1991 MR2 non-turbo Questions

[CamryRacer]

well this is my first post in this forum... just cause i have a camry... but i am thinking about selling my camry and buying a MR2... but i was just wondering what a good price would be for a 1991 MR2 non-turbo (out of the add) 123k mi. power everthing, new clutch, new tires, recent tune up, just aligned, pioneer cd, rockford speakers..... how much would you guys pay for it in the pic it looks realy clean...

i was also wondering how easy they are to work on... i am used to my camry, and that thing is a pain in the ass most of the time... but i need to know everthing... here is a small list

what is your avg mpg
0-60 times?
fun factor
do they realy feel like driving a go-cart (just bigger)
i know there are parts out for them.. but just how manny are there?

that is mostly it
thanks

[andyb16]

If you're looking to go really fast, get a turbo instead of N/A. Lots more potential.

Fun factor: off the charts! The n/a has good midrange power, the turbo has more high end.

MPG I think I get about 20-25 mpg. That's if I can keep my foot out of it, which isn't often the case.

As for 0-60 times, I really am not sure. The n/a isn't super fast, but it's fast enough.

Aftermarket support is pretty good for the turbo, n/a is mostly just intake, exhaust, and headers. Anything other than that gets pretty pricey.

Good luck in getting one! You won't regret it.

[erioshi]

I will second the suggestion to just buy a '93+ turbo right off if you're looking to really go fast. Starting with any other car will involve updating parts and the costs involved will probably add up to the cost of the newer turbo car before you're back on the road.

I'm in the middle of bringing back a '91 NA and planning out the cost of getting to stock turbo like performance, and I can tell you first hand that it would have been cheaper for me to just wait and buy a 93+ turbo.

That said - by the time my car is where I want it, I feel like I will have removed, repaired or replaced everything you can get to that isn't welded into the car. In the end the car will be nice, and something a bit unique, but on paper the project wouldn't make sense.

[jhbhatia]

Buy a high milage n/a and swap in a low milage jspec turbo engine in it!

[erioshi]

Originally Posted by jhbhatia

Buy a high milage n/a and swap in a low milage jspec turbo engine in it!

That's one way to do it, but after all is said and done, you may well spend more (after everything is running right) than just buying the MR-2 turbo would have cost you. 3K for a decent '91 NA plus 2.5K for the clip puts you at 5.5K to start - now add in a few extras (like 93+ turbo front brakes (oh, and the larger wheels to fit over them) and a 93+ master cylinder and you're probably pushing 6.5K. If there are any problems with parts included in your clip, the bil goes up even faster. Oh, and that assumes you do all the work yourself - if you need to pay somone, add more cash.

NA + Clip can be a great solution. But if you're planning on going there be sure you go in with your eyes open.

[CamryRacer]

ok well i have 6000$ and i was looking through the auto trader and all i could find where 2 1987's one was auto, and the other was 2000$ and i found 3 1991's that ranged from 4750-6000$... i found a 1991 turbo newly rebuilt everthing... i am going to call on it... but thanks for the help... i couldnt find any 1993's though

[nepopolus]

heh i have a 91 n/a but i only bought it because the car was 1k i knew the swap would cost alot but the body only has 100k miles on it and all the turbo models around here all have massive miles on them. why is it 1k ? because the front end was f*ed up but already fixed and at the time no radio i love cosmetics they make you get the car for so much less

[Gairloch]

Originally Posted by CamryRacer

ok well i have 6000$ and i was looking through the auto trader and all i could find where 2 1987's one was auto, and the other was 2000$ and i found 3 1991's that ranged from 4750-6000$... i found a 1991 turbo newly rebuilt everthing... i am going to call on it... but thanks for the help... i couldnt find any 1993's though

They do come up, you just have to keep digging.

[CamryRacer]

i am thinking about possibly buying this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Turbo...QQcmdZViewItem
it looked prity nice to me.. but what do you guys think.. cause i dont know much about these cars (yet)

[erioshi]

Hmm - I'd get a statement from the seller about condition (including compresion test numbers, etc.) and make sure they were willing to work with an escrow service. Also be sure you have an "out" if the car doesn't pass muster. Be sure you have an inspection clause that covers undisclosed defects and allows you have a mechanic inspect the car before the funds are released from escrow. The inspection will cost a few dollars, but it's cheaper than buying basket case. I know three people who have purchased ebay car - two of them had problems with the cars. Oh, if the seller won't agree to an inspection then just walk away.

Personally, I would try to find something mostly unmodified that had a good service history and was in good contdition overall. Look for the little things that show the car was well cared for and ask for a service history. Papaerwork and receipts are always worth more than words. When you're car shopping it's easy to get excited. It's alot harder to walk away and wait for the right car.

Good Luck!

[nepopolus]

eww ebay...eww automatic other then automatic it is a nice car but that is just me i cant stand auto lol

[CamryRacer]

ok well i found this one....http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...dist=26#vdptop it looks good to me.. i am going to go and check it out tomarrow and make sure that there isnt anything wrong with it... is there anything that i should look out for??

[Gairloch]

Just a few pointers for things to look at:

1. What kind of shape is the body in, especially the rumble strips?

2. How good are the syncros? (known weak point)

3. Are there any visible oil leaks?

4. Does the car fart blue smoke on start up? (valve seals are infamous for leaking when cold)

5. Is there any odd behavior when turning that might indicate problems with the strut mounts?(infamous)

6. Are the strut replacements OEM or something else? Either way, make sure you test the drivability, mixxed suspension components = bad juju.

7. How does the car look underneath for rust?

8. Do both windows and door lock switches work? (Wiring harness in drivers door also infamous)

9. Does the brake master cylinder still feel strong under heavy braking? (Had to replace mine a month after I got the car)

10. When you take the car to get checked out make sure that they test the wheels for play which might indicate issues with ball joints or wheel bearings.

11. If it's a T-top what kind of shape are the seals in? Any leaking?

Anyone else have something else? Maybe we could put together a fairly comprehensive list and get it stickied or posted somewhere

[GoFastDepot]

You might want to consider an already modded car that needs a little repair. Ive seen some preety good deals for cars that need an overhaul but in overall great condition. For $7K i know theres some preety fast Mr-2's for sale on some Forums out there.

[CamryRacer]

well the person that was going to buy my cam flaked on me.. so i am going to have to wait for a little wile before i get a new car.. but thanks for the help.. i know that ill get one eventually, just not right now