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Subject: Re: MR2 = RX7 = 2002? $5k debate

From: pthomas@stim.stim.tec.tn.us
Article: 56324 of rec.autos.driving
Date: 6 Jul 95 18:47:00 -0600

In article <3te8al$djp@isdnlin.mtsu.edu>, wookie@knuth.mtsu.edu (Scott Philip Oetjen) writes:
> : : Since I'm tired of owning 2002s, I'm starting my long-term search for an
> : : 87, 88, or 89 Toyota MR2, supercharged, T-Tops, red with leather interior,
> : : 5-speed trans, full aero package, under 100k miles.  Of course, with all 
> : : these fancy things, I probably can't stay under $5000...
> 
I haven't had any experience with the super charged models but I do own an '85
with 140k and an '86 with 220 miles.  I bought the '86 new and for the first 
80k drove the f@$& out of it (every day at over 100 mph, 6500rpm).  At first I
changed the oil regularly, but after it started using oil at about 110k (1 qt. 
every two weeks) a typical oil change consisted of three quarts of oil (because
that was all that remained) and a new filter in the Walmart parking lot.  At 
about 180k, I stopped changing the oil in hopes that I could lock it up so that
I could justify a new engine, but to this day it still runs strong.  Last week 
I was able to get it up to 118 mph on a flat surface.  

I have done all the repairs with the most extensive being the timing belt and 
the clutch.  I have gone through two exhaust manifolds.

One thing to be particularly aware of is a design weakness in the manual 
transaxle.  The shift fork are aluminum and the gears are steel.  When you test
drive one, you can tell whether it has been driven agressively by shifting at 
high rpm.  You will get a fairly loud grinding sound mainly from first to
second and maybe from second to third.  I spoke with a guy a Toyota Racing
Development several years ago who told me that the problem is pretty much 
unavoidable in these models.  Allowing the rpm to drop significantly helps, but
is no good if you are competing. 

I have owned a Corrola, Camry and a Tercel, an I personally think the MR2 is 
the best thing Toyota makes.  As for the RX7, regardless of what the stats
might indicate, I have out run and out driven several in the same model year 
over the past few years.  You will not find a more nimble and balance vehicle 
for your money.  The bottom line is you will love driving the MR2, especially 
on back roads and in traffic (I lost a guy driving a 944 t in Nashville traffic
once but when the road opened up he was on me like white on rice).  The car is 
not very powerful by todays standards so the supercharged would definitely be 
better, but supercharged or not you will not find a more fun to drive car.