I'll jump in with my 2p
As for boots you want to make sure you have a stagger.
If it is still on the oem wheels then they are staggered widths and you want tyres with 20-30 mm more width rear to front.
I like uniroyal rainsport 3.
i have also run toyo proxes but found they wear quick.
Look on camskill and you'll be surprised at what you can get for your money.
With the age of the cars now the suspension and steering components are likely to be shot and on their last legs.
Ball joints and bushes.
.
.
You can get complete chassis set of prothane bushes from sbits for around
£100.
On the coilovers.
.
.
A lot of people run them and like them but for me and a road car i don't see the advantage other than being able to slam the thing.
A decent
-30mm set of springs and new inserts in the struts
(£25 each from TCB) will dramatically improve the handling over tired suspension.
Next up are brakes.
Braided hoses can firm up the pedal.
If all calipers are working fine and pads and discs are fine then a min is a bleed through with fresh fluid unless you know its been done recently.
If any of the calipers are binding
(not uncommon on mr2) then a clean up of sliders and re grease with red grease can sort out probs, otherwise biggred do rebuild kits for
£30 ish for each axle pair.
As you mentioned sills rot out.
They rot from the inside out so if you find bubbling paint then its time for fresh metal coz you know as soon as you rub it back there will be a gaping hole and the inner sill box section will need remedial work.
Ignition components like the dizzy and rotor arm are best replaced if unknown.
The coil packs can crack and let in moisture
(I found mine was cracked 4 years ago so i dried it out and filled the cracks with rtv with no probs since) and aftermarket ht leads can cause problems.
Otherwise it the same things as any other older car that may have been poorly repaired by 30 people or cosseted by one quality mechanic.
I you get a good one they just go and go and start and stop and go.
Even with hg probs mine would always start!
