torque GT. Spec to go for is a Rev 3 or newer in GT spec (half leather). My 3 were all T bars and I preferred them to my mates hard top.
I've always leaned towards the hard tops, I love the look of the T-bar but can't really ever see me having the tops off. Will have a look at IMOC, never heard of it before so thanks!
Anything a prospective owner needs to be careful of? I know Torque GT would get the best car they could but is there anything you would recommend doing or looking out for if I did get one?
Anything a prospective owner needs to be careful of? I know Torque GT would get the best car they could but is there anything you would recommend doing or looking out for if I did get one?
she’s still in paint now full respray all parts are going on this week wheels are going back bronze ! For 18k still a bargain in my eyes Benny J said:
I've always leaned towards the hard tops, I love the look of the T-bar but can't really ever see me having the tops off. Will have a look at IMOC, never heard of it before so thanks!
Anything a prospective owner needs to be careful of? I know Torque GT would get the best car they could but is there anything you would recommend doing or looking out for if I did get one?
The tin top is the one to go for. I had the t-bar and whilst it was a novelty they were prone to leaking and just not as convenient as you might think. Plus the tin top just looks slicker. Anything a prospective owner needs to be careful of? I know Torque GT would get the best car they could but is there anything you would recommend doing or looking out for if I did get one?
I do much prefer the tin tops so I think that's what I'd go for. I've been very lucky and had a nice bloke offer to take me out in his MR2 one next weekend so I'm very much looking forward to it!
Just for a more rounded view, what are the clubs/forums for Celica GT4s? I'd still be somewhat interested in trying one, just so I could make a final decision without guessing which I'd prefer. A friend of a friend has one and he loves it, it's been a project for years.
From what I can understand, in stock form they aren't the best standard but really come alive with some basic mods.
Just for a more rounded view, what are the clubs/forums for Celica GT4s? I'd still be somewhat interested in trying one, just so I could make a final decision without guessing which I'd prefer. A friend of a friend has one and he loves it, it's been a project for years.
From what I can understand, in stock form they aren't the best standard but really come alive with some basic mods.
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