1986 Toyota MR2 1.6 4 cylinder

Summary:

Great fun car to own and drive!

Faults:

I have had to replace the alternator. I was getting the "3 lights of death" on the dash (brake, fan, and battery). The voltmeter spiked at 18v repeatedly as well as headlights dimming while driving, and radio not functioning. It was due to the voltage regulator within the alternator going bad.

Steering wheel has sun damage.

Paint starting to slightly fade on trunk/deck lid.

Had to replace exhaust after catalytic converter, including muffler.

Headlight switch won't press in to service the lights. Not a problem really.

General Comments:

I have had absolutely the most fun driving this vehicle. I have been a fan since I was a kid. My father owned a 1986 MR2, which he has since given to my younger brother (his is still running great as well). Mine has a shade under 67,000 original miles on it as of June, 8 2010.

The MR2 handles extremely well, and has power to match its performance. Ride comfort, especially the seats (after 1986 the seats weren't as comfortable). I never get tired of motoring in this car! I expect my MR2 to be around for quite a few more years.

It still turns heads wherever it goes. The styling of these cars is awesome! Although, it does get mistaken for a Pontiac Fiero quite often.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th June, 2010

1986 Toyota MR2 1.6

Summary:

A once in a lifetime chance to own one

Faults:

I suffered a major oil leak in this otherwise perfect car, at 130000 miles.

General Comments:

I'm 53 years old. I've owned 10 cars in my lifetime. I'm currently driving a 2010 Corolla S. When I was younger and single, I attended the Chicago Auto Show back in February of 1985. This is when I was introduced to the car of my future. When I saw it at the show, I said to myself, I've got to have this car! Three years later, I bought a used MR2 from a Toyota dealer. It was "jade" green with a sunroof and the famous baby whale spoiler. It was just a cool car to have. Hands down to this day, my MR2 was absolutely, positively the BEST car I have "ever" driven.

Back in the day, driving on the highways, people would turn their heads and gawk at me, I got noticed by hookers, and unfortunately got noticed by the local cops.

My MR2 cornered, accelerated, and handled like a learner's car to race at Indy. The buttery smooth shifting 5 speed spoiled me because I've never driven a stick as good since I sold my MR2.

I'm seriously thinking about purchasing another one, if I can find one in great shape.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2010

1986 Toyota MR2 1.6

Summary:

Sell it while it still runs

Faults:

The car would shudder and die and not start for 45 minutes to an hour.

I replaced the alternator, battery, and all electronics, including the computer, under the hood every year. I did it myself to save money and eventually gave up and took it to the garage.

General Comments:

I was madly in love with this car, all the previous comments about the cars super performance and handling are true. I'm glad the car only weighs 2100 pounds, because I had to push the car over 40 times, up hill, in drive ways, out of turn lane intersections. Its like the car knew when it was the most inconvenient time to stop running.

The last eight months of ownership the car spent most of its time in the garage. I first took it to a automotive electrical specialty shop, then the dealer. Hats off to both of them, they gave the car back to me after months and did not charge me a dime, they could not fix it.

I wound up giving the car away to a friend who was in love with it. $1200 later he got the car running again, but for how long?

The odd twist to this tale is a year later I got a 96 Toyota Corolla that did the same thing. You can look up that review also, for now I never want to hear the name Toyota again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th September, 2007

23rd Oct 2007, 16:11

I've never known anyone to break down in any car 40 times; you must be one of the unluckiest mr2 owners in the world. I think after the first 10-15 times I had to push it, I would have taken a sledge hammer to it. I've owned two MR2 MK1'S and never once broke down or had to push them. I've had my current MR2 (89plate) for almost two years now. I looked into the cars history and out of six previous owners, it had broken down three times; twice was from a flat battery and the third was faulty alternator. I think your car may have been possessed or something.

As for the 96 Corolla; I don't know much about them, except the 80's corollas shared the same engine as the MK1 MR2's. Strange how both of your Toyota's, 10 years apart did the same thing. As I said previously they must have been possessed. Maybe instead of a mechanic you need a priest to perform an exorcism.

Thanks! (mr2 owner).

22nd Jan 2008, 12:35

Your ignition module was overheating and going bad... Even purchasing a new distributor and coil won't fix it. You have to replace the ignition control module itself, and that would go double for the Corolla you had, they are notorious for it, MR2's are not.