RE: PH buying guide: Toyota MR2

RE: PH buying guide: Toyota MR2

Friday 30th November 2012

PH buying guide: Toyota MR2

Toyota's mid-engined roadster is ideal for those looking for something less hardcore than an Elise



The third generation of Toyota MR2 that arrived in 2000 was the ideal car to take on the Mazda MX-5 and MGF, particularly as it was the first MR2 to have a fully folding soft-top. It mixed many of the attributes of both of these cars while retaining a unique appeal, although the Toyota perhaps divided the opinions of contemporary road tests and buyers more than its competitors.

Sticking with the mid-engined layout of previous MR2s, the third generation W30 model differed slightly by having its engine turned so the exhaust manifold was to the rear of the engine bay. It also did away with the rear luggage compartment, making this model more focused on driving fun than practicality. This more than anything was what split opinions on the MR2 as many were happy to enjoy the purity of the MR2's driving experience, while others deemed it too compromised.

Search for Toyota MR2s here

Actually there IS an alternative to an MX-5!
Actually there IS an alternative to an MX-5!
Weighing in at just 975kg, only a Lotus Elise could claim to be lighter in the affordable roadster market. This meant the MR2 didn't need a hugely powerful engine to deliver good, though not outright fast, performance. The 140hp 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol motor could muster 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, though some contemporary road tests saw 0-60mph times as low as 6.8 seconds, and a top speed of 130mph. Another benefit of the lightweight and relatively mild power output was 38.2mpg average fuel consumption and many owners report this is a very realistic figure in everyday driving.

Toyota didn't need to change the MR2 greatly during its production life, which came to an end in 2006. The most significant were the addition of a six-speed gearbox and alterations to the engine to prevent the problems experienced by many early owners with disintegrating pre-cats that ruin the engine. For this reason, the post-facelift cars from late 2002 onwards are generally considered the most desirable. Take heed - though an early MR2 for around £1,600 can look like a bargain it can also be on the verge of some expensive repairs. Expect to pay from £2,500 for a facelifted car and all the way to around £7,500 for a late model, low miles example.


Owner's view
"I found the car to be really great fun and one of the nicest handling cars I have owned, and I have owned a few. Mine was low mileage and in mint condition so I never experienced any problems: the engine, six-speed gearbox, handling and driving position were faultless. The roof was easy to raise and lower too."
Martin Roberts


Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior

Search for Toyota MR2s here

Author
Discussion

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Friday 30th November 2012
quotequote all
"more hardcore than an Elise"???


er, I think you'll find you mean "less" not "more"...........

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Friday 30th November 2012
quotequote all
Beat me to it

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Friday 30th November 2012
quotequote all
Scrof said:
Max_Torque said:
"more hardcore than an Elise"???


er, I think you'll find you mean "less" not "more"...........
Yes. That was what I meant to say when I wrote that bit. Sorry. I got distracted halfway through writing it, and forgot to go back and change it.

Consider my head hung in shame and my feet sitting in a vat of cold porridge as penance.

paperbag
Jeez, we are not that draconian here! I'd accept warm porridge as suitable in this case................ ;-)

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Saturday 1st December 2012
quotequote all
I guess at 6'3" and being "well built" I may as well not even bother trying to sit in one, or am I wrong?

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Saturday 1st December 2012
quotequote all
Gary C said:
charltjr said:
I guess at 6'3" and being "well built" I may as well not even bother trying to sit in one, or am I wrong?
Yep you are.

Im 6"3' too and i fitted in mine. Even upside down !
Great, thanks smile