Mk1 MR2.....What to look for?

[qwerty]

Have recently been looking at Mk1 MR2's, and was wondering what to look out for?? I'm guessing rust, rust and yet more rust? Where do they go? What are they like to drive/own on a day to day basis?

I'm guessing the 4age is a cracking little engine but whats bst to check on that? I'm really surprised by the reasonableness of the insurance and I've fancied one for a long while now so now maybe the time!!

[montythemole]

Rust! Specially around rear arches!

[qwerty]

Rear Arches and sills? The one I'm looking at has a bit of crust on the bottom of the rear valance and back of the rear arch. Are new panels easy to get if it gets to that point??

[angle]

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[dollywobbler]

Rust, cambelts, neglect.

Really nice to drive an aside from keeping an eye out for rust, absolutely no reason not to use one daily. Quite good on fuel if you can resist the appeal of revving the nuts off the engine - which is not easy!

[qwerty]

May 25, 2008 19:41:42 GMT angle said:

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That is all.

Holy Hell!! I think I've decided.......

Eurgh!! I'm really enjoying my Cinq at the moment but it needs work and it seems like it'll never be cool....enough..... The MR2 appeals because of the sheer 80's class, apparent fantastic handling and J reliability. The downsides will be the extension on my loan and having to flog the Cinq.

What do you people think?

[dollywobbler]

Loan extensions = bad. I speak from personal experience.

[qwerty]

Yeah I know.....thats what really puts me off.......but i'm impatient and don't wanna wait till march. Or my dad would lend me the money, I suppose I could just s....sa.......save!

[angle]

Am I helping?

[qwerty]

Yes immensley ;D haha.

[DutyFreeSaviour]

I had one as a daily - it was a right hoot....... rear arches, sills, rear quarters go too but you MUST check the front end - even minor bumps will bend the slam panel, open the hatch and check it out thoroughly, they rust in their too (water leak from pipes to rad) although not too bad IIRC.
Engine wise - proper coolant/antifreeze and good servicing. Cylinder heads go easily as cooling can be marginal if neglected or it's ragged too much. Anything engine or clutch/gearbox seems iffy, it's not a good working environment unless you're a double jointed pygmy anorexic.....
I loved mine and it was one of the best cars I've had fir grin factor - but you WILL bury your right foot at every given opportunity. They are not that fast though, don't expect war speed.

For laughability, find one of the really early ones - mine came factory fitted with a towbar!!!! WTF

John

EDIT * - a well sorted one will have one of the best gearchanges ever IMO - it really gets to you - sounds weird but it's true!