Was looking for a sporty car... Result: New owner of '93 N/A MR2

[Lsportline43]

So the title really says it all. I was in the market for something fun to drive. I been a Toyota/Lexus fanboy for a long time. This is the first Toyota that I personally own. Dad has a '99 4Runner and bought when new. Great vehicle

Anyways down to the 1993 Toyota Non-Turbo MR2... It has 228,000 miles on it and it is a one owner vehicle. Routine maintence has been made on it and according to the owner the car accumulated the mileage through highway driving.

It is Black with Black leather interior and most importantly it is a 5-Speed manual. Could have opted for a Turbo, but honestly I don't think a turbo would be a good idea for me. Too young and not enough funds to pay for high risk insurance... lol.

I haven't picked the car up yet, but will soon. Anything I should look for during inspection?

[willtotheumm]

Congrats on the acquisition. Gotta post pics when you can

Ouch thats a lot of miles though. How much you picking it up for?

[Lsportline43]

Originally Posted by willtotheumm

Congrats on the acquisition. Gotta post pics when you can

Ouch thats a lot of miles though. How much you picking it up for?

Don't think I got a steal or anything, but it was $3,000. If the car is as described then I honestly don't have an issue paying that much.

Will definitely take some shots and post it up as soon as possible.

Here's some pics the current owner provided:













To tell the truth, the color combo plus the oem 5 spoke wheels put me over the edge. I just had to have it... lol.

[andyb16]

Nice find. You're gonna love it. I started with an n/a and it was probably a good thing. I would have gotten into some trouble with a turbo right off, I think.

[Lsportline43]

Thanks for the feedback. Hope to be more involved in the forums now.

[PhatRoyale]

nice pickup

[Lsportline43]

Just went to see the car in person today. I have to say it is a completely different experience when seeing the car in person. Pictures truly do not do this car justice. It truly is something special in terms of design layout.

Anyways I will be picking the car up later this week and hope to get some pictures of it up for viewing pleasure!

[Lsportline43]

So I just paid for the car in full and drove it for the first time today. I have to say it drives like nothing I've ever driven before. Although I do have to say I would like a 6th gear since the rpms are over 3,000rpms over 65mph in 5th.

Somethings that I've noticed... When I turn the lights on and then turn them off the revs go down to about 500 rpms and then comes back up to 800-900 rpms.

Also, the engine lid doesn't seem to want to open. It is the little lever behind the driver's seat right?

[andyb16]

My engine cover does the same thing. Can you lift it up after you pull the lever? Mine will pop up if I grab it after I pull the lever. I also have to try to close it a couple times before it will stay shut.

6th gear would be nice, especailly if you have an aftermarket exhaust. People think you're trying to race them or show off going down the highway since it's revved up so high. It's not too big a deal though, you get used to it after awhile.

I don't know if the thing with the lights is normal or not, it seems like it might be idlig kind of low. Mine does the same thing, but it idles at about 1100 or so, and drops a couple hundred when I turn the lights on, or put the windows up.

[MR2Jedi]

Check your alt belt tension. The reduced RPM's is from the amperage draw of the lights or whatever it is your turning on.. It's normal to a point. But better to check.
As far as the engine lid, there are adjustable rubber bushings in the corners on the underside of the engine lid. Screw them out alittle by hand enough to make the lid spring open when you pull the lever.

[cbulen]

Congrats on the purchase! I really like the black! Your car looks really nice.

I have a red 91na, and I don't like red, but my 93T is my real baby.

Some things to keep in mind:

The 93+ MR2's have a different front lip than the 91-92. The 93+ front lip is over $200 from Toyota (plus huge shipping because its large), so be sure not to hit any parking stops with it, or curbs.

Use some lithium white grease in the latch mechanism for the engine lid. That might free it up. My 91na sticks too, but my 93T does not.

Since our cars are 17-18 years old, consider doing a lot of the basic maintence right away. They are sports cars, so they are driven hard. Stuff wears out faster like shocks and brakes.

Oil/filter change, spark plugs, plug wires, dizzy cap and rotor, new struts, definetely change the ball joints at all 4 corners, and change the front tie rod inner and outer joints. Consider doing polyurethane bushings on all of the suspension pivot points as well--that made a huge difference on my 93T. Check your brake pads, and check the rotors. My 93 had 84K on it when I bought it in 2005, and I just put new pads and rotors on it at 100K. Flush the brake fluid with new fluid, and do the same for the clutch (its hydraulic). Flush the radiator/engine coolant. Change the timing belt <<-Muy importante Check your power steering fluid (if equipped).

Oil all the locks (made a big differnce for me), including the glove box lock. White grease on the door latches, and door hinges, as well as the front trunk latches/hinges (the Frunk), and the back trunk too (the Brunk)

Find out when your clutch was last changed. Hopefully, it was not more than 30 or 40K miles ago.

______
CBulen

[Lsportline43]

Thanks for all the responses. I drove it last night and it was FUN! lol.

I will get to all that maintence very soon. Luckily I have another car as a daily driver, so the MR2 won't be sitting in any parking lots waiting for door dings.

Anyone have any ideas what I should do to see what condition my motor is in? I was thinking of getting a compression test done on the cylinders. Would that give me a good idea of the condition of the engine? Any other recommended tests?

[MR2Jedi]

Compression test is the way to go. It will reveal much about the engines health. And of course a lively test drive winding out all the gears and see how she behaves.
You could test the battery for volts, the alternator for amps ,pull the valve cover and look for sludge , pull the plugs and check for oil and soot. Check spark plug wires for cracks. They are many times over looked.
Looks like you got a good deal.

[Lsportline43]

Well I've already performed the hard driving test. It pulls hard in every gear. The gearing of the transmission is crazy. The car seems to pull so easily.

Can't wait to complete all the maintence and preventive maintence items. And I got to buff out all those scratches!