1986 Toyota MR2 review from North America
"A great, fun car at a great price"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The alternator died a week after I bought it. (208,000km)
Clutch slave cylinder two weeks later.
Brake rotors warped (very common for this model year)
Replaced oxygen sensor at ~252,000km.
Head gasket blew at 254,000.
Front shocks/struts are worn out.
General comments?
The best car I've ever owned. I would definitely buy another, albeit only as a second, 'toy' car. It handles like a rollerskate, rides well for a sports car. The engine offers enough power to cruise at speeds above 150km/h without any fuss or cacophony.
The mid-engine layout allows more leg room than almost any car I've driven, including full-size sedans. (and I'm 6'3") Visibility is excellent, and the build quality is superb.
The only drawbacks to owning it as a daily driver are the small storage areas. I just sold it, and I miss it already.
If you are looking to buy one, avoid cars with rust problems. Better to buy one with a good body and bad mechanicals.
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| Best money to performance ratio |
|
| 1985 - MR2 1.6 normally aspirated A high-performance toy |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6L DOHC Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 208000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 254000 kilometres |
| Previous car | GMC Safari |
| Date of Entry | 30th September, 2003 |