Maybe purchasing an mr2 turbo tomorrow

Discussion and technical advice the SW20 MR2. 3S-GTE, 3S-GE, 3S-FE etc
Anything and everything to do with maintenance, modifications and electrical is in here for the Mk2.

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mr2run
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2013 1:07 pm

Maybe purchasing an mr2 turbo tomorrow

Post by mr2run »

Hi,

Just wondering, I am going to go see an MR2 which is for sale on this forum - The MR2 is the Rev 5 turbo (silver) from a chap called James in Kent.

Has anyone got any tips for me. I have never owned a turbo before and so this is a new experience, I do however own a rev4 N/A which may help a little.

Is there anyone on this forum who can vouch for this car? I have read the guides of what to look for when buying a mr2 turbo but if there is anything specific to this car which may be important, I would appreciate it if you would let me know.

I feel a little uneasy when buying a new car due to the fact that I have had a few bad experiences before - It is of small comfort however that this car has been on this forum for a number of years so there may be people out there who know this car - If you are this person, then please shout :)

As always, your comments are appreciated

(If anyone would be able to let me know where and how much it would to buy a rear hub and get it fitted it would also help me).
jimGTS
Posts: 14024
Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 1:40 pm
Location: North Kent

Re: Maybe purchasing an mr2 turbo tomorrow

Post by jimGTS »

Is this the car running 340 hp on stock bottom end?

Given this info, best bet is check how it runs on a stone cold start, and how it idles when warm also.
Also worth doing a compression check after the cars been for a good run.

If it's got a catchcan, check for any oil puddles there.

Owner shouldn't have an issue with these requests really given the value of the car.

Looks lovely though!
mr2run
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2013 1:07 pm

Re: Maybe purchasing an mr2 turbo tomorrow

Post by mr2run »

jimGTS wrote:Is this the car running 340 hp on stock bottom end?

Given this info, best bet is check how it runs on a stone cold start, and how it idles when warm also.
Also worth doing a compression check after the cars been for a good run.

If it's got a catchcan, check for any oil puddles there.

Owner shouldn't have an issue with these requests really given the value of the car.

Looks lovely though!


yes that is the one -

For a inexperienced person - What is the best way to check there are no issues with the turbo/head gasket.

If I could would it be a good idea to get the car checked over by local garage before buying or would it need to be a mr2 specialist?
killa_uk
Posts: 30
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2013 1:33 pm
Location: United Kingdom

Re: Maybe purchasing an mr2 turbo tomorrow

Post by killa_uk »

i would get it checked properly regardless of member on here or not :thumleft:
Marmalade
Posts: 149
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 4:25 pm
Location: Newbury, Berkshire

Re: Maybe purchasing an mr2 turbo tomorrow

Post by Marmalade »

You should get it checked properly, leak down test on the turbo and also look for any play in the shaft and as already mentioned a compression test on the cyclinders.

All you can do on a test drive is check for any white smoke and that the boost is constant through the rev range, no hesitation etc.

Does it have the stock boost gauge or an after market?, if its after market then you can see what it is boosting to.

I actually bought mine based on my own inspection and test drive, but I have subsequently had all those checks done to give me peace of mind.
mr2run
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2013 1:07 pm

Garage

Post by mr2run »

Anyone know of a garage (Or a person) I can take the car to in Kent before buying so that I can get it checked out?

Thanks
Charged
IMOC Committee
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Location: Herts

Re: Garage

Post by Charged »

mr2run wrote:Anyone know of a garage (Or a person) I can take the car to in Kent before buying so that I can get it checked out?

Thanks


It doesn't really work like that, unless you've got a very relaxed seller, you'd need to take a mechanic with you.
If you can't see the angle, you're in trouble.
ashyk36
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2013 7:57 pm
Location: United Kingdom

mr2

Post by ashyk36 »

From a sellers point of view, if I was buying a car and I had asked to do a compression test, would that be acceptable or a little rude?
Charged
IMOC Committee
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Location: Herts

Re: mr2

Post by Charged »

ashyk36 wrote:From a sellers point of view, if I was buying a car and I had asked to do a compression test, would that be acceptable or a little rude?


Perfectly acceptable but I'd want someone with good mechanical knowledge to perform it.
If you can't see the angle, you're in trouble.
killa_uk
Posts: 30
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2013 1:33 pm
Location: United Kingdom

Re: mr2

Post by killa_uk »

charged wrote:
ashyk36 wrote:From a sellers point of view, if I was buying a car and I had asked to do a compression test, would that be acceptable or a little rude?


Perfectly acceptable but I'd want someone with good mechanical knowledge to perform it.

if it was a stock car then i would not bother but if its modified like this and to the limits of stock internals i would 100% be doing a compression test if not walk away simples :thumleft:
ashyk36
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Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2013 7:57 pm
Location: United Kingdom

mr2

Post by ashyk36 »

For a car which has uprated components like this one, what psi would you expect?

Where could these testers be purchased from and how much should they be (About £20?)
killa_uk
Posts: 30
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2013 1:33 pm
Location: United Kingdom

Re: mr2

Post by killa_uk »

ashyk36 wrote:For a car which has uprated components like this one, what psi would you expect?

Where could these testers be purchased from and how much should they be (About £20?)

Plenty on ebay £20+
ashyk36
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2013 7:57 pm
Location: United Kingdom

PSI

Post by ashyk36 »

And the PSI it should be running?
james8iles
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Joined: Tue May 17, 2011 1:41 pm

Re: Maybe purchasing an mr2 turbo tomorrow

Post by james8iles »

All engines will make different amounts of compression. It's the differences in pressure which should highlight a potential problem.

Not entirely sure I've ever heard of anyone turning up and doing their own compression test on a car. Previously when I've sold modified cars nobody has ever done this.
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