New to forum...and soon to be, Mk2 MR2?

[todzilla]

OK, so after countless German cars (BMW's, 'ghetto' Porsches, VW's..) and many Mustangs, I am thinking of dipping my toes in and finally going to the rising sun side and getting a Toyota - a nice mk2 MR2 would fit the bill, I'm thinking! I've always had a soft spot for them, especially the turbo's, and it seems they are priced very well right now, so figure it's as good a time as any?

My last car was a mint '86 944 Turbo (my 2nd) and I loved it. I just sold it to a guy in Virginia (yes, he flew in and drove it back...3200 miles!!) Now I am free to invest in an MR2. But first, some questions.

I know doing a ppi is important on these as I'm sure they're a little pricey to keep up, especially if neglected. I corresponded with a very well known MR2 service guru on here (I'm sure you all know who I refer to) - and he actually made me quite leery about a car I am considering. This car -

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/cto/4731739126.html

(Fear not, the stock wheels are back on!)

Not so much as a warning about this car, but he is saying that the few issues I have after test driving it could be the start of problems. The aftermarket exhaust vibrated off-idle at a certain rpm (I checked the tailpipes snugness and it was very tight, so I suspect a clearance issue somewhere in the new set-up.) Then there was a noticeable hesitation when you quickly blipped the throttle at around 2000 rpm. It cleared up on the upper end, and if you gradually depressed the throttle to get the revs up, there wasn't the stumble? She drove well otherwise.

Then there is the big thing (according to him) That is has 200K. Now, my Porsche has 151000 miles, and it ran flawlessly, so I'd expect a Toyota to easily match a P-cars in longevity, provided it's been maintained - which I truly believe it has. The owners not a kid, and the condition externally is really good. I've had enough cars to know this wasn't beaten on.

But is 200K (km's) something to worry about? I got the impression that the motor will probably be due for a rebuild in another 40-50k? I just thought Toyota's legendary reliability meant these mills should be good for 500K if kept up?

Am I nuts to think of this car as a reliable daily driver?

Sorry so long, but any advice or input is greatly appreciated..and maybe a good place to get that car ppi'd?

~T~

[entrax]

Welcome to the forum! I was about to suggest the same car.

Aftermarket exhausts generally have a few issues here and there as there is a lot of exhaust piping in a small amount of space. Majority of the culprit lies where the piping goes over the rear subframe/crossmember along with the tow hooks just above the dual exits. As for the hesitation, it can be maintenance related, seeing as it is at 200k.

I would do a compression test just to see the condition of the motor. 3S motors are quite reliable given that it has been maintained. The non-turbo motor (5S-FE) regularly strives to hit the half million mark, but the turbo motor peaks from what I've seen around the MR2/Celica circles at about 300k, which is quite good considering how much power is being squeezed out of these engines for 20+ years. Preventative maintenance goes a long way for the turbo motor. I don't think it is too pricy to keep up, it is more labour intensive rather than parts costing a lot, so a lot of DIY repairs will go a long way. With any car at 200k, things like bushings, alternator, clutch, timing belt, wp, hydraulic items, and of course rust comes into play. With the t-top, don't expect a completely waterproof seal. Watch for rust in the sills just in front of the rear wheels (especially the drivers side due to the gas filler above that area)

A lot of the younger BCMR2 owners such as myself daily drive our MR2s, including myself. I've done 30k's since June 2013 and at 147k, I've just changed oil, tires, and brakes. I even drove it through winter last year (they're surprisingly good). I have the opportunity to park the 2 for this winter and I'm currently changing out the original 24 year old clutch (my build date was 5/90) because I sort of destroyed it with some autocross enthusiasm. Even though unnecessary at this time, I will be doing my timing belt/wp about 40k's early only because of an oil leak on the timing side of the motor as part of my active preventative maintenance for this car (previous owner didn't get the oil pump seal changed when the last timing belt was changed 6 years ago).

I hope that helps you with some insight on the MR2 in general and a glimpse of what to expect. There seems to be a lot of potential for the white 2 you've posted.

Best of luck!

[todzilla]

Much thanx for that reply!

I am thinking that at 200K - pending a compression (leakdown?) test, that car may be a smart buy, so long as those few issues aren't a pain to remedy.

What I'm wondering is, other than a dealership, is there a good shop that can ppi this car in the Vancouver area?

~T~
ps - and tonight I found this...gorgeous color! Someone on here?
http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/4736595238.html

[MRII]

Welcome to the forum.The MR2 is a very under rated car, is handles and performs nicely as long as it has been taken care of.

From my experience with a 1993 MR2 turbo. Areas to look at, is a head gasket external leak on the driver side of the block, look to see if it is wet. Timing belt, and related parts, has been replaced or needs to be replaced. Clutch master and slave cyls. for leaks and condition of the coolant. Maintenance/ignition parts up to date, I replace my plugs every spring and the cap and rotor every 2 years. Plug wires and fuel filter every 3 years.

I DD mine for 2 years when I purchased it and it handled well, check the t-tops weatherstripping if any leaks when it rains, you can try to lube them with Honda Shin-etsu grease.

And as you already know from the 944, boost is addicting.

[driftingsw21]

That's a Holy Grail mr2 when it comes to options. Turbo, White, Full options BLACK interior. Buy IT fix it enjoy it. All mr2's due to age buy fix everything. I don't care what people say or think but things go bad over time. Sports cars need overhauls time to time, mr2's are no different. 200km, or 124miles is nothing for the mr2. It will still be good for many years to come. Yet just know there will be "little" things to get fixed if you are OCD and demand Perfect, like some people hell most of the "old" members are like this so you will be in good company.

[Cameron]

Much thanx for that reply!
I am thinking that at 200K - pending a compression (leakdown?) test, that car may be a smart buy, so long as those few issues aren't a pain to remedy.
What I'm wondering is, other than a dealership, is there a good shop that can ppi this car in the Vancouver area?
~T~
ps - and tonight I found this...gorgeous color! Someone on here?
http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/4736595238.html

If you're looking for an inspection, I'd go to Cam.

Nice Looking 93 there. There were a few nice upgrades done to the 93's, but odd that they mention "original" Tropical Blue Metallic. 8B6 - Topical Blue Metallic was only available on a 94-95 MR2 so if it's a 93, the chances of it being original are pretty slim.
http://www.toyotareference.com/mr2/1991-1995

[todzilla]

From what I've heard of him, he is the go-to guy for these. Dumb question, but any idea his shops' name?

(and for what it's worth, saw that blue one tonight. Very nice car but the paint mismatch would drive me nuts! Too bad....)

[ZerA]

He doesn't have a shop. He works out of his home. I would just PM him.

[entrax]

from what I've heard on the forums, don't let the "he works out of his home" part dissuade you, top notch work from him.

[camshaft]

I believe todzilla has contacted me a couple times about a pre purchase inspection. As always I recommend a inspection before purchase but sometimes difficult to iron out. But on a 1991 car I would say its a must being the last one I did was 5-6 pages long.

Cheers
C

From what I've heard of him, he is the go-to guy for these. Dumb question, but any idea his shops' name?

(and for what it's worth, saw that blue one tonight. Very nice car but the paint mismatch would drive me nuts! Too bad....)

[immorality]

Yup, the biggest problem is that as these cars age, people are much less likely to maintain them as well as they should. Whichever car you decide to buy will likely need a fair amount of maintenance upon purchase. If a car is actually well maintained then it will be quite a nice reliable car.

[todzilla]

Thanx for all the input and advice guys - and especially Cam (got your emails)

I think I might hold out for a n/a MK2 as I don't need all the power, what with Winters approach, and even at 145 (?) I'm sure they're no slouches. Plus, avoiding all the turbo related issues, it'll probably be a 'safer' bet as a fun, good looking daily.

Will keep you posted....or if anyone knows of anything, hit me up!

Cheers!

[immorality]

An NA MK2 is a great daily and quite underrated by the turbo fans. It's not fast, but it's quick, nimble and far easier on the pocketbook! They will handle the same or better (slightly lighter weight), and are more competitive in autox, if you are into that.

[Cameron]

It's not an N/A but have you looked at this one? I know he put a tonne of money into getting this where it is and it one a few awards years back at the BCMR2 events:

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rch/cto/4689146416.html

[todzilla]

I'm sure that's a mint example, but I'm looking for a car closer to the prices of my previous two examples (above) Which is why I'm reconsidering a turbo. At $6K, there's bound top be a fair deal of work to get the car up to snuff, but on an n/a, at $5-6K, I'm sure I could find a sweet car! Here's a new one that's popped up -

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/4742281191.html

...as much as I always say avoid black cars!