Toyota MR2 (2000 - 2006) 1.8 VVTi 2d (AC) (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Frankly, I'd like to think it said I was a discerning individual who didnt follow the crowd and buy a 206cc or some other flawed or compromised "all-rounder". Sadly, 99% of the world has no idea the MR2 is such a superior product, with more in common in its dynamics with the Elise or VX220 than cars like the 206cc, meganeCC, or many other of its direct competitors. This does mean that many of them simply regard it as another posers car.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Very impressed, and certainly took notice when I bought a second one. My wifes cousin went out and one of her own.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would if it were still made, sadly Toyota have yet to bring out a replacement. Its a shame because nothing else out there matched it in terms of fun for the money, and no other car I have owned has offered such great value.

What are you likely to buy next?

I bought a Mazda 6 MPS, again becasue its not the "obvious" choice in its market sector. It certainly dishes up plenty of thrills, and is a fantastic handling car in its own right, but it could never in a million years match the MR2 in terms of the poise and delicacy of its handling.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£17,000

When did you buy the car?

September 2004

Did you get a good deal and why?

Fantastic Deal. Traded ina 3 year old imported MR2 for a remarkable £12k, and manage to get a fully loaded and much customised brand new car for an extra £6k.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Had owned another MR2 Roadster for the previous 3 years, and was very impressed.

What was the dealer like?

Exremely helpful, especially when production and delivery problems in Japan prevented the car being delivered for nearly 4 months.

What's it like to drive?

Dont be disuaded by the "hairdresser" gags, This car is an underappreciated 100% drivers car. Think 85% Lotus Elise talents, but at half the cost. Its a tactile delight, offering plenty of feedback and thrills at a modest pace. If treated roughly by a lead footed buffon it will bite back, but if you're not a nova driving Barryboy it'll reward more than just about any other car.

What's it like to park?

A doddle. For a mid engined car its a got brilliant visibility, and its got a small turning circle too, making it very easy to maneuvre. The rear window is a little small, but then it is a softtop, it has to be. Bear in mind though that its a proper glass window back there, so it offers far greater visibility than may other softtops with plastic windows.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing, although I took the precaution of removeing 2 of the 3 catalysts from the exhaust as soon as I took delivery. " of them reside in the exhasut manifold, and in earlier cars have been attributed to engine failure. see the mr2roc (MR2 roadster owners club) for more details.

What's most practical about your car?

Practicality is not this cars forte, but then it doesnt pretend to be practical. Having said that I fitted in enough luggage for 2 people for a fornight in the SOuth of France, and the softtop is a masterclass in perfect design, lowered or raised in 5 seconds and providing perfect weatherproofing. Many "premium" manufacturers should take note.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Aircon is a must have, but avoid the toyota satnav, aftermarket ones are much much better. There arent many gadgets available for this car, but leather is worth having, especially the Toyota Custom Leather option, which is far higher quality that the "off the shelf" leather option.