Looking at buying a '00 Toyota MR2. Need Suggestions.

Rock Slide · 03-20-2007, 09:06 AM

A good friend of mine is looking to buy a '00 MR2, 5spd w/ only 19K miles. The car looks to be in amazing condition to be 7yrs old. The leather seats don't even show any sign of wear. The car looks brand new.

Since I know ZERO about MR2s, I told her I'd ask around for her. Can someone advice me of any reason(s) why I should steer my friend clear of these cars? This will be more of a "weekend joyride" car for her by the way.

I know it's a Toyota, but I did not know if the '00s had any major engine, trans, ect, ect type issues that were common.

2KTacoma · 03-20-2007, 10:20 AM

Drive it on dry roads only, because of the rear engine/ rear drive setup these like to do 180 on wet roads and in the rain. As a fun weekend car its great, good mileage, sporty. As a DD I would suggest against it.

Yota Tony · 03-20-2007, 10:58 AM

If she's not use to to a RWD rear engine car then there are some issues like mentioned above that she will have to deal with.

TJ_Shunk · 03-20-2007, 12:51 PM

I had an old Fiero that I drove as DD in Northern NH for a few years. The RWD Rear engine vehicles aren't that bad. Snow was interesting though a few times. I never had an issue in rain. There are little things with a RWD that takes getting used to though. Man I miss that Fiero.

EuphoricKaty80 · 03-20-2007, 12:52 PM

I had one when i was married and i LOVED it....great gas milage. comfortable and ALOT of fun to drive!

Rock Slide · 03-20-2007, 12:56 PM

Good point. Had not thought about the RWD aspect.

As far a being an overall well built Toyota, is there anything mechanically that stands out as a flaw for this year model? I.E., do these models have any common symptoms across the board to steer potential buyers away?

chimmike · 03-20-2007, 01:12 PM

they're tiny, and slow. REALLY tiny. underpowered.

EuphoricKaty80 · 03-20-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chimmike

they're tiny, and slow. REALLY tiny. underpowered.

the one that i had was a 00 and it was not slow by any stretch of the imagination....they are small but if you are only using it for a weekend ride then who cares!!

EuphoricKaty80 · 03-20-2007, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock Slide

Good point. Had not thought about the RWD aspect.

As far a being an overall well built Toyota, is there anything mechanically that stands out as a flaw for this year model? I.E., do these models have any common symptoms across the board to steer potential buyers away?

The only thing i can say is that if you dont have the money to fix it dont buy it....you cannot fix anything on it for less than $750....NOTHING. they are mid engine and they have to tear alot of s*** off to get to anything!

breknraj · 03-20-2007, 05:04 PM

I drove Porsche 914's for years - year 'round. While you are not going to be doing any drift busting with such a car - as long as you have good snow tires in the winter (NOT all season POS!), then they are great winter vehicles.

Rear mid-engine puts most of the weight over the drive wheels (sound a bit like FWD?), and there is NO torque steer, so it will have very predictable handling. If the driver has only driven FWD before, then they should take their time getting to know the differences (maybe do a little reading, as well).

I guess that I'm somewhat Neanderthal about my vehicles -- I keep going out of my way to find RWD on my cars. I have never been a fan of FWD, as I find the handling of RWD to be far superior (as long as you have the proper accoutrements to go with them). BTW, I drive a 1990 BMW 535i year 'round, these days.

111db · 03-20-2007, 05:23 PM

I had an 86 MR2 for awhile, totally different machine. It was tiny, but a lot of fun to drive.

Texas Jim · 03-20-2007, 09:03 PM

doe this have the supercharger or twin turbo? I am not sure which the put in them in the later years, but fun for the dollar they are!!! If it is the stockengine the twin cam 16 valve with TVIS it is still a hot little car. you just have to drive in the power band. The twin cam doesn't start breathing until 3250RPM you will notice when you test drive. I hope it's a five speed. you will have much greater control over the engine revs. remember to keep above 3250 RPM's and dive it like you stole it!!! It will be one of the funnest cars you have ever driven!!! They are not underpowered you can get into plenty of trouble with what came stock. I would equate it to driving an underpowered Indy car or Forulma One. It handles like a dream don't be afraid to do hell toe shifting and breaking to get all has. In fact if you really want to enjoy it both take a driving school at someplace like Skip Barber, for road race cares!!! You will always injoy it!!! but do check your insurence on it first. depending on wherer you live it could be costly.... I have shifted that car many times from fifth to third and get the r's up and you will be supriser what it will do.....TJ

Toys-R-Us · 03-21-2007, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock Slide

As far a being an overall well built Toyota, is there anything mechanically that stands out as a flaw for this year model? I.E., do these models have any common symptoms across the board to steer potential buyers away?

same motor as the celica gt/corolla. so, there shouldn't be any mechanical issues.

chimmike · 03-21-2007, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Jim

doe this have the supercharger or twin turbo? I am not sure which the put in them in the later years,

dude, neither. You guys are thinking about the early 90s MR2. the 2000 MR2 is the new, super tiny MR2 that has a screaming 120hp.

It is neither supercharged nor turbocharged.

chimmike · 03-21-2007, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EuphoricKaty80

the one that i had was a 00 and it was not slow by any stretch of the imagination....they are small but if you are only using it for a weekend ride then who cares!!

it's a high 15, low 16 second car........so not to be offensive or anything, but your opinion of it not being slow, is, well, not backed by numbers

The fastest MR2s were the early 90s turbo models. Those weren't produced in the late 90s, then the super tiny MR2 came out. It's been a flop, and IIRC they stopped selling it a couple of years ago.

Texas Jim · 03-21-2007, 08:13 AM

the orgionals MR-2 were only 112 hp, so the are still a good runner if you know how to dive the car!! TJ.

chimmike · 03-21-2007, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Jim

the orgionals MR-2 were only 116 hp, so the are still a good runner if you know how to dive the car!! TJ.

meh, that was in the 80s, and they were supercharged too, haha.

nowadays, 12x hp is nothin.

Rock Slide · 03-21-2007, 09:26 AM

Well, from what everyone has said, this '00 MR2 sounds like a good overall buy as a weekend car for my friend.

She's going to go look at it today, so I guess I'll know soon whether or not she likes it enough to buy it.

Thanks for all the input.

Toys-R-Us · 03-21-2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chimmike

dude, neither. You guys are thinking about the early 90s MR2. the 2000 MR2 is the new, super tiny MR2 that has a screaming 120hp.

140hp actually. same output as the recently discontinued celica gt 1zz-fe

03-20-2007, 09:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Rock Slide Contributing Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: B'ham, AL... 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD Posts: 1,693	Looking at buying a '00 Toyota MR2. Need Suggestions. A good friend of mine is looking to buy a '00 MR2, 5spd w/ only 19K miles. The car looks to be in amazing condition to be 7yrs old. The leather seats don't even show any sign of wear. The car looks brand new. Since I know ZERO about MR2s, I told her I'd ask around for her. Can someone advice me of any reason(s) why I should steer my friend clear of these cars? This will be more of a "weekend joyride" car for her by the way. I know it's a Toyota, but I did not know if the '00s had any major engine, trans, ect, ect type issues that were common. __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD My 4Runner Profile Accessories: SS 7.1 Lift Kit, WabFab 1" BL, TJM T15, Stubb Sliders, FX/TSX HID Headlight Retrofit, 1st Gen Rollbar, Tundra Brake Upgrade, Hilux Surf Field Monitor, TRD I.S. Wheels, Nitto TG 265/75s, Hella HID 4000s, Tint, Black Pearl Emblems, Clear Corners, TRD Decals, JBL Door Speakers Mods: Disabled DRLs, Disabled Keyless Entry Chirp, Disabled VTRAC/VSC/ABS, Fog Light Mod, Air Elbow Mod, Ashtray Mod, Mud Flap Mod, Rear Diff Breather Mod

03-20-2007, 10:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
2KTacoma Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 159	Drive it on dry roads only, because of the rear engine/ rear drive setup these like to do 180 on wet roads and in the rain. As a fun weekend car its great, good mileage, sporty. As a DD I would suggest against it. __________________ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silver 2000 Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab V6 5spd SR5 Now with URD short shifter and Milled polyurethane shifter seat Hella FF1000 Driving Lights

03-20-2007, 10:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
Yota Tony Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,066	If she's not use to to a RWD rear engine car then there are some issues like mentioned above that she will have to deal with. __________________ Anthony 93 ZJ - Stockish (HP D60 Front, 14 Bolt Rear, 231/D300 Crawl Box...awaiting 40" tires) Ballistic Crap Missile ILikeMud.net Mallcrawlin.com SOTRA

03-20-2007, 12:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
TJ_Shunk Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cheyenne, WY Posts: 198	I had an old Fiero that I drove as DD in Northern NH for a few years. The RWD Rear engine vehicles aren't that bad. Snow was interesting though a few times. I never had an issue in rain. There are little things with a RWD that takes getting used to though. Man I miss that Fiero. __________________ 97 4Runner Dubbed "Moose" (\__/) (='.'=) This is Bunny. Copy and paste bunny into your (")_(") signature to help him gain world domination.

03-20-2007, 12:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
Rock Slide Contributing Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: B'ham, AL... 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD Posts: 1,693	Good point. Had not thought about the RWD aspect. As far a being an overall well built Toyota, is there anything mechanically that stands out as a flaw for this year model? I.E., do these models have any common symptoms across the board to steer potential buyers away? __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD My 4Runner Profile Accessories: SS 7.1 Lift Kit, WabFab 1" BL, TJM T15, Stubb Sliders, FX/TSX HID Headlight Retrofit, 1st Gen Rollbar, Tundra Brake Upgrade, Hilux Surf Field Monitor, TRD I.S. Wheels, Nitto TG 265/75s, Hella HID 4000s, Tint, Black Pearl Emblems, Clear Corners, TRD Decals, JBL Door Speakers Mods: Disabled DRLs, Disabled Keyless Entry Chirp, Disabled VTRAC/VSC/ABS, Fog Light Mod, Air Elbow Mod, Ashtray Mod, Mud Flap Mod, Rear Diff Breather Mod Last edited by Rock Slide : 03-20-2007 at 12:58 PM.

03-20-2007, 12:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
EuphoricKaty80 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,408	I had one when i was married and i LOVED it....great gas milage. comfortable and ALOT of fun to drive!

03-20-2007, 01:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
chimmike Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: SRQ, FL Posts: 1,539	they're tiny, and slow. REALLY tiny. underpowered. __________________ '03 350z Turbocharged (totalled :( ) '04 Honda Accord LX V6 (first bone stock car I've owned in a while) 94 4runner SR5 4x4, 31x10.5's, SAS, Warn M8000 winch, Allpro bumper, Summit (K&N FIPK in different wrapping) CAI, flowmaster muff, 5.29's FOR SALE! '07 Harley-Davidson XL1200c, rush slip-ons

03-20-2007, 05:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
breknraj Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Summit County, Colorado Posts: 871	I drove Porsche 914's for years - year 'round. While you are not going to be doing any drift busting with such a car - as long as you have good snow tires in the winter (NOT all season POS!), then they are great winter vehicles. Rear mid-engine puts most of the weight over the drive wheels (sound a bit like FWD?), and there is NO torque steer, so it will have very predictable handling. If the driver has only driven FWD before, then they should take their time getting to know the differences (maybe do a little reading, as well). I guess that I'm somewhat Neanderthal about my vehicles -- I keep going out of my way to find RWD on my cars. I have never been a fan of FWD, as I find the handling of RWD to be far superior (as long as you have the proper accoutrements to go with them). BTW, I drive a 1990 BMW 535i year 'round, these days. __________________ Raj : 1960 Homo Sapien. 192cm, Blonde, Blue. Soon to lose spare tire. Worf : 1990 SR5 Xtracab 4x4 5 speed, Inca Red Metallic. 3.4 converted, with Taco 5 spoke alloys, 275/65R16 BFG AT K/Os. Soon to add rear e-locker.

03-20-2007, 05:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
111db Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 1,196	I had an 86 MR2 for awhile, totally different machine. It was tiny, but a lot of fun to drive. __________________ Jon *97 4Runner 3.4 4.88's * ARB Lockers F/R * ARB compressor * Sonoran Steel numba 1 * 285 BFG AT/KO * TJM 17 * BudBuilt Skids * Stubbs Sliders & BBQ sauce * Irbis out back * Various Electronic Gadgets**

03-20-2007, 09:03 PM	#12 (permalink)
Texas Jim Banned Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 0	doe this have the supercharger or twin turbo? I am not sure which the put in them in the later years, but fun for the dollar they are!!! If it is the stockengine the twin cam 16 valve with TVIS it is still a hot little car. you just have to drive in the power band. The twin cam doesn't start breathing until 3250RPM you will notice when you test drive. I hope it's a five speed. you will have much greater control over the engine revs. remember to keep above 3250 RPM's and dive it like you stole it!!! It will be one of the funnest cars you have ever driven!!! They are not underpowered you can get into plenty of trouble with what came stock. I would equate it to driving an underpowered Indy car or Forulma One. It handles like a dream don't be afraid to do hell toe shifting and breaking to get all has. In fact if you really want to enjoy it both take a driving school at someplace like Skip Barber, for road race cares!!! You will always injoy it!!! but do check your insurence on it first. depending on wherer you live it could be costly.... I have shifted that car many times from fifth to third and get the r's up and you will be supriser what it will do.....TJ

03-21-2007, 08:13 AM	#16 (permalink)
Texas Jim Banned Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 0	the orgionals MR-2 were only 112 hp, so the are still a good runner if you know how to dive the car!! TJ. Last edited by Texas Jim : 03-21-2007 at 09:24 PM.

03-21-2007, 09:26 AM	#18 (permalink)
Rock Slide Contributing Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: B'ham, AL... 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD Posts: 1,693	Well, from what everyone has said, this '00 MR2 sounds like a good overall buy as a weekend car for my friend. She's going to go look at it today, so I guess I'll know soon whether or not she likes it enough to buy it. Thanks for all the input. __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD My 4Runner Profile Accessories: SS 7.1 Lift Kit, WabFab 1" BL, TJM T15, Stubb Sliders, FX/TSX HID Headlight Retrofit, 1st Gen Rollbar, Tundra Brake Upgrade, Hilux Surf Field Monitor, TRD I.S. Wheels, Nitto TG 265/75s, Hella HID 4000s, Tint, Black Pearl Emblems, Clear Corners, TRD Decals, JBL Door Speakers Mods: Disabled DRLs, Disabled Keyless Entry Chirp, Disabled VTRAC/VSC/ABS, Fog Light Mod, Air Elbow Mod, Ashtray Mod, Mud Flap Mod, Rear Diff Breather Mod

03-21-2007, 04:30 PM	#20 (permalink)