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thesavage · 09-11-2006, 10:54 AM

This is my first post to this forum. Okay, I am going to buy an MR2 sometime in the near future, because I am addicted to that car. However, I am not sure whether I want to get a MkI or MkII (I really like them both). I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers, maybe tell me some of the advantages of each, as well as some of the problems. Any help will be greatly appreciated, thank you.

thesavage · 09-13-2006, 12:37 PM

Well gee, thanks guys. Your insight has been very helpful.

Allright, at this moment I am sort of leaning to the MkI, for several reasons. First of all, I actually like the body style of the MkI better than the MkII. Secondly, I figure that I can find one that is cheaper than a MkII, and that way I can spend more on modifications (I plan on doing autocross).

Anyway, that's all for now.

RideMr2 · 09-13-2006, 02:54 PM

There are advantages to each, and of course disadvantages.
The advantages I could go on, and on, and then some...

It really comes down to your personal choice.
I will try and help some by giving the more common issues with each.
They are both great choices, you really can't go wrong with either one.

MKI
Avoid 1985 model. The 86-89 models have much better upgrades. Of course you can put the upgrades onto the 85 model...

Avoid power windows, they are doomed to fail.

The dizzy is in a bad spot, making it harder to work on.
The battery is in a bad spot, next to the engine, you can move it...

MKII

Turbo, Non - Turbo? This will make quite a difference in the price of the car.

91, think 92 as well, has speedo issues, mechanical cable.
Get a carfax, it can help if the car has really low mileage.

91 has airbag recall, check this out at dealer to make sure it has been done by getting the vin #.

91 has issues with drivers side door wiring. I have found the drivers side speaker rarely works in this year model. Easy fix, run a new wire to the speaker, and replace the speaker while at it.

Power antennea, few work...

Valve cover gasket, seems to be common, very easy to fix, but usually not fixed, which ends up leaking oil all over the engine, making it harder to find the leak, then covers fuel rail in gunk. Can all be cleaned off. Can also be used as a neg. to get the seller/dealer to lower price of car.

Power steering? I don't like it on such a light car, but think it can be pulled out without too much trouble, my opinion only, hunt for MKII without p/s.

All of these are minor issues, but most people who own cars just drive them, and will not put any money into them. MR2 owner, who owns the car, not making payments is the exception.

You mentioned autocross, I was going to mention you should expect to invest in some things right away. Struts, brakes/rotors, wheels/tires, and.... if you do nothing else, replace the timing belt, unless you plan on replacing/rebuilding the engine.

Happy Hunting

thesavage · 09-14-2006, 10:54 PM

Thanks for the help. All that information is a good start. I'll have to take all that into consideration when I buy my MR2.

mr2_dori · 09-15-2006, 07:33 AM

both cars a very good cars. it all depends on what you want to do with the cars. do you want power, speed, and great handeling. or do you want something that just looks nice with average power and handles good. and keep in mind how much do you want to spend.

the mk1 "AW11" is an awsome car. it looks sweet has alot of aftermarket support. the thing that i like about the mk1 is the engine. the 4age. this engine is awsome. you can do so much to it and its easy to find parts for. but a fully built 4age can get you about 220-250hp. but keep in mind that the mk1 is a small car, so it will be fast.

the mk2 "SW20" or "SW21" the sw20 is the turbo and the sw21 is n/a. if you go with this model of mr2 go with the turbo one. i use to have the n/a one and it sucked because of the engine. can do anythng to them. now i have a turbo mr2. this car is sweet. the engine is a 3sgt-e. just like the 4age, its easy to find parts for. but its turbo and going to be more expensive.

all depends on what you want the car for?

thesavage · 09-15-2006, 06:28 PM

I also like the 4A-GE engine. I don't really know too much about it except it was also used in the AE86 (Toyota Corolla). I'm an Initial D fan, so that's kind of special to me. I'm pleased to hear that it is realatively easy to find parts for the 4A-GE, and the MKI in general. I'm a student in college, so I really don't have too much money to spend at this point in my life, which is part of the reason why I am leaning towards the MKI.

I do have one question though: is it worth it to spend a little more and buy the supercharged version, or should I just buy the NA and upgrade to a supercharger myself? (And can I do this?)

Okay, maybe that was more than one question.

mr2_dori · 09-17-2006, 02:55 PM

ummm... well if you have planes to supercharge it why dont you just get the one that already has it. it would cost you more if you buy the n/a then buy the supercharger. just get the 4agz-e. and what do you mean can YOU do this?

do you mean buy the n/a then buy the supercharger, then put it together yourself or can you turn the 4age to the 4agze?

thesavage · 09-17-2006, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr2_dori

do you mean buy the n/a then buy the supercharger, then put it together yourself or can you turn the 4age to the 4agze?

I meant could I buy the NA and buy a supercharger and put it on there myself. However, now that I think about that, it does seem like a lot of extra work that I don't really need (or particularly want) to do. So yeah . . . nevermind.

mr2_dori · 09-18-2006, 11:34 AM

just get the 4agze. that one is already supercharged. like you said why wast the time and money doing it the other way.

thesavage · 09-18-2006, 03:57 PM

The only problem that I forsee is that the SC version is hard to find. Heck, it's hard to find ANY MR2 in my area that isn't too expensive. However, I guess I have awhile to look for one, because I probably won't get one for another 1-2 years (cause it costs $$$). That is, unless I find a great deal for a 4A-GZE right where I live.

mr2_dori · 09-19-2006, 02:36 PM

yes that is true, its hard to find the sc mr2. but its somewhat easy to find to find the engine and tranyy. so if you get the n/a one then get the engine it should not be to expensive.

thesavage · 09-20-2006, 01:48 PM

Really? It's easy to get the 4A-GZE engine? Where would I go to look for one? Also, is it realitively easy to swap the engines, or do I have to adjust a bunch of stuff? (which would not surprise me)

Thank you for answering all my questions. I really do appreciate it. I hope my questions don't seem excessive, but I didn't know much about cars, and still don't. Now, I know more than the average person, but I still learn something new about cars almost every day.

Keep up the good work guys!

BrightTundra04 · 09-20-2006, 06:14 PM

Where are you in Florida. I am in Orlando.

I had an MKI about two weeks ago that i traded to a car dealer friend of mine he wanted 2,000 or 1,500 for it not sure which. I had just rebuilt the motor before trading. If he still has it it only has about 5k miles on it. i had also replaced tierod ends and bushings under the whole car. about the only thing left was some trans work and a clutch. but only if you plan to do lots of power upgrades. I have a shop that was going to Take out and rebuild and reinstall the trans for $1000 so for another $1500 or so you could have a really nice MKI witha rebuilt drivetrain.

thesavage · 09-20-2006, 10:00 PM

I go to college in Tallahassee, but my hometown is in Indian River County, which is about an hour and a half south of Orlando on the east coast. I can't really make it to Orlando any time soon. It looks like the earliest I can make it is November 9th or 10th. However, if the car is still miraculously there I'd love to take a look at it.

mr2_dori · 09-21-2006, 08:04 AM

"Really? It's easy to get the 4A-GZE engine? Where would I go to look for one? Also, is it realitively easy to swap the engines, or do I have to adjust a bunch of stuff? (which would not surprise me)"

yah its somwwhat easy to find one just have to no where to look. there is a guy that i deal with online, its an ebay thing. his shop is called "RPM Garage". if i remember right he has the mr2 supercharged engine right no with like 20k miles on it. my shop that i go to and work at sometimes when i have the time can get them too. i no of a couple of places.

i would believ that the swap would be something like the n/a to the turbo on the 92 mr2s. you have to get the engine, ecu, wireharness, tranny and so one. as long as you can get a clip it shoul be easy. ill ask my shop and then ill tell you more