Used Toyota MR2 review: 1990-1999

There are sports cars and there are sports cars. Where once it was easy to define what a sports car was it’s no longer as easy with cars today. Where once a sports car was a stripped down, souped-up model with the emphasis on performance and handling, it seems today a sports car is anything with a folding roof.

Toyota’s MR2, however, stuck to the traditional formula. The emphasis was definitely on the on-road performance, which makes it a great car for the enthusiast driver.

MODEL WATCH

The second generation MR2, the SW20, was the prettiest of the lot. While it evolved from the earlier Mk 1 there were none of the earlier model’s hard lines and sharp edges that dated it quickly. The SW20 was a pretty little two-door, mid-engined, Targa-topped coupe with well-balanced proportions that gave it an athletic stance. Its pretty lines have dated very well; it’s hard to believe it is 17 years old.

But it wasn’t just a pretty face. The MR2 might have been small, but it was a pocket dynamo on the road. Its mid-engined layout gave it a balance that was close to perfect. With an agility few other cars could match, coupled with brilliant steering precision, the MR2 would swallow up a winding road like few others.

The suspension was independent all round, the steering was rack-and-pinion, and the brakes were big powerful discs on all corners.

Under the rear lid lay a cross-mounted 2.0-litre, 16-valve, double overhead camshaft, fuel-injected four-cylinder engine that punched out 117 kW at 6600 revs and 190 Nm at 4800 revs, all of which was channelled through a five-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. A 1994 update brought the GT and the ‘Bathurst’ special models. The engine for both boasted 125 kW at 7000 revs and 186 Nm at 4800 revs.

Inside, you were cocooned in a tight cockpit, sitting in form-fitting sports seats, with everything within easy reach. There wasn’t a lot of storage space so you couldn’t plan on taking a lot of luggage on a weekend getaway.

At launch the coupe came with alloy wheels, power windows, central locking, rear spoiler, fog lamps, high-mounted stop lamp, and AM/FM stereo sound. A facelift in 1992 brought larger 15-inch alloys, larger front spoiler, revised suspension, steering wheel, gearshift knob, and upgraded sound system. From 1994 the ‘Bathurst’ had alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, power windows and mirrors, central locking, cloth trim and cassette sound. The GT was better equipped. It came with leather, cruise, fog lamps, power steering, remote central locking, and an alarm. CD sound was added in 1995. Air was an option.

Toyota also sold a turbocharged model in some overseas markets. Any here will be grey imports rather than locally delivered cars.

IN THE SHOP

Most MR2s are owned by enthusiasts who take care of them, but look for signs of hard driving. There are enough around to be choosy so take the time to find a well cared-for car.

It’s important to follow the Toyota service schedule. Do so and the MR2 will give little trouble, but stray from the recommendations and you risk problems. Toyota recommends regular changes of the engine coolant, but be careful to bleed the system properly when you do so. Airlocks in the system caused by not bleeding the system correctly will almost certainly lead to overheating and engine damage.

The cam-timing belt should be changed every 100,000 km or five years, but the engine is a free-spinning design, so while a broken belt will leave you stranded by the roadside it won’t cause internal damage to the engine.

The clutch is relatively heavy. Clutch life can also be short if the car has been driven hard. Generally it’s possible to get well in excess of 100,000 km from the clutch, but hard driving can cut that to 80,000 km or so. The gearbox is generally sound, but there are reports of notchy gearshifts. Using higher-grade oil in the gearbox is the fix most owners use.

Tyre wear can be a problem. Front tyres tend to wear the inside edges more rapidly than the outside; the rears wear more rapidly on the outer edges than the inner.

If considering a turbo check its history, as it will have been imported though the grey import scheme.

IN A CRASH

The fundamental safety weapon in a car like the MR2 is the chassis. One of its most endearing attributes is its razor sharp handling that gives the driver every chance of avoiding a crash. Powerful ABS-supported four-wheel disc brakes, big tyres and sporty suspension form a powerful primary safety package. The GT had a driver’s airbag.

OWNERS SAY

Shae Haefele owns a 1996 MR2 Bathurst model that has done 150,000 km. It lives in the garage through the week and comes out on weekends. He says it is quite powerful, but due to its light weight it’s also very economical. On average he gets 8.8 L/100 km. He says there is nothing like taking the MR2 for a drive with the Targa roof off on nice sunny day. The MR2 is really at home on winding roads, taking any corner with ease. With the mid-mounted engine, it really hangs on, and allows you to put the foot down on the way out, with total control and confidence. He also loves the driving, the comfortable seats and the location of the gear stick. In summary he says it is the ultimate driver’s car, and it has been very reliable.

John Mares owns a 1993 MR2 that has now done 89,000 km. He loves the looks, the acceleration, handling, and the economy of driving it day-to-day. His dislikes are the rear tyre wear and the cost of servicing it. Like Shae’s John’s car has been very reliable.

LOOK FOR
• Pretty coupe looks
• Great handling
• Good performance
• Economical running
• Robust and reliable mechanicals

THE BOTTOM LINE
• Great looking sports coupe boasting brilliant handling and performance

RATING
75/100