MR2 Spyder?

I drooled over this car when I was 17 years old. Back then they were around $25k brand new and I was broke.

Fast forward 18 years and I’m seeing some listings at 3, 5, 7 grand. I need to buy a home first, looking at September for that.

Any MR2 owners here? I’m keeping my Taco of course and I need the Prius for Lyft when business comes back after the virus stuff tones down. I’ve never owned a sports car but always kinda wanted one. Cheap fun or money pit with the MR2?

 

Y

ou're talking about this, right?

 

Yeppers. That's a pretty nice one too.

 

I found it on Wikipedia

 

Lol it's all good.

 

Fairly reliable, powered by a 1ZZ Corolla engine so the common Corolla engine problems those years will apply to this (something in the back of my head says there was one particular fault that was common). Just enough power to be peppy, not enough to blow socks off. If you want more power look at a 2ZZ swap from a Celica GTS or forced induction (the rods will pop like a champagne flute over 5psi of boost.)

Inspect the convertible top well before exchanging money. Check the chin of the front bumper and under vehicle for evidence of grounding over speed bumps. Test drive and make sure steering and suspension are responsive with no play.

Any specific questions?

 

MR2 Spyder has 2ZZ coupled to the 5sp instead of the 6sp. Transmission is supposedly interchangeable. To me, MR2S is slow, light, and nimble like the Miata. Aftermarket support is not as extensive, but if stock is desired, it will do just fine.

What's the plan or the expectation for an MR2 Spyder?

 

I’m about 99% sure it’s a 1ZZ engine. 2ZZ was never offered in the Spyder in the US. Not trying to be argumentative but there’s 40hp difference between the engines.

 

You're right, I stand corrected.

 

Great little cars, but do your research on it's flaws so you know what to look for when doing your car search. It should provide many years and miles of automobile bliss.

 

I've got an 87 supercharged.

 

Basically a fun toy and project car to play with. Not sure how far I would go on mods though.

 

I was more a Miata guy when I did track days. Little suspension work, good tires, and a good alignment will make the Spyder a lot more fun and capable in the twistys. Always more entertaining to wring everything out of a lightweight low powered car to me.

 

I had a Ninja 250 motorcycle back in college. This car sounds a lot like that kind of experience.