Do I want a rev 4 turbo t-bar?

[ruth11]

Hi all

I'm after an MR2 to play with. Just a road car, unlikely to be tracked. I don't want to play too much with the engine, so reliability is a big want, I'm more interested in the cosmetic stuff.

I always wanted a late rev 5 t-bar and didn't originally plan to get a turbo, but my normal car is a Mini JCW with about 6.5 secs 0-62... I gather an N/A is slower than that, which is not what I want. So I started looking at turbos, but finding a late one is seemingly rather difficult. Most I've seen are converted which I'm not sure about as I don't know if I'd trust them.

What are the differences between rev 3 and 4? What is the real monetary value of a rev 4 t-bar turbo? I've seen 2 for sale currently, but with wildly differing prices and both more than I'd hoped.

Would a rev 4 be more reliable than a rev 3? I realise a turbo will have more things to go wrong, engine wise, than an NA so I'm really looking for one that's been looked after. Am tempted to look at importing one through New Era or whoever as then I can potentially get warranty. Or is that paying a premium for no real benefit?

Any thoughts and advice gratefully received.
Thanks

[Hez]

Rev 3-5 turbo's are the same engine so as reliability goes it depends on the how well the car has been looked after not the revision, Personally id wait for a clean rev 3 turbo (94), means you can decat it too and still pass your mot

[nickg07]

Get the best conditioning one you can. Rot and rust kills mr2s.

[dazzz]

Rev 3-5 turbo's are the same engine so as reliability goes it depends on the how well the car has been looked after not the revision, Personally id wait for a clean rev 3 turbo (94), means you can decat it too and still pass your mot

Basically this. Clean, original, well looked after and cherished. Preferably owners club owned with many years of love and a well documented history.
Modifications aren't bad as long as they have been done properly and with good reason.

I did write a few paragraphs on what to look for but after reading it back, it just sounded like a real nightmare.

Find a car your interested in and post up the details. We can tell you if its a dog, or potential gem.

MR2Rich has just recently gone through the transition of MR2 noob to knowledgeable owner after buying an MR2 turbo. He may have some good advice.

[ruth11]

Thanks chaps

Knowing that the rev 3 engine is no different to the later ones is a great help. The rev 4 ones I've seen are £6500ish and £9500ish! Would defo rather pay less than that. I'll be at JAE this weekend so will have a look round there and work out what I want. I definitely won't be buying a rust bucket, I want to buy the best I can but without paying over the odds.

[2mad]

I would budget £6000 tops for a rev4 and that seems really high to me , condition is key , the less molested the better , I like to have a blank canvas before modding . Nothing worse than sorting out other peoples mistakes.


Kev.

Ps. You can buy a nice rev3 for around £3000 and dont know that a rev4 is worth the extra premium

[ruth11]

I would budget £6000 tops for a rev4 , condition is key , the less molested the better , I like to have a blank canvas before modding . Nothing worse than sorting out other peoples mistakes.


Kev.

Yes, I agree and that was why I was looking at a fresh import but at £6500 it feels a little steep. It looks like I can get a rev 3 for nearer £4k in decent nick and I'm not sure why I'd want to spend the extra £2k+ now... Are there reasons other than simply age and poss mileage to spend the extra on a rev 4?

[ruth11]

I would budget £6000 tops for a rev4 and that seems really high to me , condition is key , the less molested the better , I like to have a blank canvas before modding . Nothing worse than sorting out other peoples mistakes.


Kev.

Ps. You can buy a nice rev3 for around £3000 and dont know that a rev4 is worth the extra premium

Ah... just noticed the edit That's exactly my question really.. wondering why they are at such a premium.. I think I'll take the advice and stick to a lower budget rev 3

[2mad]

I would go rev3 but it would need to be perfect, then you've got 2k to spend on fun stuff and not wasting money putting it right.


Kev.

[ruth11]

I would go rev3 but it would need to be perfect, then you've got 2k to spend on fun stuff and not wasting money putting it right.


Kev.

Thank you, from what I've heard so far, I agree

[ruth11]

Is a UK rev 5 with turbo conversion a bad idea?

Are there any reputable guys who do those conversions or are they all "home grown"?

[Shaoxter]

It's worth holding out for a good one, they differ hugely in condition and price. I know it sounds sappy but you'll know when you've found the right one!

I looked around for months for a decent Rev 3+ Turbo at a sensible price and even bought another car in the meantime to keep me entertained.

[ruth11]

It's worth holding out for a good one, they differ hugely in condition and price. I know it sounds sappy but you'll know when you've found the right one!

I looked around for months for a decent Rev 3+ Turbo at a sensible price and even bought another car in the meantime to keep me entertained.

I know I should be patient, but I WANT ONE NOW!

I'm in no rush really, I have a decent car so it's not like I need it for transport... I'm just kind of intrigued by the UK converted option as one of the ones on Ebay at the moment is just the right colour rev 5 that I had in my head before I decided I needed a turbo rather than an NA

[JD]

After I decided I wanted a boosted MR2, it took about 6 months for the right one to come along and for the timing to be right for me to view it, but it still was far from perfect and I can imagine it could take a lot longer to find the right car. Hope you find what you're looking for

I think if I was on the lookout for one now, I'd take a super clean rev 2 over a slightly ratty but well-specced rev 3, thus getting a super-clean car and avoiding the rev 3 premium. I do love my rev 3 setup, though.

[tsango]

Is a UK rev 5 with turbo conversion a bad idea?

Are there any reputable guys who do those conversions or are they all "home grown"?

All I would want to know is, who did the conversion, then I'd phone them up and ask about the car.

I have a UK REV 5 converted cos I wanted the UK spec car but with the power of a turbo, plus I could spec what I wanted fitting at time of conversion. It's far more expensive that way but if you can find one that's been done by a reputable MR2 specialist then you ought to be getting a bargain compared to what has been spent.

[2mad]

Do like this one, really nice car, good spec , not a fan of the front bumper though, would like to know the mileage. . http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOYOTA-MR2-GT ... 4adc113f77

Like this too, look mint and unmolested , low mileage @63k.. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1995-Toyota-M ... 338fe841eb


Love this one , mileage is a bit high though ..http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOYOTA-MR2-TU ... 3a96c3cabd

Good luck Ruth, Spend wisely .


Kev.

[ruth11]

Do like this one, really nice car, good spec , not a fan of the front bumper though, would like to know the mileage. . http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOYOTA-MR2-GT ... 4adc113f77

Like this too, look mint and unmolested , low mileage @63k.. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1995-Toyota-M ... 338fe841eb


Love this one , mileage is a bit high though ..http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOYOTA-MR2-TU ... 3a96c3cabd

Good luck Ruth, Spend wisely .


Kev.

Yep, have looked at all those, but really wanted a T-Bar this time...

I have found one I need to call about this morning... but keeping schtum for now

[2mad]

Sounds like you know what you want , can't wait for the big reveal

Couldn't see that beautiful uk rev5 covered tuby that was on ebay, could that be who your phoning

[ruth11]

Sounds like you know what you want , can't wait for the big reveal

Couldn't see that beautiful uk rev5 covered tuby that was on ebay, could that be who your phoning

I was looking at the cosmos blue one on ebay.. but that's not who I called... I called about a standard looking rev 3 and am going on a road trip to view tomorrow as it really does sound like it's everything I'm looking for!

Sills already professionally replaced with receipts to prove, needs cam belt changing in 12k miles (but if I buy, will prob do it as soon as anyway), low miles, very standard, just after market boost controller or something... all very exciting!

He says aerial doesn't work - is that fixable?

[2mad]

Sounds very nice Ruth , aerials easy, knock him down a few quid and put a want in the wanted section, someone will help you out. Cant say as id say a faulty aerial would stand in the way of me and my dream car

Dont forget to wheeler dealer haggle



Kev.