Toyota MR2 GT Sports 2d (1997/R) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
The car has all the mod cons one could wish for. I have owned a selection of sportscars and the MR2 has one has one of the nicest, sporty, leather trimmed interiors going. Solid construction.
Costs
Serviced by Toyota initially, but then by a reliable mechanic. Cost for full service, including brake pads, new plugs, filter and so on, never exceeded £150. My wife’s car has cost more to service.
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On the road
Driving
It sounds great and is an absolute joy to drive. Management system copes well with urban driving and I have managed to get 45mpg in mine out on the motorway! The car handles like a dream.
Performance
Not the quickest out of the blocks, but no slouch. A Fiat Uno chipped turbo has a better 0-60 time (just), but it doesn’t turn the heads and it certainly won't do 160mph (which is what mine did).
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Living with it
Reliability
Nothing to say here – bar nothing ever went wrong and WHY did Toyota bring out the Roadster. The MR2 Mk3 could have been a hybrid worth investing in - what a shame and a missed opportunity.
Image
Just look at the way the doors mould into the rear of the car. The curves are beautiful. Rear spoiler setup and Ferrari rear cluster lights leave the pre-1997 outdated. Translucent indicators nice.
Comfort
I'm 6' 5" and the MR2 was the most comfortable car I have driven. Plenty of legroom because the engine’s in the back. The raked bonnet leaves plenty of design for your legs. Adjustable steering, too.
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Security and Service
Security
Newer models had Thatcham-approved security devices. T-bar version had two alarm settings, so you could have the roof off and the car would still be alarmed. On mine at least, the doors locked too.
Service
Toyota - sort out your dealers!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Alarm went - had water in it. Dealer had never heard of it before, so not a common problem.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
No