Buying an MR2

"StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
news:cvdf12$8ct$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk...
> thinking of ditching the company car due to tax costs and am looking at
> buying a SII MR2 for about £3K, non turbo t-bar auto. Could someone please
> let me know what to look for when buying? rust spots mechanical problems
> etc - should I be looking specifically for low mileage or is it not a
> problem, also what would the average cost of a major service be (non
> Toyota)
> including cambelt change.
>
> I would be looking to convent it to LPG - anyone done this ?
>
>
Have a look here:
http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/modules.php?name=Knowledge_Base&cid=2

http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/index.php?name=Forums2&file=viewtopic&t=5398

Also this is a very good site:
http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/


Off the top of my head though...
T-Bars often leak.
Rust isn't usually a problem.
Autos tend to be the painfully slow 3S-FE engine (0-60 in 9.5 seconds ish),
the 3S-GE is the engine to try to get.
Cambelt should be changed every 60K miles or 5 years - not an easy job,
although a lot easier on the NA compared to the turbo model. Cost of
cambelt change on it's own shouldn't cost more than £300. If you get quoted
for £100 then you can be fairly sure the garage hasn't done a cambelt change
on one of these cars before :-)
Service interval on early (<1994) cars was every 6,000 miles (>1994 was
9,000)

Thanks a lot for the info - I have heard it's an engine out number for the
cambelt change !! seems bloody madness, but saying that I am running a 3.9L
V8 Discovery which is probably close to sheer madness at times !!. although
if the cambelt goes its a non interference head so no bent piston rods cam
damage etc.

I have had enough leaks from the Landover's so I might skip on the T bar
and just make sure it's got aircon.

Once again many thanks

Steve


"Johnny" <n@spam.com> wrote in message
news:421b97b6$1_3@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
> "StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
> news:cvdf12$8ct$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk...
>> thinking of ditching the company car due to tax costs and am looking at
>> buying a SII MR2 for about £3K, non turbo t-bar auto. Could someone
>> please
>> let me know what to look for when buying? rust spots mechanical problems
>> etc - should I be looking specifically for low mileage or is it not a
>> problem, also what would the average cost of a major service be (non
>> Toyota)
>> including cambelt change.
>>
>> I would be looking to convent it to LPG - anyone done this ?
>>
>>
> Have a look here:
> http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/modules.php?name=Knowledge_Base&cid=2
>
> http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/index.php?name=Forums2&file=viewtopic&t=5398
>
> Also this is a very good site:
> http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/
>
>
> Off the top of my head though...
> T-Bars often leak.
> Rust isn't usually a problem.
> Autos tend to be the painfully slow 3S-FE engine (0-60 in 9.5 seconds
> ish), the 3S-GE is the engine to try to get.
> Cambelt should be changed every 60K miles or 5 years - not an easy job,
> although a lot easier on the NA compared to the turbo model. Cost of
> cambelt change on it's own shouldn't cost more than £300. If you get
> quoted for £100 then you can be fairly sure the garage hasn't done a
> cambelt change on one of these cars before :-)
> Service interval on early (<1994) cars was every 6,000 miles (>1994 was
> 9,000)
>

"StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
news:cvg5oc$lqi$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
>
> Thanks a lot for the info - I have heard it's an engine out number for the
> cambelt change !! seems bloody madness, but saying that I am running a
> 3.9L V8 Discovery which is probably close to sheer madness at times !!.
> although if the cambelt goes its a non interference head so no bent piston
> rods cam damage etc.
>
> I have had enough leaks from the Landover's so I might skip on the T bar
> and just make sure it's got aircon.
>
> Once again many thanks
>

Not neccessarily an engine out job on the NA, perhaps dropped a little at
most.

Yes, the 3S-GE is a non-interference engine, but I have heard of damage
being done in some cases.

If it's aircon you want then you'll probably have to get an imported
G-Limited (same 3S-GE engine), aircon was a VERY expensive option for UK
cars so it's rarer than rocking horse poo.

Is an import MUCH dearer to insure ?

I've had quotes for £250 fully comp for a standard UK car


"Johnny" <n@spam.com> wrote in message
news:421baba7_2@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
> "StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
> news:cvg5oc$lqi$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
>>
>> Thanks a lot for the info - I have heard it's an engine out number for
>> the cambelt change !! seems bloody madness, but saying that I am running
>> a 3.9L V8 Discovery which is probably close to sheer madness at times !!.
>> although if the cambelt goes its a non interference head so no bent
>> piston rods cam damage etc.
>>
>> I have had enough leaks from the Landover's so I might skip on the T bar
>> and just make sure it's got aircon.
>>
>> Once again many thanks
>>
>
> Not neccessarily an engine out job on the NA, perhaps dropped a little at
> most.
>
> Yes, the 3S-GE is a non-interference engine, but I have heard of damage
> being done in some cases.
>
> If it's aircon you want then you'll probably have to get an imported
> G-Limited (same 3S-GE engine), aircon was a VERY expensive option for UK
> cars so it's rarer than rocking horse poo.
>

"StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
news:cvgaju$59i$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk...
> Is an import MUCH dearer to insure ?
>
> I've had quotes for £250 fully comp for a standard UK car
>

Try a few online insurers for quotes, it is a little dearer yes.
Think I got a quote of around £650 for a 1999 mk2 MR2 (NA), whereas my 1999
UK car is around £500.
But I'd kill for air conditioning in the summer :-)

I think I'd have to have air con - bit of a small cabin to be cooking in!
that's if we get a summer ?


"Johnny" <n@spam.com> wrote in message
news:421bb107$1_2@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
> "StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
> news:cvgaju$59i$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk...
>> Is an import MUCH dearer to insure ?
>>
>> I've had quotes for £250 fully comp for a standard UK car
>>
>
> Try a few online insurers for quotes, it is a little dearer yes.
> Think I got a quote of around £650 for a 1999 mk2 MR2 (NA), whereas my
> 1999 UK car is around £500.
> But I'd kill for air conditioning in the summer :-)
>

thinking of ditching the company car due to tax costs and am looking at
buying a SII MR2 for about £3K, non turbo t-bar auto. Could someone please
let me know what to look for when buying? rust spots mechanical problems
etc - should I be looking specifically for low mileage or is it not a
problem, also what would the average cost of a major service be (non Toyota)
including cambelt change.

I would be looking to convent it to LPG - anyone done this ?

are you in the UK? and do you have one in mind?
i have one i'm thinking of selling, G-Limited non-turbo auto, black, T-bar,
A/C, immaculate condition. No rust, and well maintained.
not sure about an LPG conversion, your a bit limited for space which you'll
need for the extra fuel tank.
email me for more info and pics.
stevewatson3(removethis)@hotmail.com

"StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
news:cvdf12$8ct$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk...
> thinking of ditching the company car due to tax costs and am looking at
> buying a SII MR2 for about £3K, non turbo t-bar auto. Could someone please
> let me know what to look for when buying? rust spots mechanical problems
> etc - should I be looking specifically for low mileage or is it not a
> problem, also what would the average cost of a major service be (non
Toyota)
> including cambelt change.
>
> I would be looking to convent it to LPG - anyone done this ?
>
>

"StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
news:cvdf12$8ct$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk...
> thinking of ditching the company car due to tax costs and am looking at
> buying a SII MR2 for about £3K, non turbo t-bar auto. Could someone please
> let me know what to look for when buying? rust spots mechanical problems
> etc - should I be looking specifically for low mileage or is it not a
> problem, also what would the average cost of a major service be (non
> Toyota)
> including cambelt change.
>
> I would be looking to convent it to LPG - anyone done this ?
>
>
Have a look here:
http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/modules.php?name=Knowledge_Base&cid=2

http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/index.php?name=Forums2&file=viewtopic&t=5398

Also this is a very good site:
http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/


Off the top of my head though...
T-Bars often leak.
Rust isn't usually a problem.
Autos tend to be the painfully slow 3S-FE engine (0-60 in 9.5 seconds ish),
the 3S-GE is the engine to try to get.
Cambelt should be changed every 60K miles or 5 years - not an easy job,
although a lot easier on the NA compared to the turbo model. Cost of
cambelt change on it's own shouldn't cost more than £300. If you get quoted
for £100 then you can be fairly sure the garage hasn't done a cambelt change
on one of these cars before :-)
Service interval on early (<1994) cars was every 6,000 miles (>1994 was
9,000)

Thanks a lot for the info - I have heard it's an engine out number for the
cambelt change !! seems bloody madness, but saying that I am running a 3.9L
V8 Discovery which is probably close to sheer madness at times !!. although
if the cambelt goes its a non interference head so no bent piston rods cam
damage etc.

I have had enough leaks from the Landover's so I might skip on the T bar
and just make sure it's got aircon.

Once again many thanks

Steve


"Johnny" <n@spam.com> wrote in message
news:421b97b6$1_3@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
> "StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
> news:cvdf12$8ct$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk...
>> thinking of ditching the company car due to tax costs and am looking at
>> buying a SII MR2 for about £3K, non turbo t-bar auto. Could someone
>> please
>> let me know what to look for when buying? rust spots mechanical problems
>> etc - should I be looking specifically for low mileage or is it not a
>> problem, also what would the average cost of a major service be (non
>> Toyota)
>> including cambelt change.
>>
>> I would be looking to convent it to LPG - anyone done this ?
>>
>>
> Have a look here:
> http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/modules.php?name=Knowledge_Base&cid=2
>
> http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/index.php?name=Forums2&file=viewtopic&t=5398
>
> Also this is a very good site:
> http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/
>
>
> Off the top of my head though...
> T-Bars often leak.
> Rust isn't usually a problem.
> Autos tend to be the painfully slow 3S-FE engine (0-60 in 9.5 seconds
> ish), the 3S-GE is the engine to try to get.
> Cambelt should be changed every 60K miles or 5 years - not an easy job,
> although a lot easier on the NA compared to the turbo model. Cost of
> cambelt change on it's own shouldn't cost more than £300. If you get
> quoted for £100 then you can be fairly sure the garage hasn't done a
> cambelt change on one of these cars before :-)
> Service interval on early (<1994) cars was every 6,000 miles (>1994 was
> 9,000)
>

"StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
news:cvg5oc$lqi$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
>
> Thanks a lot for the info - I have heard it's an engine out number for the
> cambelt change !! seems bloody madness, but saying that I am running a
> 3.9L V8 Discovery which is probably close to sheer madness at times !!.
> although if the cambelt goes its a non interference head so no bent piston
> rods cam damage etc.
>
> I have had enough leaks from the Landover's so I might skip on the T bar
> and just make sure it's got aircon.
>
> Once again many thanks
>

Not neccessarily an engine out job on the NA, perhaps dropped a little at
most.

Yes, the 3S-GE is a non-interference engine, but I have heard of damage
being done in some cases.

If it's aircon you want then you'll probably have to get an imported
G-Limited (same 3S-GE engine), aircon was a VERY expensive option for UK
cars so it's rarer than rocking horse poo.

Is an import MUCH dearer to insure ?

I've had quotes for £250 fully comp for a standard UK car


"Johnny" <n@spam.com> wrote in message
news:421baba7_2@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
> "StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
> news:cvg5oc$lqi$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
>>
>> Thanks a lot for the info - I have heard it's an engine out number for
>> the cambelt change !! seems bloody madness, but saying that I am running
>> a 3.9L V8 Discovery which is probably close to sheer madness at times !!.
>> although if the cambelt goes its a non interference head so no bent
>> piston rods cam damage etc.
>>
>> I have had enough leaks from the Landover's so I might skip on the T bar
>> and just make sure it's got aircon.
>>
>> Once again many thanks
>>
>
> Not neccessarily an engine out job on the NA, perhaps dropped a little at
> most.
>
> Yes, the 3S-GE is a non-interference engine, but I have heard of damage
> being done in some cases.
>
> If it's aircon you want then you'll probably have to get an imported
> G-Limited (same 3S-GE engine), aircon was a VERY expensive option for UK
> cars so it's rarer than rocking horse poo.
>

"StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
news:cvgaju$59i$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk...
> Is an import MUCH dearer to insure ?
>
> I've had quotes for £250 fully comp for a standard UK car
>

Try a few online insurers for quotes, it is a little dearer yes.
Think I got a quote of around £650 for a 1999 mk2 MR2 (NA), whereas my 1999
UK car is around £500.
But I'd kill for air conditioning in the summer :-)

I think I'd have to have air con - bit of a small cabin to be cooking in!
that's if we get a summer ?


"Johnny" <n@spam.com> wrote in message
news:421bb107$1_2@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
> "StaffBull" <StaffBull@spamtrap.staffbull.net> wrote in message
> news:cvgaju$59i$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk...
>> Is an import MUCH dearer to insure ?
>>
>> I've had quotes for £250 fully comp for a standard UK car
>>
>
> Try a few online insurers for quotes, it is a little dearer yes.
> Think I got a quote of around £650 for a 1999 mk2 MR2 (NA), whereas my
> 1999 UK car is around £500.
> But I'd kill for air conditioning in the summer :-)
>