1997 Toyota MR2 GT T-Bar 2.0

Summary:

Nice compromise of reasonable performance, amazing looks

Faults:

Maybe I bought the car at a bad mileage (70,000).. but quite a lot of things broke or needed to be replaced between that and 90,000.

Now I suppose there is the possibility that the mileage was incorrect (Even though I got a good bit of history with the car).

I used it as a 2nd weekend car, so it often spent time (sometimes weeks or months) parked up. The brakes basically seized up and the alternator packed it in as well.

So had to replace all four brake disks and front calipers (as well as all pads). The cost was about 2000e Euro.

Replaced the alternator (400e).

The clutch packed it in also, and had to be replaced (500e).

Engine started to misfire badly, so replaced plugs and plug leads (solved the problem).

Sump developed a leak... got it welded (cheap fix).

Roof leaked constantly on wet days.

My car had the leather interior, which is very nice and essential if you choose the T-Bar roof (due to water leaks mentioned earlier)... but the driver's side leather seat was wearing heavily. The side bolster was falling apart at 90,000 miles.

Red paint fades very badly if the car is not garaged.

General Comments:

My MR2 was a Rev3. The car is a real looker. Absolutely gorgeous from every angle, and when you consider the paltry money that you can buy one for... a great bargain.

Great fun to drive on twisty country B-roads; the balance is superb, and as long as you keep the revs high, the performance is good. Driving fast on a motorway, I found could be a bit scary, because the car is very light, and cross winds unsettle it.

The suspension is way too firm, and makes the car uncomfortable and downright dangerous over bumpy or broken road surfaces.

Acceleration is pretty fast, and when you consider it's only a normally aspirated 2.0 litre.. it's not bad at all.

Overall a good compromise of reasonable performance and amazing looks. My advice would be to buy a good one and wait a couple of years until they start to get scarce.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th May, 2010

1997 Toyota MR2 GT 2.0

Summary:

Living legend

Faults:

Nothing yet (touch wood)! Had to buy a new tyre for the front and replace the cam-belt when I bought it.

General Comments:

I'd always wanted one of these cars, and was not disappointed when I got it.

It's pretty quick top end, but a little sluggish off the mark, and needs pushing pretty hard if you want to race any muppets at the lights.

Not the most comfy car, as I'm 6ft 2in tall, but I manage to get in and out OK.

The car is 11 years old, but still looks the part, and still turns the odd head.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2009

1997 Toyota MR2 GT T-Bar 2.0 16v petrol

Faults:

Excessive noise from passenger side door/targa seals.

Front and rear tracking off - destroyed front tyres in 20,000 miles, though only took about 2,000 miles off rear. Tooyota charged me twice to do the 4 wheel alignment.

General Comments:

Brilliant as long as you keep the engine buzzing. Below about 4000rpm it's disappointing. Needs a longer top gear for motorway cruising. Handling is unmatched by anything in this class except maybe the Alfa Spider/GTV and the Lotus Elise.

Tyre costs for the standard fit Yokohamas are ridiculous.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 1999

1997 Toyota MR2 GT-Tbar 2.0 petrol

Faults:

Minor things such as squeaks and rattles (although you can expect this from a T-Top). The windscreen washer on the passenger side wasn't aligned correctly when I used it for the first time (a minor point, but something you'd think they would check before it left the garage).

General Comments:

Slightly disappointed with the low end power, you have to rev the car to get anything out of it. Otherwise, in it's price range I think it's the prettiest 2 seater on the market, with a fair amount of power as well. Turbo versions are awesome.

Although expensive to run (fuel consumption) you expect it from a car with nearly 200bhp! Servicing cheap though, £100 for a major 9,000 mile service and you'll always get the Toyota reliability. Cold, wet or sunshine it's started first time every time no questions !

Otherwise, no problems whatsoever with the car. Typical Toyota build quality in an excellent 2 seater, rear wheel drive sports car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd November, 1997