Overview of the Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2 is a two-seat, mid-engine sports car that has gone through several generations. It has been praised for its driving experience, handling, and relatively low price. The MR2 Spyder, in particular, is known for its fun-to-drive nature and exclusive numbers, with only about 7,000 sold each year. The car has been compared to other small convertible sports cars like the Mazda Miata and Honda S2000, and it has been noted for its mid-engine layout, which is appealing to real performance drivers.
Performance and Driving Experience
The MR2 Spyder is equipped with a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, which provides modest power. It has been described as fun to push to the limit, similar to a Miata or Toyota GT86. The car’s claimed 0-60 time is 7.2 seconds, and it has been praised for its light and eager handling, being roughly 200 pounds lighter than a similar year Mazda Miata MX-5. The driving experience has been highlighted as enjoyable, particularly on mountain roads with the top down.
Reliability and Maintenance
The MR2 is powered by a version of the 1ZZ 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine found in other Toyota models, such as the Corolla. The components are tried-and-true, and the car is expected to be reliable for day-to-day driving, with the potential to accumulate over 200,000 miles on the original drivetrain if well-maintained. Additionally, parts for the MR2 are said to be plentiful and cheap, making maintenance more accessible.
Comparison to Other Cars
The MR2 has been compared to the Mazda Miata, with the MR2 Spyder drawing attention for its sophisticated design and enjoyable driving experience. It has been noted for its more commodious cabin, which is easier to live with on an everyday basis, and its mid-engine layout, which appeals to real performance drivers. The car has been praised for its fun-to-drive nature and relatively low price, making it a competitive option in the roadster market .
In conclusion, the Toyota MR2, particularly the MR2 Spyder, is generally well-regarded for its driving experience, handling, and relatively low price. It has been praised for its fun-to-drive nature and exclusive numbers, making it a competitive option in the roadster market.
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Is the MR2 fast?
It was also on this bid where the MR2 did a zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) of just 2.56 seconds. That’s even quicker than most supercars out there. Then again, the final shot was the best run, clocking in 8.785 seconds for the quarter-mile with a blistering speed of 180.60 mph (290.6 km/h) at the line.
What is the best engine for the MR2?
For all those reasons, one of the best engines for an MR2 swap is the 2GR-FE. This naturally aspirated 3.5-liter aluminum V6 is lightweight and will more than double the base MR2’s power output. While not as legendary as the 2JZ inline-6, the 2GR is a popular swap.
Is the Toyota MR2 rare?
Though the number of completed models is fuzzy, it’s somewhere in the range of 90 vehicles—and as you might expect, they don’t appear very often.
What is the best year of the MR2?
However, many enthusiasts consider the second-generation MR2, produced from 1989 to 1999, to be the best overall. This generation featured a mid-engine layout, sleek styling, and impressive performance, particularly in the turbocharged versions.
How much should I pay for a MR2?
A: The average price of a Toyota MR2 is $18,092.
What is the Toyota MR2 known for?
At its introduction in 1984, the MR2 won the Car of the Year Japan. As Toyota engineered the MR2 to accommodate a 2-liter engine, its primary features included its light body (as low as 950 kg (2,094 lb) in Japan and 1,066 kg (2,350 lb) in the US), strong handling, and low-power small-displacement engine.
What to look out for when buying an MR2?
What goes wrong and what should you look for? Above all else when looking to buy a first-generation Toyota MR2, you need to check for rust, rust and more rust. Starting with the exterior bodywork, feel all around the front wheel arches for any crumbly metalwork, then check the sills.
Is Toyota MR2 worth it?
Realistically, a Toyota drivetrain should easily clock 100,000 to 200,000 plus miles with regular maintenance. Therefore, an MR2 is by default an incredibly reliable car with a low cost of ownership and minimal risk of breaking down.
Is MR2 fun to drive?
Fun to drive: The MR2 is a nimble and agile car that offers a sporty driving experience. Affordable: Compared to other sports cars, the MR2 is relatively affordable to purchase and maintain.
Is the Toyota MR2 reliable?
Toyota MR2 Reliability Problems
MR2 owners have made 5 complaints over 15 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we’ve ranked it 5th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models , with some engine and transmission concerns.
