[Mk2] [NA] MR2 purchase, high mileage?

[jonnie]

Hey guys,

I've been looking to buy an MR2 recently and have found one that's looking in excellent aesthetic condition as it has just been re-sprayed, and although there isn't much service history the owner seems to be a genuine guy that has looked after his car well.

The guy's been really helpful with trying to reach a price that suits us both by removing his non-standard exhaust, steering wheel and HUD, but I'm just a little unsure about the mileage.

It's currently done 125,000 miles. I keep hearing that a car can have done much more than this and still be running in tip top condition, but I can't help but be warey of it with the lack of much service history.

Would you say I'm being too cautious about this purchase? What can go wrong after this mileage that will be expensive to repair?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT:: Oh yeah, It's a 1993 MK2 Rev 2 if that helps!

[dawolf]

Is it a UK or import car? 125k miles isn't too bad for an MR2 but you still don't know how it's been treated in the past. I always like to see service history or at least some receipts for the oil/filter.

You'll just have to check everything as best you can and give it a good test drive, I like to drive for about half an hour on different roads and at different speeds. Listen for knocking from the suspension, crunching from the gearbox and watch for smoke from the exhaust. After the drive, check for mayo in the oil filler cap and check the oil and water levels observing for leaks or drips. Also check the other usual stuff like brakes and tyres, a decent brand of tyres is usually a good sign. Also check the bodywork and make sure all panels line up. Watch out for rust, flaky paint and dullness which are often signs of neglect or a dodgy paintjob.

[ferrit]

I wouldn't be too worried about high mileage, as long as the car has been well looked after it should be fine ( engine wise )

[fearless]

yep agreed mine has done 135000 miles sounds as sweet as a nut just gave her an oil change with fully synthetic oil with a flush and sounds even quiter now think rob shipp's has done 180000 miles and his still runs really well, mind you mine came with full service history, mind you i cant afford to keep it up with toyota's prices give it a good going over check clutch,timing belt and shocks these can be very expensive to replace oh and alternator put everything on and see what happens to voltmeter on dash £150 for a new one

[RST]

What's the price you're talking about please -that'll help put it into perspective.

...as for service history, that's twice I've bought a car with good history and paid that little bit more for it, and twice I've found it didn't live up to the history. So my advice is to inspect the car more, rather than go for the security of having receipts for work done.

(oops, hit post rather than preview)

...as for mileage, there's always some big service items around or over the 100k mark. Never buy a 2n'd hand car this age without bargaining for a full service straight away -and a cam belt change for peace of mind so bargain for a couple hundred more than you pay for the car, unless you do the work yourself. But there's folk out there with mileage much higher and still seem to be pulling strong. But a higher mileage engine will always need just that wee bit more care IMO.

[DAN_REV1_TURBO]

With that kind of mileage things will most likely have had to have been replaced, or they will be on the way out. Spring mounts/carriers, ball joints, headhasket, alternator, radiator.. All originial kit on my last one that i ended up shelling out for and that was around 90k mark when I bought it.. Think I ran it up to about 100k without any major issues, did service it etc but also new discs/pads.. God knows what else I forget.. It was a UK car though. Suspension is starting to knock about on my tubby now and thats on 89k. With good service history I wouldnt worry but if there is little history it could mean its all original bits on it that are badly worn.

[ferrit]

By the way Jonnie, ive sent you a pm

[HighwayStar]

Your best bet Jonnie is to see if another member who knows his/her 2s might come with you to help check it over. Where are you and where's the car? Personally I wouldn't buy a 2 from anyone who didn't have a huge folder of receipts for the maintainence work done.

R