A few Questions as i get ready to buy!

[Equium Duo]

Hello,
I'm getting ready to buy y first MR2. So i have come up with a few 'conditions' that i have given myself to ensure i get a good car.

First off i want something with less than 100K miles. I think this gives me a good solid 50k miles to work with until i'm ready for a different car and/or upgrading to a tubby!

Secondly I've always eyed Rev 3+ cars since they have ABS as standard (I believe). However is this justified? Would something that is a bit older that meets the first criteria be ok too? I'm a little cautious about it having never spent more than £300 on any car of that kind of age haha!

Am I silly dismissing the rev1/2 models?

Ninja Edit:

I forgot to mention I a looking for a N/A model, and something like this is what catches my eye!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

[stuMR2lee]

Hi,

Good luck with your search. I would advise try and go for something with a comprehensive service history and no rust.

Given the age of these cars finding something under 100K miles will limit what's available to you. Getting a car that's been well looked after/maintained should be high on your criteria list.

I have a T-bar NA Rev3 with 123K but the engine is sound, the bodywork ok and the interior immaculate. However it has a few things that could have been maintained better (brakes/radiator/sills) which has cost me around £800 to sort out over the last 4 months.

Buy the best car you can afford and get good advice. Take a check list with you to viewings as well as someone familiar with these cars if possible as they will know the areas to look out for.

The one on your link looks like a late Rev1 with smaller brakes and 14" wheels. I think the Rev3+ (1994ish onwards) look the best (personal opinion). Check out the full specs on this site & the mr2oc.co.uk

Fantastic car to drive though and you won't be able to stop looking at it

[alan7]

i wouldnt rule out the rev 1/2 mate i got my rev2 n/a with 129,000 on the clock uk spec and it came with full history from day 1

i only paid £1000 for it and its ben perfect since

drives nice and has never missed a beat and now looks like a rev 5 lol

[ashley]

Good luck searching- there are plenty out there. This is a useful review of the different revisions- although it is obviously racing biast:

http://mr2championship.freeforums.org/a ... ng-t6.html

Hope that helps some

[Razor04]

Yeah remove the slam panel and check out the radiator almost all MR2's turbo & N/a will need a replacement rad by now if it has'nt already been done. Will save you a few hundred

[Equium Duo]

Good luck searching- there are plenty out there. This is a useful review of the different revisions- although it is obviously racing biast:

http://mr2championship.freeforums.org/a ... ng-t6.html

Hope that helps some

Looking at that revision 2 seems to be the one to go for, by my reading that was the slightly changes suspension geometry and a slightly uprated engine.

Good to know!

[fearless]

mines a rev 2 uk model with nearly 140,000 on the clock i paid £1200 3 years ago was up for £1500 dealer had problems getting rid of it i believe as only being a 2 seater,
well i took it off his hands as it was for that price a whole load of history with it and lucky for me radiator was one of things it had done previous owner spent bundles only best parts were fitted result for me only thing was colour you love it or hate it bit lairy but suits me and im 37 nearly 38, i have the 15" wheels and better brakes my trim is very clean and only a few war wounds for an 18 yr old car really,
3 yrs down the line all ive done is a clutch and alternator and chassis brace bit of service items and about £2,400 in modifications not bad these things are addictive longest car ive owned and still love her deeply, dont be put off by a rev 2 though but i would say if you get a decent rev 3 then go for it you do get the faster 178bhp engine as opposed to 158bhp rev 2 but mine puts a smile on my face all i have is a apexi induction kit and blueflame exhaust and its been de-catted, recently fitted toms scoop dont now if that helps bhp im quite ill at the moment and unable to drive so havent been for a blast in a while, any questions just ask guys on here can be very helpfull indeed sometimes.

[Equium Duo]

Maybe when i go and get one i should try and bribe one of you lot with a beer and maybe some crisps in return for giving me a hand to look one over haha!

I'm not the most mechanically minded but I am learning

[jasongtr]

not all rev3 cars had abs. Also dont forget that the later cars are heavier, mines a rev1 and for an 18year old car in great condition. Car has 94k miles, engine over 100k

[afennell]

Try to get a rev 3+ more power, younger car, slightly more modern styling.

[wadeski]

any reason you dont want a turbo?

[HighwayStar]

If it's your first RWD mid engine I reckon a n/a will do fine. As has been said individual condition is most important along with good history. Don't worry about mileage too much, my rev 1s last service was done at just over 204,000. Check well for rust particularly at the rear of the sills and rear arches and bottoms of doors
Rev1s are trickier on the limit but on the road you shouldn't be noticing that and some say they're the more rewarding drive. You're really looking for a sound car with a folder showing lots of receipts for work... prevention is better than cure. If you do want a certain spec, t-bar say, or ABS, then hold out for it... there are a lot of cars if you bide your time.
Good luck with it.

R.