To MR2 or not, that is the ?

[NovaStorm]

Hi I was considering buying a 91 MR2 2.2L 5S-FE N/A with auto trans.
Now I've put the brakes on after speaking with a Toyota specialist today who refused to even look at the car. He claims they are so hard to work on because of the tight space that he almost loses money when he does. I love the car but I don't always have the time or ability to do all my own mechnical. Do any of you also have this problem and will standard repairs be a lot more expensive for labour with the MR2.
The car has 154,000 miles on it and I wanted to have a compression, leak down test done!

[MR2Jedi]

I have found that some of the less experienced/professional mechanics don't want to touch them. I do most of my own work, but if it's something I don't want to fu*k with, I take it to some import specialist friends of mine. They do a great job and never gripe about it. And they charge to standard rate for mechanical and electrical work.
They're not that hard to work on. Especially given the way most manufacturers are building cars these days. It's a really tight squeeze in engine bays in almost any car built after 2000.
The 5sfe engine is a good, dependable economy engine and can deliver a long life.

[NovaStorm]

Hi Mr2Bad, thanks for the responce. I spoke with another mechanic today! He said he worked on one for a customer several times and that, like you, they weren't that bad for the usual things that needed doing. Again thanks for your opinion. Great looking wheels you got there Cheers Nova ~

[MR2Jedi]

You're Welcome ! and Welcome to TN..

[andyb16]

Welcome to the forum.

MR2s are not all that hard to work on. The main problem I seem to have is not that there's no room, it's just that you have to lean over the fender and rearend to get to the engine bay. It's more uncomfortable than tight.

I would recommend trying to find a 5 speed rather than auto, but that's just my opinion. A car this fun to drive would feel a lot more dull with an auto. Then again, I've not driven an auto mr2, so I could be wrong.

[NovaStorm]

Well I did it It's official, I bought the car Took it into the engine rebuilders Nova Automotive today and had a compression test done on the motor. When I ask how it went he asked if I'd sell him the car. Said the motor was in awesome shape. Here are the results ~
#1-201 lbs, #2-205 lbs, #3-205 lbs, #4-203 lbs Next I took it to the garage beside my work and they put it up to check the underneath. Well she's as good on the bottom side as the top and they couldn't find a thing wrong other then someone and I've since been told it was the Toyota Dealer put it on a hoist with the back lifters in the wrong place, bending in the back of the rocker panel a little . So to make a long story short I'm thrilled with the car. Brake lines look new, Rear rotors new, 5zegin rims set it all off nicely. Only thing is Andy your right all I want to do when I'm driving it is reach for the shifter But on the bright side my wife can drive it! Yep she said she didn't care what I bought as long as it was auto soooooo it's auto... Oh what the hay, have a look I will have some better shots taken by myself soon but this is all we got for now!
">

[MR2Jedi]

Congrats ! looks good Nova.. Is that your Celica in the background ?

[NovaStorm]

Greetings Mr2Bad, the celica belonged to the fellow I got the car from. It probably came up from the States at the same time as the MR2 5 years ago. Don't think he has it anymore but he has quite the collection of cars. The MR2 he got for his mothers who put a total of 10,000 on her over the 5 years. There are only a handful of MR2's here in Nova Scotia probably less than 20 and maybe less than 10 ~ Good to hear from you Rgds

[MR2Jedi]

It's only got 10K miles on it ? Thats great ! That engines got a looong way to go....

[NovaStorm]

Umm nope got 154,000 thats why I wanted the compression done. Just 10 in the last 5 years though. Speaking of which is the odometer in miles or kilometers? I just presumed it was miles as the car is from the States! Kilometers would be nice ~

[andyb16]

Grats on the purchase! That thing looks super clean. I like the rims too, they do set it off nicely. Don't worry about the auto, you can always convert to manual and teach your wife to drive it

I think the odometer should be miles, since it's from the states. The seller prolly would have let you know if he switched it, but it wouldn't hurt to ask him. Enjoy the car!

Andy.

[NovaStorm]

Thanks Andy and you to Russel, just back from a trip out to Peggy's Cove. Runs like a dream. Lots of pep to ~~~ You've both been a big help. Looking for a winter beater now

[thangxixon]

nice choice. i bet i looks better in person. like any other mr2. my car exactly same - the rims