[Mk2] [Generic] MR2 virgin seeking some advice

[tompb9]

Hi folks,

Ever since I started driving i've been obsessed with mk2 MR2s. For about the past year while driving around in my current car (its only a Yaris ) I've been looking on the internet to see what is available. Im now at the point where my financial situation and insurance etc would allow me to get my dream car

Here's the spec i've been looking for:

Rev 3 onwards
Red
Coupe not T-bar
Around 50k miles
Pref leather / half interior

I live in Northern Ireland and the selection of MR2s over here is almost non-existent so i'm pretty much happy to travel over the water and bring it back. I'm looking for a real good example with relatively low mileage - lots of people seem to have the T-bar which has made this a difficult search.

So, now that im actually in a position to buy, I've spotted one on Northampton Car Imports (i actually got the link to their website from here). Its a 95 Rev 3 GTS with 51k - here's some pics:

http://www.nvicars.co.uk/Stock/95%20MR2 ... 0F%20L.jpg
http://www.nvicars.co.uk/Stock/95%20MR2 ... 0R%20L.jpg

So first off, what is everyone's impression? Looks great to me but should the bottom panel on the front underside of the car not be red rather than black???

Its listed at £3995 although obviously would try and do a deal

Its a Jap import. Im aware these generally have better spec than UK models, but im not aware exactly what. So, if anyone wants to enlighten me on what the improved Jap spec is that would be greatly appreciated.

I'll prob give the guy Tom a phone Mon or Tues to discuss. Anyone have any experience with them? Are there any other good importers who specialise in MR2s I could be looking at?

More generally, how do people find owning their MR2 in practical terms. Is it expensive to run? What do people do for parts and servicing? Is their any particular probs with these MR2 - they obviously have a good rep for quality but small things even? And is there anything I should be looking for when viewing or testing them?

Well thats my rant over with so any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Tom

[crazygary]

First of all Tom, welcome to IMOC!
Great bunch of people on here, as i have found

Its a 95 Rev 3 GTS with 51k

Are you sure you can get insurance on a Turbo first of all?

should the bottom panel on the front underside of the car not be red rather than black???

It would usually be colour coded but maybe it was damaged so it was replaced? Check for other damage if you view of course!

Its a Jap import. Im aware these generally have better spec than UK models, but im not aware exactly what. So, if anyone wants to enlighten me on what the improved Jap spec is that would be greatly appreciated.

The Jap import model of mr2 was the g-limited, they usually had a slightly higher spec..... folding wing mirrors, aircon, steering foglights, as did the GT turbo, half leather alacantra seats. I think on the GTS turbo (which is your the pictures) these were optional extras??
Google mr2, loads of info about

More generally, how do people find owning their MR2 in practical terms. Is it expensive to run?

I'm gonna say they are not cheap to run, they can be but not in my experience fuel/insurance wise etc...
Parts/servicing though, the internet is a great source for parts... the forsale section here for example is extremely useful as is the affiliates section for servicing/repairs etc...

And is there anything I should be looking for when viewing or testing them

Just common sense really, same as all cars. There is a comprehensive buyers guide somewhere although i can't remember the link
I'm sure someone else will help you out

Good luck with your search, an mr2 has definately been the most rewarding car i have ever owned, even more so if you can do repairs/servicing yourself

[SFLee]

GTS and GT (turbo +- T-bar) are all import

make sure what your insurance is NA or turbo, even in standard form, it will be a beast to handle for new driver, ( hence insurance usually quote stupid amount till you reach 25+)

as for fuel, na is same as any 2 lilte car, but the turbo you can treat it as a 3 litre car about 300 mile for £50 ish ( off top of my head my still seating in garage for past 2 yr)

any particular probs with these MR2->
aerial
powersteering sticky relay
thats about it i can think of

[DaveB19]

Hi mate, welcome to IMOC.
I'm from just outside Newtownards, so if your looking at anything in Northern Ireland, let me know and i'll try and help. Prices in Northern Ireland are usually alot higher than rest of UK, due to lack of choice. I've bought all but one of my MR2's in England (had 5 now). When buying in England dealers are generally more expensive, but you usually get a warranty, not much use to us in Northern Ireland, if you have to get the car shipped back to England to get fixed. Have a look through autotrader and stick to your budget. Get the details and check on one of the internet insurance companies to see how much it'll be for yourself. Have a look around, dont buy the first one you see, you'll always find a better one, with lower mileage, better interior, etc. If you see something on autotrader, PM me the web address and i'll have a look.
Good luck
Dave

[jont]

Have a look in the feedback section for NVI - quite a few of us (myself included) have bought cars from him. A thought if you're buying from any dealer is that you'll be paying more than a private sale, but if you're taking the car back to NI, a warranty won't be much help.

There are various buying guides around - a quick search of the forum should turn some up.

[tompb9]

Guys - thanks very much for the informed advice. Very useful indeed.

Thankfully i am 25 and my insurance company has quoted me under £700 for a Turbo (i paid almost that last year for my bloody Yaris!!!). Going to keep my eyes open for the moment and see what comes available.

DaveB - cheers for the offer and I may well take you up on it. Im actually just over in Bangor here so not far away! When i get my MR2 and need work done youre likely to have me harassing you to see who you would recommend

[DaveB19]

No worries mate, PM whenever and i'll get back to you asap. Mines off the road at the min, big engine rebuild, going for big power, 500+. http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=94130

[tompb9]

Cheers Dave. Good luck with the rebuild - thats quite a project you've got going on!