Toyota MR2 1.8 VVTi 2d (2001/51) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Lets put it this way, It's half the cost of an Elise for 90% of the thrills. For this kind of money you wont get a better drivers car
Costs
Servicing every 10,000 miles costs just £70 and £140-ish alternately. 40mpg is easy and insurance grouping is low. It runs on (cheap) 15"" tyres, and the major mechanicals come out of a Corolla. Never has such fun been so cheap to run.
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On the road
Driving
An astonishing drive. Whilst your never going to take any drag racing awards home with it, the cornering and braking abilities of this car rivals the best from any maunfacturer, porsche included. The handling is simply incredible.
Performance
Fast enough, but not one for the traffic light boy racers... Theres only so much you can do with 140bhp, but in a car this light it still leaves plenty of scope for thrills and quick acceleration, so it'll still leave most so-called hot hatches for dead.
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Living with it
Reliability
Its a Toyota. It uses the mechanicals of a Corrolla, the most reliable car in the world. Yes some have broken down, but its 100 times better than an MG-F
Image
Rare in the UK in comparison to the hoardes of MX5's and MGF's, so the image is what you want it to be. It does look a bit 'cutesy' from some angles, but drive one and you'll never look back.
Comfort
Who are we trying to kid? Its a lightwieght convertible. Its never going to be Bently comfortable, but given the circumstances, you could still take it on a long journey without any problems.
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Security and Service
Security
Deadlocking, etched glass, Thatcham 1 Alarm/Immobiliser, and a stereo that no self respecting thief would ever want to steal. Considering the fabric roof, its still pretty good...
Service
Choose you dealer carefully, After sales is a toyota weak point, so If you dont like the service, go somewhere else. That said I dont have a single problem with my local dealer, who is courtious, proffesional, and doesnt give me any BS
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Engine is willing and able, but sound is lacking in sportscar credibility. A new exhaust adds the required sound and a bit of visual muscle. Hayward & Scott make one of the best.
Other
Euro Imports are ok. The Uk car is in fact the Euro spec with the addition of Stereo, badges, alarm and a couple of smaller details, so if you are offered one, it may be a veritable bargain...
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes