JohnnyP1997
Tarmac Traveler
Im in love with this car... For real!
1992 Toyota MR-2 Turbo, go for it or no?
- Thread starter JohnnyP1997
- Start date
KiwiRob
Autotechnik Ace
As a former owner of an almost identical car, same colour, same spec, I'd say yes, the 3SGTE engine is as close to a bullet proof 2.0 turbo as you can get, it's also very tunable, mine had 300 hp at the wheels, it was running a TRD intercooler, and the bigger turbo from the Celica GT4 WRC, if it was a series 1 SW20 I'd say no, those were nasty handling cars, Toyota quickly upped the size of the wheels and sorted the suspension to fix it.
My old MR2 is owned by a family member, it's done 250,000 KM, the engine still runs well, the clutch was changed about 30k ago, still runs like a dream. They are a fun car to own, and with Toyota's reliability and ease of maintenance it's a nice near classic car which can be used as a daily driver.
Things to look out for are the seals on the t-tops, if they are shagged they leak, a lot, they are very expensive to replace, the water can get into the sub box behind the seats and short out the speakers.
My old MR2 is owned by a family member, it's done 250,000 KM, the engine still runs well, the clutch was changed about 30k ago, still runs like a dream. They are a fun car to own, and with Toyota's reliability and ease of maintenance it's a nice near classic car which can be used as a daily driver.
Things to look out for are the seals on the t-tops, if they are shagged they leak, a lot, they are very expensive to replace, the water can get into the sub box behind the seats and short out the speakers.
KiwiRob
Autotechnik Ace
Snap oversteer was mostly cured with the first facelift, Toyota upped the wheels to 15inch and changed the suspension.
I think you have a really good buy with this car, it looks in decent condition. Its 23 years old so you cant expect the car to be in new condition, there will always be something that could be degraded or corroded. Best thing is have it checked by a mechanic, especially the underneath of the car, suspension and steering joints, any play in the gearshift, maybe gear linkages, any oil and gearbox oil leaks, shock absorbers for any leakages, radiator and connecting hoses, cam and fan belts. Check the exhaust for any holes and the turbo for unusual noises. Electrical issues are a bit more serious, check all items (wipers, lights, horn, windows, mirrors) etc are working smoothly, maybe you can get the fusebox checked out for corroding terminals as this will indicate possible water leaks in the body work or front window seals. Maybe a voltage check on the terminals of the fusebox will also help when the various items are functioning.
JohnnyP1997
Tarmac Traveler
@KiwiRob aaah so, i described it as a 1992 MR2 cuz thats what the manual says, it is a MY 1992, sold in 1991, amd the original wheels were 14 inches, so i guess it is the 1st w20... So actually guys, this is a 24 years old car here... @Giannis @hoffmeister_fan @Centurion @330CIZHP @atee
Or is the 1990-1991 the 1st one and the 1991-1992 already a revision?
Or is the 1990-1991 the 1st one and the 1991-1992 already a revision?
KiwiRob
Autotechnik Ace
Wikipedia has some good information on the SW20. You really want a revised car or one that has had the revisions made to it, some people did this. That's a first gen car, all revision 2 cars had 15 inch wheels and on the turbos bigger brakes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_MR2#Revisions_and_model_year_changes
also this page has some interesting info
http://www.mr2.com/forums/forums/214-MK2-Braking-Suspension-and-Wheels
That said a nice tidy example has future classic written all over it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_MR2#Revisions_and_model_year_changes
also this page has some interesting info
http://www.mr2.com/forums/forums/214-MK2-Braking-Suspension-and-Wheels
That said a nice tidy example has future classic written all over it.
JohnnyP1997
Tarmac Traveler
So, being a 1st gen, is it still a good buy?
KiwiRob
Autotechnik Ace
I think so, it's a pretty sweet looking example, the suspension can be modified, have a look at the MR2 forum I liked, plenty of good formation there.
JohnnyP1997
Tarmac Traveler
Serious, i really like the car! Im just affraid about the fact that this is my first car... And i wanted to avoid having mantainance issues and problems while driving the car... But i really am in love with this car!
JohnnyP1997
Tarmac Traveler
KiwiRob
Autotechnik Ace
It's a Toyota you won't have to worry about it breaking down, they really do go one forever if they are well maintained, as I said my old MR2 is 23 years old with over 250,000 km's on the clock and has only had it's clutch and plugs changed.
Giannis
Staff member
JohnnyP1997
Tarmac Traveler
Fun fact... My bicycle is brokenI suggest you buy yourself a bicycle then.
JohnnyP1997
Tarmac Traveler
Yes, I would say you cannot go wrong with it. It looks like it is in great condition especially for a 24 year old car and has only 63k miles. I am sure it is priced reasonably as well. You don't come across cars like this often.
JohnnyP1997
Tarmac Traveler
So true! And also, i heard this car will only grow in value in a few years...
JohnnyP1997
Tarmac Traveler
Yes, considering it must not be expensive, you can set some money aside for maintenance, upgrading etc.
