Another Newby MR2 Owner needs HELP!

[RPAltman]

I picked up a solar yellow 2000 MR2 Spyder with 42k miles about a month ago. I intended to use it solely on the weekends, but with gas prices > US$4.00 a gallon, it's become a daily commuter while my Pathfinder gathers dust til the winter. It's been a blast to drive..

The previous owner (although not the first owner -- based on the VIN) was the sales manager at the Toyota dealership where it was originally sold. He kept it stock except for a few TRD options -- TRD exhaust, TRD wheels (205-40R16), and body kit. As soon as I got it home, I noticed the tires were worn and dried out, so quickly I replaced them with a set of Hankook Ventus HRII. The mechanic said the brakes were in good condition but one of the front struts was leaking.

Slowly, but surely, I'll upgrade the mechanical items as they wear out. Any suggestions from the group?

Also, I've noticed the stock stereo is a bit weak, specially for top down cruising. I've read on other websites that people replaced the stock Toyota head unit with a Scion head unit. Is that an easy swap? What about door speakers? Any suggestions for tweeters and 6.75" round speakers?

[Dreams0099]

If you upgrade the stereo I'd do all of it the same brand, when you mix and match audio parts the sound quality drops a lot. So try to keep the head unit, tweeters, door speakers, and the amp and subs (if you want to go that way) all the same brand.

Also I think the Scion radio upgrade is just for the MP3 and the Ipod functions, I doubt if it makes your stereo sound any different.

[RPAltman]

I hadn't considered matching the receiver and speaker brands, but that makes a lot of sense. Crutchfield has the Alpine CDA-9886 for $299.99. They're running a promotion til the end of the month and offering a free set of Alpine SPS-17C2 6 1/2" speakers, free installation kit, free wire harness, and free shipping. I have $150 of Crutchfield gift certificates, so it's going to cost me about $150 for this project.

Does anyone know much about that head unit or speakers?

[MR2Jedi]

I have a 2001 Spyder. If you wanna be able to hear it well with the top down, you need alot of power. Some guys have installed 10" speakers in the lugagge doors behind the seats. You will lose some of that space to the back of the speakers. You will need a potent amp. Anything can be done if you want to invest in it and give up some of the little space the Spyder provides.