[All] [NA] Which Mk2 to buy?

[Eternal Renegade]

Hi all, I'm looking at buying a Mk2 MR2; I'm told that there are three different HP motors in these and that the middle ones the most economical. I shall be using it for long term commuting as well as fun so I need the best of both worlds.

Can anyone clarify all this for me please?

[blue2]

Not sure what you mean. The rev 1 had 2 engines a really crap 119bhp think its the 3sfe engine to be avoided, the 158bhp engine was later fitted to rev1's and rev2's. Rev 3s and later models were fitted with a more powerful 170bhp engine. While the 170bhp was more powerful I dont think it had as much torque as the 158bhp engine but I may well be wrong. As for fuel economy I dont think theres much in it at all and it all depends on your budget. If I were you I would go for a good condition rev 4 or 5 only as they are newer and less likely to have problems. If your budget is £1000-2500 Id go for a decnet rev 2 or 3. As long as you get one with lots of history you cant go far wrong. HTH

[DAN_REV1_TURBO]

To be fair to the 3sfe, I bought one for 1500 quid and hammered it 110 mile round trip 6 days a week to Northampton and back for 2 years, country lanes and motorway driving, had to replace a few bits along the way, but basically it never really let me down and I ran it upto 135k on the clock before I sold it. Cheaper to insure with the right company who recognise the difference, and probably a bit less thirsty. For a daily drive it was comfortable. They dont come with a rear spoiler or fogs so you should spot the difference. there is a pic on here somewhere of the engine differences aswell. Could be beneficial if you want a nice looking motor that is more economical.

Having said that, i would never buy one again since owning the turbo. (But I only drive it weekends nowdays). You may be better off with a N/A 3sge engined MR2, more power than the fe as mentioned above.

[blue2]

My mate had a 3sfe rev 1 as well, I didnt mean to make out they were crap only that they are very similar in price to the more powerful engined mr2's and thus not worth it unless you find a really good example. Overall whichever engine you choose should be pretty much bullet proof. I ran my rev 2 engine to 120k and used it 7 days a week over 3 years, never missed a beat.

[Si_Crewe]

I think the OP has the right idea in general.

Rev 1 & 2 3SGE had 150-odd BHP then it went up to 170-odd with the Rev3 but then, later on (and I'm not completely sure about this) I think the power dropped off again by a couple of BHP and (more importantly) the car got heavier as well so performance was actually almost identical to the original Rev1 & 2.

[Rogue]

While the 170bhp was more powerful I dont think it had as much torque as the 158bhp engine but I may well be wrong

Toyota quote the same peak torque at the same rpm for both engines.

later on (and I'm not completely sure about this) I think the power dropped off again by a couple of BHP

Power dropped from 172bhp to 168bhp at revision 4 when EGT was introduced into UK cars. This does not affect revision 4 imports.

the car got heavier as well so performance was actually almost identical to the original Rev1 & 2.

Air bags became standard at Revision 4 which may have added a kilo or two. ABS also became standard, but the system fitted was lighter than on previous revisions. Two small metal plates were added to the chassis at the front of the car. Other than that, I can't think why revision 4 would have gained any weight over the previous revision.

[Si_Crewe]

Air bags became standard at Revision 4 which may have added a kilo or two. ABS also became standard, but the system fitted was lighter than on previous revisions. Two small metal plates were added to the chassis at the front of the car. Other than that, I can't think why revision 4 would have gained any weight over the previous revision.

Must admit, I'm just going on stuff I recall from various books.
Overall it's pretty-much correct though. The Rev3 is the most powerful n/a (barring the BEAMS).

I'll see if I can dig up whatever I read that suggested that the rev 4 & 5 power to weight ratio was almost the same as the rev 1 & 2 though.

[Eternal Renegade]

OK thanks all of you.

How can I tell the difference between them or what year was which rev?

[HighwayStar]

They changed roughly every 2 yrs so rev1s are Dec 89 - Dec 91, rev2s are Dec 91 - Dec 93 etc. If you try a search for chassis numbers somewhere here is a list of the chassis numbers for each rev which you can check against the numbers of cars you go and see. Also there is a buyers guide somewhere which explains the differences between the revs both technical and visual. Hope you find yourself a good car 'cos if you do they're very rewarding to drive, fun and reliable.
Good luck.

R.