The Sunday Times - Driving (December 15, 2002)
Second opinion: Used buy: Toyota MR2 - Jason Dawe
Why don't I like the latest Toyota MR2? Introduced in April 2000, it was lighter and better equipped than the previous model and Toyota even slashed £5,000 off the price. It should be the best version ever but somehow the angular lines and bulbous "eyes" don't gel.
For me its predecessor, the Mark II, with its sexy curves and ground hugging stance, is the one. And with looks that echo a Ferrari Dino available for as little as £3,000, it's an attractive proposition.
Launched in 1990, the second-generation MR2 had no real competitors, its mid-engine layout and gutsy 2 litre power plant conferring handling and performance that were the stuff of dreams for the rival Mazda MX-5 roadster.
And the package got better and better over the years, Toyota adding power steering in 1992 and increasing power to 174bhp two years later, when antilock brakes became standard.
There are two body styles: coupe or the T-bar, with its two removable glass roof panels that offer open-top thrills without the hassle of a canvas roof.
Not only does the car look pretty and handle well, it's a pussy cat to own. The MR2 has no major vices, doesn't incur big service bills and there's a fair amount of space inside. Generous head and legroom mean drivers of pretty much any size can be accommodated comfortably. Luggage space is good, too, with stowage under the bonnet and behind the engine. Between them these "boots" can easily swallow a couple of soft bags for a weekend away.
An unexpected bonus for a sporty, mid-engined two-seater is its moderate thirst: you'll get 30-35mpg on a run.
Over the past five years Britain has been invaded by thousands of grey imports — all manner of cars that were first registered in Japan but have since emigrated to Britain — and the MR2 is among the most popular. All turbocharged variants are grey imports and with more than 220bhp these are genuinely quick. But tempting though a turbo might be, consider their purchase carefully because turbos can shorten engine life and imports can be difficult to insure.
You won't be able to pick up the phone to the previous owner to talk about the car's history either, unless you speak Japanese.
Your best bet is to buy a standard British car. They still represent good value and should be less hassle in the long run. Servicing is every 9,000 miles or 12 months, whichever is sooner, and expect to pay about £140 for intermediate attention and £270 for a major service. Timing belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles, a job that costs about £300. Check the service book to see when the next one is due.
The MR2 looks good in most colours, although red and black are favourites. A plentiful supply of second-hand cars and a trouble-free reputation mean you can consider buying privately with confidence as an alternative to main dealers. Most owners are enthusiastic about their cars and, consequently, you can generally expect standards of care and maintenance to be high.
Jason Dawe appears on BBC2's Top Gear
Vital statistics
Engine Four cylinders, 1988cc
Power 168bhp @7000rpm
Transmission Five speed manual
Fuel 31.0mpg (combined)
CO2 202 g/km
CO car tax £1,437 for a higher-rate taxpayer
Acceleration 0-60mph: 7.7sec
Top speed 137mph
Handling: Mid-engine layout gives superb, predictable road behaviour
Seals: Ensure T-bar roof panels keep out wind and rain
Seats: Cloth upholstery wears very well, T-bar models have leather as standard
Comfort: Air-con was an option but is well worth tracking down, particularly on T-bar models
The one to buy: Toyota MR2 GT coupe, red, 1998 S with 60,000 miles. £7,695 through a dealer or £6,995 privately
Insurance: Modified and turbocharged cars can look fantastic value but check insurance groups before buying
Radiator: Mounted between the foglights it is prone to stone damage and many owners cover it with mesh
Foglamps: Located in the front bumper they are vulnerable to being damaged by stones
Tyres: Tracking is easily knocked out by potholes so check front tyres for uneven wear (and then on a regular basis if you buy)
Wheels: Standard 15in wheels look good and after-market alloys can be expensive to replace
Review supplied by http://www.dan9.net/