Toyota MR2 Mk1

B00MSTICK

Hi guys,
I know its not really a conventional classic but it meets the 20+ years classification!
Basically im a youngish lad (21) with a full license etc. and am trying to get the above as a classic (named driver ofc.)

Now I know I should be at least 23 or even 30 dependng who I go to,
but a friend of mine got insured as a named driver on a MGB GT for a pittance when he was 18 and on a provisional!

I've emailed CN, Axa and First Ireland with my case but this is not an insurance question.
I can get insured from hibernian with normal insurance for €860 as a named driver. (I wouldn't get any NCB from a classic policy anyway and I have no mileage limit etc this way)

So to make a long story short (or not) are they up to much? I do want something different and I know its not at all practical but you're only young once etc.
Im sure all you guys who take your pride and joy out on sunday, doing 12-20 MPG know what I mean! (Big kids really aren't you!)

I have researched a bit, trying to get reviews everywhere. Most, if not all, are favourable and a quick google for parts suggest they are still available.

I won't be in the position to buy one for a few months yet but thought I may aswell get as much info as I can.

Thanks for reading.

mxpx6979

Hi ya,
I'm partial to 80's sports coupes so I may be a bit biased but they are an amazing handling car. They return great economy but can really get up and go when you want. The twin cam 1600 engine in them is bullet proof if serviced regularly. Only problem that you need to watch for is rust but even then most panels are still available quite easily. The gearbox can pop out of fifth if it's been a bit abused too! If I was going to buy another car it'd be one of those. A true mid-mount engine, RWD sports car! One piece of advice would be to buy one in the UK and drive it back and buy the BEST one you can afford. A well serviced, good condition one will save you money in the long run. Good luck and post a pic when you get it!

B00MSTICK

Thanks for that, its nice to hear it! Gonna try get a Haynes manual from ebay on the cheap I think.

S.I.R

Very good choice with the mk1 mr2 , haynes manuals are good but your better off learning by mistake.

shouldnt be a hard job just remove All rust , no matter how small or it will come back to haunt you and your wallet !

B00MSTICK

Heh hope I won't have to make too many mistakes. There's one up in 30mins so I think ill throw a bid in anyway.
Another Q though, the few MK1s on carzone seem to have had there engines repaced at the ~125,000 mark would this indicate any problems? From what I hear the engines are meant to be pretty solid?

The UK does look much favourable price wise and I think id definitely spend a bit more for a well looked after/restored rust free one!

TigerTim

Hi Boomstick,

I have a 1985 MR2 MK1 & would echo what some of the other posters said. Try & buy the best one you can get. Rust can really be a problem – especially the rear arches. Repair panels are available in the UK. Engine should be bullet proof but the gearbox can be problematic. It can pop out of fifth when you leave off the acelerator . Luckily mine does not have the problem. Mine is referred to as a MK1A. The model was changed in 1986 & from ’86 to 90 is called a MK1B. The cars look the same from the outside apart from the alloys & some colour coding but suspension , engine & ECU are different. I found a scrap 1989 MR2 in a scrapyard here in Tralee & got quite a bit of spares & some trim that I was missing. I couldn’t believe the rust – it was completely rotten everywhere. Doors were good so I took those. Here are some useful links:

http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/ scroll down for MK1 forum
http://www.padandwheels.com/mr2/
http://www.mr2dc.com/
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/index.html
http://www.twosrus.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_62&osCsid=7ef108469527ded94fd8f26cc9a567b2

Good luck with the search,

T.

B00MSTICK

Thanks for the info T., I think I've found a good guide to use for buying them here
I'm pretty set on getting one anyway, favourited all your links! Cheers.

blackbox

I used to have one of thse as my everyday car.

Fabulous - amazing performance (and torque) for 1600 with great fuel economy. And that was before anyone bothered with speed limits.

Knocking noise in suspension eventually turned out to be fuel tank mounting! - only after replacing ball joints etc.

Front brake disks were only real problem - warping. replaced with genuine Toyota and warped again very soon - would recommend trying non-genuine.

Mine had no rust, but red paint used to fade rapidly between polishes.

Oh - and don't mix tyre types - be sure to get all 4 the same. I had funny handling with P6s on front and P60s on back (or was it vice-versa?).

4AGE engine also used by quick Corrollas.

B00MSTICK

Sorry to bring this back from the dead guys but Im wondering if anyone knows an approximate figure for the c02 emissions on these.
I assume its the higher end of the scale but can't find any info. on it at all. I've emailed Toyota but haven't got a reply yet.

I definitely don't want to be paying €2k in tax anyway so I'm thinking a pre-july import is on the cards. Suppose we'll see what happens tomorrow...

-===Lord Shoa =

B00MSTICK wrote: »

Sorry to bring this back from the dead guys but Im wondering if anyone knows an approximate figure for the c02 emissions on these.
I assume its the higher end of the scale but can't find any info. on it at all. I've emailed Toyota but haven't got a reply yet.

I definitely don't want to be paying €2k in tax anyway so I'm thinking a pre-july import is on the cards. Suppose we'll see what happens tomorrow...

Did you find out what the emissions on the MR2 Mk1b were ?
I have imported 2 one is just for spares the other is to be registered in Ireland.

Or does anyone know where to look for the emissions for registering cars here the one for the goverment does not go back as far as 1980's.

blastman

It doesn't matter when the car was imported, as long as it was first registered before July 08 you pay tax at the old rate so CO2 emissions are largely irrelevant for them.

-===Lord Shoa =

It has not been registered yet this is why am asking.
I imported it before july it needed work on it hense buying another for spares its still off the road.

Or are you saying that because it was registered in the uk before then the old system applies ?

blastman

Yes, it doesn't matter where it was registered, as long as it was registered.

TigerTim

Welcome to MR2 ownership. I have checked my manuals , old V5 & also posted the question on the MR2 forum but can't get any answer for you. Did you try a Toyota dealer - any chance they'd have some detail on their system?.

What year did you buy?. I have been toying with the idea of buying a spares MR2 MK1A off E-bay. How did you get the cars brought over?. Did you do it yourself?.

Good look with the cars.

T.

TigerTim

Lord Shoa,

PM sent

T