I think the secret is in the cars history
- obviously there is an element of luck involved, but do the best you can to suss out the previous owner with respect to oil changes, ignition parts, filter changes etc.
I think going for bigger turbos and aftermarket ECU's COULD
(although not necessarily WILL) effect the reliability
- messing with the standard wiring is the thing that worries me most, as electrical gremlins are always a pain, and difficult to solve
(as you may know if you have owned a TVR!!!).
Keep on top of servicing, don't let any problems linger, and the MR2 could be one of the most reliable cars you can own.
I have a rev 3 turbo, with Unichip and ST205 chargecooler setup, pushing out 323bhp
(although now a little closer to 300 after I put the standard exhaust silencer back on).
I use it regularly, and often on very long journeys.
I've also used it on track
- not once has it let me down.
Things wear
(i.e.
brakes, tyres etc)but, knock on wood, I haven't had a single failure.
The car is at 85,000 miles on the original turbo, with no signs of giving up just yet!
(I've checked radial and axial play in the shaft and all is good.
No smoke or anything either).
I've been very impressed with the car in terms of it's ability to do anything from cross continental journeys, to nipping to the shops, to hooning round tracks, with reasonable running costs.
I average about 25mpg, but can easily get over 30 on a motorway journey.
If you find a good example, I think you'll be very happy going back to the
'2.
Walk away from a poorly looked after car though.