Toyota MR2 buying advice?

[mde1982]

I'm torn. Looking at getting a MK3 and got a couple of possibilities.

There's this one, which is a little older but has been decatted (new downpipe), new subframe, and lots of work on the brakes and suspension. Pre facelift model. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022041346...

Or this one. Newer, and MOT history shows previous corrosion to rear suspension which then disappeared so I suspect new subframe but can't confirm. Doesn't look to be decatted, but it is a facelift model so less of a concern?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022043052...

Both a similar price, both have new MOTs with no advisories, both have similar mileage.

Which one would you go for?

[mde1982]

PistonRings said:

Facelift - Roof looks good, probably had the precats smashed out, nice (subjectively) style bar and exhaust. If the subframe has been done, then hopefully so have all the rear bushings etc.

Things to check are the radiators and handbrakes/rear calipers. At that age suspension bits will be on their way out so check shocks etc.

That was my sort of thinking...but the pre facelift has had new calipers, handbrake cables, shocks etc. Are the engines particularly different? I'd be looking at around £500 to get all the bits done wouldn't I?

[mde1982]

PistonRings said:

There was a few revisions, one around facelift and another later on, with the main issues sorted in the very late engines, the piston rings had extra holes drilled in iirc. On mr2roc there is a thread which indicates when the engine design changed.

So on this basis, a 2003 is unlikely to have the revised design then, and condition and service history and condition possibly more important than age?

[mde1982]

B_Tank88 said:

I've got a FL 2004 and has had all the oil consumption issues. I would go with the mindset that the oil consumption will need to be lived with in an MR2, rather than find one that 'doesn't burn oil'.

Mine burns consistently 1l every 1600miles, and it's very easy to keep an eye on.

I'd concentrate on more making sure pre-cats have been removed, and general corrosion especially regarding rear subframe.

The handbrake is a nuisance on these so something to keep an eye on or budget for handbrake cables or calipers/refurb.

The PFL looks quite nice out of those as it seems to have had some nice work done, but I can understand the desire for the FL with it's additions: 6 speed, staggered wheel setup, front bumper etc.

Overall. specific issues on these is oil consumption, handbrake, and corrosion on subframe. All other stuff is general stuff you will find on most cars this age.

Thanks. So having the FL doesn't protect you from oil consumption issues. That's good to know.

[mde1982]

I'm erring towards the PFL. Reason being I know what work it's had done and can confirm both a new subframe and a proper decat.

The FL is tempting but it's a bit if an unknown history and I can't see a garage being overly happy with me popping out an O2 sensor to check the precats!

[mde1982]

Purchase made. Neither of the 2 above! I've gone for an MR-S with a recent engine rebuild, and replacement clutch, water pump, gearbox etc. Good roof and subframe solid. There's a few bits to sort inside (just loose trim etc) but very happy with it.

[mde1982]

Fady said:

Hope you enjoy it!

Get yourself onto the MR2ROC forum if you haven't already. Not the most active of places nowadays, but has a wealth of information as a knowledge base and some very enthusiastic members.

Had mine since 2017, and even with some more expensive and therefore supposedly better things available to drive, I'm hooked on it.

It was the MR2OC forum where I found it listed for sale! 👍