I wanted an Elise so bought an MR2 Roadster and...
Discussion
You know what? It's really good. OK, so it's not that fast, but it goes well enough and really feels alive and alert. I was in the market for an S1 Elise after accepting that an e39 M5 really wasn't an option on my budget, but since then have bought a house and needed something cheaper still.
Having test driven a few Lotus's I wanted something with that low mass, interesting at normal speeds appeal that lightweights give, and having read favorable things about the MR2 sought out a clean one for under £4k (with leather, AC, and a hard top). I'm keeping an eye on the oil levels to make sure that the engine isn't a dud, and will be whipping the pre-cats out ASAP, but so far the little car has done that most elusive of things - been fun to drive. The ride quality is very, very good. Very. It just soaks up yumps and bumps without so much as a shake, and you can feel the car pivot around the engine in the turns. Grand stuff for what is considered by non-petrol heads as a nancy car.
If you are in the market for a Lotus but don't have Lotus money (and can see past the image, and the lack of luggage space, and did I mention the image?), then consider one of these, they really are that good.
Check back in a few days when I'm on here whinging about oval bore syndrome or pre-cat failure, but until then, I'm off out for a drive.
FF
Having test driven a few Lotus's I wanted something with that low mass, interesting at normal speeds appeal that lightweights give, and having read favorable things about the MR2 sought out a clean one for under £4k (with leather, AC, and a hard top). I'm keeping an eye on the oil levels to make sure that the engine isn't a dud, and will be whipping the pre-cats out ASAP, but so far the little car has done that most elusive of things - been fun to drive. The ride quality is very, very good. Very. It just soaks up yumps and bumps without so much as a shake, and you can feel the car pivot around the engine in the turns. Grand stuff for what is considered by non-petrol heads as a nancy car.
If you are in the market for a Lotus but don't have Lotus money (and can see past the image, and the lack of luggage space, and did I mention the image?), then consider one of these, they really are that good.
Check back in a few days when I'm on here whinging about oval bore syndrome or pre-cat failure, but until then, I'm off out for a drive.
FF
Well done, you've bought yourself a cracking little car!
Ours has the TTE lowering springs on it, which makes it a little bit firmer but the ride is still really very good for such a low sporty car.
I wouldn't worry about oil consumption too much, this engine drinks the stuff in all MR2s and all the other Toyotas and Lotus that it's used in, just make sure to check and top up after every couple of tanks of fuel (5W30 fully synth is recommended).
Ours has the TTE lowering springs on it, which makes it a little bit firmer but the ride is still really very good for such a low sporty car.
I wouldn't worry about oil consumption too much, this engine drinks the stuff in all MR2s and all the other Toyotas and Lotus that it's used in, just make sure to check and top up after every couple of tanks of fuel (5W30 fully synth is recommended).
Herman Toothrot said:
It's funny but I know I'm not the only one on here who wanted an mr2 roadster and bought an 'Elise' (vx220) as the Lotus type car seemed more practical
Me too. I was initially looking at getting an MR2 for about £12k used from Toyota, but dug into my savings and plumped for an Elise in the end because it was more practical. The boot on an S2 Elise is surprisingly large 
I still really rate the MR2 though - really great car.
texasjohn said:
I have been toying with the idea of one of these for a while. They are good fun to drive that's for sure.
Elise may be more practical but the MR2 is much cheaper to insure and of course purchase. A great
little roadster and I would have one over the PH favourite I think.
I agree, I have two of the PH favourites and the mk3 MR2 is better standard. It all comes down to use really.Elise may be more practical but the MR2 is much cheaper to insure and of course purchase. A great
little roadster and I would have one over the PH favourite I think.
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