Should I buy an MR2?

[mwct]

Hey Everyone,

I'm coming here because I have been looking to get a convertible as a daily driver/fun car. I already have a nice car which I use on weekends, and a piece of junk car which I bought because I didn't know any better (I had just moved). So now I am looking for something in between, a nice car I can drive around in but don't have to be excessively worried about generating too much attention etc...

The MR2 seemed perfect, it is supposed to have good handling, is a convertible, and has the Toyota quality behind it. But still its a big and expensive decision. And I am very nervous about buying second hand cars especially from private parties. My piece of junk car that I have now, I had researched as best as I could, got the carfax, checked everything was in working order. Yet after I bought it and tried to sell it later, I learned that it was in a collision. The guy who appraised the car showed me all the signs that I should have seen, but which I never ever would have noticed to tell the truth.

So anyway back to the point I know a guy who is privately selling an MR2. He says he is the second owner and it is a 2002 with 30k miles. He claims before he owned it it was a factory show vehicle with a full TRD body kit (including gauges etc) and other options added like sway bars both front and rear and so on. I have yet to see the car (I will be doing so this weekend). But he claims it is in very good condition except a minor scratch or two and a small ding. I believe it is the standard manual tranny (not the manumatic one). He is asking a little under $14k (USD) for it.

What do you guys think? And for those who have owned a similar year/model, is this the best car for the money in its class? Or would a Miata MX-5 from a similar year or an Eclipse Spyder be just as good (and cheaper)?

Thanks everyone.

[JoeG67]

hey there - you should consider buying a mkII turbo rather than a mr2 spyder. the 91 mr2 has the 3sgte (200hp) and the 2002 that you want to get has the 1ZZ-FE engine that only outputs 130hp plus the mkII is only a fraction of the cost ive seen tons of mr2 turbos for a general price range of $5000-$10000 on autotrader.com

there are also a lot of upgrades for the 2nd gen including: an air hood scoop, 93 tail light conversion, and an array of performance upgrades (turbo, intercooler etc)

[MR2Jedi]

Thats low mileage for a 2002. Though I think 14K is steep. More like 10 maybe 11K. Regardless of the upgrades. People upgrade vehicles for performane and usually drive them harder.
I have a 2001. I do love it, but my peaves are (and you should think about this before you decide) :
1.) No trunk
2.) Underpowered (140hp , 125lbs/torque,) but fun to drive with excellent handling.
3.) I had to "learn" how to get in and out of it. But once in the seat, fits like a glove.
4.) Horrible blind spot on each rear qurter with the roof up.Reversing and lane changes are blinded. I do my best to only drive it with the top down.
The VVTi engine begs for high revs. It does have a torquey feel to it. Though mine is slightly modified.
Dual outlet exhaust, Lighened crankshaft pulley(8oz), lightened Flywheel(8lbs.), lightened alt. pulley(3oz.), CAI, front spoiler, rear wing , side skirts, and tires=fr-205/17/40 and rear 225/17/40 on ADR rims.





Anyway, in the end,
I like my 2nd gen MR2 Turbo better...

[tHa kNiGHt FaLL]

MR2 for a middle class car...?

whats your weekend car...?

[Boosted_SW22]

i say the Mk2 would be the cheaper better option in my opinion.I love mine to death and it's really fun to drive.

[problemmr2]

I drove a spyder and did not like it. Yeah it felt cool, and had the new feel. But I rather stick to the 2nd gen turbo. Just was not fast enough for me.