As a very first car, I'd say NO with very few exceptions. An MR2 is the kind of car that you almost certainly need at least some prior experience. Learning to drive a standard, a mid-engine vehicle with RWD is just too much for most young bucks just starting off. My advice is learn to drive FIRST and then debate over an MR2.
Like I mentioned there are a few exceptions. Some people are use to driving off road on four wheelers, dirt bikes, etc. That is by no means enough experience to start off with an MR2, but it is a start.
I do fall into the category of being young and owning an MR2, but it is not my first vehicle. I've been driving for just under 3 years, including pre-license, driver's ed (not on the road illegally at all though). Over the course of my experience I've driven a wide variety of vehicles and driving my MR2 is certainly unlike any other vehicle to-date that I've driven.
I have been fortunate enough NOT to have been born into a rich family and get everything handed to me (no offense to those that are), and therefore I've learned responsibility. Everything vehicle wise I've had to do myself or pay for. Registration, insurance, maintenance, etc. Therefore I've treated my vehicles with much more respect than some of my old high school classmates and even better than most of my current college classmates.
My first car was a 1992 Toyota Camry 4 SP, Auto. I essential did not have the choice, per say, of the vehicle, but I was the one that had to pay for it and everything done to it. My father knew I was on the look out for a vehicle and found a non-running one for $200, but it was in excellent condition overall from the looks of it. He purchased it and asked me AFTER if I wanted it - me being a young buck as I was not too long ago said yes. It needs some fixes in order to pass safety and emissions. A new windshield, distributor, spark plugs, brakes, tires, etc. All of which totaled up to just around $500-600, and was all done prior to the vehicle running. The mechanics hooked it up to the machine and 2/4 cylinders were compressing at about 46% of the other ones.
To make a longer story less long, they co-signed on a loan for me and I had a new engine dropped into it. A year and a half later the tranny went out, which was also replaced. Both the engine and tranny could've been avoid if the previous owners had not left the car sitting for so long. However, between those two times the car ran great with little to no issues (still runs great to this day), and I learned a lot about maintaining a vehicle.
I've yet to wreck to this day and hopefully I won't. As for autoxing, I think it's a great idea and a source of practice that is much less detrimental for yourself and those around you should anything go wrong (Now if I could only find one in
Utah I'd be set
). An MR2 is a great vehicle, thus far, but once again I don't think it is BEST as a first vehicle. The danger level of the vehicle really depends on the driver of the vehicle and other drivers on the road. Defensive driving will save your MR2, or any car for that matter, and keep it looking like new.
If someone does get an MR2 as a first vehicle, my suggestion is take it nice and slow, get some experience, and drive safely.