Toyota MR2 Mk1 Review

Overall Rating

Bit of a Review and also a bit of a Buyers Guide. You'll want one after this! :)

Why the Mark 1 Toyota MR2? (1987-1990)

Firstly and fore mostly; they are seriously fun to drive! Just ask any Mk1 owner, and watch as a massive cheesy grin appears across their face. It will happen! :)



80's rocket ship styling

Removable glass roof (T-Bar model)

Very light weight

Engine revs up to 8,000 RPM

True sports car handling - refined by Lotus

Toyota reliability

Toyota build quality

Lots of electrical toys - EW, CL, EA, EM, etc

Light steering - Mid Engined

Excellent value for money

Excellent investment

Cheap Tax (£180 a year)

Very cheap to insure, even on a standard policy

Qualifies for 'classic car insurance'

Stands out from the crowd - a 80's Classic





So, what's the not so good stuff about these cars?



Rust - that's what kills most of them:

Wheel arches + wings front and back

Bottom of B-Pillar by door switch

A-Pillar by hinges

Sills

Exhausts



Many have had lots of previous owners (8-20!)

Many have very little history, due to the above.

Rarer leather interior fitted to the T-Bar model is often ripped and beyond repair.

Even the best T-Bar example will leak a little in heavy rain - THEY ALL DO! Manny T-Bars will leak a lot, but this can be dramaticly improved with the right know how. Beware of sellers who claim they never leak

A common fault is that some will pop-out of 5th gear, there is a good technique to test this. Always ask.

Name badges, stripes and stickers on bumpers and wings missing. Indicating a re-spray, but on a tight budget as not to replace these items.

Electric aerials often to not work and are very costly to replace.







I think I'd like to try one of these, any other advice?



As with most cars and particular with classic cars - You get what you pay for. Always buy the best example you can afford, this will ultimately save you money in the long term - even make you some. That's a lesson learnt many years ago. Buying from a Mk1 MR2 specialist - such as ourselves - can safe you a lot of heartbreak, time and your hard earned pay. A good specialist will only buy the best cars available, and they will know their onions, or Mk1 MR2's in this case. Example of a potentially very good Mr2:



1989 Toyota MR2 T-Bar, AW11

3 Previous Owners

Excelent original leather interior

Original Bill of sale!

MOT 8-12 Months

82,000 miles

Extensive folder full of service history - Mainly Toyota

15 Old MOT's to verify the mileage

Original Handbooks and roof shades and bags

3 Month Warranty



A very original example in superb condition. Viewing welcomed, call me anytime if you have any questions or to arrange a viewing or test drive.





Tell tale signs of a potentiality sub-standard MR2:



1989 Toyota MR2, T-Bar

8 Owners

Average condition leather seats

No leaks from T-Bar roofs, ever

6 Months MOT

135,000 miles

Not much rust

Had full history but the last owner didn't pass it on as his next door neighbours, uncles mate misplaced it. Then the fish ate it. But it's like a new car!



Very good condition. (Photos taken at night, in the rain or when car is wet(to give the illusion of a good paint finish) - beware!)



Note: There are a lot of bad cars out there that people claim are in very good condition, BEWARE. If in doubt - then go and check it out. And check peoples feedback for other cars they have sold. What did the customer say?





Conclusion

I hope that this guide will be useful to you, it's taken me about 2 hours to put together! Let me know if it is, I would appreciate that :). If you are after just a good condition MR2 Mk1 then happy hunting, there are some out there but they will undoubtingly need a bit of cash spending on the body, gearbox and the usual areas that these cheaper less cared for examples have perish. HOWEVER, if your after a near Concourse condition Mk1, a low mileage 'Minter' or even just an exclent everyday car that will be the envy of all your friends - get in touch and check to see if we have your MR2 in stock today! Our official website adress can be found via our E-Bay Profile, and be sure to check out our e-bay items.



*For complete peace of mind contact us about our Mk1 MR2 Warenty Program.





Best Regards



D. Crisp

Managing Director
Superb Classics and Sports Ltd

www.superbclassics.co.uk