1996 Toyota MR2 GT-S review from UK and Ireland

The distributor cap failed.

The rotor arm failed.

The top mounts on the front suspension failed after lowering the car.

This car was imported with a full service history and been owned by only one female Japanese owner.

It was in the same condition when it left the factory, completely stock. It was exactly what I had been looking for.

This model is a 'Revision 4' and it comes standard with a limited slip differential to aid traction, side impact bars, driver and passenger airbags, air conditioning and a four-point anti-skid braking system. These are options on the earlier models, but it is standard with this revision.

It also comes with the 3rd generation of the 3SGTE engine which produces 245bhp. This vastly improved engine is only available from the Japanese domestic market. It is only available in MR2 Turbo Revision 3, 4 and 5 models manufactured after late 1994 to 1998.

The tuning capacity of this engine is vast. 300bhp can be achieved by uprating the exhaust, removing the cat-pipe, installing an induction kit and increasing boost pressure by only 3psi.

In my opinion the MR2 Turbo's manufactured after late 1994 are the ones to go for. The earlier models are far too unreliable, do not have a great scope for tuning and are slower.

My choice to buy the MR2 Turbo was spot on. It fulfilled my ambition of owning a super fast car and it is the ultimate 'street sleeper'.

It reaches 0-60mph in 5.28 seconds and is geared to 162mph in standard setup. I have tuned it to 262bhp and it now reaches 0-60 in 5 seconds flat. Simply amazing.

The only disadvantage is the running costs. A full tank will only achieve 200 miles with 'average' driving. My personal best is 212 miles.

This vehicle will not accept fuel below 97 RON which only adds to the running costs.