Toyota MR2 Purchase

[JohnC]

We are looking at getting a MR2 for weekend drives around the state, does anyone here have any strong opinions for or against this car?

[slowvibe]

what year, i thought those were extinct . my dealer tech said the engine in my gt vibe is the same design as the celica gt and mr2, so as far as that goes you will be getting a high revving fun to drive engine.

[JohnC]

2002 Spyder is what we are looking at, this year is the last year of production. It has a 1.8L 138 hp engine. I am not sure what the differences in the engines are, except it is mid engine rear wheel drive.

[slowvibe]

that engine sounds like the base engine in the vibe with 130 something hp the vibe gt has the same engine only it has been tweaked by yamaha to have a higher compression and 170 peak hp although the hp number can be misleading cause it only reaches that level at about 6800 rpm and above and even then torque (which is really what matters is nearly identical to the 130 hp base engine. about the spider, the lighter weight and better weight distribution makes the car fun to drive and you could always add a TRD supercharger to boost hp and torque by about 40 hp and 40 ftlbs.

[joholste]

ok the engine is the same 1zz engine that our base drives on. however, it is possible to do an engine swap. I was unimpressed with the mr2, UNTIL, my buddy and i took it to the mountains. we were having a blast taking turns at around 75 that were supposed to be 35. the mr2 like the Miata is a car made for cornering not straight line. it is a very light car. do i like it now hell yah. if i had the money i'd buy one of them and keep my vibe.

[ragingfish]

get a solstice or a sky.

[Jahntassa]

For the money and power, I'd have to agree with Ragingfish. You'll get a LOT more out of the Solstice/Sky unless you can get a great deal on the MR2.

[NascarXprt]

i was originaly was looking at a 1990-1995 MR2 turbo and from what ive seen and read their pertty well rounded cars for weekend run arounds.

[JohnC]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »get a solstice or a sky. Ooops i should have me mentioned it is a 2000 with 40k miles on her, I can't afford to spend $24k on a weekend toy by getting a new one or a solstice/sky.My secret plan (don't tell my wife) is to get back into autocrossing and if that doesn't work out maybe the wifey will stop driving her gas guzzling 4x4 truck after enjoying a nice handling, gas sipping 2 seater. Then we get rid of the truck. hehehe. She drove nissan Z-cars for years so it shouldn't be too big of a shock.Thanks for all the info.