Need a quick opinion

[Meisner]

I am in the middle of final negotiations after a 93 turbo MR2 was shipped up to me from Florida. I have paid half so far.

Problems with the car:
- exhaust system is missing ($850ish from Toyota)
- does not boost. the boost gauge does not go over full vacuum. i tested the gauge and the map sensor and they work. wastegate is working as tested with a hand pump.
- turbo compressor fins chipped (something was sucked into the intake). the turbo does spin when the engine kicks over. freeplay in the compressor axle is OK.
- engine rebuilt recently by a shop...don't know much more detail than that. But the engine is quiet when listeing with a stethescope (usual valve train noise) and compression is good.
- stereo display is dead
- body is in great shape...no rust
- tires are no good
- there is oil in the intake tract
- engine starts right up and runs OK
- torquoise exterior with black leather int. interior is in good shape.
- things work fine electrically (other than the stereo head unit)

Would you say this vehicle is worth $5000 with the above things?

There are some other things wrong with the car, but they are usual for a 1993 vehicle.

I need to finalize with the seller by 1:00 today and just wanted to get some other opinions. The only thing that really bothers me is the lack of boost. I don't understand why that's happening.

Thanks for any opinions,
Steve

[MRQtwinturbo]

sounds like a good deal......especially since its a 93....if it wasn't i'd tell u to stay away from it......but it does sound like its gonna need some work.....

[Meisner]

I just found out that the engine was swapped. A place in Florida (where it came from) put in a reman'd engine. They use Clevite bearings and cast pistons. They did some work on the crank as well...not sure what...maybe just polished the bearings.

I am considering a complete rebuild with Toyota parts.

[Piddy]

I think that a rebuild with genuine toyota parts would be more expensive than a rebuild with aftermarket parts. You may want to look a little further into it. As for the exhaust system for $850 from Toyota.... don't even bother... you can pickup something aftermarket for MUCH cheaper. If you want to keep everything OEM which it sounds like you are wanting to do.... you will be much better off buying something used. I see stock exhausts go for sale all of the time in really good condition.

[Meisner]

That's good to know. Where do you usually see them for sale?

Thanks!

[Piddy]

Check the for sale sections of http://mr2oc.com or try http://xcars.com

[MR2Jedi]

I bought a used '91 MR2 turbo last august, 03. The blue book value at that time was $6,200.00 for that condition. Body was pretty good. paint was starting to oxidize. tire were excellent, cruise did not work(and still doesn't), interior was good, stereo cassette barely worked, had new long block installed, with new pistons, rings, crank, bearings, etc. there was a leak in the exhaust manifold. anyway, the guy that had it before blew the engine and then couldn't pay the bill, so toyota sued him for the car. so I picked it up for $6,000.00. if this is a '93 your talkin' about then it's probably a good investment. get on line a check the blue book value. take into consideration the rebuilt engine, especially if they have documentation of it, and the fact that these cars are getting rarer all the time, then go form there. you already know you are gonna be putting some work into it. it sounds good to me. I am on my 4th brand new toyota- 2 4x4's and 1 '92 MR2 na and a '01 MR2 spyder and now I have the used '91 MR2turbo. you know you want it. you can never have to many toys! go for it. you'll be sick about it later if you don't. they are chick magnets too.hehe not to mention oh so cool lookin" even parked.. hope this helps.

[Meisner]

Thanks...yeah it did.

I am closing the deal in the morning for $5,000.

I just need to find a rebuilt ct26 and a used exhaust system now. I can go from there.

[MR2Jedi]

sounds good. i think you got a good deal. there are tons of used ct26's on ebay. look under mr2turbo and under turbo chargers. anywhere $50.00 to $650.00 ..make sure seller has at least a 95% positive feedback or better. power sellers are your best bet. they are in it for the long haul and want to continue doing business there. good luck and happy boosting

[Meisner]

Any ideas on finding a used exhaust system? I need that for inspection. I can wait on the turbo (no good ones on ebay right now)