I find it interesting that many mentions the bodyroll as something negative, because to me it have been that added layer of going faster around corners, you learn to feel it, abd how to control it with the gas. Its almost as a kind first warning, "-you are going to fast in the corner". So you lightly release the throttle and slam it down and adjust stearing, then the impossible becomes possible, where normal cars go off the road. My race car driver friend tried this car and i have never been going that fast in any corner before or after, and feel safe (its amazing how fast you can drive through a corner)
Dimly Lit Garage love your channel btw :) keep puttin out personal content. I hate when a channel is fantastic then their vlogs turn into complete garbage so they can get as many views as possible lol
I would have added that I don't like the large blindspot, backing out of parking spaces. Also, I can never glance and see the clock, as the steering wheel (and my hand) are always in the way. Third, because everything is jammed into a tighter space, simple repairs become complicated. A basic air filter change, for instance, takes a whole web page of instructions. I need to change my charcoal filter if I want to get rid of the check engine light; but to get to it, they need to remove the gas tank. Ugh. Fourth, the engine release cable is insanely long for such a short car, and gets stretched out easily. Fifth, there's no reinforcement on the center console by the hand brake. So, when you put your right hand there as you slide into the seat, the console is easily and often cracked. Thanks for the video; I love my MR2.
I just bought mine last 2 months.. great car even though it has already clocked 200k+ mileage. regardless of its impracticality.. it does turn head. this car is definitely for crusing purposes only
Toss a small garret turbo and dial it to 8psi boost , my MR2 was Dino at 102 before and after turbo and conservative tuning its pumping 305. I gap 2015 Shelby mustangs now. Highly recommend
is the issues with the precats a very common problem? also if things need to be replaced on the engine like alternator, air filter, ac, clutch, is it more expensive? are the transmissions known to grind?
Only thing I would do to the car is have lower doorsills for a more open feel, and have an overdrive or 6th gear for highway driving as well as a limited slip diff. Maybe a different center console and interior trim pattern as well. I don't really like that it aint attached to the dash. Besides that, nothing. Biggest thing by far is the door sills.
I agree about all but the seats. I think the stock seats are much better than other similar cars. Of course the lack of CC was the 1st thing I noticed, picking up my 02 in Va and driving back to NJ. Leaving my window down in the rain resulted in separation of plastic material on door panel. Lack of storage obviously a big one, having both an 87 and 93 cars.
Lol 100 or 200 more hp from the factory? You gotta be kidding. You bought the wrong car my friend if that's what you wanted. I could see 25 or maybe 50 but lol 100 or 200? You'd like an S2K. 3:29
I'm a bit late but the cloth seats have a lot more bolstering than the leather seats. So without that option you probably wouldn't have had to swap those out.
Small, underpower, rolling in the corner are not some big deals. In my opinion, the most part which should be improved in the MR-S, aka MR2 in the US, is its suspension. Cause the form of the suspension, it can't keep the wheels on the track with the largest contact surface. And as sports car, It's a big deal.
My my tis a sports tourer not a Limo research before you buy. I have a 2000 model I did a lot of research before buying so I got what it said on the tin I'm very happy with it.
Hi MR2 Owners, I have several questions to you about Mr2 because I am looking of buying one in future, if you do not mind to answer them I would appreciate. 1) What is the average fuel consumption in the city and in the mixed driving style? 2) Is it comfortable enough to drive it daily or as a summer car? 3) Is the suspension is comfortable and not too stiff for daily? 4) Another question is again about suspension, is it good enough and stable in stock for the not professional sport and just for fun rides in the touge or track days or it needs modes to be more stable and the stock suspension is bad? 5) From what sites do you buy mods for it? Thank you for your response , it would be great to know more about this car.
1) 7 or 8 lt/100km, if you're american do the conversion 2) Very comfy, but getting in and out of the car is awkward 3) The suspension is very good in my opinion (2006 civic as my point of reference) 4) Good enough for me 5)I like stock so don't know
@@dimlylitgarage9785 And that's where your power went missing, I own one and agree they aren't hugely endowed with power and I too would like a little more, but with the standard exhaust system all the way thru they have an amazing torque curve for an 1800cc motor, the torque curve is so good that it is a more rewarding drive surfing that torque curve than swapping gears and chasing the red line ... and don't take any notice of your mate re wheel and tyre size, Toyota R+D spent a lot of time on that lol
I have a tc manual and i love it. I beat mustangs bmws wrxs. I can't even put my pedal all the way down in 1st because it's so quick. 1st and 2nd are super quick 3rd is decently quick 4th is aight and 5th is slow. So i kill the bmws and mustangs at stop signs with 1st and 2nd then 3rd secures it
Im kinda done racing tho because i want it to last, i just wanted to see what it could do. It has 150 k miles and still runs great, I LOVE SCIONS NOW so forsure get a frs hopefully manual
Really, your complaints bro... so weak... I drove 5 hours to southern Virginia to buy mine... IDGAF about cruise control, is this your daily??? storage, bro... is this your daily???? Materials are lightweight, check.... lack of power, check... stock seats in leather hurt low back on long drives, I’m a BIG fan of let her seats as both of my daily drivers are BMWs, but it’s a go kart for the road... as you said so, psssssssh on my beemers, imma drop this top, pop this clutch, and slay some smooth back roads...
No cruise control? I thought the spyders come with cruise. N y do other spyder owner reviews say this car is like a go kart n turns good on corners. So is it good on corners or not? Btw would u recommemd this car to tall people? 5' 9 n taller?
I have around 1,84m (~6' 1") and drive with seat maxed out on rails. Quite "tight" fit but once I fit in I can stay there 24/7. Probably when someone is taller or wider than me it won't that comfortable as for me it is really tight like well made suit just for me. Best way to check is to sit Yourself.
I'm 6'0 and fit just fine, could move the seat back a bit too. The handling is fantastic, but the suspension could be stiffer if you want to go faster. I think the SMTs came with cruise control, but not really sure. It's not a car for cruising anyway.
Great video - definitely agree with most of what you said about the dislikes. If I can give some of my opinions about these issues, since I've had the MR2 for a while now... 1) cruise control: Monkeywrenchracing sells a kit: monkeywrenchracing.com/product/mwr-cruise-control-kit-v2-2000-05-mr2-spyder/ 2) storage: eh.. you get used to it, haha. There are/were luggage racks available that mount on the engine lid - if you don't mind looking a little old-fashioned 3) interior materials: Yes, I really wish there were door panel and dashboard upgrades that would give a better quality interior. Maybe a DIY solution is possible 4) power: 1zz + turbo, 2zz swap, some have done Honda K20 swaps. Personally, I'd like to upgrade the internals and use a twin-screw supercharger. Never finished the project though.. 5) seats: you fixed already. I think the 2003+ seats are a little different from the earlier ones. Perhaps they have better side bolsters. I have an 03, and the seats seem not too bad. There's also the seat belt trick where you yank the belt so it locks and then fasten it really tightly. It's a little silly, but it actually helps for twisty driving Kris: 3) suspension - yes the stock Spyders definitely ride higher than they should. The car responds very well to a lowered (more like un-raised) suspension :) But then with stiffer springs, you'll feel how it needs more bracing... when do the mods stop? Wheel size - the 03+ Spyders came with 16 inch wheels in the rear. I don't mind the 15" wheels all around, personally. Less unsprung weight, too 5) LSD - I had a Quaife LSD added to the six-speed I installed on my MR2. I honestly don't feel the difference on a daily basis at all. Seemed better in the snow, though. Perhaps the stock suspension is more conducive to inner wheel spin? There's so much weight in the rear of the car, that it's difficult to spin the tires without dropping the clutch My biggest complaints about the MR2 need for more powerrr, and that it has a lot of chassis flex. Bigger door sills, like the Lotus Elise has, would probably help a lot. I read that even just having the hardtop helps rigidity significantly. Anyway, good luck!
AZ V8 Locost Thanks a lot! Love the points you made and thanks for the cruise control link. The lsd doesn't bother me too much either with the lack of power and rear end grip.
seatbelt trick doesn't make too much sense since lateral forces applied through corners has nothing do with what the seatbelt was designed to do (limit forward movement and forward movement only). In regards to the chassis rigidity, absolutely though. I've had an 04 miata and that thing was supposed to be "the improved" NA with tons of bracing, making it weigh 180lbs more than the NA, and it wiggled over everything. the hardtop helping is more a myth. it's just "in the way" when the car scrunches up and then "in the way" again when it folds out over expansion joints. in essence the car is hitting the hardtop at both points. The miata really exposed this issue as I had the hardtop on it. My current ND RF feels like a mercedes by comparison and weighs the same as the NB - way stiffer with the top down than an NB with a hardtop mounted. It's really amazing how far rigidity has come. More power is actually the easiest bit. there's so many kits and engines out there nowadays. would make your head spin. it's all just cash.
I see a video entitled "5 things I hate about my *insert coveted item here*", with a guy giving a thumbs down in the thumbnail.....I click, then I click dislike, then I make sure I'm not subscribed to their channel, then I leave. It's a simple procedure
Yes, #4 definitely. It's not bad but 50 to 100 extra hp would be incredible.
I find it interesting that many mentions the bodyroll as something negative, because to me it have been that added layer of going faster around corners, you learn to feel it, abd how to control it with the gas. Its almost as a kind first warning, "-you are going to fast in the corner". So you lightly release the throttle and slam it down and adjust stearing, then the impossible becomes possible, where normal cars go off the road. My race car driver friend tried this car and i have never been going that fast in any corner before or after, and feel safe (its amazing how fast you can drive through a corner)
MR2 Spyders are highly underrated. great car.
Noah Baker Agreed!
Dimly Lit Garage love your channel btw :) keep puttin out personal content. I hate when a channel is fantastic then their vlogs turn into complete garbage so they can get as many views as possible lol
Noah Baker I really appreciate it!
You are underrated !
I would have added that I don't like the large blindspot, backing out of parking spaces. Also, I can never glance and see the clock, as the steering wheel (and my hand) are always in the way. Third, because everything is jammed into a tighter space, simple repairs become complicated. A basic air filter change, for instance, takes a whole web page of instructions. I need to change my charcoal filter if I want to get rid of the check engine light; but to get to it, they need to remove the gas tank. Ugh. Fourth, the engine release cable is insanely long for such a short car, and gets stretched out easily. Fifth, there's no reinforcement on the center console by the hand brake. So, when you put your right hand there as you slide into the seat, the console is easily and often cracked. Thanks for the video; I love my MR2.
David Noll Great points! I am lucky to have better visibility with the hardtop and I can hardly read my clock when the sun is shining in.
Spoken like someone who's never worked in a prelude. When I got this car I was like, LOOK AT ALL THIS ROOM!!!!
I just bought mine last 2 months.. great car even though it has already clocked 200k+ mileage. regardless of its impracticality.. it does turn head. this car is definitely for crusing purposes only
They're really a blast to drive
Toss a small garret turbo and dial it to 8psi boost , my MR2 was Dino at 102 before and after turbo and conservative tuning its pumping 305. I gap 2015 Shelby mustangs now. Highly recommend
I definitely want to do something like that one of these days.
is the issues with the precats a very common problem? also if things need to be replaced on the engine like alternator, air filter, ac, clutch, is it more expensive? are the transmissions known to grind?
Only thing I would do to the car is have lower doorsills for a more open feel, and have an overdrive or 6th gear for highway driving as well as a limited slip diff. Maybe a different center console and interior trim pattern as well. I don't really like that it aint attached to the dash. Besides that, nothing. Biggest thing by far is the door sills.
how the fuck are u going to lower a car's doorsill lol
I agree about all but the seats. I think the stock seats are much better than other similar cars. Of course the lack of CC was the 1st thing I noticed, picking up my 02 in Va and driving back to NJ. Leaving my window down in the rain resulted in separation of plastic material on door panel. Lack of storage obviously a big one, having both an 87 and 93 cars.
if your first complaint about this car is the "lack of storage" you have missed the point.
Weight Reduction bro
I have a 2002 model and it has LSD. This was standard UK spec.
Are there mods for these to improve body roll?? I was thinking about getting one. Some good deals out there.
Thicker anti roll bars. You need uprated drop links too.
Toyota really missed the mark when they didn´t give this car the 200hp 2zz-ge engine from the Celica...
Lol 100 or 200 more hp from the factory? You gotta be kidding. You bought the wrong car my friend if that's what you wanted. I could see 25 or maybe 50 but lol 100 or 200? You'd like an S2K. 3:29
The pedals are really close together making it hard to heel toe IMO.
I'm a bit late but the cloth seats have a lot more bolstering than the leather seats. So without that option you probably wouldn't have had to swap those out.
I enjoyed your video :) Keep it up!
MisterBassBoost thanks!
Ha! My 86 comes with cruise control!
: )
Rubbing it in haha
Did the sparcos give you a little extra room? My ND miata is small but the MR2 looks even smaller.
They do free up some space, but because they don't recline, it's very hard to get behind the seats now.
how tall are you? Considering a mk3 MR2 and I'm 6'2" and concerned about the space.
@@danielalien I'm 6'3" and no problem.
Small, underpower, rolling in the corner are not some big deals. In my opinion, the most part which should be improved in the MR-S, aka MR2 in the US, is its suspension. Cause the form of the suspension, it can't keep the wheels on the track with the largest contact surface. And as sports car, It's a big deal.
But it is still a good looking thing, and its such a shame that TOYOTA don't make any beautiful car these days any more (GT86 was developed by Subaru)
My my tis a sports tourer not a Limo research before you buy. I have a 2000 model I did a lot of research before buying so I got what it said on the tin I'm very happy with it.
I have the postface lift version and it looks way better and doesn't have the precat problems
Hi MR2 Owners, I have several questions to you about Mr2 because I am looking of buying one in future, if you do not mind to answer them I would appreciate.
1) What is the average fuel consumption in the city and in the mixed driving style?
2) Is it comfortable enough to drive it daily or as a summer car?
3) Is the suspension is comfortable and not too stiff for daily?
4) Another question is again about suspension, is it good enough and stable in stock for the not professional sport and just for fun rides in the touge or track days or it needs modes to be more stable and the stock suspension is bad?
5) From what sites do you buy mods for it?
Thank you for your response , it would be great to know more about this car.
1) 7 or 8 lt/100km, if you're american do the conversion
2) Very comfy, but getting in and out of the car is awkward
3) The suspension is very good in my opinion (2006 civic as my point of reference)
4) Good enough for me
5)I like stock so don't know
@@sanitavoadora Thank you man, I appreciate it :)
Sorry new to the channel ... what exhaust do you have on your mr2?
Ezekiel Valdez Team moon single exit catback exhaust
Dimly Lit Garage thanks man I'll look into getting one your car sounds bad ass!
Ezekiel Valdez Thanks a lot man! charlie@mazcare.com This is Charlie's email if you want to order one
@@dimlylitgarage9785 And that's where your power went missing, I own one and agree they aren't hugely endowed with power and I too would like a little more, but with the standard exhaust system all the way thru they have an amazing torque curve for an 1800cc motor, the torque curve is so good that it is a more rewarding drive surfing that torque curve than swapping gears and chasing the red line ... and don't take any notice of your mate re wheel and tyre size, Toyota R+D spent a lot of time on that lol
I don't think I've ever used cruise control anyways
Just got a mr2 spyder!
Zixiao Zhao do you like it? I want to get one aswell :)
3 years in, so you probably won't see this, but in case you do, you still driving it? Is it still worth it? I'm looking into getting one myself
What do you think of the scion FRS?
I think they're great cars, awesome balance and handling and great looks.
I have a tc manual and i love it. I beat mustangs bmws wrxs. I can't even put my pedal all the way down in 1st because it's so quick. 1st and 2nd are super quick 3rd is decently quick 4th is aight and 5th is slow. So i kill the bmws and mustangs at stop signs with 1st and 2nd then 3rd secures it
Im kinda done racing tho because i want it to last, i just wanted to see what it could do. It has 150 k miles and still runs great, I LOVE SCIONS NOW so forsure get a frs hopefully manual
Really, your complaints bro... so weak... I drove 5 hours to southern Virginia to buy mine... IDGAF about cruise control, is this your daily??? storage, bro... is this your daily???? Materials are lightweight, check.... lack of power, check... stock seats in leather hurt low back on long drives, I’m a BIG fan of let her seats as both of my daily drivers are BMWs, but it’s a go kart for the road... as you said so, psssssssh on my beemers, imma drop this top, pop this clutch, and slay some smooth back roads...
Frs style seats would be perfect for the mr2
The pattern is for sound deadening
2003 has cruise control
Good video!
They stopped making them :(
Another thing you hate would be the fact that my post facelift UK car has a 6 speed and LSD as standard :)
Very true haha
No cruise control? I thought the spyders come with cruise. N y do other spyder owner reviews say this car is like a go kart n turns good on corners. So is it good on corners or not? Btw would u recommemd this car to tall people? 5' 9 n taller?
I have around 1,84m (~6' 1") and drive with seat maxed out on rails. Quite "tight" fit but once I fit in I can stay there 24/7. Probably when someone is taller or wider than me it won't that comfortable as for me it is really tight like well made suit just for me. Best way to check is to sit Yourself.
I'm 6'0 and fit just fine, could move the seat back a bit too. The handling is fantastic, but the suspension could be stiffer if you want to go faster. I think the SMTs came with cruise control, but not really sure. It's not a car for cruising anyway.
I'm 6'3" and I think it's great. Mine fits like a glove.
5’10 easy fit no problems.
I’m getting some Evan shanks vibes.
Her in Europe you have corners , do not need more powet . Wrong input for this type of car.
Great video - definitely agree with most of what you said about the dislikes. If I can give some of my opinions about these issues, since I've had the MR2 for a while now...
1) cruise control: Monkeywrenchracing sells a kit: monkeywrenchracing.com/product/mwr-cruise-control-kit-v2-2000-05-mr2-spyder/
2) storage: eh.. you get used to it, haha. There are/were luggage racks available that mount on the engine lid - if you don't mind looking a little old-fashioned
3) interior materials: Yes, I really wish there were door panel and dashboard upgrades that would give a better quality interior. Maybe a DIY solution is possible
4) power: 1zz + turbo, 2zz swap, some have done Honda K20 swaps. Personally, I'd like to upgrade the internals and use a twin-screw supercharger. Never finished the project though..
5) seats: you fixed already. I think the 2003+ seats are a little different from the earlier ones. Perhaps they have better side bolsters. I have an 03, and the seats seem not too bad. There's also the seat belt trick where you yank the belt so it locks and then fasten it really tightly. It's a little silly, but it actually helps for twisty driving
Kris:
3) suspension - yes the stock Spyders definitely ride higher than they should. The car responds very well to a lowered (more like un-raised) suspension :) But then with stiffer springs, you'll feel how it needs more bracing... when do the mods stop? Wheel size - the 03+ Spyders came with 16 inch wheels in the rear. I don't mind the 15" wheels all around, personally. Less unsprung weight, too
5) LSD - I had a Quaife LSD added to the six-speed I installed on my MR2. I honestly don't feel the difference on a daily basis at all. Seemed better in the snow, though. Perhaps the stock suspension is more conducive to inner wheel spin? There's so much weight in the rear of the car, that it's difficult to spin the tires without dropping the clutch
My biggest complaints about the MR2 need for more powerrr, and that it has a lot of chassis flex. Bigger door sills, like the Lotus Elise has, would probably help a lot. I read that even just having the hardtop helps rigidity significantly.
Anyway, good luck!
AZ V8 Locost Thanks a lot! Love the points you made and thanks for the cruise control link. The lsd doesn't bother me too much either with the lack of power and rear end grip.
seatbelt trick doesn't make too much sense since lateral forces applied through corners has nothing do with what the seatbelt was designed to do (limit forward movement and forward movement only). In regards to the chassis rigidity, absolutely though. I've had an 04 miata and that thing was supposed to be "the improved" NA with tons of bracing, making it weigh 180lbs more than the NA, and it wiggled over everything. the hardtop helping is more a myth. it's just "in the way" when the car scrunches up and then "in the way" again when it folds out over expansion joints. in essence the car is hitting the hardtop at both points. The miata really exposed this issue as I had the hardtop on it. My current ND RF feels like a mercedes by comparison and weighs the same as the NB - way stiffer with the top down than an NB with a hardtop mounted. It's really amazing how far rigidity has come.
More power is actually the easiest bit. there's so many kits and engines out there nowadays. would make your head spin. it's all just cash.
My 2002 has cruise.
Put in a turbo
I see a video entitled "5 things I hate about my *insert coveted item here*", with a guy giving a thumbs down in the thumbnail.....I click, then I click dislike, then I make sure I'm not subscribed to their channel, then I leave. It's a simple procedure
Thanks for the support. Have a great day
MrPro10 why even take the time dude
One thing I hate about your MR2 Spyder... It's an MR2 Spyder. 😂