To buy or not to buy?

[CWModrow]

Hey guys i am currently driving a 99 Camry i am looking to sell it and pick up a 91 Mr2 turbo its got about 137000 miles and looks like it will need some work.
windshield needs to be replaced some lights and switches don't work in the dash and no ac or radio! He is asking 4000 for it. here are some pics. let me know what you think!

[CJCride]

Always liked the MR2, never had one.
Looks like new paint? Is it hiding body work?
Lower his price and buy it.

[CWModrow]

Originally Posted by CJCride

Always liked the MR2, never had one.
Looks like new paint? Is it hiding body work?
Lower his price and buy it.

That was what i was thinking lower the price i still need to ask about the paint.
From what he has said it runs good just need cosmetic work i guess haven got
over to look at it in person tho.

[MR2Jedi]

Looks like there's been some changes/mods to the engine. Do you know what mods have been made?
I'm kinda leary about buying some one elses modded car. They are many times driven hard.
That one looks alittle rough to me.A test drive and a compression test would reveal alot about the engines health.
He needs to come down on the price some.
More details would help.

[SuperchargedMR2]

My first thought was that the price is to high for the condition and possible issues.

[CWModrow]

Originally Posted by SuperchargedMR2

My first thought was that the price is to high for the condition and possible issues.

This is all the info i have on the car im trying to get him to call me back but with the new year and stuff idk when i can expect a call.

1991 Toyota MR2 turbo, 5 spd, cruise control, power windows/locks/mirrors. Rare steel-mist-gray paint and flip-up sunroof. 136xxx miles. The engine runs great but the car has a few other problems: the windshield is cracked and needs to be replaced, the a/c doesn't work, some of the interior switches and lights aren't working right, and there are a few imperfections in the paint (which overall still looks pretty good). It has a couple of the basic mods but nothing fancy. It also comes with a set of snow tires on stock rims. No stereo. Acceleration is perfect, no hesitation, turbo comes on quickly and smoothly. Stable on the interstate. Will be a great car for someone with a few weekends to clean up the cosmetic issues. First $4000 gets it. Feel free to ask questions, I can also take more specific photos as well where desired.

[ModifierMR]

The only redeeming quality of that MR2 is the wheels. The car has been molested. If you know how to talk (in bargaining terms) Point out that these facts:

- The hood needs to be replaced because hood-pins (that are not necessary) were installed . [-300]

- The factory BOV was removed, which causes a Rich condition in the motor every time you let off boost, which can cause carbon buildup in the engine and decrease gas mileage. [-120]

- The seats need to be replaced or redone. [-300]

- No Radio [-250]

- Rear bumpers needs to be painted (from what I can see in pic) [-500]

-Cracked Windshield

- Also tell him that the MR2 is in "FAIR" condition according to Edmunds and Kelly Blue book. The Private party value is $2,665.

- If you add up all the decutions I made above...the value of his car is $2,300 roughly because you now have to repair what is wrong with the car. But because he has nice wheels on there, I would offer him no more then $2,600.

- Tell him that you have $2,600 cash on the spot and thats all you will give him for it. Make sure you point out all the defects in the car and make him realize how much it will be to fix. That car is honestly a Rat box.

I wish you luck, offer him no more then $2,700 and walk away. If he sells it to someone else, you are better off. There are plenty of nice MR2's waiting out there.

[CWModrow]

Originally Posted by ModifierMR

The only redeeming quality of that MR2 is the wheels. The car has been molested. If you know how to talk (in bargaining terms) Point out that these facts:

- The hood needs to be replaced because hood-pins (that are not necessary) were installed . [-300]

- The factory BOV was removed, which causes a Rich condition in the motor every time you let off boost, which can cause carbon buildup in the engine and decrease gas mileage. [-120]

- The seats need to be replaced or redone. [-300]

- No Radio [-250]

- Rear bumpers needs to be painted (from what I can see in pic) [-500]

-Cracked Windshield

- Also tell him that the MR2 is in "FAIR" condition according to Edmunds and Kelly Blue book. The Private party value is $2,665.

- If you add up all the decutions I made above...the value of his car is $2,300 roughly because you now have to repair what is wrong with the car. But because he has nice wheels on there, I would offer him no more then $2,600.

- Tell him that you have $2,600 cash on the spot and thats all you will give him for it. Make sure you point out all the defects in the car and make him realize how much it will be to fix. That car is honestly a Rat box.

I wish you luck, offer him no more then $2,700 and walk away. If he sells it to someone else, you are better off. There are plenty of nice MR2's waiting out there.

Ok so the guy finally emailed me back and i got all this info..... any new thoughts?


Hi Colin, I bought the car in Coeur d'Alene 2002, I believe I am the fourth owner but I'm not 100% sure on that. After about three years, the engine failed (oil pump) and I replaced the engine with the engine from another 91 turbo that had 60,000 miles on it. I have probably put less than 10,000 miles on the new engine, as I since got a different car as a daily driver, but it has been running great since.

The a/c condenser wasn't installed when I bought the car, so the a/c has never worked.


In 2007 a tire shop made an error installing some new tires causing a rear tire to separate from the wheel during a slow corner, I skidded off the road a bit and the front bumper was damaged, but the tire shop admitted fault and fixed everything, so the front bumper, lip, and fog lights are all new.


As far as problems, it has a few items which could use work:


- windshield needs to be replaced
- parking brake can freeze in winter (very common in MR2s)
- interior dome lights and clock arent working
- fog light switch doesnt work right (the fog lights come on with the headlights regardless of how the switch is set)
- spoiler paint has some sun damage
- rear bumper's paint is faded
- no ash tray
- no cd player
- sun roof seals squeak sometimes
- leaks a little oil (1 quart between oil changes)
- some missing clips for interior trim panels
- driver's seat is worn


I'm trying to list everything, old cars tend to have lots of quirks.


It has a few upgrades: twosrus boost controller, TKO knockoff exhaust, a custom intercooler, Apex'i intake, 93 springs w/ TKO shocks, and Autometer boost and oil pressure gauges


The car accelerates perfectly like it should, good power through the whole range, turbo spools super quickly, and the handling and steering a great. It''s stable on the highway well past 100.


If you have any more questions, let me know!


Thanks,
Brandon

[zythr]

This is easy, PASS. This guy is hiding something and wants to unload this car before it breaks down and would be costly to repair. Besides, it's a turbo, so you can bet it has probably led a hard life otherwise the original owner would have bought a naturally aspirated model instead.

[zythr]

He did drop some hints that there may be electrical problems (ie switches don't work, and that the stereo was pulled) and engine problems. (second engine already leaking oil) I think the guy got a rough estimate of how much it would cost to fix everything wrong with this car and decided to get rid of it.

[CWModrow]

Ya from what i have got back on TN and me just thinking about it the past couple days i think im going to pass and stick with the trusty Camry.... i just wish i had a lil bit more something under the hood...... still a good car tho!

I know this isn't the right thread but what are some good engines you could drop in a 99 Camry? that's the other road i have been looking down and a turbo... but to get a turbo on a Camry with the 5FSE would be way more then 3000 bucks just in parts....

just looking for some sugestions.....

Thanks all!

[MR2Jedi]

^Supercharged V6-1MZ

[RPAltman]

I can't see any of the pictures you're posting, but most of the conditions you're describing - no stereo, no air conditioning compressor, upgraded boost controller and custom exhaust - lead me to believe that the car has been molested by someone interested in reducing weight for racing or autox at some point in its history.

If you are interested in a project, offer him a lot less money and roll the dice. If you're interested in a mechanically sound, reliable, and comfortable MR2, sign up for MR2oc.com and keep your eyes on the For Sale board. There's plenty of 2nd generation cars with similar mileage offered in the $4000 to $6000 range.

[ModifierMR]

Originally Posted by CWModrow

Ya from what i have got back on TN and me just thinking about it the past couple days i think im going to pass and stick with the trusty Camry.... i just wish i had a lil bit more something under the hood...... still a good car tho!

I know this isn't the right thread but what are some good engines you could drop in a 99 Camry? that's the other road i have been looking down and a turbo... but to get a turbo on a Camry with the 5FSE would be way more then 3000 bucks just in parts....

just looking for some sugestions.....

Thanks all!

Camry's are great daily drivers but terrible performance cars. They are not sports cars. If you are looking for more Pep out of your camry. Try the 1MZ-FE S/C that Russ suggested. If that doesnt suit your fancy you could always get a 3SGTE.

If you want a True sports car, something that is special and rare.... go and look for another MR2. Nice ones can be found. My MR2 is in perfect condition and I traded my jeep for it. Didnt cost me a thing otherwise.

Dont give up on the MR2 just yet, keep looking. If you can, try and drive one....you will never go back to driving a camry again (at least for fun anyway).

And this is coming from me, a person who was once a hardcore camry fanboy. I drove a 1989 MK1 MR2, fell in love and never went back.

[MR2Jedi]

Ditto That! ^

Hey Brian,
Nice sig. Is that 2nd gen what you traded your Jeep for?
I hope you still got your 1.5 gen MR2.
What you been up to?