Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Discussion and technical advice the SW20 MR2. 3S-GTE, 3S-GE, 3S-FE etc
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Ridge Racer
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Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by Ridge Racer »

Hey all

It's been a very long time since I've posted anything here. so a BIG HELLO to you all once again!

I just wondered if anyone could tell me which is the best option for me regarding mark 2's?

I want a N/A I know that much but i also want the lowest BHP (or lowest insurance) model as I've heard between the rev 1 - latest the BHP/engine does change?

Basically i want:

PAS Model
Lowest insurance model (if there even is one)
Most reliable model (if there is much difference between them)

I'm not after a fast car what so ever so lowest BHP would be ideal for me i just love (and always have loved) the MR2's now I'm 25 I'm about the right age to actually get my hands on one without paying too much on insurance.

Any help is greatly appreciated

Thanks guys n' gals!
Draven
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by Draven »

UK rev1 or 2 N/A is your best bet. I believe all Mk2's came with power steering. [/quote]
JayUK91
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by JayUK91 »

You've been a member for 7 years and haven't even owned an MR2? That's dedication!

Firstly, get a UK model, always cheaper than imports when it comes to insurance. There are 2 N/A engines, the lower powered 3SFE and the regular 3SGE. If you opt for a 3SGE engine, get a Rev1 or a Rev2 car (1989 - 1992 ish models).

Also, I've found that T-Bar models are generally more expensive to insure than tin tops or moon roofs.

HOWEVER, at your age I doubt there will be much difference in insurance costs between all the Revisions - so perhaps get a quote on a later Rev3+ too.
DAN_REV1_TURBO
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by DAN_REV1_TURBO »

3SFE has no power steering, well my old one didnt anyway. It also has no spoiler or front fogs. Get a 3SGE engined car they look better and go better.
Ridge Racer
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by Ridge Racer »

UK rev1 or 2 N/A is your best bet. I believe all Mk2's came with power steering.


Really? are the Rev 1/2's lower on insurance? or does it not really make any difference? I've seen many posts here about some mark 2's not having PAS.

You've been a member for 7 years and haven't even owned an MR2? That's dedication!


Indeed! I've just got myself down as a premium member (about time really)

I've actually owned 2 mark 1's before now but i sold them both to members here. I never drove them due to no licence but I'm close to doing my test now and (hopefully) passing so its very much on the cards now!

Firstly, get a UK model, always cheaper than imports when it comes to insurance.


Thanks for the info! I will keep that in mind.

There are 2 N/A engines, the lower powered 3SFE and the regular 3SGE. If you opt for a 3SGE engine, get a Rev1 or a Rev2 car (1989 - 1992 ish models).


I would probably be tempted to go for the 3SFE if it means lower insurance? the 3SFE was put into the later models of the car?! seems an odd move to make to make the 2's slower :lol:

Also, I've found that T-Bar models are generally more expensive to insure than tin tops or moon roofs.


Good info! thankfully i prefer tin tops so this is a good thing!

HOWEVER, at your age I doubt there will be much difference in insurance costs between all the Revisions - so perhaps get a quote on a later Rev3+ too.


Thats what i was thinking... I've been a motorcycle rider for 6 years so i have 6 years no claims on that which I'm told some insurance companies will use for a car and write off my no claims for the bike side of things... how true this is though is well... who knows :roll:

3SFE has no power steering, well my old one didnt anyway. It also has no spoiler or front fogs. Get a 3SGE engined car they look better and go better.


Wow really? if thats the case i would definetly not go for a 3SFE. I love the spoilers on mark 2's not keen on ones without :?

Thanks for all the swift replies and info guys it helps alot!
Super_red
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by Super_red »

My Rev1 3SGE had no power steering and you would never notice it, all the weight is in the back and the EPAS that is fitted is off most fo the time anyway.

I know older cars will have a better age related discount but at the same time a lot of newer cars will have a lower grouping due to the better alarm systems and immobilisers fitted. I beleive the rev3 was the most powerfull N/A (not including BEAMS) and then the rev4 and 5 got less power again so dont discount these models.
Ridge Racer
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by Ridge Racer »

Super_red wrote:My Rev1 3SGE had no power steering and you would never notice it, all the weight is in the back and the EPAS that is fitted is off most fo the time anyway.

I know older cars will have a better age related discount but at the same time a lot of newer cars will have a lower grouping due to the better alarm systems and immobilisers fitted. I beleive the rev3 was the most powerfull N/A (not including BEAMS) and then the rev4 and 5 got less power again so dont discount these models.


Good info! Thanks

I must admit i do love the newer style rear lights on the rev 3?, 4 and 5's

but as JayUK91 said, I don't think its going to make all that much difference for me anyway whichever rev i get.

... Or will it? :lol:
MR2O12
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by MR2O12 »

The best mr2 for you by the sounds of it would be a Rev 3+ UK model. the performance is not great low down the rev range but the n/a is more SHOW than GO 8) . stick some big wheels on it and youll be happy
Al-sw20
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by Al-sw20 »

Get the best one you can afford. Take into account resale if you are really concerned about costing you $$$$.
Ridge Racer
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by Ridge Racer »

The best mr2 for you by the sounds of it would be a Rev 3+ UK model. the performance is not great low down the rev range but the n/a is more SHOW than GO . stick some big wheels on it and youll be happy


Sounds like a good plan to me!

Might be a silly question but is there any difference in reliability between rev 1 to 5's?

Also I heard some time ago that the rev 1/2 were more tail happy/didn't handle as well as the later models? I'm actually slightly worried about the tail happy side of things I've heard a lot about people spinning them on roundabouts :lol:

Get the best one you can afford. Take into account resale if you are really concerned about costing you $$$$.


I don't need to worry about resale to be honest, the one i buy will be the one i keep for many MANY years I've always wanted an MR2 since i was young, its the only car i want to be honest...
MR2O12
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by MR2O12 »

You should be alright in a non turbo. ive got fat tyres on mine and its VERRY hard to break traction even in the wet. however i drover a rev 3 turbo on skinny rear 215/40/17 tyres, and under full throttle the rear end was all over the place!
Ridge Racer
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by Ridge Racer »

MR2O12 wrote:You should be alright in a non turbo. ive got fat tyres on mine and its VERRY hard to break traction even in the wet. however i drover a rev 3 turbo on skinny rear 215/40/17 tyres, and under full throttle the rear end was all over the place!


Thats exactly what i want to avoid :lol: not really into drifting and all that..

Thanks for the info all its all helping build a picture of the one i want!

Rather off topic question but i will ask anyway to avoid flooding the forum with threads/questions... I plan to go traveling across spain once i obtain one of these gorgeous machines... are they up to it? just thinking about engine cooling and stuff in such a warm climate?

I've seen those 12v fans you can fit which i think i will fit to help keep things cool in there, are they loud?

thanks again for the info guys!
bigchief10uk
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travelling

Post by bigchief10uk »

to be perfectly honest mate i think the mr2 will do a fantastic job of travelling across spain... you can either add the fans and fit them on the engine lid as normal... or u can also get the air ducts to help divert more air to the engine anyway... but on standard it should still do a fantastic job...

as for which car to get or should i say rev, tbh at your age you should be perfectly fine no matter which rev you choose.
when choosing which rev really all you should be looking at is which one u prefer the looks of.
the rev 1 with the 3sfe was a 119bhp but no spoiler or fogs etc.. was very plain, the rev 1 and 2 with the 3sge are both a 159bhp standard and yes they are a little bit more tail happy than the rev3 onwards but that is only due to the suspension setup thats all. easily fixed lol but it isnt really an issue on the n/a. the rev 3 upwards on the n/a's were all a 172bhp standard. so apart from these differences in power etc... the other differences were interior and small differences on exterior, the rev 1 and 2 have the same lights which are the squarish red ones... i have a rev 2... i do really like it tbh also it came with full leather interior standard... and the spoiler was the 3 piece which continued onto the rear quarter panels and the front splitter wasnt standard on the rev 1 or 2... some had it.
the rev 3 onwards all have the newer lights which are very nice and each of the revisions from 3 onwards have each got their own style of spoiler... the combat spoiler on the rev 5 is really nice tho... then wheels aswell the option pack wheels on the rev 2 were very nice they are the same as the standard 5 spoke flat faced 15inch wheels on the rev 3 upwards... they do have plenty width for good grip, they are 205/50/15 fronts and 225/50/15 rears
Ridge Racer
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by Ridge Racer »

to be perfectly honest mate i think the mr2 will do a fantastic job of travelling across spain... you can either add the fans and fit them on the engine lid as normal... or u can also get the air ducts to help divert more air to the engine anyway... but on standard it should still do a fantastic job...


Sounds good to me! I was going to take a escort van over there to sleep in but i thought... il take a tent and take a nice car instead of a sluggish diesel van :lol:

the rev 1 with the 3sfe was a 119bhp but no spoiler or fogs etc..


I've seen those, not a fan of them really...

the rev 1 and 2 with the 3sge are both a 159bhp standard and yes they are a little bit more tail happy than the rev3 onwards but that is only due to the suspension setup thats all.


Yea i thought i heard right when i heard about the rev 1 and 2 being abit more tail happy but as you say this could be fixed if it turns out to be a big issue...

the rev 3 upwards on the n/a's were all a 172bhp standard.


Wow, they must be pretty quick cars! Would there be much difference on insurance between the 159BHP model and the 172BHP model?

wheels on the rev 2 were very nice they are the same as the standard 5 spoke flat faced 15inch wheels on the rev 3 upwards... they do have plenty width for good grip, they are 205/50/15 fronts and 225/50/15 rears


Thats good! I intend to get one that is 100% original. I'm not really into modifications... I'm a boring sod :lol:

Do the rev 3's onward have ABS?

At this stage I'm thinking a Rev 3 will be the perfect model for me :mrgreen:

Are they particularly rare in this color?

Image

stunning color! :thumleft:
bigchief10uk
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by bigchief10uk »

tbh as far as power and performance differences between the 159 and 172 bhp there isnt really much difference at all... the rev is slightly lighter so pretty much kps up with it... and as for insurance there will be no difference for u...
i have a rev 2 n/a and its pushing 220bhp... and its not even that bad for being tail happy tbh... its really more purposely done than accidentally if im honest... its a fantastic car to drive and incredible steering soo responsive and precise... there really is no reason not to have a look at a rev 2 ... look for a t-bar 2.0 GT and you will have full leather interior possibly get the option pack 15inch wheels on it aswell as they were fitted to the rev 2 aswell as an extra option since it has the same break setup as a rev 3.. the rev 1 has smaller breaks and smaller wheels..
bigchief10uk
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by bigchief10uk »

oh sorry just saw your last question about the colour lol... yes that colour was actually quite rare and hard to get a hold of.. also it was a gorgeous colour. there isnt many going about at all... one of my mates has that exact same one lol but his is an import GTS-t and has just over 450bhp lol
Ridge Racer
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by Ridge Racer »

tbh as far as power and performance differences between the 159 and 172 bhp there isnt really much difference at al the rev is slightly lighter so pretty much kps up with it... and as for insurance there will be no difference for u...


Thats cool then no preferance in that case to which engine i get..

look for a t-bar 2.0 GT and you will have full leather interior possibly get the option pack 15inch wheels on it aswell as they were fitted to the rev 2 aswell as an extra option since it has the same break setup as a rev 3.. the rev 1 has smaller breaks and smaller wheels..


I'm not too keep on the T top/moon roof's I'm more into the tin tops. I'd love to get my hands on the 15 inch wheels though... I'm thinking at this stage a black/blue/MAYBE red Rev 3 tin top...

Not sure which rev this is (guessing a rev 2?) but if it didn't have such a different colored front bumper (which leads me to think its Cat D/crashed) id be very tempted to put some work into this...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1993-TOYOTA-M ... 500wt_1413

Though 130k miles could be an issue :lol:

What is a sensible mileage to look out for? I've seen some at 89k some at 194k :lol: obviously less if best but... whats a reasonable amount before you would consider it too much?

Thanks for all this help all! quite a thread this is turning into huh?

:lol: :lol:
bigchief10uk
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by bigchief10uk »

that has the option pack 15inch wheels they are the same as the ones that my mr2 came with.. fantastic wheels tbh..
from what i can see it seems like a good price and mileage is fine... the 3sge is pretty much bullit proof it just seems to last forever lol.. just always make sure you check it regularly for oil and leeks etc and you'll be great.
i would defo consider buying that one and just have it resprayed, very easy problem to solve.. mileage isnt too much of a problem.. that age of car 120 or 130000 etc aint really that bad at all... find out service history for the car etc.. if all good buy it...
do you have msn i can talk to you more on there aswell
SonicSW20
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by SonicSW20 »

bigchief10uk wrote:
i have a rev 2 n/a and its pushing 220bhp... and its not even that bad for being tail happy tbh... i


What have you done to achieve that figure??
Ridge Racer
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Re: Best MR2 Mark 2 For Me?

Post by Ridge Racer »

bigchief10uk wrote:that has the option pack 15inch wheels they are the same as the ones that my mr2 came with.. fantastic wheels tbh..
from what i can see it seems like a good price and mileage is fine... the 3sge is pretty much bullit proof it just seems to last forever lol.. just always make sure you check it regularly for oil and leeks etc and you'll be great.
i would defo consider buying that one and just have it resprayed, very easy problem to solve.. mileage isnt too much of a problem.. that age of car 120 or 130000 etc aint really that bad at all... find out service history for the car etc.. if all good buy it...
do you have msn i can talk to you more on there aswell


What makes me wonder though... is why is it a different color... I know red fades but that is clearly a replacement job... so why has it been replaced... I'm weary of it, nice car though...

As for MSN sadly not, not used it in years... however i do have skype??
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