[Mk2] [NA] buying an n/a

[fearless]

im going out next weekend to buy an n/a could someone advise me do i buy a t bar or not, ive read that thay leak a lot and what with all this rain we are having im having second thoughts, and ive noticed that new seals are a hell of a lot of money to replace and would be using car everyday to get to work , some people say that a t bar is to twisty and that other models drive better any advise would be apreciated. also could someone tell me ive seen rev 3 lights on a website but the indictor reflecters are red and for american market ,are these just dummy lenses as there are orange ones next to them and would thay be legal, this is the first mod i would like to do and change fronts to white, also is this an easy job to do i know i have to get a middle panel for the reversing lights many thanks.

[Club Tropicana]

There's two main things you need to bear in mind when looking for an n/a:

a) ditch the idea of the n/a

b) get a turbo instead

[nitric4k]

nas are good cars but, especially if its your everyday car there more reliable then a turbo

u will however always feel like you want more power

if your having an na get the t-bar version, as you cant go fast you might as well go slow in style

[fearless]

havent got turbo money sadly but its got to be quicker than our bus my other cars a 2.3 galaxy, one extreme to another a 7 seater to a 2 seater, just for me and her indoors my kawasaki zxr750 has to go as everyone said its dangerous so have to have a toy to play with ive done the turbo route already with series 1 rs turbos,series 2 and fiesta turbos and yes you do spend money keeping them on the road, one day praps i will be the proud owner of a tubby,so going for the t bar would be ok thay do look good with the glass out this will be my first jap car.

[SW20Paul]

There's two main things you need to bear in mind when looking for an n/a:

a) ditch the idea of the n/a

b) get a turbo instead

Whats wrong with an N/A ?

They are excellent cars to drive with a really nice power delivery.

I think its a real shame everyone seems to forget about the n/a and always favor the turbo.

After all its still an MR2

[Club Tropicana]

They are good cars. But turbo's are better IMO. I had a n/a for 4 years, but got sick of being shown up by everyday cars. Thet dont have to go to match the show - IMO, of course...

No such problems with a Rev3 turbo

[blue2]

True, when driving an NA you do want to go faster, but dont forget the handling aspects as here the turbo and na are the same and pee all over a lot of similar performance cars. Plus you get way more mpg with an NA and lower insurance.

If you get a t-bar just make sure the roof inserts dont leak. Also make sure theres no knocking noises from the front and rear ends as Ive just paid out a small fortune for new shocks and other suspension stuff. I think its b0ll0ks about t-bars driving differently, I chose the tin top as I had heard loads of stories of rattling and leaking roofs. But have to say the t-bar looks much cooler in the summer.

I havent changed the lights on mine but its simple enough im pretty sure there may be a "how to" on here somewhere.

[fearless]

thanks a lot for replys when i get it i will post pics on here many thanks for all your help looking forward to next weekend now cant wait

[fearless]

hi blue just looked at your motor i like the colour havent seen many that colour seen one on autotrader and thought it had been resprayed, hope its still for sale next week i quite fancy that one its a bit funky and not red like most of them, oh sorry i mean a pinky sort of colour cos thay fade big time, trying to stay away from red would love a black one but not many in my price range got £1500 to spend roll on weekend

[James Junior]

There's two main things you need to bear in mind when looking for an n/a:

a) ditch the idea of the n/a

b) get a turbo instead

Thats not very constructive - he has clearly stated that he wants to buy an N/A.

Nofearmadbiker - the N/A is a great car to use as a daily driver - its refined, comfortable and the gear change makes it an absolute pleasure to drive. It is so silky smooth that it can be as satisfying to drive it slowly with measured and smooth inputs as it is to drive it fast on the open road.

Fuel economy is also excellent, particularly if you drive it sensibley so as a daily driver it is a great car. It should see around 32mpg mixed use.

One thing I would recommend is changing the standard Yoko tyres - I had a REV4 N/A and it was all over the place in the wet. I changed the wheels and tyres replacing them with 17's wearing Falken rubber and the handling was vastly improved especially in the wet. It really did transform the car for the better.

I have had two T-Bars in the past - one leaked a bit, the other didn't. I would still buy a T-Bar over the tin top just because on sunny days there is nothing better than driving to work with the roof off to wake you up. If you do find yours leaks a bit then there are some simple procedures you can use to fix the problem without buying new rubbers. (search the forums and look under 'knowledge base)

If your budget will allow I strongly recommend a REV2 or REV3 as the REV1 has no LSD so might be a little too 'involving' in the wet as a daily driver.

If looked after the N/A is mighy reliable - the only mechanical problem I have ever experienced asside from wear and tear was a slipping clutch - cost about 200 for a new clutch. Just do all the normal checks and you should be fine.

For servicing I strongly recommend you do not go to Toyota as in my experience (and I am not alone in this) I think they are a pack of thieving dishonest b*stards. I took my car in for a service and they tried to hold it to ransom telling me if wasn't road worthy beacasue there were a number of critical problems that needed urgent attention. They gave me an estimate of over 1200 pounds to fix everything. I didn't play ball and took the car back and took it to a local specialist who told me that other than a new clutch nothing needed doing for another 5000 miles! I have heard numerous similar stories and there was also another scandal story in the papers recently too.

In terms of performance I agree to a point with the opinions being voiced - it is not a hugely potent car. HOWEVER, everything is relative! I thoroughly enjoyed my first N/A for a year and it was only towards the end of my time with the car that i craved more power and bought a GT Turbo. The N/A is quick enough to have fun on open roads and has good mid range torque for overtaking. A 0 - 60 time of 7.5 seconds is enough to be fun if not mind blowing!

The Turbo is a great car and hugely entertaining but as a daily driver it would drive you nuts - it did me hence why I have just sold my REV3 GT Turbo only yesterday. It has awesome performance but for commuting it is a menace as every time the road clears for a moment the devil appears on your shoulder urging you to boot it - not ideal in rush hour traffic! I always compare it to taking a big dog for a walk that is always pulling on the lead wanting to go faster! Fuel economy is terrible (especially if you drive it enthusiastically) and it is very unrefined. A great weekend toy and performance machine but not a practical daily driver.

Just like you I am now looking to buy another N/A as I want a daily driver. I want something that is reliable, cheap to insure, stylish, fun and economical.

The MK2 N/A delivers all of this - it is one very complete package. Buy one - you'll love it and be hooked!

Good luck with your search - don't forget to show us the pics when you find one!

[dannyroids]

There's two main things you need to bear in mind when looking for an n/a:

a) ditch the idea of the n/a

b) get a turbo instead

Would this be Turbo snobbery at its finest?
N/A's are great cars to drive and very rewarding when driven properly. Get a T-Bar...you wont regret it! All this poo about chassis flex and so on, you really WONT notice a difference atall unless you are going to track it and really give it some very hard abuse! And leaking Seals can easily be sorted.

[steve b]

had an n/a and a turbo before, i'm looking for an n/a again at present. They are good cars.

p.s. only rev5 n/a's have LSD's unless an aftermarket ones been fitted.

[blue2]

James, I agree the rev 2's and 3's are generally in better condition but no NA's came with LSD as standard it was an extra and its very rare to find it on any NA.
I like the colour of mine but I would prefer an all black one with black alloys, I am probably going to upgrade soon to a turbo as I can now justify the extra insurance and fuel

[James Junior]

had an n/a and a turbo before, i'm looking for an n/a again at present. They are good cars.

p.s. only rev5 n/a's have LSD's unless an aftermarket ones been fitted.

Hmmm thats interesting - I was sure they installed an LSD on the REV2 to make them more controllable.

On closer inspection your absolutely right, it was a suspension change that was made, not the addition of an LSD.

You learn something new every day!

[jon0406]

Don't the replies seem to have become more a turbo or NA debate? Its not really what was asked at the start!

As for the original question, I had a Rev 5 T bar and now own a rev 3 tin top, I would say get the t bar for the times when you can take the roof off and live with the odd drip that comes through the majority of them, we're not talking bucket fulls! I can't tell the difference in handling between the tin top or t bar.

On the front lights, I did this recently and its an absolute doddle, just pop the old ones out and pop the new ones in, its that simple.

Sorry I'm no help on the rear lights.

Jon

[fearless]

looks like ive kicked off a bit of a debate thanks james very informative info ive been swayed for the t bar now thanks a lot for all replys very helpfull.

[Odin_S]

i have a rev3 N/A( most powerful btw apart from the rare beams engine) which i have got a 0-60 time of 6.8 sec that quick by anyone standards and the car is good for 145mph. what more can you want?

its just you do get used to the power then think its slow and therefore want a tubby

[dawolf]

I've had my N/A for 3 years now and it still feels pretty quick to me. It is pretty much the same car as a turbo but for the stronger engine and turbo bolted on (amongst a few other things). I really have enjoyed the N/A ownership and it's been generally very reliable.

Having said that, I do crave a turbo now. I've been looking for a good one for a while now but it's hard getting the right part-ex price for my N/A.

For £1500 you should get a fairly reasonable example, probably a rev 2. I prefer tintops to t-bars as I don't like the idea of a wet bottom and wind round my head. Lol.

[ferrit]

I went for the T Bar over the tintop, and to be honest I wish i'd gone for a tintop.

Especially with the weather we've had, i've only had the panels off once in 2 months, and yep, you guessed it, the seals leak. Not badly, just very slightly. It's quite simple to temporarily fix it ( with silicon based spray ) but it's just something i'd rather do without.

Either way, you won't go wrong with a N/A MR2... plenty fast enough. Good luck

[steve b]

Take care getting a g-ltd, i'm haivng trouble getting a good quote compared to UK cars, best is £551 so far,... for a 30 year old, no points, no claims in past 5 years, 4 years ncb, parked on drive....