Toyota MR2: JDM Patrons Information — JDMbuysell.com

January 24, 2022

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The Toyota MR2 comes from a time when vehicles have been so much easier. A time when vehicles weren’t only a huge pc. Again then, vehicles have been speculated to make you are feeling related to the highway, even scare you a bit once you pushed them to their limits, and the MR2 was probably the greatest examples of that.

Initially, this two-seater sports activities automobile wasn’t supposed to be a sports activities automobile in any respect. Toyota needed the MR2 to be a automobile that will be enjoyable to drive but nonetheless be variety to you on the pump. Whereas it did do this, individuals began to acknowledge it as a real sports activities automobile due to its compact measurement and rear-engine, RWD design.

Across the identical time, many different producers had related fashions, so Toyota had loads of competitors. Fashions reminiscent of Honda CR-X, VW Scirocco, Pontiac Fiero, and so forth gave the MR2 a run for its cash. What the opposite guys didn’t have was the excellent dealing with and close to good weight distribution, plus it regarded so much higher than its rivals.

The MR2 was solely round for 3 generations and it’ll go down in historical past as probably the greatest and most fulfilling vehicles to drive of all time. It’s no marvel that some individuals name it the poor man’s Ferrari. We now have created an in-depth purchaser’s information that outlines every part there’s to know in regards to the Toyota MR2 so that you could get a greater concept if that is the best automobile for you.

Professionals and Cons

Professionals:

Legendary Toyota reliability
Extremely enjoyable to drive
Distinctive appears
Youngsters suppose it’s a Ferrari
Places a smile in your face each time you drive it
It got here with elective T-tops
Light-weight

Cons

N/A fashions have been fairly gradual
Retailers that don’t concentrate on Japanese vehicles received’t typically contact them
Winder driving could be treacherous
It solely has two seats
Arduous to discover a inventory instance
Not made for tall individuals
Weak suspension elements

Toyota MR2 Buyers Guide — https://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2010/11/05/17/26/pic-3292323277442477655-1600×1200.jpeg

Frequent Points

As with all automobile, particularly older fashions, they arrive with their very own set of points, and the MR2 was not resistant to that. Whether or not it had had defects from the manufacturing unit or simply time associated points. This part is devoted to going over the commonest points you’re more likely to discover when an MR2.

As with most older Toyotas, the MR2 suffers from rust points within the common spots reminiscent of wheel arches, backside of the doorways, sills, and so on. This could drastically rely from one automobile to a different. If the earlier proprietor took excellent care of the automobile, you can be within the clear.

When you get the T-top mannequin, be sure you verify for cracked climate stripping and indicators of moisture behind the seats and below the carpet. Once more, this might drastically differ from automobile to automobile.

Though the turbo mannequin had extra energy, it was extra prone to points reminiscent of turbo failure. This may be an added price over the N/A mannequin however belief us after we say that its price it.

One other extensively reported drawback is the pre-cat failure. Chances are high that you’ll not discover a automobile with the unique half in place, if any cat in any respect, however in the event you do its finest that you just take them out for piece of thoughts.

Timing chain tensioner on the three^rd era appears to be one other concern generally reported by MR2 house owners. If this half fails, you may say goodbye to your engine. We extremely recommend you change the tensioner proper once you get the automobile so that you just received’t should shell out the additional cash for a brand new engine.

After these vehicles handed the 10-year mark, many house owners skilled “sticky” brakes. Frequent indications of this occurring are that you’re going by way of brake pads ahead of regular or within the worst-case state of affairs, your brakes seize up utterly. The excellent news is that this may be simply remedied by utterly cleansing and greasing the sliders or simply merely shopping for new ones.

Common Value

Because the MR2 is staring to get rarer and rarer, the asking value has steadily elevated for them prior to now few years. Whereas pristine fashions can fetch upwards of $17,000, you may nonetheless discover some fashions for as little as $7,000. Here’s a record of the most cost effective and most costly fashions at the moment obtainable on JDMBuySell.com.

As you may see, the second era MR2’s are the commonest and sought-after fashions. They appear probably the most fashionable and have since stood the take a look at of time as being a few of the finest driver’s automobile ever made.

View all Toyota MR2 vehicles listed for sale.

Comparable Alternate options

On the earth of finances, two-seater, mid-engine vehicles from the previous 30 years, the Toyota MR2 was king. Nevertheless, if you’re not utterly bought on it but, now we have compiled an inventory of different MR2 alternate options so that you can browse over.

Fashions and Specs

First Technology (W10, 1984-1989)

Debuting in 1984, the MR2 got here with both a 1.5L or 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, which was on par with Toyota’s enjoyable and economical sports activities automobile mannequin. Its nice dealing with was made attainable with the collaboration of Lotus engineer Roger Becker. Weighing in at roughly 2,000 lbs. made it attainable to attain a 0-60 time of 8.5-9 seconds though the automobile solely had 112 and 128 horsepower, relying on the place it was bought.

1986 was the 12 months that Toyota launched a supercharged MR2, bumping up the ability to a good 145hp. Along with that, the automaker additionally beefed up the transmission to have the ability to take the added horsepower, which in flip made the automobile now weigh round 2,500 lbs.

Second Technology (W20, 1989-1999)

This era was the one to provide the MR2 the “child Ferrari” moniker. Moreover, the second gen was additionally 350-400 lbs heavier than its predecessor thanks partially to a roomier and extra luxurious cabin. Fortunately, this was offset by the introduction of a number of 2.0L engine variations.

The facelift model of the second era came about in January of 1992 and as soon as once more in June of 1996. Enhancements reminiscent of bigger wheels and tires, suspension upgrades completely different taillights and revised rear wind all added as much as make the second era MR2 the icon it’s immediately.

Third Technology (W30, 199-2007)

By this time, Toyota tried to have one final hoorah in a last-ditch effort to maintain the flame alive for the mighty MR2, however sadly it was too late. The success from previous generations was by no means matched. The brand new era was barely greater, wider and heavier than previous fashions. Along with that, there was just one engine alternative provided. That was the 1.8L ZZW30 that produced 138hp and 126 lb. ft. of torque.

Essentially the most noticeable change from earlier fashions was that the MR2 was now provided solely as a convertible, however through the years few adjustments reminiscent of 16” wheels, new springs and dampers, 6-cd in-dash CD participant, and so forth have been added as time went on.

2005 was the final 12 months the mighty little vehicles have been bought within the US, whereas Japan, Mexico, and Europe continued promoting them till July 2007. The MR2 continues to be related to at the present time due to in style video video games and Manga and Anime that includes the automobile.

FAQ

Is the MR2 a dependable automobile?

After all! It’s a Toyota.

Does it are available LHD configuration?

Sure. The Toyota MR2 was bought in a number of LHD international locations, together with the US.

Are they simple to work on?

As a result of the MR2 is a small, rear-engine automobile, it may be a bit of a bit of onerous to entry sure components on the motor. Nevertheless, there are many how-to movies on-line.

Are substitute components onerous to search out?

Not likely. Whether or not you’re in search of OEM components or efficiency components, there are many web sites that also promote something you may want in your “mini Ferrari”.

Does it make an excellent each day driver?

Keep in mind that this automobile was designed to be an inexpensive sports activities automobile and never a automobile to get you to and from work. It may be used as a each day driver due to Toyota’s nice reliability file, however it most likely wouldn’t be extraordinarily snug.