Toyota MR2

[Wouter Melissen]

Corrosion has gotten the better of the Mini, so I am forced to have to let that go. It requires more TLC than we are able to give it right now. Its replacement is already spotted and I am on the verge of finalizing the deal on this Mk1 MR2. This should provide a similar exciting drive, but without moving my intestins all over the place. The one I got my eye on is a 1985 duotone (metallic green / gold). The only concern is its rather high mileage of 206,000 km, but being a Toyota this should not be a big problem.

I'll keep you posted on the developments.

[Spastik_Roach]

Aye I thought you wern't wanting a Japanese car!

Well its very sad to see the Mini go, but the Toyota should be a nice replacement. Nothing will replace the Minis charm and character tho

[clutch-monkey]

do an Ls1 conversion j/k

[McReis]

Damn! The Mini made a much better headline to the frontpage of UCP than MR2 ever will...
Anyway, more fun out of driving is expected. Shame it's a bit on the ugly side.
Does an NA Miata from say, '89 cost much more? That's a real driver's car.
I heard from a friend who had one of does MR2, that their good too.
Good luck with the deal. Kiss the Mini for me, will you?

[Wouter Melissen]

A Miata is quite a bit more expensive. I chose the MR2 purely for its characteristics, not as much its aesthetics.

[McReis]

Originally Posted by Wouter Melissen

A Miata is quite a bit more expensive. I chose the MR2 purely for its characteristics, not as much its aesthetics.

Ok, then you're making a good choice. Japanese cars have a reliability that everyone loves (that's why I'm trading a 4 year Peugeot for an 10 year Miata). But it's only time to time that they really come out with a model that can passionate a driver with good taste. For me, Japanese cars are not much more than: Honda S800, Datsun 240Z, Corolla Twin Cam AE86 (Trueno) and Miata. MR2 has kind of strange looks and it MK2 have their image spoilt by ricers, but surely they mean something to me. MkI is now rarer than the second and some say they have a purer ride.

[Wouter Melissen]

Supposedely the chassis was developed by Lotus, but they axed that project and sold it off to Toyota. It is nothing like Toyota had ever built before, so it might not be that strange. A 1980s Elise.

[McReis]

Originally Posted by Wouter Melissen

Supposedely the chassis was developed by Lotus, but they axed that project and sold it off to Toyota. It is nothing like Toyota had ever built before, so it might not be that strange. A 1980s Elise.

It's a bit like I see the Miata NA. It was inspired by the Elan and the MGB. But the result is clearly connected to the Elan styling. Such as the dimensions and dinamics. I think the looks are not as purer in the following shapes of the Miata. This pics are from the Miata 1.8 I'm negotiating at the moment and an original Elan. Seems like father and son.

[Wouter Melissen]

Originally Posted by McReis

It's a bit like I see the Miata NA. It was inspired by the Elan and the MGB. But the result is clearly connected to the Elan styling. Such as the dimensions and dinamics. I think the looks are not as purer in the following shapes of the Miata. This pics are from the Miata 1.8 I'm negotiating at the moment and an original Elan. Seems like father and son.

I have tried the latest MX-5, but that's too small for me. The older one is a bit bigger, so should be better. I wonder if an Elan is too small for me as well.

[McReis]

Originally Posted by Wouter Melissen

I have tried the latest MX-5, but that's too small for me. The older one is a bit bigger, so should be better. I wonder if an Elan is too small for me as well.

You mean, bigger inside? So you're kind of a giant? The Elan is very small inside. Almost toy-like but still with a fantastic driving position for a guy like me (1,74m). But it's surely not a car for someone who's taller. But being small, all around you and looking very purposeful, is what made me start dreaming about one since I first sat at the wheel of a white/red Sprint. It's a shame their so expensive, but I still dream about owning one in green with 26R headlamps. Like this beauty here...

[Coventrysucks]

MR2 Turbo.

Go on... you know you want to

[Wouter Melissen]

The turbo is the Mk2 one, which has a rather bad rep for handling and is quite a bit more expensive.

[:Exige:]

Toyota did a Supercharged AW11 .. cant remember what year the best one is. Im more knowledgable on SW20s. Theyre pretty rare though .. can sell for as much as Rev 3 N/A Mk2s which is quite alot. The MR2 is pretty nimble for its price .. a good tourer.

[UCR]

Did half the sub frame rust?

Why didnt you just replace the sub frame, they can be picked up for nothing.

[henk4]

Originally Posted by UCR

Did half the sub frame rust?

Why didnt you just replace the sub frame, they can be picked up for nothing.

it was bit more than just that, rust appeared to creeping in at a lot of places at the same time. Outer sill was crumbling to pieces