Is The Best Car, In The World, EVER... A Toyota MR2!? (JDM Legends Tour Pt. 32)
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- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- My buddy Lawrie from @lmm absolutely loves the MR2. He's totally smitten with them, and now owns two and a half of them.
He'll often tell me that the MR2 is the benchmark cars against which all others are considered - so today I look at his proposition and wonder if there might be some truth in what he's saying.
#Toyota #MR2 #ClassicDaily
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i’ve only had mine for a month and i’ve loved it ever since
Enjoy it! I've had one in one form or another for over 20 years. Will never be parted.
@@davidagcole I had one for years until about 150,000 miles and I loved it.
Never get rid of it. You'll regret it.
Luv and Peace.
Watch the sills. In fact read up about the sound deadening sponges in the doors. They wreck the sills.
Luv and Peace.
I agree with Lawrie whole heartedly. Severely under appreciated, I don’t know why as they are fast (turbo anyway) handle brilliantly & are great fun to drive. And nothing on the road looks remotely the same. I have owned one continuously since 1999 & will continue to do so. Best car for your money hands down.
I know for a fact the non Turbo one was at least a couple of miliseconds behind a 348TB in Hot Version so I dunno. Being almost as fast as a Ferrari even in non Turbo form I'd still call quite fast.
If I didn't fall so hard for FDs, it honestly makes total sense...but then again they're still really really cheap.
Yeap. Awesome cars.
Genuinely superb.
@@lmm I really miss my rev3 sw20 t-bar.
There's something about the exhaust and induction sound coming in over your shoulder that just makes the experience all the better.
I often contemplate buying another.
Luv and Peace.
Yep owned one since 98, but my rev 4 GTS is my pride and joy. To be honest I love it more than my children.
@the33rpm maybe because the "Snap Oversteer" put a lot of people off
I’ve a 1998 MR2. I treat it the way I would riding a motorbike and haven’t had any problems with the handling. £170 fully comp on a classic car policy. It’s a fun toy that’s cheap to own.
I'm considering buying one now as my second car (I will stoll have my current car as a daily and have the mr2 as a project car/ weekend fun) I did want a celica however the insurance on an mr2 is way too attractive haha
The motorbike analogy is true. The turbo I used to own handled fine if driven smoothly, ie gradually getting on the power mid bend and loading the rear tyres for a fast exit. Obviously in the wet they could be more lively but they aren't cars for pushing it in the wet anyway.
as an mr2 owner , can confirm best car 😂
Yes it is a classic. Because the auto industry will never make an affordable mid engine car again.
Toyota is coming around to enthusiast cars. I have hope for a new MR2 if Akio is to be believed in.
Vauxhall Speedster
Nigga wut. They just came out with the Corvette have you been in a cave
@@noneofyourbusiness8625
Affordable the Corvette is not
@@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X ok yoda
I wish i never sold my MR2 Turbo.
I was too young, and too inexperienced to own such a car after just a year of having my license. I never felt confident driving it back then, and actually probably saved myself (and an MR2) by selling it when I did.
Now with 6 years experience under my belt, I'd love to have another one...
Its exactly the same dude. I owned a black one from 1991. na 3SGE ENGINE. I sold it because i wasnt confident enough and I regret nothing lol. But its a very good car btw
Mr Dayum Fine i have had two and the current one i have owned for about ten years now. Just had it fully resprayed. No intentions of ever selling it, too much fun to drive.
Upgrade to any Boxster and hold on to that one!
I had my gen3 Turbo now for about 10years and i still love it. And with over 300hp it is way more Sports Car than the NA Version.
Tbh life is all about decisions. You probably did the right thing
Good review. Thank you. Have owned my 91' since new. It is fascinating to hear the engine running behind you. Nothing even comes close to it now for the money. Have maintenance receipts about 1 1/2 inches. All things considered the MR2 is reasonable to maintain and worth it. It is not a car for an inexperienced driver. The secret of the MR2 is that it continues to evolve it's potential.
Had a Rev 1 as my first car after passing my test and easily the best car I've ever owned, no car I've driven since has come close to matching it for pure fun.
Mega cars! Loved mine, had a 93 model back in 2012. MY favourite part was glass panels out and listening to that induction roar behind you while wrestling the back end. Wish I had hung onto that.
Owned 29 Mr2s. Still own 2 Rev 3s and a Rev5 Beams. Have an orginal TRD 2000GT bodykit need to get out of 18yr storage and install. Moved on to Evoras and Alfa 4c's but Mr2 will always be special. Great videos James. Cant wait for more 205 videos. Own one of those as well.
29?!?!? Blimey, good on you though. Nice to see some appreciation for these bad boys
Is your Rev5 Beams the one on Ebay currently?
@@1968spikey no in storage along with all my Toyotas. None for sale
@@DLNix which do you rate highest? I've had some Rev2's, LOVE turbo motors but not had one in a 2. Fancy a V6 but not sure if it'd give me that boost thrill.
What do you recommend?
Had 2 MR2's. Classic memory taking it to get the exhaust looked at and watched a mechanic pop it on the ramp, and unbolt the front under tray, then look confused as no engine in the front. Loved my MR2 motoring
Ive been asked twice if mine is fwd??? Is it being confused for a Mitsubishi FTO??? Those werent even ever sent over here btw, only oddity fwd car, that or maybe a Del Gay, that looks maybe like it
My father bought a new MR2 in 1985, he was already a Toyota owner since 1971, and he swore by the brand.
The ‘85 MR2 became my car to learn to drive in in 1986 when I turned 16. It wasn’t a turbo, but it was a very quick and light car that handled like it a go cart. The only problem was that we lived in Connecticut, and the car couldn’t be driven in winter. These cars were also notorious for rust, so keeping it dry and clean was paramount. Otherwise it was an extremely reliable car, it never left us stranded.
In 2006 I bought a 1999 MR2 turbo that was an improvement over the 1985 model, and even more reliable and better built, I still own it.
I've owned mine for 19 years now. Not planning on selling it any time soon. Love it.
Got myself a G Limited MR2. Not selling ever!. Watching this in Guyana, South America. Great video!
Had my Rev1 for 2 years , BC coilovers, wrapped it, un-wrapped, spray painted Matte Black, its just a thing of beauty that I can change when ever I choose.
ive had my 1994 one for 18 years
Nice!
@@albertptran Jealous.
Luv and Peace.
The fact that 'The Car Guys' (owners of many exotics) own one, speaks volumes!
Fun fact, Christian von koenigsegg had an mx5, later sold it, and then I believe he rebought that very car. Many are fans of the small Japanese sports cars. And yeah, I enjoyed the car guys mr2 restoration
that engine bay looked to need a very good clean, full of nature
Jay!
As the owner of a Heavily Modified and built up 380HP SW20 MR2 Turbo, I totally agree with Lawrie, the MR2 is probably one of the best affordable sports cars in the world, ever.
I'll go as far as to say that there is NOTHING like the MR2 in the market that has the thrills, performance and satisfaction of an MR2.
I spent over a year building my MR2 to take power and to grip EVERYWHERE, with some proper suspension, wheels and tyres (in fact, my tyres are 295/30/R18 in the rear, with 225/35/R18 up front)
The SW20 MR2 is the best of the best when it comes to the MR2 family, and I have ZERO intentions of letting mine go. Its dug its way into my heart and i cant let go, its too infectious with its speed, drivability, handling and sound!
The Turbo Models are a whole different beast, and well worth checking out, should someone in the UK have modified one to run the turbo engine. Well worth a drive, both modified and unmodified - it the SW20 Turbo should be on everyones car-bucket list.
Good man of good taste I say.
As an AW11 owner, yes the SW20 is the ultimate MR2.
I like the MR2 but I also think the 3rd gen is often overlooked, perhaps not as desirable as the 2nd gen but still great fun (if you know what you’re doing!)
The 3rd gen had a great platform but was given the wrong engine. Had it gotten the 2ZZGE, it would have been a phenomenal S2000 competitor but it would have cannibalized sales of the Elise, which had the same engine and only weighed 300 lbs less.
Many, many years ago I had the mark 1 MR2 - the squared off one with a 1600 DOHC engine. Loved it but it did snap on the limit and I once found myself facing the wrong way on a wet bend. On paper it was quick for its day - much faster than the 205 GTI that replaced it but in reality I could travel much faster and easier in the 205. That, by the way, was the greatest car for driving I ever owned, but the worst to be a passenger in. You couldn't help driving it at 100% all the time.
@Fabian Tarantino I have had both too and once you got rid of the Continental Tyres I found the opposite. The 1.6 is the better balanced having better engine weight distribution than the Mark 2.
I would agree the 205 GTI was great car, I drove one a lot. The Mk1 MR2 IMHO was faster and more agile but lacked the GTI's 'press on' nature on wet roads with the wrong tyres. The 309 GTI arguably was even better.
I owned a 1991 MR2 Turbo in the early 2000's and everyone love mentioning snap oversteer. For some reason I never once had a single problem with Snap Oversteer (previous owner may have modified the suspension to eliminate it but I was new to cars at that time.) It's a fun and wonderful car that is very near and dear to my heart and I miss driving SW20 Turbo
I thought for a second that this mr2 was originally mine. I had an identical brand new K reg one in Germany for a couple of years. My best memory was doing 140mph down the autobahn and being overtaken by 40 (yes, 40) ferraris, as if I was standing still. I saw them parked up later, it was a Bayern ferrari club outing. Worst memory was replacing the tyres every 5000 miles.
It may actually be your old car - the car spent a couple of years in Germany not long after it was sold in the UK before being reimported to the UK. Think it was sold in Reigate originally? It’s currently in for a full repaint after having a 2GR swap last year…
Crashed mine back in 2003. Repaired on jig. Mechanic gave me a box with bits that he didn't know where to put back on the car. Ran perfect
When I was young someone near us had a brand new red one, I thought it looked like a spaceship back then. Still looks great today
I personally believe the mr2 is one of the greatest cars ever. Im now on my 5th mr2, 2 aw11s and 3 sw20 turbos
I had this car, SW20 (mk2) rev3, and I remember it being a disappointment. But I don't think I had the proper mindset at the time. It had a brilliant chassis but an "average" engine. It was also relatively heavy, mind you it's not a small car. T-bar was great but a targa is not a convertible. It's just not the toy-car I was expecting at the time for a 2 seater. I replaced it with a Miata and never looked back because its just more playful, pure and simple. Nowadays, I'd still get a MX5 or a MR-S, for the same reasons, but I would probably have more respect for the car because it really deserves it. That, and a turbo
Thanks , it was a nostalgia trip , this was my 100mile commute car early 1990s . I yearned for the turbo as it needed a little more grunt, it felt slower than the Celica GT i had before that , but I loved it anyway. Btw you can fit yourself and three smallish ladies in if you have seats forward and said ladies are very flexible and somewhat sozzled , legalities aside
These are terrific . Lots of engine swaps abound like the Camry V6 Swap, Honda K Swap etc if you want to go even faster.
Mk2 MR2s had hydraulic steering. The pump was electrically driven. I had one with a 3.0L V6 swapped in it. Fantastically fun little car.
I'm selling my v6 swap right now
I love the way this car looks.
Had a black rev5 back in the early 2000s, great car, but my AW11 is still the favourite car I have owned. That had a mongoose exhaust on it, revved to 7700 redline sound was amazing. Try one before they all rust away, mine was going on rear wheel arches at less than 5 years old.
Well this is an unexpected treat after work! Just about to watch and enjoy. I've recently picked up a V6 converted one and I have to say it is my favourite out of all the ones i've owned (several turbos and na's) - it really is the engine toyota should have put in at the factory. It transforms the car in to something potent and useable, and most of all fun! Just my 2p. Try to find a V6 to drive. Worth noting there are several V6 conversions - 3vz, 1mz, 2gr etc and each will have a different character. My 1mz is a perfect balance IMO but the 2gr delivers turbo levels of power and the 3vz is perfect for turbocharging. Cheers Jay!
- eta. lovely review, very enjoyable watch and found myself nodding along. Wish i had time for a drive now!
Hi Dan, did you bag that V6 silver/blue one one Ebay at 4k? I'm kicking myself for not snagging it.
@@1968spikey hi mate, mine is a 94 steel mist grey but it never made it to eBay! I bought it in October from a guy ive known for a while. Sounds like you missed out but keep an eye out as I know of a few V6 owners that are thinking of selling soonish.
I've had my 94 turbo for 10 years now. Not being used over winter for the last 9 years because I soon realised it was a car im never selling. Fantastic cars!
Here in the US we only got the 2bd gen until 95. I was able about 6 years ago to find an original 95 turbo at a great price!! I don't think I will ever get rid of her. Such a great car!!
Got a 3.0 v6 swapped MR2 last year. It's a lot of fun and a real head turner.
It's certainly one of the best of its kind in the world. What is there not to like, it's designed to be an affordable, fun to drive mid engine sports car, with Toyota reliability. And it does what it says on the tin, so to speak. I would love one even now..
I bought an originally German 'rev 5' MR2 last year (the one with the combat spoiler, na, 170ish Hp) from 99. 215/ 40r17 tires seem to be a thing on these cars (so I changed them for 185 60 15, some, Michelin eco tires). Twice I've managed to get it to be a bit snappy and it doesn't give any warning signs when it happens... In fwd cars u just have to plow room for understeer, rwd front engine ones to control the oversteer, these u basically have to prepare for some snapping and keep foot on the throttle (kind of similar to awd, but Mr2 is less forgiving).
had a 94 G limited import with over 200k miles, sold that when I went into taxi driving, now I have a 98 GT, driven MR2s for 4ish years now and I've not driven anything that has made me want to swap out to something else! fantastic cars.
The MR2 is the most underated car on the road and in the right hands is a very capable car of achieving high speeds around corners which takes you into the high speed zone
I had a brand new one in 1991 and what a fantastic fast car .
'Fortunately as with all wheels, they do come off' 🤣
I'm very lucky to own my dream car, a 91' Mr2 in black with leather interior in original mint condition, T roof, low miles. In my eyes one of the prettiest cars ever made. The design with its subtle curves and proportions is just captivating. They just got it right in every way!
I’ve owned 5 MR2s and am currently working on my 88SC. The 1st versions of the 2nd gen definitely have a handling issue when you take your foot off the throttle. This was largely resolved in later versions but my US 92 NA was a wild beast - I spun it 3 times in 2 years. The spins were so tight that in one of them I continued in my lane, in traffic never slowing below 20mph.
Track guys liked the ability to rotate the rear end with throttle but it was annoying on the street. Root cause: at the bottom of suspension travel the car would camber out. When weight transferred to the front, the rears would extend and camber out, with very little ability to resist side loads. The change from camber-in to camber-out would be abrupt and uncomfortable - pucker factor, requiring fast steering inputs to keep pointed forward. Factory updates for 93 included wider rear tires and shorter travel, as I recall. My 93 Turbo could be driven at the limit all day long at Laguna Seca on worn out tires - without displaying the snappy behavior.
Another issue with 2nd gen is the terrible ABS. Hit a big bump in the braking zone for a stop light and you might find yourself needing another 10 ft to stop as the system freaks out and bleeds off braking performance for no reason. All that said, I’ve never loved another car as much as an MR2. The handling can be sublime on a smooth surface and the braking/steering performance of the 1st gen MR2 is untouchable on track.
Used to have one of those (but with a 'normal' sunroof, not the T-bar, so no water ingress!). Not a particularly fast car, even in its day, but boy was it fun on twisty country roads. Somebody REALLY needs to make a modern version of a 'cheap' two seat mid-engine car. And yeah, £ for £, the best car ever made!!!
One of my bucket list cars is a first gen with the supercharged engine.
I can remember reading about the original MR2 in the early 80's when I had a sub to "Car" magazine. An affordable, reliable mid-engined sports car!
I hope to have my 2gr V6 on your channel some day, the ultimate engine for the Mr2 imo
That's the engine swap I want to do for my 2
Loved my T-bar. Didn't have those lights, so probably the previous model.
Never had any trouble catching the oversteer, although my girlfriend of the time did put it backwards into a roundabout. (No damage.)
If you had the roof panels on then the space behind the seats gave you another generous storage area.
The car in the video is a rev2, but with rev3+ rear lights.
Had my 1991 Mr2 turbo since high school. 9 years 🤙
Is the lift off oversteer something to watch out for?
I owned a 1991 US spec Turbo. It was a very nice, low mileage example. In stock form, the handling was fine... until it wasn't. The snap oversteer was a spooky problem that would jump out of the shadows and scare the snot out of me at times. I found that replacing the stock rear control arm bushings with urethane ones made a huge difference, but I still never had confidence near the limit. Turbo lag was significant, and truly epic by today's standards. The balky shifter and crude four-cylinder thrashing away just behind me were also buzz-killers. This was a car that looked terrific on paper, but in reality it was a let-down for me. I didn't keep it for very long.
I have a 93 that I bought around a year or so ago (a shell actually.) The previous owner was in the process of putting a Honda k engine in and then gave up. I actually just changed to urethane bushings as well and will be soon dropping in the k24 motor and Honda 6 speed trans w/ factory LSD. It will make more whp naturally aspirated than the turbo version did at crank. Also, I believe in 93 they changed the rear crossmember a bit to help with snap oversteer. I’m hoping these changes will address the legitimate drawbacks you mentioned in your comment.
Cars like the 944, MR2, RX7, Mitsubishi GTO and the Lotus M100 Elan were cars i wanted when i was a teenager. Now i am in my 30s i have to say i never bought any of them and probably never will but i still think they are cool.
I had one as my first proper sports car and although it was a poor example with lots of problems it was a great model and I hope to own another in the future.
Never even really looked at these, but having watched this through I'm itching to have a go in one now!
The Turbo models are incredible
My neighbor had one of these! Great design. I called it an NSX minus 2.0 because of how similar the concept was.
Loved mine - K661HMV from new in 1992 for 3 years, and then again L603CPK from 2005 to 2015.
I love these cars so much, every generation. And there is nothing more noble than slotting in the 2ZZ engine it so richly deserves... either an original from a Celica GT-S or a re-tuned post-nerf Matrix or Corolla donor to get the maximum HP and rev band on every shift.
I had a 1990 red t-bar from 1999 to 2004. Still regretting that I sold it, used to try and murder me everytime I drove it :) So much fun!!
i agree as well however i do prefer the mk1 due to the shorter wheelbase and it is a fair bit lighter so averall it feels a bit more nimble
Brilliant Toyota one of their very best, a proper drivers car, and a looker, nice to see a fantastic review, nice work sir
Mmmm miss my rev 3 turbo. Shame I totalled it into some railings. Back end had a habit of stepping out😮😆
I have no idea why Toyota didn't offer these with a V6. My 1990 1MZ-FE V6 powered MR2 is a total blast. For even more fun, add a 2gr-fe :)
Brilliant cars. I've had a Rev2 and a Rev5, had both at 18. First one had some major electrical issues so used if for spares for the Rev5. Sold it a couple of years ago and I miss it every day. Currently got a 92 Nissan 200SX which I do love so thinking of getting the girlfriend an MR2 so I can have both!
Definitely would have bought one if they were available in my area!
A customer of mine has a nice red import mr2 , nice wheels with those little studs round the edge . 78,000 miles and has offered to sell it for £1700 . I drive an is200 just now which i love , but ive always wanted an mr2 👌
Love my mr2 so fun to drive . Had it 5 years now and hopefully it lasts many more years.
One of my all time favourites, mid engine exotic for the working man/woman. Should have bought that white J reg GT T bar 22 years ago, Damn!!
I've owned two: A silver '85 and a red '91. Both were very fun cars, and I wish I had my '85 back in the condition I traded it in. It would be a very fun project car.
Solid handling cars but tricky at the limit, in fairness though you shouldn't ever need to go hard enough on public roads to find where its limits lie. Always wondered why they never got the same respect as the other JDM cars of the era, I definitely agree that they've got better looking with age.
Stunning design, it's a real classic that doesn't seem to age much at all 👍 It's a poor man's 348/355.
I haven't driven mine in a few years due to modifying it but I had plenty of fast cars before but fell in love with the SW20 and how it drives and makes me feel. Hopefully will have around 450wkw (600whp) plenty for a light MR car.
The MK 1 was a much better car! Smaller, lighter, more agile. Stunning little car...my second favourite car that I have owned. The favourite is my current 991.2 Porsche 911 C2.
100% agree.
Had 5 of these over the years (inc 2 turbo versions), really are a fantastic motors. My first was a bomex kitted turbo back in 2003, looks it used to get was great😎
Great car. The exhaust has a pretty unpleasant metal rattle though, other than that, looks great!
Great review as ever Jay, always really knowledgeable and I especially appreciated how you frame it for the potential buyer and it’s real world driving conditions.
I had one back in 2005. A steel mist grey Revision 2 GT-S Turbo with the T-bar roof and factory fish net Recaro seats. Wonderful car.
That snap oversteer tho 😆😆😆😆
I'm happy for the later MR2 owners. I too thought they looked great. But the best car is like picking the best girl to dance with, rather a personal thing. I went to drive/buy a second gen turbo MR2 and was disappointed. I enjoyed the Ford Probe GT of it's time more, and a lot of cars that came along since: Miata, z3, and Boxster to mention three more. I still remember test driving the 2nd Gen MR2 Turbo and no way IMO does it stack up to the 2nd Gen 2.7L Boxster (which I have).
The Toyota Corolla FX16 had the same engine I believe and was a blast to drive if your looking for a 4 door substitute. Cheers Jay!
I'd love to have a MR2, but I haven't found any nearby me (in the US btw), but it's been a while since I looked. I do own a Miata (2017 RF), and I'm surprised by just how much I enjoy the thing. A used MR2 would make a good track day car, I believe. I'm unwilling to do that in my Miata.
Yes, epic cars imho. There's a lovely looking Rev5 with the n/a 197bhp BEAMS engine on eBay that looks sorely tempting, that has to be the pick of the range surely and is a very special car to my eyes. I'm astonished there aren't more in the UK, although with only 1,000 made maybe not that surprising.
I had a rev 3 uk car that had a turbo engine from an import installed before I bought it. After having some issues with the turbo, I ended up getting a 3L V6 engine conversion done which was quite a new thing at the time - and it was one of the best cars I ever owned. Had it for over 7 years but rust got to the cills and inner rear wheel arches. They tend to rot from inside out. I just couldn't find anybody around that would repair it at the time so ended up breaking it for parts. :(
Did end up getting a mk3 (or MRS) a few years later which was fun but a completely different car.
I have a Rev 1 1990 in black T Bar. 133k on the clock. Original Toyota stamped 14” alloys. Have it over 8 years now.
My GF has an Elise Mk1 - Wehn you do manage to get in it is like driving a skateboard and when you have finished you have to think about getting out which is basically akin to rolling onto the ground slowly. I see this and I see leather and comfort. Also a quick Venturi story - I noticed the pop up headlights at the beginning of this vid didn't come up quite together, my Venturi Atlantique would do it much better. One would come up and then down and then the other would go up and stay up for a bit then go down again - like a double wink - I am sure some people saw this as a clever French quirk. No they were just broken and impossible to get right. FYI it was the green one Reg Mk R3 PPB. Super vid JayEmm - he could well be right....
This video has come at the correct time for me, Iv been looking into buying a another MR2 as a project car. I love the MR2, Iv owned a MK1 driven the Mk2 turbo and a mk3 loved all of them. MK1 is still my favourite. But I have to be honest Iv been considering a Mk2 and dropping a V6 into it.
I love mine, I have a 1991 USDM na so she is very underpowered unfortunately, I plan on putting a 2gr v6 and do a full exterior and interior resto on her after I finish Uni. I’ve been dailying mine all year long for about 3 years and never had any issues with her spinning on me, but then again I do live in the desert where rain and deep snow is rare.
My mom had a green slick top rev 1. It was a great car, but never really compared to the MK1 for me, which she owned previously.
It's quite a bit heavier, with not much more power. More of a GT car, while the MK1 was something you could ring it's neck.
I did like my turbo MR2 (so much I owned it twice!) but I'd rather have kept the mk1 supercharger. Rust was worse on that one though.
I have a 94 turbo 2gr v6 turbo. I love it
Time to try a turbo one!
Love my Rev 3 Turbo, Great little cars. More than welcome to test mine if you want to try a slightly tweaked one.
Yes, keen to see his opinion on the turbo for comparison
I have mx5 NA, my best friend had an MR2 sw20. Nice car, but mx5 handled sooooo much better. MR2 felt so disconnected. Friend sold it soon after he tried my car.
@Harry Monkfish I have never driven mk3 mr2. I also own Lotus Elise s1, but I certainly wouldnt say mx5 drives worse, just way different.
I loved all of them. But the last one was my favorite
After all, it could survive 4 consecutive hairpin jumps...
Would like to see you review 5th gen Celica with same motor as this MR2. 1989-1993 GT-i. How would it comapare in your experience to MR2?
Looked at a Gen 3 Spyder last month. $6k US, 87k miles. Would keep the miles off my Elise 111R.
Great car rare, my neighbour has a mint example modified it never leaves his garage true crime 😭
I had an SW20 rev3 for about 6 years and it was the best car I ever owned.
So exciting, Fastest car I'd ever owned and BY FAR the most head turning car I've ever driven.
The t-bar was an excellent compromise of quiet motoring with the glass panels in place and wind in your hair and noisy excitement when the mood and weather took you. An Exhaust and Cold air intake and it sounded like a supercar.
The rev 3 3s-ge was pretty powerful and could keep up with a 2002 BMW320i with an m54 2.2.
Also the bulletproof reliability of Toyota has to be in the mix. I ragged the shit out of my MR2 and It got to over 150,000 miles before the infamous sills rusted out.
The engine and the interior were still mint when I sold it for parts.
Best car I ever owned.
Pop up headlights FFS.
:-)
Luv and Peace.
The one thing that pissed me off about the MR2 and has been fixed by my Z4 2.5si is the ability to safely pass slow people on smaller b-roads especially uphill.
Up in the cairngorms or the the great glen you were at the mercy of the campervan or slow 65+ year old in his Honda Jazz. He'd accelerate to 60 on the flat straights and then slow right down as soon as you got on a hill.
Down or up.
The z4 has the poke to get past quickly and safely. The MR2 at altitude really never did.
The answer of course is V6 swap Supercharged or Turbocharged.
Watch this space...
Luv and Peace.
Tcha! Marks 1 and 3 were far better!
Great review as always. Toyota made some great sports GT cars in the 90s. You should definitely try a turbo as that extra torque transforms the experience (and the potential to snap oversteer). They are actually quicker than the GT4 st205 as standard.
Rev 3 and beyond are the ones to go for as there are some noticeable improvements all around. The Turbos punch well above their weight, check out some of the old best motoring videos they can certainly mix it with the Japanese 90s big boys. Due to their age they certainly benefit from a few chassis/suspension tweaks but most cars of this era do.