Discussion
Need something a bit bigger than my Eunos Roadster & found myself looking at MR2's. Must be an auto, and not slower than the 5, prefer a late mk2. Did the turbo ever see an auto box? Are the auto's any good (need an auto so don't say get a manual or compare it to one thanks)
Where is best to find some more info on them?
Ta
Where is best to find some more info on them?
Ta
You need at least a rev3 or later. The early ones were renown for snap oversteer, and it's not inconceivable that when you exit a roundabout on full acceleration in the auto, on a bend, it shifts up and that teeny tiny mementary loss of power is enough to unsettle it and it'll spin. I know this for truth (although it was VERY wet and tyres weren't brilliant) and it was an NA model... Of course, if you dont drive around like that... might not matter in the slightest! Rev3 onward is softer suspension and is less snatchy. ANd has nicer tail lamps (that everyone has retro-fitted to earlier models!!).
The rev2 onwards is the one with revised suspension+brake setup, the rev3 onwards has the circular rear lights and starts from late 1993+. Buy on condition and not year, these things are 20+ years old now and rust would be my biggest concern. Common rust spots include sills and bottom of the doors. I'm not sure a turbo auto ever existed, even if it does I've never seen one in the UK before.
Edited by johnthesifu on Sunday 2nd February 12:30
Opulent bob - yeah, but was it an AUTO rev1? That's the point I'm making. If the box changes up it's enough to unsettle the car and cause spin. It's out of your control in that sense and very frustrating. A manual wouldnt have the bother, and as such you could hammer it everywehere in confidence!
Rev1 was a fine handling car... but you had to be pretty lively to catch it if it went (as you would with any car of course). They changed the suspension to make it more benign for the majority who "didn't have reactions of an F1 driver" (or something like that). And in the real world, it's a better car for it, even if it is slightly less capable of nurburgring hot laps!!!
I's deffo go for the newest model you can find (subject to condition of course).
Didnt earlier models have the blue tint glass and later ones green? Earlier nicer.
Try for a Ttops too. Makes quite a bit of theatre which lifts the experience somehow.
Rev1 was a fine handling car... but you had to be pretty lively to catch it if it went (as you would with any car of course). They changed the suspension to make it more benign for the majority who "didn't have reactions of an F1 driver" (or something like that). And in the real world, it's a better car for it, even if it is slightly less capable of nurburgring hot laps!!!
I's deffo go for the newest model you can find (subject to condition of course).
Didnt earlier models have the blue tint glass and later ones green? Earlier nicer.
Try for a Ttops too. Makes quite a bit of theatre which lifts the experience somehow.
Auto was NEVER sold as a turbo, the box isn't strong enough.
All this scare mongering about snap over is annoying especially from the uninitiated. Noone should be on WOT on a roundabout if you do that's your foolishness.
The snap over steer is indiciive of any MR layout car. Just MR2 is more accessibility than say an NSX. Let's face it most cars are FWD but if you bring that style of driving to a RWD or MR layout, you shouldn't cry when it goes wrong.
I've had mine (rev 3 turbo) for 6 years and is has never been unpredictable. With that said now to help the OP.
You should look for a M reg and upwards auto. They are harder to come by than any manual but they are out there.
This is one of the few cases where an import is better as they all come with more toys than UK equivalent and tend to be in better condition.
Like with any car, buy on condition not mileage.
Imports can be identified by square numberplate on the rear and AC climate control which very few UK cars had. Also retractable wing mirrors. Import rev 3 start at L reg
All this scare mongering about snap over is annoying especially from the uninitiated. Noone should be on WOT on a roundabout if you do that's your foolishness.
The snap over steer is indiciive of any MR layout car. Just MR2 is more accessibility than say an NSX. Let's face it most cars are FWD but if you bring that style of driving to a RWD or MR layout, you shouldn't cry when it goes wrong.
I've had mine (rev 3 turbo) for 6 years and is has never been unpredictable. With that said now to help the OP.
You should look for a M reg and upwards auto. They are harder to come by than any manual but they are out there.
This is one of the few cases where an import is better as they all come with more toys than UK equivalent and tend to be in better condition.
Like with any car, buy on condition not mileage.
Imports can be identified by square numberplate on the rear and AC climate control which very few UK cars had. Also retractable wing mirrors. Import rev 3 start at L reg
TBH I would prefer an import as generally they suffer less with rot. Will start my search then, post M reg import that isn't red or yellow ideally with leather & T bar roof.
Apart from here, ebay & the trader where else will they be for sale? Any good UK forums for them out there?
Apart from here, ebay & the trader where else will they be for sale? Any good UK forums for them out there?
Edited by scrwright on Monday 3rd February 21:00
Good start, however import didnt come with full leather they came with either cloth or half alcantara half leather.
But you could always change out the seats for full leather like I did. Good ones come up on eBay and owners club all the time. It's only 4 bolts.
If you are going for a t bar be prepared to change the seals on them at around 70 quid a side
Good luck
But you could always change out the seats for full leather like I did. Good ones come up on eBay and owners club all the time. It's only 4 bolts.
If you are going for a t bar be prepared to change the seals on them at around 70 quid a side
Good luck
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