Toyota MRS SMT,........ to buy or not to buy ?

cellosid

Interested in the above model as a Summer fun car, but my research on this Transmission is leaving me cold.

Is this trans. destined to give problems eventually or are they isolated cases ? Have Toyota addressed the issues in later models ?

Anyone with any experience with this Model or any views on the matter ?

Supergurrier

Surely if a weekend fun car a manual would be less hassle/more involving.

cellosid

.....want to give my dodgy knee a good rest at weekends !

EazyD

cellosid wrote: »

.....want to give my dodgy knee a good rest at weekends !

I've driven both the manual and SMT(but ultimately went for an MX5 in the end anyway). I really wasn't impressed with the SMT, felt very sluggish and far less involving which for me is a major part of the enjoyment of owning a car like this.

imurdaddy

Iv had MR2's in the past and still have a tbar g limited in the shed, no doubt they are a great car. I have driven the mrs in manual version and but would prefer the mk2, i think mk2 a is nicer car,

if its summer fun you could look at a Mercedes SLK 2.0 kompressor great car and can be picked up for good price, I bought one last year as a weekend drive but I use it everyday now the vario roof it the same as a hardtop in winter and folds away in 30seconds, something to think about anyway.

blackbox

MR2 Roadster is a great second car. Great with the roof down, even on a cold day (powerful heater). I have a manual but have driven an SMT. Changing up in the SMT is a bit slower than expected but the downshift is fantastic.

As far as I know the SMTs are pretty reliable. The problem is that it appears that nobody knows how to fix them, including dealers. Then owners end up out of pocket for ECUs etc. that weren't needed. There is lots of info available on internet if you are prepared to tackle it yourself.

They use a standard type clutch, automatically actuated. There is a risk that someone will mess up the gearbox connections etc. when changing it.

The main thing to watch out for when buying an MR2 Roadster is to make sure it is not burning oil.

Desolation Of Smug

MRS engines are generally poor and like oil...malaysian engine with poor machining. A lot of dead MRS's out there...

cellosid

Thanks for all your comments Guys.

Plenty of food for thought. I had considered an SLK,...... the retractable roof is a big plus for sure, but was thinking more along the lines of a light Sports car on the twisty back roads experience.

I have owned an MX5 in the past and was drawn to the MRS for the rear engine, RWD thrill.

imurdaddy

cellosid wrote: »

Thanks for all your comments Guys.

Plenty of food for thought. I had considered an SLK,...... the retractable roof is a big plus for sure, but was thinking more along the lines of a light Sports car on the twisty back roads experience.

I have owned an MX5 in the past and was drawn to the MRS for the rear engine, RWD thrill.

Any of the Slk's have plenty of power one the have the supercharger early ones didn't. Handling could be better but once you get used to it you can push on with confidence! The tiptronic auto box is great and adapts to your driving style.

I also looked at MRS but I felt condition and value wise the SLK was a better buy, plus not having to worry about rag top damage/vandals. It depends what you prefer I like german cars so was keen on the Mercedes,

Best of luck searching anyway if you want any info on slk just ask!