Looking at an MR2 - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Madcat · 05-07-2006, 01:01 PM

Fiancee and I are looking at a red MR2 turbo

locally. The VIN says its a '91, and carfax has 7 flags on it, I know that these can't necessarily mean major problems. It has been painted, engine and compartment are clean, clearcoat on the pass side is flaking around the spoiler, "trunk" dosen't open. Interior is in decent shape with the shifter and boot, and the steering wheel being the only blemishes. What should I be concerned with in the running dept.

Kelly Blue Book says the price should be around $4460 does this sound reasonable.

I'm gonna pull the Carfax flags later.

Madcat

Drifting Dane · 05-07-2006, 04:22 PM

milage? that sounds about right for a lower milage turbo.

Madcat · 05-07-2006, 04:59 PM

Just over 145000.

Madcat

Drifting Dane · 05-07-2006, 07:28 PM

That seems just a bit high for the price (at least in my experience), maybe talk him down a bit. As for the trunk not opening... ugh if you search the board for that topic, i remember someone having trouble opening their trunk but i dont remember how it was resolved. Just search it

For running issues, does the car grind when shifting into any gear (specifically hard and fast)? this is a sign of worn synchromesh gear(s), and something you should try and avoid, as transmission rebuilds are not cheap.

check for leaky t tops, pull up the carpet and see if there is any rust underneath from previous ttop leaks.

Madcat · 05-07-2006, 08:25 PM

Thanks for the insight. We're going to test drive it tomarrow, and ask the guy how much he wants, it dosen't have a price on the windsheild.

Madcat

Madcat · 05-08-2006, 03:42 PM

OK.

The good- Local, New battery, Runs/shifts strong.

The bad- Trunk dosen't pop, CEL, air bag, and ABS lights are on, Speedometer dosen't work, Coolant gauge dosen't work.

The ugly- This MR2 was a rescue from the flooded area of New Orleans from Katrina, title is a water salvage or some other thing. Its legal to own and operate on the roads, but title says its been submerged.

The ugliest- guy wants $4500 as it sits

I think I should just run away from this one.

Madcat

Drifting Dane · 05-09-2006, 10:58 AM

i would, but thats me.

see what happens when you do your homework? you avoid a bazillion headaches