Should I Buy this MR2?

[tdoggy57]

Originally Posted by Beyer Subaru

Colored? Really? I hope that you don't refer to yourself in this manner often.

It was used in that manner to describe why he'd think I was stealing it with an "lol" following. I'm bi-racial so I can really refer to myself as anything I feel.

Thanks for all the advice though guys. If its still there next friday i might just have to, too good of a deal to pass up it seems.

[Dadhawk]

This thread has me trolling Craigslist, eBay and Autotrader for a MK1 MR2 again. I'm sure my soon to be licensed 16year old needs a car, yeah that's my excuse

Curse you @tdoggy57!

[Mr.Jay]

Damn good price.

Check it out as best you can but those cars are a hoot to drive

[ST185RC]

Mr2 with little rust, low mileage and good mechanical shape for 1400 is a smoking deal. If it were in my area, i would have put a tire iron to your knee to get to the car with my money first. 4AGE is stout and is a peppy little engine. No spectacular acceleration but they will respond to you immediately. Something like a little well trained pup. Very eager little cars. I wish I never sold my AE92.... Look out for fender rust as MR2s and corollas were notorious for lack of rust protection.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

I've had both a 1st and 2nd gen MR2.

Is this one supercharged?

The chassis will be noticeably floppy compared to the FRS. In fact, it'll be noticeably floppy in general; you'll hear creaks as you angle up driveways and such.

This car is, literally, a go kart.

1987 = No MR2SC here in that year

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

1987 = No MR2SC here in that year

Oops.

To make up for it, I present to this thread, a picture of my BEAMS.

[Beyer Subaru]

Originally Posted by tdoggy57

It was used in that manner to describe why he'd think I was stealing it with an "lol" following. I'm bi-racial so I can really refer to myself as anything I feel.

Thanks for all the advice though guys. If its still there next friday i might just have to, too good of a deal to pass up it seems.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Oops.

To make up for it, I present to this thread, a picture of my BEAMS.

You have succeeded.

I should post pics of the mint 25,000 mile 89 MR2SC I worked on and sold for a friend a few years ago

[MTCRX]

This would be a great buy, and it would be good as a second car. Remember a car that old is bound to come up with some issues. As long as you are willing to work through them it can be fun, no problem. Make sure the frame is not rusted, broken or damaged. Some parts may be hard to come by, but most are around. There are websites for owners of these cars that can help alot with repairs, maintenance, and locating parts. I just went through an 87 CRX-Si, but I wanted to, and it was a third car, so if I parked it for a few days to work on something major it was not a problem.

Also, 1987, no cup holders and no airbags, etc.

[Turbowned]

60k? Hell yeah you should buy it! You better do it before I seek this person out and buy it myself! Then get on over to MR2OC.com and join up!

Here's some things to be wary of with MK1 MR2's:

1. RUST. The rear wheel wells like to rust out of them. Water leaks into the trunk and gets into the inner wheelwells, then rusts from the inside out. It also happens behind the triangular part of the side skirts (or if the MR2 has no side skirts, the black triangular piece of rubber. They also rust at the bottom of the fenders near the front spoiler. Just making sure that those areas are kept clean and dry is important. Also make sure to yank out the inner fender liners and clean out years of dirt and leaves that no doubt have accumulated just in front of the doors. Thankfully, replacement panels can be had from www.twosrus.com (not fenders, you'll have to scour the forums or junkyards for those)

2. The engines can have issues running with old age. Mainly idle issues, like having trouble keeping an idle if it's really hot out. Cleaning the AFM, replacing the fuel filter and sometimes having the injectors rebuilt will work wonders. Maintenance is key with these engines. Getting the valves adjusted and checking the timing belt (replacing it and the water pump if necessary) and spark plugs (valve cover gaskets sometimes leak into plug valleys) will ensure the engine will stay running strong.

3. The distributors tend to leak. A rebuild kit is inexpensive and the process is easy.

4. The old cast iron exhaust manifolds sometimes crack, leaving you with an exhaust ticking noise. The manifold can still be had new from Toyota, and replacement exhaust components can be had from SV3power.com

5. T-tops always leak. Fact of life. Try replacing the seals but they still never seem to be perfect.

The best resources I've found for the car are www.mr2oc.com (MR2 forum), twosrus.com and kbox.ca for OEM replacement parts and upgrades, and SV3power.com for exhaust replacement parts and upgrades. Lithia Toyota in Springfield, OR has some MR2 enthusiasts working in the parts dept. and a call there can help you locate just about any part you need.

Best of luck! Let us know if you end up getting it!

Here's my $#!tbox back when I bought it for $700:


And how it looks now (still a $#!tbox, but faster):


Engine is a 20v 4AGE from a 1997 Toyota Levin - 165bhp, 121lb/ft, 5 valves per cylinder, individual throttle bodies, 11:1 compression ratio, tubular exhaust manifold. Fitted with a custom MRP inlet plenum and SV3 Power/custom 2.5" mandrel-bent exhaust

[bestwheelbase]

@Turbowned that is all kinds of great info. Thanks!

[Exhaust]

for 1.4k thats bloody chump change, not much to go wrong. I would see how she runs and check for rust rust rust!!!!

[Turbowned]

@tdoggy57, any update?

[tdoggy57]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

@tdoggy57, any update?

The car was still there on my way home from work this morning. Right now its down to a decision of wheels\coils or this car.

I must say that I'm leaning towards the wheels/coils right now so I might pass on this MR2. Ive got some more important things to save up for before throwing money around at new toys, but the fact that I cant help but to look at it every day scares me lol.