Any Thoughts on a 1 owner 31k Turbo?

[TurboPete]

I'm sure a few people on here have already spotted this on eBay (I can't post the URL). It's exactly what I'm looking for but just looking for some thoughts from experienced MR2 owners?

I've spoken to the owner and know it needs a cambelt change. Also brake pads have been an MOT advisory since 2008. Speaking to a Japanese Specialist garage they also advised that a full brake overhaul may be needed as it's been sat a few years. About £1100 for all that work I've been quoted.

My thoughts are that it's probably worth the asking price looking at what else is on the market but any thoughts to help me take the plunge would be appreciated.

TIA

Pete

[rgb]

it looks alright but its not cheap. if youre going to keep it for a few years its not that expensive. you need to know what they're selling for . not what they're advertised at.

[Martin F]

It is quite a lot of money for what it is, you will only end up wanting it to go faster, spending £1500 on mods only to wish you bought a rev 3 turbo.

The chances are the brakes will be fine after a wee drive, if not callipers can be had second hand for £50 with them being a very easy diy job.

Mileage is worth a little when selling, as is one owner, things still wear, engines last the life time of the car, timing belts, brakes, wheel bearings, clutches, brake lines, bushes etc. all degrade over time...

Two instances, my mums car has 34k miles on a 53 plate, it has many faults, I have a 6 year old runabout with 32k miles, it is needing a wheel bearing, front brakes, new exhaust and a nearside driveshaft (all which will be done in the next month), that's my 2p anyway

[TurboPete]

It is quite a lot of money for what it is, you will only end up wanting it to go faster, spending £1500 on mods only to wish you bought a rev 3 turbo.

The chances are the brakes will be fine after a wee drive, if not callipers can be had second hand for £50 with them being a very easy diy job.

Mileage is worth a little when selling, as is one owner, things still wear, engines last the life time of the car, timing belts, brakes, wheel bearings, clutches, brake lines, bushes etc. all degrade over time...

Two instances, my mums car has 34k miles on a 53 plate, it has many faults, I have a 6 year old runabout with 32k miles, it is needing a wheel bearing, front brakes, new exhaust and a nearside driveshaft (all which will be done in the next month), that's my 2p anyway

Thanks for your view Martin F. The performance figures which have been quoted on the eBay advert are also incorrect? Are they not the figures for a Rev 3 Turbo when the one listed is a Rev 2?

[TurboPete]

it looks alright but its not cheap. if youre going to keep it for a few years its not that expensive. you need to know what they're selling for . not what they're advertised at.

Thanks rgb. The plan would be to keep it for many years and just use as a summer car. My thoughts being that over the years I'd keep it serviced and well maintained but keep it standard, hoping that it'll not lose value.

Don't we think that about every car we buy though!?

[androo007]

At this age, i'd personally prefer a higher mileage, but cherished example.

As with all things, time perishes things. Rubber, bushes, lines.... all still wear just from time.

If a car is used on the regular, it'll be picked up. If done 30k in 20 years its hardly been used - i'd personally not.

[Martin F]

What about this ?

http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1667266

In my eyes would be a much more worthwhile buy

[TurboPete]

What about this ?

In my eyes would be a much more worthwhile buy

Agreed!! That's a lot of car for the money being asked. Long way to travel though but the cost difference between that and the eBay one would no doubt be worth it.

[Charged]

£1100 sounds a lot for cambelt and brakes.

Link to car?

[TurboPete]

£1100 sounds a lot for cambelt and brakes.

Link to car?

I was quoted £450 for the cambelt. £550 was for a full overhaul, discs, pads, calipers and brake lines. £140 if just the pads needed changing.

I can't post a link yet as i haven't posted enough in the forum. If you search MR2 Turbo on eBay it's a black one with 31K in the title.

[Charged]

£1100 sounds a lot for cambelt and brakes.

Link to car?

I was quoted £450 for the cambelt. £550 was for a full overhaul, discs, pads, calipers and brake lines. £140 if just the pads needed changing.

Might be worth getting some comparitive quotes, my local specialist is £300 ish for a cambelt..

[SonicSW20]

£1100 sounds a lot for cambelt and brakes.

Link to car?

I was quoted £450 for the cambelt. £550 was for a full overhaul, discs, pads, calipers and brake lines. £140 if just the pads needed changing.

Might be worth getting some comparitive quotes, my local specialist is £300 ish for a cambelt..

300 including all parts? That seems cheap. I assume they are not bothering with the water pump and hydraulic tensioner at that price?

[2mad]

I was quoted £450 for the cambelt. £550 was for a full overhaul, discs, pads, calipers and brake lines. £140 if just the pads needed changing.

Might be worth getting some comparitive quotes, my local specialist is £300 ish for a cambelt..

300 including all parts? That seems cheap. I assume they are not bothering with the water pump and hydraulic tensioner at that price?

What gaz said

[rgb]

I had a cambelt done by Toyota in 2005 and it was 450 quid

[2mad]

I had a cambelt done by Toyota in 2005 and it was 450 quid

Sorry to pry , was it just the belt or did you do the tensioner pulleys too

[Charged]

300 including all parts? That seems cheap. I assume they are not bothering with the water pump and hydraulic tensioner at that price?

Water pump & tensioner are not changed unless they need to be so no, not included in the £300.

[alan_uk]

mt garage who has done my cambelt on all my mr2's is £150 labour for belt water pump and tensioner

[androo007]

Also worth noting that at 23 years + service history and mileage to a degree are not that important. ... it's proof that

A) it's not crash repaired
B) it's not rotten
C) quality parts have been used
D) No one has whacked it up to 1.3 bar and gone nuts


Once you get that sorted then mtc is next important item. If it's been neglected in any way the chances are the a b c test above will fail too.

Forum members can be some of the very best cars, but also the worst. People read things and think they can be a mechanic or pro tuner.....leading to all sorts.

Just take your time and inspect thoroughly.