MR2 Mk2 Buyers guide?

[Garett]

The car is a 1991 MR2 UK spec, only thing is the headgasket is on its way out, pressurised coolant etc.

How easy or difficult is the headgasket to change? Being an MR car I imagine it could prove a bit trickier than usual.

Also what are the other potential pitfalls to look out for, do they suffer from rust?

Its up at £450, could be worth a punt, seems an otherwise sound car with below average miles and if the owner is true in what he says, quite a bit of recent work including a new clutch.

[MarJay]

Garett said:

The car is a 1991 MR2 UK spec, only thing is the headgasket is on its way out, pressurised coolant etc.

How easy or difficult is the headgasket to change? Being an MR car I imagine it could prove a bit trickier than usual.

Also what are the other potential pitfalls to look out for, do they suffer from rust?

Its up at £450, could be worth a punt, seems an otherwise sound car with below average miles and if the owner is true in what he says, quite a bit of recent work including a new clutch.

If the rest of the car is in good condition, you could take it to Woodsport and have a Camry V6 put in it for £2k.

[Dr.Doofenshmirtz]

MK2 MK2's, like the Celica Gen5 are generally bullet proof and don't rust (unless they're seriously neglected obviously)
The engine bay is tight, but it is perfectly possible to do the HG yourself with the engine in situ. Could be a nice little early spring project now the evenings are drawing out.
If the rest of the car is tatty and neglected, I would save a few more pennies and buy a clean one - there are plenty about.

[S3_Graham]

these do look to be getting better and better value. everytime i look at getting a new car i seem to look at them!

[Save Ferris]

Im going to look at one that's up for £650 this afternoon. I'll let you know how I get on.....

[Garett]

Well from what I can gather without seeing the car it seems in good fettle, and pretty well looked after its a T-Bar too so could be good for some summer fun.

Its up at £450 at the minute, which to me seems a bit much for a car with a headgasket problem, 2 months tax and 6 weeks MOT, might go and have a look and offer a cheeky £300 in cash, take it or leave it. I could probably pick up a good one for the the money this would cost to buy and repair and avoid the headache.

How did the viewing go Ferris?

[dasherdiablo1]

Cracking little cars! I've had two and the only thing that ever went wrong was a dead battery and a blown radiator! Great fun....I've often thought about getting one as a track slag...huge fun in the wet and cheap as chips to keep on the road!

[the_stoat]

I have changed the headgasket on a MR2 Turbo and had no major issues, there is more space than you would think. The only issues were fine pitched threads on most bolts so lots of ratchet/spanner action and getting a sore back from leaning over into the engine bay.

[Cupid Stunt]

I think about getting 1 of these every year, if I could afford a 2nd car I'd almost certainly have 1, they're absolutely stunning. Best of luck.

[Kit80]

I constantly think about getting one of these.

If you sign up for the owners clubs there is some very knowledgeable people who will help you with anything you need to know.

[Save Ferris]

Garett said:

How did the viewing go Ferris?

It went well! Im going to pick it up tonight....

It's 1990 UK model GT, Manual. With MOT and some Tax, got it for £600

[Cupid Stunt]

Congratulations

[Garett]

I decided not to go and see the one I was looking at, chap wanted £400 with a blown HG and short MOT, seeing your baragin has just reassured me that I made the right decision.

Think I'll save up a bit more cash and get a decent one, I'll have to keep the Saab for now anyway as I need it for work, can't get a set of ladders on the roof of an MR2!