Hello... I am new here and my bro. who is a member of this forum suggested that I ask you guys here...
I am itching to buy my first Toyota MR2... I found one seller with a 91 MR2 N/A with A/T... I took a look at it a while ago and I was totally in love at first sight... Although not cosmetically perfect, it is still in good condition IMHO...
Test drove it and felt good...
Being a noob in the MR2 scene, I wanted to ask if what he's asking price of $2800 is right given the following facts:
1. Has 90,000 original miles
2. left headlight does not pop up
3. A/C not blowing enough cold air
4. Seller has no records of having the timing belt changed nor is he aware of he had it done(my major concern)
5. Cosmetically acceptable
Also, what signs should I be aware of when buying an old MR2?
Please, I hope someone can help me out so I can decide to buy it or not... Should I just follow the pricing on KBB???
check for smoke on idle. listen to the harmonics of the motor. if it sounds good and there's no smoke, it should be ok. even if some1 said there were things fixed, don't believe them unless they have kept all records.
an nice bodied non-turbo with >100k, should go for about that price. hell, a good rolling chassis is worth over 1k! personally, an auto is junk. only reason, an mr2 is a sports car and a "real" sports car comes with a clutch. this is why i don't consider the newer super cars to be very sporty. anyone can make them go fast. what's the sport in that?
mine used to be an na , but it's a manual. a turbo model with that mileage would go for 5~8k depending on mods. almost all of these cars are modded. tasteful mods add value, just not much. ex. volk's, nice dual exhaust (ko), newer name brand cd player, etc..
The KBB is good for a base price. Will you be happy with the non -turbo model? Or will you be like so many that end up wanting more HP. Personally, I wouldn't want the N/A with an automatic. But thats a personal preference. There is no doubting they are fun to drive and great looking cars.
90k miles is pretty low for a 18 yr old car.
The headlight can be fixed.
The A/C may end up costing you quite a bit to fix. If you have mechanical skills and can fix it yourself, you can save alot of money there.
OEM Timing belt runs about $45.00.. Not too hard to replace.
A compression check would reveal much about the engines condition.
In the end, is it worth it to you?
Also, I see you double posted this in General Discussion section. You might wanna wait a little longer that 17 minutes for an answer to a question before going to another section and reposting the same thing looking for an instant answer..
Also, I see you double posted this in General Discussion section. You might wanna wait a little longer that 17 minutes for an answer to a question before going to another section and reposting the same thing looking for an instant answer..
sorry bout that...
i can do simple stuffs... i can change freon, A/C drier, check for line leaks, but not major things like the timing belt change... i can do simple tune-ups, replace struts and install ICE...
in terms of preference, a Turbo would be nice but its going to be out of the budget... its nice to have but for sure, i would rarely see the benefit of it specially in our roads here were cops are all over... so its a catch 20 for me...
as for it being A/T, i do drive a stick sedan right now and has been driving stick since i learned how to drive... i agree that stick is more fun to drive but for this car getting RARE to find and taking into consideration that it has low mileage, A/T does not bother me... i think the car's stock power would suit my daily needs...
So the price of $2800 is a steal? or should i try to haggle some more and bring it down to $2100-2300???
i've heard a t-belt on an mr2 is a pain. never done it myself. although i have a 3s. i am however building a custom tmic with fans and integrated diffuser.
i've heard a t-belt on an mr2 is a pain. never done it myself. although i have a 3s. i am however building a custom tmic with fans and integrated diffuser.
They're not that bad. It's just kinda tight between the tensioner, engine mount and the bay wall. I do have a Greddy SMIC and it leaves more room to work in.
the price isn't bad. I gave 2500 for my 91 n/a manual with 130k and i had to make minor repairs, exhaust, throttle cable, tires, and a leaky windshield. over all just consider what your gonna want from the car, u may want more in the future and its easier and cheaper to get what u want to begin with. if u feel its the car for u and it seems solid then i say go for it! good luck
well... im getting the car today.. the price was set to $2250... the sure thing i need to do after buying it is to replace the tbelt as well as the drive belts and tnesioners... i would want to try and do it myself but would someone here be willing to guide me through it please?
as far as some other concerns i have for the car... its purely cosmetics and can wait till spring...
hopefully the transimission will hold and last for more years to come...
btw, how would i know if the car has abs on it??? did this model year come with that option?
i fimally got it!!! its now parked in my garage... i had a nice time driving it home... one thing i noticed was some road noise probably partly because it needs some wheel balancing...
although i have an A/T NA MR2, i can still feel the snap of the car when i launch off a light... very impressive... very satisfied...
wow... its still a puzzle for me... i never thought it was there since the filler was at the engine bay...
do you have some info as to where most MR2 who also happens to be an audio enthusiast install their subs at? im mainly into audio and not too much engine mods but im just in love with how the MR2 looks and feels...
ohhh... and since i have a 91... how would i know whether the AC has been converted already from R12 to R134A??? if ever i do it myself, would it be a painstaking task?
Some guys put subs behind the seats on the rear wall. Not much room to work with.
If you don't mind doing some cutting ,you can also install speakers in the side panels behind the seats
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Forum for every generation Toyota MR2. Including the AW11 and SW20.
, but it's a manual. a turbo model with that mileage would go for 5~8k depending on mods. almost all of these cars are modded. tasteful mods add value, just not much. ex. volk's, nice dual exhaust (ko), newer name brand cd player, etc..
Linear Mode
