1986 Toyota MR2 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Sump rusted and became porous, had to be replaced.

Needed new front steering bush to get rid of clonking sound.

Has had new radiator, alternator and water pump.

General body corrosion, especially rear arches and sills.

Has had reconditioned brake calipers all round.

Stainless steel coolant pipes at rear of engine corroded and were replaced.

Although the car has needed a lot of new parts in most cases they were replacing the original items. It has still been expensive to run, with manufacturers parts being excessively expensive. Dealers don't know how to look after the car - find a good specialist.

To drive the car is as good if not better than when I first had it. I have been looking for another car recently and tried out an M3, TT and Boxster, but none of them gave the same precision or connected feeling as the MR2. It's eager rather than super fast, but always fun to drive. For the money, what else are you going to find?

Talk about having to justify one's purchase.

A 1986 (?) MR2 compared to Porsche Boxter et al?

The MR2 is better?

I am sure if the reviewer could have afforded one of those other cars, he/she would have jumped on the chance.

If you are going to compare your car to something, please look at near competitors. Did you drive a Celica? Isn't the MR2 better than that?

I wasn't actually saying that the MR2 is better than these other cars, rather that you feel more connected due to low weight, ideal weight distribution etc. I have just bought a TT V6 - a fabulous machine, but the MR2 is a better pure sports car.

Seeing as the car only cost me £1200 five years ago I don't have to justify the purchase!

Great review from someone who obviously has experienced various cars. Yes, you can compare the MR2 to the Boxster though in terms of price & performance they are different levels, but both are mid engined sports cars with similar feel. I have owned both and MR2 MK1 gives somehow more driving satisfaction. Saying that - when buying one - it not easy to find a good example - it`s not just rust, but weak engines, worn suspension & gearboxes or weak brakes that are commonplace as I have noticed.