|
|
|
|
25/05/2011
REVIEW By EWAN KENNEDY
|
|
|
Though best known for sensible cars, Toyota has produced quite a few sports models. The most interesting is a purebred mid-engined roadster with two seats named MR2, sometimes nicknamed Mister 2. Toyota MR2 was an excellent choice for those hankering after a Ferrari but with a rather more limited budget.
True sports models have a mid-engine as that layout gives the best possible balance and traction, though there are some drawbacks in the handling department.
Like many other mid-engined cars the Toyota MR2 can be tricky when it approaches its limit of adhesion. The difference between being in control and out of control is relatively narrow. Those without proper training and/or who drive in a sloppy manner should perhaps go for a less pure car than the MR2, though if you only want a cruiser and have no intention of driving it hard it may work fine for you.
Then again, do you really want a pure sports car that you won’t extend?
At-the-limit handling improved with the second-generation Toyota MR2 of March 1990 and again with a revamp of the suspension in February 1992. Nevertheless, it is still wise to exercise caution if you push the car hard on an unknown road.
The MR2 is typically Toyota in the reliability stakes in that it can run for years on end without problems. That is with good driving and maintenance, this is after all a sports model and some have been thrashed or even pushed to the limit at racetracks.
As it is strictly a two-seater, the Toyota MR2 is relatively spacious in its cabin because there's not need to compromise on squeezing in another pair of seats.
Boot space is better than average for a car of this type, mid-engined machines are notoriously bad in this aspect, but the Toyota is capable of holding a week's shopping, or even holiday luggage if you are careful with your packing.
Until the third-generation model of 2000 the Toyota MR2 was a closed coupe with a targa top, from then on it was a full convertible.
From October 1987 until March 1990 the sporty little MR2 was powered by a four-cylinder engine of just 1.6 litres. Later models had a 2.0-litre unit which significantly improved performance, though these cars are still far from being the powerhouses you would expect from their appearance. The MR2 convertible has a high-tech 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and is by far the best in the performance stakes.
A conventional five-speed manual gearbox is fitted in all versions of the coupe. However, the convertible has a sequential setup in which the driver doesn't have to use a clutch pedal but still has to make all their own gearchanges. Like all of its type the sequential manual is an acquired taste but not too bad once you get the hang of it.
The sequential manual gearbox has five forward ratios until late 2002 when a six-speed unit was installed,
This Toyota sports is not an easy car to work on as the mid-mounted engine/transmission assembly is hard to reach. Professional mechanics generally remove the complete transaxle and work on it on a bench. If you don't have the equipment to do this yourself this may prove a very expensive car to repair.
Spare parts are reasonably priced, but bits of the first generation MR2s are now becoming rare. The Toyota dealer network is huge but the remote agents probably won't have parts in stock. Naturally, these people can order parts in should you find yourself stranded in the bush.
Insurance companies tend to be wary of sports cars, and this Toyota is certainly a full-on sports machine of the type that makes insurers nervous. Shop around for the best deal but make sure you are comparing apples with apples, and ask questions if one company seems to be a lot cheaper than the others.
Toyota MR2 quietly disappeared from the Australia market in March 2006, though some may not have been sold and registered until quite late in the year.
Although the Toyota MR2 was a victim partly of its quirky gearbox, it died chiefly because of the swing away from sporty models amongst trendy buyers.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Signs of competition use in an MR2 are usually easy to spot: look for a roll-cage; extra instruments (though sometimes they are there for show and not go); bigger wheels and tyres; a body kit; sports seats, and so on.
Look for heavy brake-dust buildup on the insides of the wheels and on the front suspension components. Uneven tyre wear caused by hard cornering is easy to spot - be suspicious of tyres that have recently been renewed.
Look for previously repaired crash damage: sight along the length of the panels for a ripply finish indicating they have been panel beaten; look for a mismatch in paint colours between panels; see if there are any small paint spots on unpainted areas such as glass and plastic parts.
Finally, check for poorly repaired areas of body in out of sight areas such as in the front 'bonnet', the rear boot and the engine compartment.
Severe engine wear may make one of these Toyotas reluctant to start. It’s usually worst when stone cold so try to arrange to get to the engine first thing in the morning.
If the engine smokes from the exhaust and/or the oil filler plug it’s probably due for a major overhaul. Smoking is at its worst when the engine is left to idle for a minute or so, then accelerated hard.
Gearchanges should be smooth and easy, as should clutch movement.
Have a good look at the interior, including under the carpets, in case an MR2 convertible has been caught out in the rain with its top down.
CAR BUYING TIP
With any sports model it pays to contact a car club specialising in the particular model, some of the general sporting car clubs can also provide handy information from enthusiastic owners.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print Article
Submit Feedback
Email This Article
