Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > sorry, car question: Toyota

[AK]

Toyota MR2 , 2 litre turbo (91/H reg)

Annyone had one in the distant past?

Have been very unexpectedly offered one today - in immaculate cond, for (what I think) is rather cheap dosh (similar low M600 prices)

Got all the 'leccy bits, lowish mileage for year(66thou) FDSH - full leather int, targa top - and is RED!

Is it a good idea to have as a local runabout (with occasional distance monthly runs) - or should & go back to my original idea of getting a 3 door new - 18 month old small hatch (Corsa/smart/similar) for commuting?

AK says I should go for it, but he has a 'thing' for things with turbo's

C

[Edited on 28-12-2004 by CK and AK]

[rockhopper]

Aren't they some silly insurance group or something?

[AK]

Turbo - I have just researched, was from 1990 - 95, later ones were/ are supercharged.

Puts out 200 BHP/145 mph - is that enough to go down the ringroad to Sainsburys?

Anyone heard of quirks/mech probs to be looking for?

Methinks I had better test drive next......

C

[Spen]

Any nasty sounding rattling noises are generally from the alternator. Very strong engines.

Watch for tin worm on the sills and underbody.

All in all a damn good motor, lot of fun.

[ali]

Hi Charlotte,

Everyone knows toyota's reputation for longevity, but be careful of abused examples. I'm sure Alan could spot a shagged gearbox/engine, or something that's had a couple of shunts (stop s******ing...).

Autotrader seems to think about £2.5k-£3k for what you've listed, and you can be sure it'll be massively more fun than a Corsa! If you can trust the source and afford the insurance difference then go for it. There seems to be a glut of seriously rapid but un-trendy cars in the £3k-£6k region, perfect for learning tracks off-season....

Cheers,

Ali

[Albie]

Always promised myself one of those years ago but as dont need one . I think they are very nice well made and go for years. Earlier type had problem with water laying on rear engine cover and dripping down on alternator and shagging them. Mk 1's

[AK]

wel - cheers all, looks like I def have to do a test drive tomorrow, as just been checking with insurance - and its only £10 admin fee to swap from my dear old Astra!

its obviously worth being:
old,
careful with the speed - as in having a clean license (so far!)
and not doing so many miles to work

I'll let you know tomorrow.......

C

C

[Twinfan]

Dunno about spare part availability - the Turbo wasn't a UK car (import only?)

[NBs996]

great fun cars charlotte, I had a play in one a couple of years back and the fun with the rear wheel drive and turbo was enough to cause a serious grin!

speaking to the owner though, he was saying how scary the bills were for some of the routine mechanical work... for example a belt change involved taking the engine out!

[madmav]

Ck ! do some homework on the car !! as the Targa Turbo's were all imports !

check it has had the speed restrictor removed as it will only be any good for 118 MPH (mind u in london )


and some of them had 280 plus BHP but the turbo's were small progresive ones !! Go on www.mr2owners.com
or some bulliting board you can check the car out by it's chassis no ! spec etc etc also make sure it has had a clutch and belt change!

hope this helps ..mav

ps i have had 3 mr2's in the past and all have been great cars !!!!!! would i buy another? YES