Tell me all about the Toyota mk3 MR2
Discussion
Mrs JS has just done a bit of unscheduled off roading in her MG TF and I'm guessing it'll be written off when the assessor has a look tomorrow.
One slightly less obvious choice for a replacement is a MR2 - any thoughts or advice? Seem to be a few quite reasonable examples about between 3-4 grand.
...and no, an MX5 won't do. Good ones are over budget.
One slightly less obvious choice for a replacement is a MR2 - any thoughts or advice? Seem to be a few quite reasonable examples about between 3-4 grand.
...and no, an MX5 won't do. Good ones are over budget.
Just sold my 2002 pre facelift.
I'd be looking at a 2003 onwards, engine less prone to borkage apparently (precats, rings and oil usage - google it) and has a 6 speed box, larger rear tyres and IIRC different suspension geo.
Other than that look for water ingress into the headlamps, crusty rear cross members and sticky brake calipers. Clutches don't seem to last a lifetime but are cheap. These cars are tyre sensitive, correct sizes and decent brands pretty essential
Brilliant to drive. Not at all quick, nippy at best. Usual checks for accident damage and repair, still can bite with the mid engine layout in inexperienced hands. Doesn't rot anything like a MX-5 though.
Water tight roof with a proper glass screen, well screwed together and being a small Toyota you know it'll be pretty reliable (issues mentioned aside) Faff all storage, just the 'frunk' and some space behind the seats.
Hardtop, leather and AC would be desirable in my book.
I'd be looking at a 2003 onwards, engine less prone to borkage apparently (precats, rings and oil usage - google it) and has a 6 speed box, larger rear tyres and IIRC different suspension geo.
Other than that look for water ingress into the headlamps, crusty rear cross members and sticky brake calipers. Clutches don't seem to last a lifetime but are cheap. These cars are tyre sensitive, correct sizes and decent brands pretty essential
Brilliant to drive. Not at all quick, nippy at best. Usual checks for accident damage and repair, still can bite with the mid engine layout in inexperienced hands. Doesn't rot anything like a MX-5 though.
Water tight roof with a proper glass screen, well screwed together and being a small Toyota you know it'll be pretty reliable (issues mentioned aside) Faff all storage, just the 'frunk' and some space behind the seats.
Hardtop, leather and AC would be desirable in my book.
I owned one for a couple of years and it was my most regretted car sale when it went. (Promised son a car when he was 17, didn't want 3 cars in the household).
Mine looked great (in a VERY rare deep metallic green), was faultlessly reliable, great fun to drive, cheap to insure and economical too.
I'd have one over an MX-5 in a heartbeat unless I absolutely had to have a small sports car with a boot.
The last 300 were branded TF300 and you might well find one of those, there always a few for sale. They have a nice exhaust, 1/2 leather and a few other bits.
Look out for lacquer coming off of the alloys. They all suffered from that.
Mine looked great (in a VERY rare deep metallic green), was faultlessly reliable, great fun to drive, cheap to insure and economical too.
I'd have one over an MX-5 in a heartbeat unless I absolutely had to have a small sports car with a boot.
The last 300 were branded TF300 and you might well find one of those, there always a few for sale. They have a nice exhaust, 1/2 leather and a few other bits.
Look out for lacquer coming off of the alloys. They all suffered from that.
Rickyy said:
Robert Elise said:
i like your style. Mrs has an off in an FF and you think about a mid-engined MR2
Nice choice of fun car though. MK3 well sorted.
An MG-TF has an MR layout, the same as an MR2.Nice choice of fun car though. MK3 well sorted.
MR2 will do nicely then.
Terrific little cars and much better to drive than the old MG ( have owned both).
Ideally get a 2004 onwards model with 6 speed and hardtop and leather.
Great handling, cheap to run, good MPG and robust ( my last one was on 140,000 miles but drove just as well as my previous one which had only done 39,000 miles).
Noisy on the move without the hard top, as long as you have somewhere to store it in summer.
Air con is a rare option on these but no big deal on convertible, leather is a nice option the cloth seats are horrible.
Engine warning light is common on these for the vvc controller - fiddly to fix but not expensive.
Ideally get a 2004 onwards model with 6 speed and hardtop and leather.
Great handling, cheap to run, good MPG and robust ( my last one was on 140,000 miles but drove just as well as my previous one which had only done 39,000 miles).
Noisy on the move without the hard top, as long as you have somewhere to store it in summer.
Air con is a rare option on these but no big deal on convertible, leather is a nice option the cloth seats are horrible.
Engine warning light is common on these for the vvc controller - fiddly to fix but not expensive.
Not allowed.Fatty's post has it all covered IMO, brilliant little car that inspires confidence with great handling. As previously said zippy rather than quick but it doesn't feel underpowered at all.
I understand peoples concerns with the early cars possible engine issues but if you choose carefully you can get an early car without issues for silly cheap money, as did I.
The later 6 speed gearbox is desirable & is a straight forward fit into an early car. I managed to find a 6 speed from a 2006 car with only 31k for £200 & it does improve motorway travel & economy. I average 34mpg in town & 39/40mpg on a run.
I don't think luggage space is as bad as people say either, the 2 bins behind the seats create lots of room, I can get a weeks shopping of 6 carrier bags in there, & there is also use able space in the drunk too if required.
I understand peoples concerns with the early cars possible engine issues but if you choose carefully you can get an early car without issues for silly cheap money, as did I.
The later 6 speed gearbox is desirable & is a straight forward fit into an early car. I managed to find a 6 speed from a 2006 car with only 31k for £200 & it does improve motorway travel & economy. I average 34mpg in town & 39/40mpg on a run.
I don't think luggage space is as bad as people say either, the 2 bins behind the seats create lots of room, I can get a weeks shopping of 6 carrier bags in there, & there is also use able space in the drunk too if required.
Fattyfat said:
Just sold my 2002 pre facelift.
I'd be looking at a 2003 onwards, engine less prone to borkage apparently (precats, rings and oil usage - google it) and has a 6 speed box, larger rear tyres and IIRC different suspension geo.
Other than that look for water ingress into the headlamps, crusty rear cross members and sticky brake calipers. Clutches don't seem to last a lifetime but are cheap. These cars are tyre sensitive, correct sizes and decent brands pretty essential
Brilliant to drive. Not at all quick, nippy at best. Usual checks for accident damage and repair, still can bite with the mid engine layout in inexperienced hands. Doesn't rot anything like a MX-5 though.
Water tight roof with a proper glass screen, well screwed together and being a small Toyota you know it'll be pretty reliable (issues mentioned aside) Faff all storage, just the 'frunk' and some space behind the seats.
Hardtop, leather and AC would be desirable in my book.
This pretty much covers it. I've had my 2004 model for 18 months now. It doesn't feel as quick as my Dad's TF 160, but the MR2 feels more like a sports car should.I'd be looking at a 2003 onwards, engine less prone to borkage apparently (precats, rings and oil usage - google it) and has a 6 speed box, larger rear tyres and IIRC different suspension geo.
Other than that look for water ingress into the headlamps, crusty rear cross members and sticky brake calipers. Clutches don't seem to last a lifetime but are cheap. These cars are tyre sensitive, correct sizes and decent brands pretty essential
Brilliant to drive. Not at all quick, nippy at best. Usual checks for accident damage and repair, still can bite with the mid engine layout in inexperienced hands. Doesn't rot anything like a MX-5 though.
Water tight roof with a proper glass screen, well screwed together and being a small Toyota you know it'll be pretty reliable (issues mentioned aside) Faff all storage, just the 'frunk' and some space behind the seats.
Hardtop, leather and AC would be desirable in my book.
The only downside is luggage space, but it isn't as bad as people on forums make out - 2 of us went to Le Mans (including camping gear) in mine.
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