[Vracer111]

I just research and buy what piques my interest... test drive just a formality to let you know condition of said example of vehicle. I just recently purchased a MKI MR2 (1989) after selling my FR-S and getting out of debt. Have never driven one or sat in one (have test drove a MKII MR2)... it's just a car I know I want that can provide me what the FR-S did in driving experience (and more...) and a deal happened on one I wasn't expecting at all and just couldn't pass up. Even if I end up selling it down the road, I'm practically guaranteed to get more from it than I paid for it if I keep it up... the value on good condition ones are starting to creep up... in a few years (if the world is still functioning at that time and not gone to pieces...) they will be priced like the AE86 corollas.

MR2 is a bit opposite of the FR-S in terms of why I bought it. In spite of the Subaru motor, I bought the FR-S because it was a new modern sportscar with a FR chassis focused on handling and open to mods to set it up however you wanted. I bought the MK1 MR2 specifically because of that 16 valve 4AGE motor it has (have always wanted a car with one) and, though mid-engined is not my preferred drivetrain layout, it is a classic analog sports car with no ABS or powered steering and cable throttle linkage (how I miss mechanical throttles!) I would have preferred an AE86 notchback with the same motor... they simply are too expensive for a good example.

Basically with the MR2, it's a classic car and I will be it's custodian ... a little bit different relationship from buying a brand new FR-S and being it's owner. I personally don't need a test drive in a classic car to be a custodian... it would help in seeing what areas need to be looked into but the current owner has relayed what few things need to be addressed with it, and I'm fine accepting it as is. If I got a used FR-S or other more modern car for a daily driver role that would be different, I would absolutely have to test drive it beforehand.

Bought the MR2 at the beginning of this month and will be picking it up next weekend, more excited than I ever was getting my FR-S even... and it is an old car that needs some TLC (but is in good working condition.) You can buy a used FR-S without even trying... trying to find a good condition MKI MR2 for reasonable inexpensive price is next to impossible - you take what you can get. Certainly better than the cheap trashy condition miatas I was searching through to try and find a gem.