1986 Toyota MR2 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Best money to performance ratio

Faults:

When I got the car it was idling a little higher than usual. The RPM meter would hang around 2000 RPM when on neutral and park. Later it accelerated rapidly and car wouldn't go below 4000 RPM. I found out that the throttle was stuck. That screw for regulating it was screwing itself. I put a stopper and fixed it where it has to be. No problems since then.

The air conditioning switch does not work.

The power window switch on passengers side doesn't work. Sometimes the one on the drivers side doesn't work either.

The steering wheel is heavy, but it might be because there is no power steering.

Driver's door is hanging a little, I don't know how to fix it.

The car does not respond as quick when pushing the gas pedal. Seems like there is a delay of several seconds until it will really start accelerating, no matter you push the gas pedal to the end.

General Comments:

This is my second car, and I like it better than my first one. anding on the road is great. It's fun to drive and very flexible. U turns are no problem on any street. The engine is really powerful for it's size and gives extra performance to all I know. It is a 10 sec car - poor man's porsche. Not much room for luggage, but it is truly a sporty car, there is no space for a big trunk. The vehicle also has enough head and leg space for me (I'm 5'11") and is as comfortable as a sporty car can get. I'm really happy with my purchase and I will keep it for as long as I can.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2002

1986 Toyota MR2 Standard 1.6 L from North America

Summary:

Better than you imagined

Faults:

When I first bought the car, the emergency brake lines were seized, and they needed to be replaced. But other than that, the car was in beautiful shape. There was no visible rust anywhere on the car, and everything interior wise was beautiful.

The only other problem I had with it was that the water pump gave out. The car did overheat, but did not cause any damage. I also replaced the worn alternator belt at this time. Both were at around 145000 km.

General Comments:

This car handles excellently, and has great speed and agility.

The ride is good, but there is not much room for upgrades in the audio department.

Overall, if you are a smaller person, the fit and finish of ergonomics are excellent.

This is one great first car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th January, 2002

1986 Toyota MR2 1.6 DOHC NA from North America

Summary:

Really fun but unreliable in my experience

Faults:

I got the car after it had been totalled and the rear quarters were rusted right through. Toyota wanted $1000 for each one so I got some guy to fix them for me.

It's burning oil bad. I need to do the rings and head gasket set. I can get the parts for about $250 but the real cost is labor on the damn mid engine car.

General Comments:

People like to stare at these cars and it's funny to see the looks on some peoples faces when you put stuff in the front trunk.

I bought this car because the motor went in my previous MR2 and I figured if I bought a smashed one I could use the parts from my other car.

I love the car when it's running and I've heard these cars are supposed to be "bullet proof". Unfortunately that's not my experience with them.

Really fun car to drive though and not bad on gas. Parts are insanely expensive.

I like the car enough to spend more money to fix it up and keep it for a few years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 2001

13th Aug 2008, 20:41

Sounds like you bought a rusted out junker and then were disappointed that it was needed repairs. Any make car, given enough miles and abuse, will eventually become a jalopy.

1986 Toyota MR2 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Bulletproof and will last forever

Faults:

- 2nd gear syncro.

- Water pump.

- Cracked crank.

- Front brakes overheat and warp easily.

General Comments:

I bought the car 4 years ago, and it had already been beaten on pretty good, and for the last 4 years I have driven it hard every day and at 400,000km started professionally racing it. It still runs as smooth as the day I bought it, and spending 2 days at redline and taking 4 feet of air, I still can't break it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th December, 2000

6th Jan 2001, 16:09

Your front brakes didn't warp because of heat, you tightened down your wheels too hard. Buy a torque wrench!