1986 Toyota MR2 Reviews

Not a thing!

It's the best thing I've ever bought. Not the best CAR, but the best THING. THE most fun I've had driving. So I'm not sure I can be very objective in my review, but I've not spent anything unexpected on it, use it infrequently, and it always runs perfectly.

Admittedly it's not got the creature comfort of power steering, but that is the only thing I can think of that's missing (and it's only noticeable when you're parking up really).

Boot space is negligible, but not really the type of car you drive to move things around in. The Supercharger one (mine's a Japanese import) is apparently much better than the NA version, but I've never tried the latter.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.