MR2 MK II Dying Slow Death - Please Advise

[Shrubman]

Hi folks,

I will try to make this clear and concise...

My '91 MR2 Turbo (which I've owned since new)has the following problems, or so I'm told by two shops: all engine seals leaking oil, alternator belt slipping from oil and not charging, a/c belt came off and a/c system questionable regardless, rear struts gone, front brake rotors machined below specs, as well as the inevitable interior wear and tear and minor body damage.

The reason I tell you all this is because I'm now faced with more expense to MAYBE get my car running than the car is worth. I don't know whether to try to sell the car for parts, try to get it running enough to sell whole, or what. Basically I don't have money to put into this thing and I probably need to get out from under it gracefully.

What do you all recommend?

Regards,

Evan

[MR2Jedi]

I guess it all depends if you want to keep the car or not. I love mine and I will do whatever it takes to maintain it. it's certainly cheaper than buying a new car-especially anohter turbo charged car. but then again, i do have to other reliable vehicles to drive.

[Shrubman]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure my choices are as you state them, though. Whether or not I want to keep the car is irrelevant. Of course I love the car and think that with enough money the car could be refurbished. I still believe there have been few cars made before or since that had all the elements that the MK II had. Unfortunately, I'm a grad student and my personal balance sheet is heavy on the debt side. I simply don't have the money for anything beyond band-aids. The shops tell me that unless I invest big bucks, they can't even make the thing run.

It seems to me like the answer is obvious...get as much as I can by selling it. Pocket the (small) proceeds, or use them to by a bike or other alternative transportation, for now.

I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that I've exhausted all options in my price range.

Thanks,

Evan

[MR2Jedi]

well, if you sell it or part it out, what are you gonna do then? you can prolly make more parting it out on Ebay...and there are probably guys on this site that will take some of those parts too.

[Shrubman]

If I were to try to "part it out on Ebay" how would I do that? I picture taking the whole car apart and creating a listing for each piece, but that seems inlikely.

Thanks,

Evan

[MR2Jedi]

^^^ thats exactly what you'd have to do Evan...the alternative is to just sell the car. I guess it depends how mechanically inclined you are and how much time you have to do that. the easiest thing is to just sell the car in 1 piece... good luck