Looking for toy roadster
 

Since selling my frs for a old 1999 alero.(free car) But I want to possibly get a fun second car that will be for weekend only for about 7500$ max. I am looking at a Toyota MR2 spyder 2002 or a bmw Z3 2000 2.8L. Both have there pros and cons. I am leaning towards the mr2 due to the weight mid engine and might be fun for the random auto cross or track day.

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Miata

Although the mr2 ain't no caddy, if you're under 6', I agree with Teseo.

Assuming you're a DIYer, cost and ease of maintenance are also strongly in the Miata's favor.

I am really not looking at a mitia..

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^This

But if I had to choose between MR2/MRS or Z3, I'll choose MRS

@Rampage

He'll more than likely have the best input on the MR2, even though his is swapped with a 2ZZ-GE.

Ditto.

I would say this might see 1 or 2 events per year if that. Also I like the idea if swaping a 2zz and getting close 200 HP in a 2100lbs car

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Just boost it instead of doing 2ZZ swap. It's cheaper and easier

Smog in CA. Rather not deal with this.

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Miata is dirt cheap, parts everywhere, easy to work. And still rwd

How you gonna by pass the ECU? Can you use 1ZZ ECU?

Yes but I want something different a bit more unique. This not a dd. Plus the mr2 spider is pretty reliable as well. But so is z3 from what I have read

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Cheaper is debatable if you do the turbo right. Reliability is no comparison. The 2ZZ running on a stock 2000 Celica ECU will be factory dependable and problem free.

It is also a myth that the MR-S is hard to work on. In fact, it is one of the easiest cars I have ever worked on. You just have to approach things slightly different. For example, the engine comes out the bottom instead of the top. The only thing difficult at all is doing something on the intake side of the engine.

@OP. If you get serious about the MR2 Spyder then you should stop by Spyderchat.com and check out the buying guide (things to look for when buying). Make sure that you check to see that the pre-cats located in the exhaust manifold are intact. You can check them by pulling the two O2 sensors in the manifold and looking through the holes. Also check for oil consumption. The early 1ZZs are notorious for using oil and when you do not check the oil often enough......poof.

For $7500 you might be able to find a 2ZZ swapped car. They do not have the oil issue and they come with 50 or so extra HP when using the Celica ECU. The only issue you might have is if you live in Ca where passing the visual part of the emissions testing is a bit of an issue.