Toyota Mr-2 Spyder Opinion

[Zaku]

I have been given a good opportunity, since I need a car to get around and I cannot simply wait for the FT 86 to release. It's not a dire need I could roam around on the metro for 2 more years.

I don't have any experience with Toyota, a good friend of mine is offering to sell me his garaged kept 30K miles MR-S for about 5 grand. I don't know much about this 2001 model. But I do feel that any MR lay out car is the closest to getting experience with a super car. I've always been a big fan of MR layout on paper but I have not had the opportunity to ever drive one. before I make the decision to FLY over to MA and drive the car back down to VA.

I would like some Toyota veterans here to give me some opinion on this Car. It's going to be difficult for me to get used to the little space, but is it worth the driving experience? Some background, The last car I owned was a EP3 Civic. Something with lots of space, my first car was a 86 FC Rx-7.

[Sea1monkey2]

If you don't want it, give me your buddy's number, i'll take it off his hands

[midenginebias]

That is a steal price out the door. Make sure of a couple things. There are some issues with the catalytic converters throwing check engine lights... which avalanches into engine replacements.

Make sure the fluids are replaced on time as usual. Try to get used the minimal space. Minimal space = less space to fill for junk = less weight. I own an MKII Mr2 and am waiting for the right MKIII to throw money on as well.

Otherwise, expect about 30mpg and lots of fun.

I don't know if you read Evo magazine (large auto publication in the UK). but they can't stop raving about value for money about that car. I agree with them. I've driven the car at least 10 different times, a couple times on long journeys, and think of it as a softened Elise/Boxster with loads of reliability. No, you're not getting the race heritage. No, you're not getting the hardcore suspension. What you are getting is an MR layout that's easy to drive (easier than my MKII) and can dart around town easily, headache free. The steering is quick enough. The wheelbase is short. The weight is low. Adequate power. Good 5 speed manual. Great reliability.

If you're hurting for power, there are aftermarket turbos (I know Toyota Team Europe made one), as well as popular 2zz engine swaps available too.

[john]

Wow, that price really is a steal if there is nothing wrong with it. Its a fun lightweight car that puts a smile on your face through every corner. I too, would buy it from him if I lived closer. The only thing I personally don't like about it is the storage space.

[Zaku]

Thanks guys, I'm getting some more information on it right now. Well see how it goes lol anything else I should know about I hear it's doesn't run really well during winter time. I don't have a place to keep it here where I'm at atm so I would have to put it into storage till I move. 5K is a good price but he's not exactly the person to keep his word so well see ...

[NikostC]

I was a really big fan of the mk II MR2 but the spyder looks like a girls car imo, and it is a convertible which im not a fan of.
But as far as lightweight RWD cars go, the car should be a blast to drive and for that price its unbeatable. I would say buy it no questions asked.

[john]

Originally Posted by NikostC

I was a really big fan of the mk II MR2 but the spyder looks like a girls car imo, and it is a convertible which im not a fan of.
But as far as lightweight RWD cars go, the car should be a blast to drive and for that price its unbeatable. I would say buy it no questions asked.

It doesn't matter if its a girls car or not. It's all personal opinion and if the owner likes it, who cares what other people think about it.

[Mr.Jay]

the MR-S is awesome

I knew someone who had one for a little while and he loved it. Had lots of good things to say about it but in the end he sold it due to the lack of practicality

that price is amazing

[NESW20]

they are EXTREMELY fun cars. if it's in the sort of condition you say, then $5,000 is a huge bargain.

[OldSkoolToys]

In all honesty I expect the MR-S to turn into a "cult classic" tuner car within the years to come. It's definitely a car that flew under the radar with LOTS of potential in the right hands.

[Mr.Jay]

it got more love in Japan then it ever did around these parts (NA)

[matadormi5]

Only $5 grand??!?!? As long as everything on it works properly, you'd be a fool not to take it.

Always thought it was an awesome car, like a budget Boxster.

[Dimman]

This was my 'What will you do if the FT86 sucks' car, so I vote go for it! Same idea as the FT86, economical, decent power to weight, awesome handling. Personally I would look for a hard-top for it too, as the looks are the weak link in my opinion. Hard-top changes it to something a little less 'cute', I feel.

We never got it in Canada originally but now the used dealers are bringing them in from the US and charging about double what your buddy is, so I'm a bit envious...

[Matador]

Originally Posted by matadormi5

Only $5 grand??!?!? As long as everything on it works properly, you'd be a fool not to take it.

Always thought it was an awesome car, like a budget Boxster.

agreed.

Originally Posted by OldSkoolToys

In all honesty I expect the MR-S to turn into a "cult classic" tuner car within the years to come. It's definitely a car that flew under the radar with LOTS of potential in the right hands.

Share that sentiment.