I have been in the market the past six months or so, gotten a bit more serious in the past two since an FJ-40 deal I made fell through.
My thoughts, after over 10 cars in person, twenty or so online where I talked to the owner on the phone and three PPIs:
- Rust in all the wrong places. There are some really good forums that have printable outlines of the 2002 and where to look. Tons of pics as well.
- Prices are all over the map and there doesn't seem to be rational correlates between region of the country, condition of the car (for average to good examples), except for Roundies versus squares! Tii versus carb'ed.
- Lots of poorly executed mods...originals are hard to find at a reasonable price.
- For an old sports car, after market and OEM parts are readily available.
- Don't buy a project unless you know what your are getting into.
- I had one in HS and college and they are not nearly as fast as I remember...still handle well but a Ford Focus would grab a 2002 like a rag and shake it. You have to want, as they say, to drive fast slow. These aren't Rocket Ships.
- They have aged well in the looks department. I really like driving them as well...I had forgotten how much glass the car has. After driving a 356 for a few years I few like I am sitting in a glass atrium when I'm in a 2002.
I am close to a deal on one, PPI results forthcoming when the roads clear
Send me the link to the thing. I promise not to chase it unless you wave off.
Best.