Driving an MR2 Spyder in winter?

[fatgreta]

Hi all.
My name is Chris. I'm thinking of buying a 2000 MR2 Spyder with 28,000 miles on it. The problem is, I'd have to drive it all winter, and I wonder what you all think about that? I've never owned a convertible, and I'd like to, but i can only afford one car. I live in Massachusetts, so it snows a lot. Any feedback would be terrific, including how it will handle in the snow, how the convertible will hold up in the snow, etc.

Chris

[mrjack]

If you going to buy a convertable for the winter, you would be better buying an awd porsche or something of the sort. Spyders are rwd therefore snow=bad.

[MR2Jedi]

Nope, not good in winter weather....very touchy... ass end wants to come around...I don't even like driving mine with the roof up at all. Horrible blind spots in rear quarters.....

[MR2Di4]

MR2's are generally not good in the slick stuff.

I've driven mine in the snow and ice a few times and scared the bejesus out of myself each time. Once mine did two 360's just going around a mild corner at only 35mph. I was really trying to be careful, so it was a real surprise. Another thing to keep in mind is that since the engine is amidships there isn't as much weight on the front tires making them hard to stop on slick roads. I had to make it up my parents' snow covered driveway one winter and although I made the ascent ok, I found out that I couldn't stop at the top and wound up ramming my dad's garage.

MR2Di4

[celeritas]

...i wouldnt man.... very touchy in the snow ...rwd and the fact that there is not alot of car there...ya know?

[estouest]

Has anyone tried putting snow tires on their MR2 for winter driving? I've been reading some S2000 and Mustang forums and most people seem to be fine in the winter with a good set of snow tires. Only thing is the MR2 has two different sizes, arggh!

[HL2k]

I would just.... not bother

from driving a 240sx in Winnipeg (if you haven't heard of a Winnipeg winter, research) was hell, I spun more times than not

those things take curbs pretty good

[phreakgirl]

Im driving mr2 all year round, and my bf did for a long time before he bought his truck, it isn't SO bad that it isn't possible. just weigh down the front with some blocks or something if theyll fit (not sure about in a spyder) they drive alright as long as you're careful.

the top should be ok just don't let snow sit on it for long periods of time (brush it off every day) so it doesn't weigh down the top.

it'll be warm enough too, 2 seaters arent hard to keep warm inside.

[meoggi]

if you get this car you wont be going anywhere in the winter. that is even if you want to. you have to be a very very good driver and know the car. any snow over 2 inches dont bother. i got an 85 and i havent driven it in the snow yet. i like rear wheel drive. past 2 winters i drove a 93 transam and an 88 suburban. i was fine with both of them. they both heve a long wheel base but an mr2 well its a box.

[Piddy]

I got stuck driving my MKII home in the snow one time.... and I will never make that mistake again. I'm sure my tires had a lot to do with it.... but lets just say the car didn't do much moving in a strait line. It will mostly depend on your tires... get a set of snow tires and you should be okay as long as you aren't climbing hills or doing wild turns. You have the same advantage as a FWD car with having the majority of the cars weight on your drive tires.

[phreakgirl]

MKI mr2s are fine in the snow. my MKII scares the crap out of me in the rain ( my front tires are bald and i need an allignment) , I'm not driving it this winter but for different reasons. I'm either driving the truck or the 86 MR2 this winter.