Thinking of Buying either MR-2 Spyder or an AP1 S2000 - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

FT///R86 · 10-29-2009, 03:17 AM

I test drove both today along with a RX-8. I did not like the RX-8. For some reason it felt very heavy and I just did not feel comfortable. I am leaning towards the MR-S. I thought It might be cramped for my 6' 250lb body but it felt really comfortable. The S2000 felt good too but it was a little more cramped than the MR-S. Nothing I could not handle as a daily driver though. I know there are a lot of S2000 owners and MR-S on the board so I wanted some feedback on reliability, any major concerns that I should be aware of. If someone has owned both that is willing to compare the ownership that would be a big help. This would be my new DD. I am giving my Matrix to my younger sister for school. I plan on purchasing before the end of the year. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. This will be something to keep me occupied while the FT come out.

S2KtoFT86 · 10-29-2009, 10:02 AM

I've had my AP1 for a little over 2 years now. Bought it with 43k on the odometer and it's presented nothing but fun ever since. I haven't had any mechanical issues at all. The only things I've had to deal with are the soft top tearing, as will eventually happen with anything, and considering mine is now 10 years old, it's held up pretty well. Also, minor electrical issues like my dome light not working anymore but that's pretty much it. As we speak, I need to replace my driver side strut because there's a hole in it and it's leaking but nothing else.

Best of luck in your purchase! You can find AP1s incredibly cheap now. Wish I had waited for a better deal personally.

Mouse · 10-29-2009, 10:25 AM

Have you considered miatas by any chance? They are not as small as you would expect on the inside. Plus the money you save in getting a miata (NA or NB) you can use to hook it up and you will have a very potent car.

If you wanna see some really nice miatas go to....www.clubroadster.net

This is my favorite miata example......

MR-2 does not have a trunk that you can actually use.

S2000 aftermarket goodies are expensive plus the insurance is high.

S2KtoFT86 · 10-29-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mouse

Have you considered miatas by any chance? They are not as small as you would expect on the inside. Plus the money you save in getting a miata (NA or NB) you can use to hook it up and you will have a very potent car.

If you wanna see some really nice miatas go to....www.clubroadster.net

This is my favorite miata example......

MR-2 does not have a trunk that you can actually use.

S2000 aftermarket goodies are expensive plus the insurance is high.

Not really. Even with a wreck and a ticket, my insurance isn't that high. Aftermarket parts are only expensive if you buy JDM. If you buy the cheap knockoff crap from the US, you get just that.

Mouse · 10-29-2009, 11:17 AM

True...But it depends on where you live also....For example I got quoted for 270 a month for an S2000 in Miami. I have been in 4 accidents(only one that was my fault) and one speeding ticket. But I have not been in an accident or gotten a ticket in 3 years. The biggest determining factors in insurance is location, age demographic that own the car, and theft. I was quoted 230/month for a 97 corvette and 300/month for an RSX-S. A 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata I was quoted for 140/month. The color is not a determining factor in insurance. Just for reference I have State Farm.

All the cars I got quoted for was with full coverage.

S2KtoFT86 · 10-29-2009, 11:29 AM

Wow, then I'm glad I live where I live. I'm only paying 101 a month right now as both my ticket and wreck are less than 3 years old. Don't think I'll move any time soon lol.

Mouse · 10-29-2009, 12:11 PM

Yeah it's one of the things that suck about living in Miami or any major city.

NESW20 · 10-29-2009, 12:38 PM

that's a very nice looking Miata. a friend of mine has a very similar looking one, but i think his is slightly darker blue. and i've never seen those wheels on it, but it's been a while.

please be careful to make the distinction between an MR2 and an MRS. the MRS has no trunk. AW11s and SW20s both have plenty of usable trunk space.

a good friend of mine in KC has a white Spyder, and it's STUPID FUN. one thing to watch out for with the 1ZZ is bearings. he had to get a rebuild because i think one, but maybe more, of his bearings spun. they're generally reliable, but that's just one thing to watch out for. i would actually think the S2000 is going to be more reliable and slightly more practical on a day-to-day basis.

as far as insurance, i pay less than $100 for full coverage on my MR2 and my truck. being old with a spotless record has its advantages!

-Mike

FT///R86 · 10-29-2009, 01:28 PM

To be honest I did not look at Miatas. I might start to though. In terms of practicality the S2000 offers more. The MR-S is just more exotic being mid-ship and they are not as common as S2000. I have read a lot on the MR-S forums about pre-cat failures so that is something to look out for. Here in LA there is a lack of good AP1 S2000s for sale. There are tons of AP2 S2000s But I reallly like the 2000-2001 AP1 because it had less leather. It is a barebones type of car. The lack of storage is a concern in the MR-S. There is storage behind the seats but it's not really easily accessible. Thanks for the tips. I think it might come down to price and what is available. At the moment there no S2000s around LA that I could say have gotten my attention in terms of price and mileage. I might have to wait until it gets really cold or starts to rain so the prices can fall even further.

NESW20 · 11-05-2009, 01:14 AM

that MR2 makes baby jesus cry.

-Mike

Shevon · 11-05-2009, 01:16 AM

AP1 S2000

S2KtoFT86 · 11-05-2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shevon

AP1 S2000

?? Did you mean for the link to be one to this thread?

OldSkoolToys · 11-05-2009, 01:28 PM

I'd say go for the MR-S.

1) Everyone and their mom has an S2000, be different!
2) Its actually a pretty good platform to start with.
3) Its actually a lot of fun to drive. Reminded me of my 86, y'know, in the simplest of driving terms at least.

They can look good too.
Spirits MR-S

S2KtoFT86 · 11-05-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldSkoolToys

I'd say go for the MR-S.

1) Everyone and their mom has an S2000, be different!
2) Its actually a pretty good platform to start with.
3) Its actually a lot of fun to drive. Reminded me of my 86, y'know, in the simplest of driving terms at least.

They can look good too.
Spirits MR-S

Lies!!!

10-29-2009, 03:17 AM	#1
FT///R86 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: Toyota Matrix Location: So Cal Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Thinking of Buying either MR-2 Spyder or an AP1 S2000 I test drove both today along with a RX-8. I did not like the RX-8. For some reason it felt very heavy and I just did not feel comfortable. I am leaning towards the MR-S. I thought It might be cramped for my 6' 250lb body but it felt really comfortable. The S2000 felt good too but it was a little more cramped than the MR-S. Nothing I could not handle as a daily driver though. I know there are a lot of S2000 owners and MR-S on the board so I wanted some feedback on reliability, any major concerns that I should be aware of. If someone has owned both that is willing to compare the ownership that would be a big help. This would be my new DD. I am giving my Matrix to my younger sister for school. I plan on purchasing before the end of the year. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. This will be something to keep me occupied while the FT come out.

10-29-2009, 10:02 AM	#2
S2KtoFT86 Resident Post Whore Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: 2022 WR BRZ Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 1,116 Thanks: 0 Thanked 55 Times in 54 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I've had my AP1 for a little over 2 years now. Bought it with 43k on the odometer and it's presented nothing but fun ever since. I haven't had any mechanical issues at all. The only things I've had to deal with are the soft top tearing, as will eventually happen with anything, and considering mine is now 10 years old, it's held up pretty well. Also, minor electrical issues like my dome light not working anymore but that's pretty much it. As we speak, I need to replace my driver side strut because there's a hole in it and it's leaking but nothing else. Best of luck in your purchase! You can find AP1s incredibly cheap now. Wish I had waited for a better deal personally. __________________ Gavin

10-29-2009, 11:29 AM	#6
S2KtoFT86 Resident Post Whore Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: 2022 WR BRZ Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 1,116 Thanks: 0 Thanked 55 Times in 54 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Wow, then I'm glad I live where I live. I'm only paying 101 a month right now as both my ticket and wreck are less than 3 years old. Don't think I'll move any time soon lol. __________________ Gavin

10-29-2009, 12:38 PM	#8
NESW20 2.1L 3SGTE Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: MR2 Turbo & Tacoma Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 1,248 Thanks: 29 Thanked 24 Times in 22 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	that's a very nice looking Miata. a friend of mine has a very similar looking one, but i think his is slightly darker blue. and i've never seen those wheels on it, but it's been a while. please be careful to make the distinction between an MR2 and an MRS. the MRS has no trunk. AW11s and SW20s both have plenty of usable trunk space. a good friend of mine in KC has a white Spyder, and it's STUPID FUN. one thing to watch out for with the 1ZZ is bearings. he had to get a rebuild because i think one, but maybe more, of his bearings spun. they're generally reliable, but that's just one thing to watch out for. i would actually think the S2000 is going to be more reliable and slightly more practical on a day-to-day basis. as far as insurance, i pay less than $100 for full coverage on my MR2 and my truck. being old with a spotless record has its advantages! -Mike __________________ 1991 MR2 Turbo - 2.1L high compression stroker 3SGTE 2006 Tacoma 4x4 TRD Off Road - All-Pro front bumper, Old Man Emu shocks, Old Man Emu HD front coils, All-Pro leafs 1990 240SX Coupe - sold 2008 Civic Si Sedan

11-05-2009, 01:14 AM	#10
NESW20 2.1L 3SGTE Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: MR2 Turbo & Tacoma Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 1,248 Thanks: 29 Thanked 24 Times in 22 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	that MR2 makes baby jesus cry. -Mike __________________ 1991 MR2 Turbo - 2.1L high compression stroker 3SGTE 2006 Tacoma 4x4 TRD Off Road - All-Pro front bumper, Old Man Emu shocks, Old Man Emu HD front coils, All-Pro leafs 1990 240SX Coupe - sold 2008 Civic Si Sedan

10-29-2009, 10:25 AM	#3
Mouse Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: Miata Location: Miami, Fl. Posts: 186 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Have you considered miatas by any chance? They are not as small as you would expect on the inside. Plus the money you save in getting a miata (NA or NB) you can use to hook it up and you will have a very potent car. If you wanna see some really nice miatas go to....www.clubroadster.net This is my favorite miata example...... MR-2 does not have a trunk that you can actually use. S2000 aftermarket goodies are expensive plus the insurance is high.

10-29-2009, 11:17 AM	#5
Mouse Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: Miata Location: Miami, Fl. Posts: 186 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	True...But it depends on where you live also....For example I got quoted for 270 a month for an S2000 in Miami. I have been in 4 accidents(only one that was my fault) and one speeding ticket. But I have not been in an accident or gotten a ticket in 3 years. The biggest determining factors in insurance is location, age demographic that own the car, and theft. I was quoted 230/month for a 97 corvette and 300/month for an RSX-S. A 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata I was quoted for 140/month. The color is not a determining factor in insurance. Just for reference I have State Farm. All the cars I got quoted for was with full coverage.

10-29-2009, 12:11 PM	#7
Mouse Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: Miata Location: Miami, Fl. Posts: 186 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Yeah it's one of the things that suck about living in Miami or any major city.

10-29-2009, 01:28 PM	#9
FT///R86 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: Toyota Matrix Location: So Cal Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	To be honest I did not look at Miatas. I might start to though. In terms of practicality the S2000 offers more. The MR-S is just more exotic being mid-ship and they are not as common as S2000. I have read a lot on the MR-S forums about pre-cat failures so that is something to look out for. Here in LA there is a lack of good AP1 S2000s for sale. There are tons of AP2 S2000s But I reallly like the 2000-2001 AP1 because it had less leather. It is a barebones type of car. The lack of storage is a concern in the MR-S. There is storage behind the seats but it's not really easily accessible. Thanks for the tips. I think it might come down to price and what is available. At the moment there no S2000s around LA that I could say have gotten my attention in terms of price and mileage. I might have to wait until it gets really cold or starts to rain so the prices can fall even further.

11-05-2009, 01:16 AM	#11
Shevon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: Accord Coupe Location: Jacksonville, Fl Posts: 319 Thanks: 26 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	AP1 S2000

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