"Cash Rewards" (cashrewards)
05/09/2018 at 15:38 • Filed to: None
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"Cash Rewards" (cashrewards)
05/09/2018 at 15:38 • Filed to: None | 0
| 11 |
Looking at this one tomorrow. Certainly not interested in paying that much, but got are they? Finding a cheap rust free Miata might be tough. This isn’t cheap, but it is better, or as fun?
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/2003-toyota-mr2-spyder/6579385447.html
Aso looking at this guy if it’s not instantly sold
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/d/1997-miata-mint-condition/6584195571.html
Party-vi
> Cash Rewards
05/09/2018 at 15:59 |
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Nothing says “mint” like an ill-fitting hood.
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> Party-vi
05/09/2018 at 16:04 |
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Not looking for mint, just rust free
71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors
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05/09/2018 at 16:05 |
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I had a 2002 MR-2 for a little while and I loved it. It’s not fast, but it’s fun and playful and I really enjoyed it. The clutch/transmission was just a dream and because it was slow, I could drive and shift it like I was in a F&F movie without going over the speed limit. Cargo space is VERY limited as there’s an engine in the back and the spare tire lives in the front.
Aaron M - MasoFiST
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05/09/2018 at 16:05 |
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Reviews at the time said they were faster than the Miata, but felt more clinical. Same amount of hp, the MR2 is lighter. Biggest issue is the almost complete lack of cargo space, but that depends on what you’re using the car for. The 1ZZ is the same engine as in the Corolla so parts are plentiful...high mileage ones burn oil but that’s almost literally the only problem. The 2ZZ from the Celica GT-S and Lotus Elise bolts right in, an outfit called Monkeywrench Racing will prep a transaxle for you for 5 to 6 grand and drop it off at your door.
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> Party-vi
05/09/2018 at 16:06 |
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Guy was kind of a jerk on the phone, too, but whatever.
BeaterGT
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05/09/2018 at 16:25 |
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Nothing to offer, except that I can’t help but see Gallardo styling in that MR2's rear shot.
gin-san - shitpost specialist
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05/09/2018 at 16:35 |
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I’d personally try to get the MR2 just so I can tell people I have a Toyota Merde.
On a more serious note, it just seems like a cheap way to get into mid-engined fun. Maintenance is probably reasonable since it’s probably a mix of things from the Toyota parts bin.
Chinny Raccoon
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05/09/2018 at 16:48 |
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The only real area of rust concern is the rear subframe, this isn’t well rust protected and rots. Can be hard to check , as the plastic under trays cover it. I think replacments are still available, they are around £350 here so not too expensive. Mine wasn’t too bad so I welded a patch in, then liberally coated it with Rust-Oleum. That’s the only real area of the body that rusts. Sills and the rest of the chassis seem to resist corrosion well- especially compared to the Mazda.
The power steering lines rot but LHD replacements are cheap from Rockauto. The lower UJ where the steering column meets the rack also rusts, giving a notchy steering feel, and can result in play. Need to use the correct fluid in the PAS system, apparently standard stuff damages the pump. The plastic in the frunk will unclip for easy access.
Getting the Hand Brake tight enough is a PITA. Just replacing the cables (requires dropping the fuel tank) won’t necessarily fix it- check the rear calipers are operating first. Easy enough to DIY rebuild them.
The engine isn’t the the most interesting one in the world, but it does the job. As it’s a facelift model the major oil burning problems of the earlier models should be less of a problem, but watch the level very carefully. The dipstick is hopeless. Other than that the common issues are the same as the other models where it’s used.
The seats do show wear quite badly, the bolsters wear on the drivers side where the seat belt rubs. I’d guess that’s what the seat covers are hiding. In terms of storage space, there’s just about enough. The storage behind the seats can just about fit hand luggage sized soft bags. There’s quite a bit more space in the front if you like living dangerously without a spare.
Make sure you get a master key, and not just the grey Valet key- this won’t lock the glovebox, or the doors for the storage behind the seats.
They really are great to drive, as this is a facelift model it should have some more bracing to stiffen it up a bit, the early ones are more flexible.
StudyStudyStudy
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05/09/2018 at 19:37 |
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Interesting, I’ve been looking into MR2's quite a bit recently.
The automatics can be problematic. They have a shifted manual setup. The SMT pump can go out and can be really costly to replace.
2003 is a better year as they had the revisions from the earlier year on the block apparently.
The o2 sensor is easily accessable and should be checked to see if the cat matrix is intact. A broken matrix can mean engine problems. Can also determine a bit of the health by starting it up cold and reving it to see if blue smoke comes out the back before the cat has a chance to warm up.
I’ve heard they are quite slow in stock form, and that is additionally quite high in miles, it is more unique than a miata, whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is up to you.
Personally I’m looking at one in Texas with dreams of finding a way to bring it home to Washington. Rebuilt turbo 1zz-fe with 6 speed and LSD. Sounds like a hoot to me.
daender
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05/09/2018 at 22:02 |
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You might be better off buying one down south in NC or SC and making an adventure out of driving it back home...using mountainous roads like the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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> daender
05/09/2018 at 22:43 |
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That’s a heck of an idea