Discussion
Is anyone running a Mk1 Mr2 as a daily drive? I am starting to tier of the micra and I have backing from the other half to change if I dnt use up any money thus I had a Mk2 which was fantastic, Ive seen some around £1500-2000. So are they still reliable to use daily for 2/3 years without any major repairs apart from the brakes, tyers and service and what is the fuel econmy like.
Thoughts please
Thoughts please
Portmyster said:
Is anyone running a Mk1 Mr2 as a daily drive? I am starting to tier of the micra and I have backing from the other half to change if I dnt use up any money thus I had a Mk2 which was fantastic, Ive seen some around £1500-2000. So are they still reliable to use daily for 2/3 years without any major repairs apart from the brakes, tyers and service and what is the fuel econmy like.
Thoughts please
My mate used to have one until earlier this year. It was made of rust, but was still a hoot to drive and was fantastically reliableThoughts please
I've got one of these as a weekend fun car although it's currently SORN'd as it needs some rust sorting out for the MOT. I did however use it as a daily driver for 3 months straight at about this time of year (due to my Scooby being stolen) and it was fantastic fun, the heater even works within a couple of minutes (not always the case for most old cars). Very reliable as well.
The only thing I'd recommend is decent tyres all round, even then choose carefully because my Yokohama summer tyres were absolutely lethal at near-zero temperatures.
As for you specific questions, cheap to run, about 30mpg from memory and 185/60/14 tyres are a cheap size.
The only thing I'd recommend is decent tyres all round, even then choose carefully because my Yokohama summer tyres were absolutely lethal at near-zero temperatures.
As for you specific questions, cheap to run, about 30mpg from memory and 185/60/14 tyres are a cheap size.
Edited by BurgerKing on Thursday 17th November 11:41
Thanks for reply, yep I think if I could find a rust free example then wax oil all the car it could be a cheep fun daily car for few years before selling for family car as kids are planed.
Insurance is the same as the micra, servicing & maintainace would be done by my mate cash which would be a good idea.
Insurance is the same as the micra, servicing & maintainace would be done by my mate cash which would be a good idea.
Portmyster said:
Thanks for reply, yep I think if I could find a rust free example then wax oil all the car it could be a cheep fun daily car for few years before selling for family car as kids are planed.
Insurance is the same as the micra, servicing & maintainace would be done by my mate cash which would be a good idea.
That will be your biggest challenge. If you're prepared to be patient the it is possible. A mate of mine was looking for a Mk1 to cannibalise for spares. When he went to view the car the bodywork was in much better condition than his existing one! So now he has to decide whether to do a massive swapping exercise of all the mechanical bits.Insurance is the same as the micra, servicing & maintainace would be done by my mate cash which would be a good idea.
A friend of mine who is a big MR2 fan reckons the hardest thing to live with on these is the rust, as they tend to rust from the inside out, and once it's visible you can be sure the rest of the car is in big trouble. Mechanically, they are very strong and dynmically, far more entertaining that say, an MX5. Finding one that isn't rusted and keeping it that way will be the challenge.
I've been running a mk1, the same one, since May 2001. Having said that it has moved away from daily driver to summer toy now.
The main thing that will finish a mk1 is rust and keeping it at bay can be hard work. I would rather walk to work than use it when there is salt on the road. Waxoyl and the like should help you out though.
Rust can break out anywhere underneath and if left to its own devices will soon finish it off. I would choose a low rust with mechanical issues over a mechanically fine rotty one every day of the week.
New spares from Toyota can be a eye-opener if your used to Ford prices and the like. I usually work on Toyota parts being about 3 times as expensive as a Euro car part.
Having said that there are plenty being broken up now so second hand stuff is plentyful.
Fuel consumption is about 30 mpg running about rising to high 30's on a run. There a bit better on fuel than a mk2 but not as good as a mk3.
Engines are pretty bullet proof apart from head gaskets, which in my experience, let go very gradually and end up giving confusing cooling system issues where the coolant gets blown out into the coolant tank and not being drawn back in. Early engines seem to be a bit more prone to bearing failure but these were beefed up from 87 onwards.
Interior trim is very hard wearing and finding one with a mint interior isn't much of a selling point, too be honest. Again, you could find all you need second hand.
On the reliability front, in 10 years and 45,000 miles, mine has never not gotten me home. Its had its problems but all cars do, but it has never left me stranded. The head gasket let go out at the nurburgring and it started to blow its coolant out into the expansion tank but it still managed the 480 miles back home without over heating. You can't knock it for that.
On the tyre front, I have 15" wheels on mine and find the choice of tyres in the 195/50/15 is better supported these days than the old 185/60/14. You can get toyo proxes T1-R's in this size for about £30 each from Camskill.
Anything else I can maybe help with, let me know.
The main thing that will finish a mk1 is rust and keeping it at bay can be hard work. I would rather walk to work than use it when there is salt on the road. Waxoyl and the like should help you out though.
Rust can break out anywhere underneath and if left to its own devices will soon finish it off. I would choose a low rust with mechanical issues over a mechanically fine rotty one every day of the week.
New spares from Toyota can be a eye-opener if your used to Ford prices and the like. I usually work on Toyota parts being about 3 times as expensive as a Euro car part.
Having said that there are plenty being broken up now so second hand stuff is plentyful.
Fuel consumption is about 30 mpg running about rising to high 30's on a run. There a bit better on fuel than a mk2 but not as good as a mk3.
Engines are pretty bullet proof apart from head gaskets, which in my experience, let go very gradually and end up giving confusing cooling system issues where the coolant gets blown out into the coolant tank and not being drawn back in. Early engines seem to be a bit more prone to bearing failure but these were beefed up from 87 onwards.
Interior trim is very hard wearing and finding one with a mint interior isn't much of a selling point, too be honest. Again, you could find all you need second hand.
On the reliability front, in 10 years and 45,000 miles, mine has never not gotten me home. Its had its problems but all cars do, but it has never left me stranded. The head gasket let go out at the nurburgring and it started to blow its coolant out into the expansion tank but it still managed the 480 miles back home without over heating. You can't knock it for that.
On the tyre front, I have 15" wheels on mine and find the choice of tyres in the 195/50/15 is better supported these days than the old 185/60/14. You can get toyo proxes T1-R's in this size for about £30 each from Camskill.
Anything else I can maybe help with, let me know.
GravelBen said:
Fail. They're on the same level as an MX5 but no more entertaining, just different. I've driven both and bought an MX5.
Again, I've done the same. Owned both, in fact (mk2 MR2 Turbo and mk2 MX5). At each generation, I think the MR2 is the better car in most aspects. Certainly from a 'drivers fun' point of view. Hi,
I have used my current mr2 as a daily drive for the last four years.
I currently do between 300 and 400 miles a week in mine depending how many times I see my girlfriend on the way home from work. I get 38mpg constantly for the last 12 months.
I do have a fully rebuilt, race prepped engine which is slightly higher in CCs than standard, about 1606cc but I do have janspeed exhaust, filter but still maintain this economy.
Servicing things like brakes and tyres really depends on which route you use for work, I tend to use routes that have less junctions, so less wear and tear on brakes and tyres. I have had a set of yoko ad08's last me 23k miles which in my opinion lasted a bloody long time considering they are a very soft track day tyre!
Brakes, I change my pads every 25,000 miles, which is about 1 year for me! Oil every 6000 miles.
Cosmetics wise you just have to worry about in the winter when the salt and grit goes down on the road. My rear wheel arches are falling apart but as its not an MOT failure ill get them sorted in the spring when the bad weather has gone.
If you are worried about the underside of the car, get under the car one day (on axle stands) and underseal the floors.
The brake calipers do tend to get s
tty during the winter period especially the handbrake adjuster in the middle of the underside of the car, but that is mainly because it is exposed to the elements all the time. Cracked seals on calipers will be destroyed over the winter so you should check out all seals on all four calipers to ensure you're brakes don't seize.
I have used my current mr2 as a daily drive for the last four years.
I currently do between 300 and 400 miles a week in mine depending how many times I see my girlfriend on the way home from work. I get 38mpg constantly for the last 12 months.
I do have a fully rebuilt, race prepped engine which is slightly higher in CCs than standard, about 1606cc but I do have janspeed exhaust, filter but still maintain this economy.
Servicing things like brakes and tyres really depends on which route you use for work, I tend to use routes that have less junctions, so less wear and tear on brakes and tyres. I have had a set of yoko ad08's last me 23k miles which in my opinion lasted a bloody long time considering they are a very soft track day tyre!
Brakes, I change my pads every 25,000 miles, which is about 1 year for me! Oil every 6000 miles.
Cosmetics wise you just have to worry about in the winter when the salt and grit goes down on the road. My rear wheel arches are falling apart but as its not an MOT failure ill get them sorted in the spring when the bad weather has gone.
If you are worried about the underside of the car, get under the car one day (on axle stands) and underseal the floors.
The brake calipers do tend to get s
tty during the winter period especially the handbrake adjuster in the middle of the underside of the car, but that is mainly because it is exposed to the elements all the time. Cracked seals on calipers will be destroyed over the winter so you should check out all seals on all four calipers to ensure you're brakes don't seize.Edited by mk1mr2only on Friday 18th November 11:10
Thanks to all,
It confirms my ideas regarding the car, which if the body work is rust free and the engine maintained.For a little extra cash on top of the micra would make a entertaining daily drive even thou its a 20yrs plus car with reasonable running costs. New year looks promissing then once we get over the worst winter months to search.
It confirms my ideas regarding the car, which if the body work is rust free and the engine maintained.For a little extra cash on top of the micra would make a entertaining daily drive even thou its a 20yrs plus car with reasonable running costs. New year looks promissing then once we get over the worst winter months to search.
Not a bad time to buy them though. Can't be much demand for a RWD, mid-engined sports car in winter. My MR2 Turbo cost me relatively little. I also made a good saving buying my MX5 during the winter months. It was the best of nearly 20 cars I looked at and yet the dealer couldn't shift it due to the relentless snow.
Mind you, it was more expensive (just) than the MR2 and much less impressive in every respect. Get an MR2, they genuinely feel special and are great fun.
Mind you, it was more expensive (just) than the MR2 and much less impressive in every respect. Get an MR2, they genuinely feel special and are great fun.
Many people do not use their '2s during the winter months. I however have used my mk1b and my first mk1a during the winter with not many issues.
The main problem for these cars is the fact there is no progressive drift when you get into trouble - they just snap and will probably either cause damage or spin the car.
I spun my car on a busy roundabout last year and also drifted at 45 degrees on the a130 in essex @ 50mph - first time ive ever been scared in my car when things go out of control. Heading towards the Armco on ice is not something to find cool or joke about after its happened to you.
If you've never used a mid engine RWD before and are considering using it in the snow, I would definitely advise you against it. I want to promote the longetivity of these great little sports cars, but I wouldn't want to see one in st condition or great condition in a ditch.
The main problem for these cars is the fact there is no progressive drift when you get into trouble - they just snap and will probably either cause damage or spin the car.
I spun my car on a busy roundabout last year and also drifted at 45 degrees on the a130 in essex @ 50mph - first time ive ever been scared in my car when things go out of control. Heading towards the Armco on ice is not something to find cool or joke about after its happened to you.
If you've never used a mid engine RWD before and are considering using it in the snow, I would definitely advise you against it. I want to promote the longetivity of these great little sports cars, but I wouldn't want to see one in s
t condition or great condition in a ditch. I do still use my MR2, it's my daily driver. But I have accepted that if it snows this year, I won't actually be able to get it out of my street even if I can actually get it off my drive. I'll just get lifts or taxis to work if that happens.
That said, I'm not about to compromise and buy a less exciting car. Sure, it would get me to work in the snow but the rest of the year would be far, far less enjoyable!
That said, I'm not about to compromise and buy a less exciting car. Sure, it would get me to work in the snow but the rest of the year would be far, far less enjoyable!
Baryonyx said:
I do still use my MR2, it's my daily driver. But I have accepted that if it snows this year, I won't actually be able to get it out of my street even if I can actually get it off my drive. I'll just get lifts or taxis to work if that happens.
That said, I'm not about to compromise and buy a less exciting car. Sure, it would get me to work in the snow but the rest of the year would be far, far less enjoyable!
You see that's why my MR2 is in the garage and the winter hack is in the form of a 205 GTI 1.9 That said, I'm not about to compromise and buy a less exciting car. Sure, it would get me to work in the snow but the rest of the year would be far, far less enjoyable!
.Road Pest said:
You see that's why my MR2 is in the garage and the winter hack is in the form of a 205 GTI 1.9 .
I'm might impressed with your choice of winter hack, 'pest, if I'm being honest. .You might want to keep the '2 on standby though. We have a 205 CTi as well and I have never known anything so un-reliable. Bloody things in pieces now, french rubbish. Like everything in life, once you have had jap, you never go back.
spudgun GB said:
I'm might impressed with your choice of winter hack, 'pest, if I'm being honest.
You might want to keep the '2 on standby though. We have a 205 CTi as well and I have never known anything so un-reliable. Bloody things in pieces now, french rubbish. Like everything in life, once you have had jap, you never go back.
Have to agree there, starting the Pug in the morning, it's like it's smoked too many Gitanes in the night. I think in the short time I've had it it's been in the mechanics garage more than mine You might want to keep the '2 on standby though. We have a 205 CTi as well and I have never known anything so un-reliable. Bloody things in pieces now, french rubbish. Like everything in life, once you have had jap, you never go back.
Baryonyx said:
I do still use my MR2, it's my daily driver. But I have accepted that if it snows this year, I won't actually be able to get it out of my street even if I can actually get it off my drive. I'll just get lifts or taxis to work if that happens.
That said, I'm not about to compromise and buy a less exciting car. Sure, it would get me to work in the snow but the rest of the year would be far, far less enjoyable!
You have been given great advice re: the mk1 mr2.That said, I'm not about to compromise and buy a less exciting car. Sure, it would get me to work in the snow but the rest of the year would be far, far less enjoyable!
In the snow however my old daily drive mk1 was better than my more recent purchases: rx8 & VX220. both of these were more difficult to drive in the snow than the mk1.
I personally think that the mk1 actually does better to be driven all year round, as they like to be used. with sensible maintainance they are reliable.
A good mk1 however will be more expensive than an old MK2 nowadays, but the mk1 is more stylish IMO. MK3 roadsters are really coming down in price too. 3k
see for sale section on mr2mk1club site.
Gassing Station | Toyota | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff