about to buy a Mr2 swapped car...has issue and need a response - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Thrillseeker77 · 02-23-2005, 11:45 AM

The car isn't driveable due to "air in the cooling system". This is what the seller is telling me. He told me I need to bleed the air and replace a upper radiator hose. However, someone else(kinda mechanic) said it could be a head gasket or other serious issue and to be careful. IS there anything else I can look for? I'm going to pull the plugs and take a look regardless. I wanted to get some professional opinions tho.He only wants $3000 for a 2g 3sgte swap. Help me out and if any gurus could call me regarding this...it would be GREATLY appreciated. My cell number is 941-391-0850.

I heard it could be a possible blown headgasket or cracked head. Are used JDM 3sgte heads expensive?

***MR2Jedi*** · 02-23-2005, 02:16 PM

I'd be real dubious about this one. need to do compression check and check cylinders for water. I bought a complete 3sgte head( not JDM) off ebay for $100.00 in excellent condition. but i don't think they usually go for that cheap.But then again,I'm a bargain hunter and searched quite a while before I bought that one.

JekylandHyde · 02-23-2005, 02:18 PM

I would not touch someone else's swap with a 10-foot pole.

***MR2Jedi*** · 02-23-2005, 02:23 PM

Doc's right, u just don't know what you're getting into until you are already there and it's too late. there's no telling whats been done and not done. unlike doing it yourself to start with. could end up being a huge headache. and with the issues u already mentioned, it already sounds like it's gonna be a major pain...

Thrillseeker77 · 02-23-2005, 02:53 PM

Understood but for 3 grand.... I wonder if its worth it. I've been wanting a Mr2 since I was 18. I'm now 27.

JekylandHyde · 02-23-2005, 02:58 PM

I bought Hyde for $1750 ~ 180K miles, bone stock 1991 turbo MR2.

There are much better deals to be had.
$3K for a questionable car that has been swapped is not a deal to me, it is a nightmare.

JekylandHyde · 02-23-2005, 02:59 PM

I would check:

www.autotrader.com
www.**********

JekylandHyde · 02-23-2005, 03:02 PM

Here's an MR2 in Florida (not a turbo, but it's running!):

1991 NA MR2 $1995:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...en&cardist=190

Thrillseeker77 · 02-23-2005, 03:06 PM

auto tho.....are autos to 5spds difficult?

***MR2Jedi*** · 02-23-2005, 03:42 PM

damn!!! $1750.00...what kind of condition was it in? I felt good about what I paid for my '91...but damn!!!

Thrillseeker77 · 02-23-2005, 03:46 PM

turbo MR2's go for 5k + from what I've seen.

***MR2Jedi*** · 02-23-2005, 03:51 PM

I paid 6k for mine in '03 125k on it. it was in pretty good shape except the exhaust manifold was a little warped..and a couple of minor things. but it did have a new long block and all new internals...