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~