Just bought a Shed! * Pictures added!*

[chooch]

Hi All,

I've just bought my 2nd MR2 after a departure of many years. I bought the car off a family member, who claimed it was in great condition, without inspecting the car ( I know - terrible mistake). So the car appears to be pretty rotten but drives ok. I'm not sure if it's down on power, but think it should have more poke for being a GTI -16! The clutch also apears to bite pretty high, which makes me think it's going to need changed in the not too distant future. 3rd gear also appears to have a crunch so I guess the synchros have gone...







Hole in rear arch




previous sill repair


3/4 panel above rear wheel arch


Looking from wheel under wheel arch looks like someone's used filler here.


Better shot of hole in rear wheel arch












cheers,
Ewan

[Charged]

Welcome along.. Get a second opinion before you plough a load of cash into it..

Post some pics up of rust, take side skirts off ideally and post them up..

[pbmr2]

Power could be lots of things from worn ignition parts, rotten fuel, air leak or any manner of other stuffs. check for error codes, inspect the dizzy cap and plugs, go from there.

rust.. pics are a must, no point in guessing. pull carpet up in the boot and check behind wheel arches. in the cabin, take plastics off under rear side windows and check sills/front of wheel arch from there. remove foam if still present.

Picks really help to asses rust.
good luck

[chooch]

Sorry I can't seem to upload pictures yet, I've got to post more!

[chooch]

I am quite surprised that these cars actually have a dizzy cap, I thought Toyota would have put in a more advanced EFI setup.

[chooch]

Do the speakers go bad? I've noticed that there is a crackle from the one behind the drivers seat....

[chooch]

Some one put one of those ridiculous TOMs style air intakes. Hopefully I can source a standard panel and sell it to make the car more OEM looking.

[chooch]

Someone also fitted an aftermarket air intake, with sensor on the casing, Looks a bit like a Blitz air filter. However I'd like to replace it with a standard air box as I doubt it's doing much. I've seen articles where the reduced filtration from a performance filter can reduce the engine's compression.

[chooch]

Did the UK cars come with leather seats? I thought they did, but this one has fabric seats, maybe someone changed them out at some point?

[chooch]

Is it still possible to get rear inner wheel arches and rear 3/4 panels? I think it would take a good bodyshop to sort out this car....

[chooch]

Someone has also fitted a short shift gearlever, which I don't think does any favours, hopefully I can find a good standard lever to replace it....

[Rory]

You need to consider if it's worth it to you. I spent thousands on bodywork transforming an £800 car that was actually pretty tidy into my dream mr2. I didn't do it for the money but more for the love of the car. By the time you have spent money on a decent body job then you may find a late spec much fresher mr2.

Get some pictures up of the rust

[chooch]

Ok, just hitting the 15 posts! Sorry I've had to bump this post so much, but didn't want to disturb other topics...

[C35Rob]

That looks properly rotten, if you really want an MR2 you'll save yourself an endless amount of hassle and money by buying one that isn't an MOT failure sheet away from being made into bean tins. Sadly that one is fit for the scrappers

[craig]

Anything is fixable, just depends on the depth of your pockets, and how far you're willing to go, but I'd tend to agree with Rob above on this one.

[craig]

Just checked the MOT history on this. Run!!

[Rory]

Can you weld?

[Rory]

Just checked the MOT history on this. Run!!

It's not good reading. Although I think I'd have a go at welding myself if it was mine.

I hope there wasn't much money paid for this.

[chooch]

It is good to see that this forum is still quite active

Just checked the MOT history on this. Run!!

Not possible!

Can you weld?

I have MIG, TIG and ARC welders, but not great at welding sadly...

Just checked the MOT history on this. Run!!

It's not good reading. Although I think I'd have a go at welding myself if it was mine.

I hope there wasn't much money paid for this.

I didn't pay much, that's why I didn't check it, but probably still paid too much! At least I can drive it till the MOT is due then break it for parts or sell for spares or something so I'm not too out of pocket...

[chooch]

Should my car have ABS or not? It's a 96 UK car as above, there is no light on the dash and the wheels lock up when you hit the brakes! I just thought a car of this age would have it...