Coming over to the purist MR2 side.

[merdeux]

Oooh you guys are almost scaring me maybe I should stick to a MK2.

Interestingly I am surprised MK1's haven't increased in value. I mean almost every classic I looked at 10 years ago has gone up in value quite considerably. For example a Celica TA22 could be had for about £2 -£2.5k and now you would be lucky to find a c
TA22 rot box for that amount.


The AE86 is rarer on UK roads but still the gulf in price between that and an AW11 does the MR2 a disjustice.

[SuperRedMR2]

As annoyed as I was with my first mk1, 3 years later I bought one with half the mileage and 7 years later its completely rebuilt.

You just love them after a while and cannot bear to part

[Ben]

Nah, don't be put off. The chap who bought my old mk1 off me a few years ago still has it on the road, just with a bit pf patching here and there. If you can start off with a reasonably solid one it's not too difficult to keep it nice and solid.

You just need to go in with your eyes open

[merdeux]

It is an itch I have to scratch before I get to old to get in and out of one.

I am coming round to the idea if the white one you mentioned Ben. At least I know its coming from a genuine enthusiast and hopefully as such will be an honest car.

Lets say I did sort rust issues out and waxoyled/dinitroled it. Kept it garaged and inly used it in dry weather surely it would last or is it just prone to rust full stop regardless. Sorry if thats a basic question.

[Ben]

I think you could do a lot worse. I've known Pete for years and he's had a lot of Mk1s - he might even be into double figures now - so he knows what to look for.

The white mk1 is a good honest car that came from Ollie originally (also on this forum, and also had many many mk1s!). It's no show-winner, but it's solid where it counts and it drives as well as any mk1 I've ever driven. Pete and I had it on track at Bedford a few months ago and it was absolutely faultless all day and has been ever since.

Tbh, I don't think mk1s need pampering as much as some people think. Best bet is to make sure you keep it clean, especially in terms of any salt etc from wintery roads, and regularly inspect all of the known corrosion points. It's far easier and cheaper to deal with if you catch things early and make sure that, once sorted, things are properly protected.

As an example, my current SC was undersealed shortly after coming into the country, and having had it up on ramps it's still rock-solid underneath. However, a small scab of rust on the roof first spotted ten years ago has turned into a full windscreen-out job because it was left for so long.

In short, if you look after it, it'll look after you

[merdeux]

Cheers Ben makes sense what you are saying.

If only Pete was a bit nearer to me I could see the car in the flesh. I did mail him regarding a possible deal with an E30 beamer but if its cash then I just wanna hold out to see if I can get one in the spec I am after especially as the sun isn't fully out yet.

[un1eash]

Mint cars fetch a decent price, I think what's keeping prices low is the cost to restore. To sort out rust and a full re-spray will set you back a few thousand plus and before you know it your £3k+ into a car.

[Lauren]

Interestingly I am surprised MK1's haven't increased in value. I mean almost every classic I looked at 10 years ago has gone up in value quite considerably.

The AE86 is rarer on UK roads but still the gulf in price between that and an AW11 does the MR2 a disjustice.

I'm not that surprised. The reason is, MK1's are not rare and they don't have a motorsport pedigree like the AE86, that is the reason for the gulf in value between them.

MK1s are worth what they were ten years ago, I don't see that changing anytime soon which is good and bad depending upon how you look at it.

Don't be too put off the bonus is mechanical bits are ten a penny and there are a lot of options in that respect. Just be careful with what you buy. The condition of the chassis is the most important bit.

[un1eash]

Take a good look at not only the arches but the sills and the inner front lower arm mounts, If these are shot its pretty terminal.

[merdeux]

Thanks will do.

Thats why I was hoping to buy from a member hopefully.