Pelican Parts
Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   Pelican Parts Forums > Miscellaneous and Off Topic Forums > Off Topic Discussions


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Rate Thread
Author
Thread Post New Thread    Reply
Cogito Ergo Sum
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 29,791
Garage
'02 MR2 Spyder? RLH?

I don't want to hear from the all toyota's are crap crowd either...


Alright... Anybody had one? How big of a PITA are they to work on? How bad are parts $$?

Dad has it in his head that one would be a decent little car to have around for him and mom to run to town in to keep the miles off the megacab dodge since I am driving their Corolla now and they have an aversion to driving the '44. I realize its no boxster, but are they moderately fun to drive? Dad's got a line on a decent deal.. Should he get it or RLH(run like hell)?

Oh and I'm emailing the link to him... So keep yourselves in check boys, we've got guests....

Old 04-21-2010, 10:41 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #1 (permalink)
Registered
 
jwhcars's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Central Pa
Posts: 379
The people I know that have had the MR2 spyder where very pleased with them. Even the ones that got modded and driven hard where reliable cars. They are fun cars to drive and parts are priced just like any other Toyota. Working on them from what I have seen is not a problem. Heck it is a Toyota ...... you change the oil and filters as needed and it will last longer than most other cars.
__________________
2 - 75 914 Sold 76 912E Sold
81 911SC Sold 05 Boxster Sold
06 Cayman S Sold 14 Cayman S
14 Explorer XLT DD
Old 04-22-2010, 03:00 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #2 (permalink)
ZOO ZOO is offline
Registered
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,513
The standard complaint is that luggage space is really limited. The second most common criticism is they are not Miatas

I've never driven one, but I have "played" chase on the track with several well-prepped examples. They look like decent cars that are fun to drive.
Old 04-22-2010, 03:24 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #3 (permalink)
Kantry Member
 
oldE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: N.S. Can
Posts: 6,844
No direct experience with gen III MR2, but I recall the Sports Car International comparison of the MR2 and Miata judged the Toyota to be the better sports car but noted it had almost no trunk space. The front compartment was taken up with the spare tire and a large plastic cover. Throwing out the spare and adding a can of 'fix-a-flat' might be in order.

Les
__________________
Best
Les
My train of thought has been replaced by a bumper car.
Old 04-22-2010, 03:29 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #4 (permalink)
jyl jyl is online now
Registered
 
jyl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Nor California & Pac NW
Posts: 24,600
Garage
No experience w/ one, but for a grocery-getter I'd want something that could actually carry groceries . . .
Old 04-22-2010, 04:26 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #5 (permalink)
Friend of Warren
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 16,496
My wife had one for a couple of years and loved it. She just saw one for sale in a local used car lot and is lusting for it once again. Great car, never a problem. Typical good Toyota quality. Engine and drive train should be good for a couple of hundred thousand miles. Most of them are low mileage cars as they tended to just be used on weekends. Luggage space is laughable. Small soft bag in the front and that is about it.
__________________
Kurt V
No more Porsches, but a revolving number of motorcycles.
Old 04-22-2010, 05:09 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #6 (permalink)
 
Registered
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: seattle, WA
Posts: 809
friend had a first gen MR2 and didn't have any issues other than space as others have mentioned. showed him my 914 2litre and he drove that around abit and he said would take a 914 over the mr2.
__________________
ken
87 targa
Old 04-22-2010, 05:29 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #7 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Dana Point, Ca
Posts: 55,591
We went to look at them a few years ago but if two of you go to the store, the passenger will be holding whatever you buy.
Old 04-22-2010, 05:31 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #8 (permalink)
Registered
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Texas
Posts: 11,257
wife got one when new..
first gear is 'stupid' very short..
handles like a go-kart..
she got rid of it after 1 yr..
in the land of jacked to sky bubbas..
she felt very vulnerable..
folks just don't see them..

Rika
Old 04-22-2010, 05:38 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #9 (permalink)
Moderator
 
Z-man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 9,628
Garage
I had a MKII MR2 for a year or two -- loved it. Handled fantastic, and was fairly reliable.

I think the MKIII MR2 Syder is a decent little car - a baby-boxster of sorts. Keep in mind that you can get an early 986 Boxster for about the same price as a used MR2S. I think the Boxster is a better deal - more room, better motor, better handling -- better all-around car.
You may want to take a look at these Porsches...

-Z
__________________
2010 Cayman S - 12-2020 -
2014 MINI Cooper S Coupe - 05-17 - 05-21
1989 944S2 - 06-01 - 01-14
Carpe Viam.
<><
Old 04-22-2010, 05:55 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #10 (permalink)
Family Values
 
KaptKaos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 4,075
I have read that the sequential transmissions were problematic.
__________________
- Joe

Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves. - William Pitt
Old 04-22-2010, 06:38 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #11 (permalink)
Registered
 
Schumi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,179
The mkII turbo cars were some of the best cars to ever come from Japan IMO. Killer autocross cars. Ferrari-sized performance easily attainable. One of my best friends has one that, until a valve found it's way out the exhaust and into the turbo, was making 400 RWHP. This is an extreme case, with about $30K in the car, but still. I drove it and it was definitely one of fastest things I've set foot in.

The spyders? A lot softer car, made as a cheap chic-alternative to the Boxster. Still fun but given a mkII turbo vs. a mkIII spyder with the same miles and same price- the mkII is the winner hands down, regardless if it was made 10 years earlier.
__________________
M
Old 04-22-2010, 06:57 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #12 (permalink)
 
Cogito Ergo Sum
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 29,791
Garage
This thing won't see much hard driving... So it being a little "soft" isn't an issue....

And show me a decent boxster for 6k....
Old 04-22-2010, 10:06 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #13 (permalink)
New kid in town
 
71T Targa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,288
6k looks to be a really good price.
__________________
I wish I still had 9111113443...
Old 04-22-2010, 10:30 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #14 (permalink)
Run smooth, run fast
 
Heel n Toe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 13,447
Hey, SidneyPop... buy the thing... we all know Sid wants to borrow it every other day and give y'all back the keys to the Corolla.
__________________
- John
"We had a band powerful enough to turn goat piss into gasoline."
Old 04-22-2010, 11:36 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #15 (permalink)
unindicted co-conspirator
 
looneybin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 1,660
isn't the MR2 drivetrain the same as the Lotis Elise?
I've driven an MR2 & it was a fun car.
__________________
'03 996 - sport exhaust, sport seats, M030 sport suspension, stability control, IMS Solution
‘86 928S3 - barn find project car
Old 04-22-2010, 02:44 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #16 (permalink)
Banned
 
m21sniper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: South of Heaven
Posts: 21,159
How big and old is dad, because they're tiny. Getting into a car like that is not a pleasant experience for most men in their 40s.

And forget groceries, the car has virtually no storage space. That would be like buying a Chevrolet Suburban as an A/X car.

MR2's are cool little cars, one of the very few Toyotas i might buy. But they're just way overpriced.

Last edited by m21sniper; 04-22-2010 at 03:39 PM..
Old 04-22-2010, 03:36 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #17 (permalink)
Canucks Fan
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Posts: 2,216
always wanted a MR2, that and a RX7 are on my list, this is a very long list that will never be filled but if the right one at the right price came by it would be hard not to go for it
Old 04-23-2010, 04:55 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #18 (permalink)
The Unsettler
 
stomachmonkey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Lantanna TX
Posts: 23,885
Send a message via AIM to stomachmonkey
My mom has one. Yellow. She's getting close to 70. Loves it. Biggest bummer for her after her hip replacements was not being able to drive it for a couple of months. Fun little car.
__________________
"I want my two dollars"
"Goodbye and thanks for the fish"
"Proud Member and Supporter of the YWL"
"Brandon Won"
Old 04-23-2010, 05:13 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #19 (permalink)
Cogito Ergo Sum
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 29,791
Garage
Quote:
Originally Posted by Heel n Toe View Post
Hey, SidneyPop... buy the thing... we all know Sid wants to borrow it every other day and give y'all back the keys to the Corolla.
I like the way you think... They need to haul groceries and supplies for their business.... All I haul is college hotties.... They're more comfortable in a drop top anyways....
Quote:
Originally Posted by m21sniper View Post
How big and old is dad, because they're tiny. Getting into a car like that is not a pleasant experience for most men in their 40s.

And forget groceries, the car has virtually no storage space. That would be like buying a Chevrolet Suburban as an A/X car.

MR2's are cool little cars, one of the very few Toyotas i might buy. But they're just way overpriced.
Ya.... He's about 5'7" ~200lbs.... Not a big guy... But he complains about my 944.... In fact thats why its my 944.... He bought it and didn't like getting in and out of it....

Old 04-23-2010, 07:22 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #20 (permalink)
Reply


 


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 04:20 AM.


 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2025 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page
 

DTO Garage Plus vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.