2002 Toyota MR2 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Stock tires are pretty rubbish

stock head unit and speakers are of poor quality.

Fantastic little head turner especially when 'topless'

Handles awesomely epsecially when under load around twisty a-roads.

Revvy engine that just wants to be ran up to the red line.

Superb looks and a touch of exclusivity as opposed to MX5/MGF's.

By 'exclusivity', do you mean that there are less on the roads? Perhaps there is a reason for this. As similarly priced cars, perhaps there are more MX-5's because, overall, they are a better buy? I guess it's all personal opinion at the end of the day.

In terms of performance, with the MR2 1.8 VVT's 0-62mph of 8 seconds, it is hardly a super-car and only marginally quicker than the MX-5 1.8. The car looks at though it's a real goer compared with the classic (subtle) sports car style of the MX-5, but this is far removed from reality. Proof that looks can be very deceiving. Most keen drivers know this and, believe me, aren't deceived.

The MX-5 has similar power, but is just more subtle about it and is perhaps a little more refined?

In terms of handling, the MX-5 also handles bends in the road exceptionally well and is not outbeaten by the MR-2 in that regard either.

Is there really much point in making a car look like a race car with air in-takes and the like, if it's performance doesn't match.

I have an MX-5, my friend has an MR-2. Having driven each others, we both prefer (admittedly, only by a margin) the MX-5...but that's just 2 opinions...

Having said all this, I do not want to scathe the MR-2, because at the end of the day, it is a very very good car. If it wasn't, no-one would buy one. But is there really any justification for distancing the MR2 from the MX-5 and the MGTF (apart from the build quality of the MGTF - which has been known to leave the car with some niggles).

We looked at both an MX-5 and an MR2. The MR2 won because its styling is just that bit more aggressive and closer in concept to an Elise. Everyone knows there wouldn't be much in it in a race and the mid engine layout can be trickier to live with. Its all down to taste. The MR2 just has a slightly younger image in my opinion, the MX-5 being a bit bland. I'll bet that Mazda offer better service than the Toyota service I encountered though... and a boot...etc.

Yes, definitely down to taste.

We've just hit the decent weather needed to really enjoy the roadsters, but I'm having to sell the MX5 now 'cos my partner and I are expecting a baby. Gutting (but, good news about the baby though!!). It's a shame you can't fit a car-seat in the boot...

Hi,

Keep the car and sell the kid instead... this way you don't have to worry about fitting the seat in the boot... there - problem fixed.