...6 twin-cam engine is a fore-runner of the variable valve timing system on the modern Toyotas (VVT-i), Hondas(VTEC) and Fords(ZETEC). Up to about 4200 revs, the two inlet valves and two outlet valves per cylinder operate in synchronicity, providing plenty of torque, and not a little power. Above ... Read review
Advantages: Handling, speed, fun, economy Disadvantages: Luggage space and image, if you are shallow
I bought a G reg Mark 1 MR2 in July, and have been driving it since. The reason I bought it was because I wanted a fun car to tinker with and to learn a bit of car restoration. The MK1 MR2 is an iconic machine, for many the archetypal sports car of the 80s, and I used to adore them as a teenager.
They have received much of a ribbing in recent years being a “hairdresser’s car”. While this doesn’t bother me at ... ...a performance car first and foremost. The 1.6 twin-cam engine is a fore-runner of the variable valve timing system on the modern Toyotas (VVT-i), Hondas(VTEC) and Fords(ZETEC). Up to about 4200 revs, the two inlet valves and two outlet valves per cylinder operate in synchronicity, providing plenty of torque, and not a little power. Above 4200 revs, the valves for each cylinder open alternately, the torque is reduced, but the power builds and the ... more
I bought a G reg Mark 1 MR2 in July, and have been driving it since. The reason I bought it was because I wanted a fun car to tinker with and to learn a bit of car restoration. The MK1 MR2 is an iconic machine, for many the archetypal sports car of the 80s, and I used to adore them as a teenager.
They have received much of a ribbing in recent years being a “hairdresser’s car”. While this doesn’t bother me at all, it is complete nonsense. The MK1 MR2 is a performance car first and foremost. The 1.6 twin-cam engine is a fore-runner of the variable valve timing system on the modern Toyotas (VVT-i), Hondas(VTEC) and Fords(ZETEC). Up to about 4200 revs, the two inlet valves and two outlet valves per cylinder operate in synchronicity, providing plenty of torque, and not a little power. Above 4200 revs, the valves for each cylinder open alternately, the torque is reduced, but the power builds and the car screams to just under 8000 revs (it can reach 9000 revs for short periods if you have decent oil), taking you to 124 mph. In the stock model, 60 mph is reached in 7.2 seconds shortly after easing into 3rd gear, with the superb, slick, short-throw gear stick. Even then, oodles of power are waiting after a squeeze of the accelerator. Not too shabby, even by any modern 2-seater’s standards, but even better is the car’s handling.
Being mid-engined, the car has an almost perfectly neutral balance, enabling you to slide it around roundabouts and corners with thrilling ease, the car almost talking to you to tell you what it is doing or going to do. The steering is very light and precise, and since it’s a rear-wheel drive, the turning circle is very tight indeed. The stock alloys are great, and I am loathe to change them for larger wheels: even though this would increase my top speed, the acceleration would be reduced slightly. The ride is firm, but not overly so, and I think it could be slightly firmer - the stock dampers are not the best, even though they are very good, and I intend to change them for adjustable Kokiko dampers soon and matching springs, which should lower it by just a couple of cms, nothing really noticeable, but enough to give that bit extra grip. But I must say, the handling in the unchanged car is incredible – I have never had do much control over such a fast car.
Its not the most practical car in the world, but it fits me and my girlfriend in a fairly luxurious cab with plenty of legroom. Switches are solid and durable, with electric windows and a great detachable sunroof. With the roof off and the windows down, it is almost a cabriolet. Noise at high speeds is quite loud, with the engine growling in your left ear, the wind and road noise, but if you are driving this car at 70+ mph and have enough time to think about the noise, you are driving on the wrong roads! Storage space in the cab is great, lots of space in the side pockets, a cd/tape case between the seats, a sizeable glove compartment and room for a coat and maybe a briefcase behind the seats if you’re wee. The boot is actually surprisingly big; I can fit three large holdalls in comfortably. There is also room under the bonnet for a small suitcase along with the spare wheel. Easily enough for a weekend away, even if you take away a female…
I bought mine from an elderly Solicitor in Bramhall, Stockport who had bought it 5 years previously from a local garage; it had had one previous owner before the garage. I didn’t get much of a service history, but after a couple of hours of close inspection, greatly aided by the Practical Classic’s magazine comprehensive buyer’s guide, I found it was in good order. It is a fine example, with maybe a bit of rust removal to be done, but it is fairly immaculate, and I happily parted with £2500. Expect to pay up to £3500 for a really immaculate one. Poorer versions can be purchased for less than a grand, but beware. As previously mentioned, I am going to put new dampers and springs on. I have installed an induction kit and a new stainless steel exhaust which have bumped up the power to about 137 bhp, giving me 0 to 60 in 6.9 seconds. Its getting pretty quick. I’m getting about 37 miles to the gallon as well – excellent…..
In summary, then, a classic, fun and cheap car, economical and approachable. You might want to have a little car knowledge under your belt before buying one, but I doubt you can find a better sports car for such a small amount of money. Buy a shiny grey jacket, turn up the cuffs and put the pedal to the metal.....
One caveat – on no account buy a mark II - unless you don't have to go around corners. Although pretty, it feels like a blancmange on wheels. Originally designed for the American market, it is fairly useless on UK roads. To quote Douglas Adams: Looks like a fish, moves like a fish, steers like a cow.
The mark III is excellent BTW. My next purchase will either be a mark III or a Lotus Elise.
Advantages: brilliant fun, great looks, no room for passengers! Disadvantages: no room for shopping/luggage/anything else!
The MKI MR2 is simply a brilliant car! For less than £2000 you can get a 2 seater, mid-engined, rear wheel drive sports car that is brilliant fun and, 15 years on, can still turn heads.
The driving position is low down and very comfy with acres of leg room in the passenger seat. The 1.6 engine sounds great and the car has excellent road handling. Inside there are no mod cons but you do get central locking, electric windows and a sunroof that lifts ...
teen 03.10.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Toyota MR2 MK1
Advantages: Handling developbed by Lotus, stuning looks, perfect reliability. A1 examples still under £5,000. Disadvantages: Rust kills most of them, lots of very rough examples out there - especialy T-Bars.
Why the Mark 1 Toyota MR2? (1985-1990) Firstly and fore mostly; they are seriously fun to drive! Just ask any Mk1 owner, and watch as a massive cheesy grin appears across their face. It will happen! :) 80’s rocket ship styling Removable glass roof (T-Bar model) Very light weight Engine revs up to 8,000 RPM True sports car handling – refined by Lotus Toyota reliability Toyota build quality Lots of electrical toys – EW, CL, EA, EM, etc… Light steering ... ...1989 Toyota MR2 T-Bar, AW11 3 Previous Owners Excelent original leather interior Original Bill of sale! MOT 8-12 Months 82,000 miles Extensive folder full of service history – Mainly Toyota 15 Old MOT’s to verify the mileage Original Handbooks and roof shades and bags 3 Month Warranty A very original example in superb condition. Viewing welcomed, call me anytime if you have any questions or to arrange a viewing or test drive. Tell tale signs of a ...
gafr21 15.10.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Toyota MR2 MK1
Advantages: Quick, Cheap, Reliable, Great looking car Disadvantages: Like all cars of its age rust is a problem
I Love my Toyota MR2 mk1 T-BAR 1988.
For its age it feels and looks better than anything I see on the roads nowadays.
The styling of older cars was retro with all the cool vents and square shapes etc. Now u just get curves and all new cars look the same and are all about comfort and safety.
I bought my MR2 in February for a measly £700. It needed work so I got all rust off and a complete respray for £450 from my local garage in Alrewas, he was ... ...Great fun :)
Being a Toyota it is also easy to get the parts despite the age. I would not recommend going direct to Toyota as the parts are a small fortune, try internet searches and local garages etc. i found toyota were very useful when they did a full check on my car, it helped me pinpoint what I should be working on sooner rather than later.
In my case it was the arches and underneath of the car.
Overall the car is now in good shape with the ...
bengear8 10.06.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Toyota MR2 MK1
Advantages: Handling, lovely engine noise, performance Disadvantages: Bootspace, hard to find in good condition
This little car was the most fun to drive of any of the cars I have owned. The excellent 4AGE engine loves to rev, and makes a wonderful noise when the variable intake system kicks in at about 4200rpm. The MR2 is mid-engined, meaning it has excellently balanced handling and lots of traction off the line.
The interior looks a bit dated by todays standards, but the seats are very supportive, with adjustable base, lumbar, side support and headrests ... ...not too shabby either, with electric windows and pop-up headlights on all models and either a sunroof or T-bar.
The MR2 is a 2-seater, so there is not much room for luggage, although a set of golf clubs will (just) fit in the rear boot.
I paid £700 for mine, and it must be the best smile-per-pound ratio of any car anywhere! A joy to drive. ...
walkinginperu 26.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Toyota MR2 MK1
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Advantages: great fun to drive! Disadvantages: Tiny boot
I am just compelled to write a review on the new and improved Kitty mobile. Having passed my test over two years ago and being over the ripe age of 25 now I fancied something with a bit more poke, but that wouldn?t cost me the Earth to run or insure.
My last car being a Peugeot 106 was super economical. I'm sure it ran on dust to be honest, as I only used to fill it up every other week with ten pounds. It was a bum hole to drive though. The brakes were horrendous and I always felt like I was sitting on top of the steering wheel with my face pushed up against the window.
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kittyfluff 08.06.2007
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Toyota MR2 (MK1)
Advantages: Great looks, fast car, amazing handling and cheap to purchase Disadvantages: common t-bar seals leaking but these can be replaced
I originally had a mk1ToyotaMR2 which had reliability issues with trouble starting and rust build up etc. In January 2009 I decided to part with her and buy a nice red 1997 ToyotaMR2mk2 T-bar.
Not only did it look like a baby Ferrari with its gleamiong red paintwork, pop up lights and twin exhasut system, it performed like one aswell!
Not so common on the roads now you can't help notice people turning there heads for a look and i'm sure at first glance they think it's a Ferrari :)
I have had no reliablility issues with my car as of yet, Ive had the car serviced at Toyota by very helpful staff. I have only replaced the engine struts underneath the engine and purchased some nice black and red rim 17" alloys with look a treat on the car.
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Advantages: Honda aka reliability, Meets 33BHP licence requirement, Cheap motoring Disadvantages: Doesn't pass 75mph, single cylinder so vibey, gets blown around in high winds
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Purchased a N reg (1996) red "two fifty" model with white 5 spoke wheels and 35,000 miles on the clock. The machine had a full dealer service history, original tool kit and appeared in pretty good condition. I paid £800 for the little beast from the dealer who serviced the machine which was a price I was willing to pay due to my limited experience with bikes.
Such a great feeling pulling away from the dealer on the machine. Having come from four wheels belonging to my ToyotaMk1MR2 the bike felt extremely nippy and was no slouch. I was immediately forced into filtering down a long cue of cars at the traffic lights which I fount very capable upon this lightweight machine ...
