Looking for project car. 1991-1994

Jared Bishop · 02-02-2007, 04:46 PM

I'm new to this forum. My Dad onced owned a 1st gen MR2. It was fun now I want a project car. I can do body work and some minor repair work. My wife said I can spend $1000 to start out, I figure I'd put another $2000 or so into it over a few months. So my question to all is; What to avoid/look for when looking at damaged MR2? I know the basic car stuff no water damage or damage to the chase. Are there years that are better than other, or which engin is more dependable.

Jared

richw131 · 02-02-2007, 05:47 PM

Just being realistic here, you might want to save a little more money to start. Unless you want to find a crushed chunk of metal with a MR2 decal on it.

I would think a reasonable amount to start with would be in the $2,500 - $4,000 range depending on Turbo/NA, condition, etc. After that it would be up to you on how much money to put into it. Generally you would probably be looking at another $2000+ depending on whether you were complete restoring the car, or just making it runnable.

Note: These are just guidelines. You may be able to find the "deal of the century" MR2 for $1,000, but I doubt it. I am also assuming you are looking into a damaged or "fix it up" MR2.

HTH

Jared Bishop · 02-02-2007, 05:53 PM

I've seen a few for about $1000 that were rear ended. No damage to trunk. Yes I am looking for a fixer-uper.

Warrior of the rising sun · 02-03-2007, 01:32 PM

Hey, Jared- you need to have a talk with your wife. It seems you're a bit
pussy whipped

Sorry man, just screwin' with ya.

Seriously, though welcome to the board and good luck finding an MR2.
richw131's right though, your going to have to spend a little more, or look
for a KILLER deal. Just be careful if you go with a wrecked one- make sure
the frame and chassis aren't bent, that will lead to many problems later.

Anyway, good luck! We're here if you have any questions.(not that we can answer them, we're just here

)

Warrior of the rising sun · 02-03-2007, 01:34 PM

Just out of curiosity, how can you have rearend damage, and the trunk not be damaged? (unless you're talking about the front trunk

)

Hiighboost2 · 02-03-2007, 03:12 PM

Welcome to the board, hope you find a project and get it goin.

Jared Bishop · 02-03-2007, 07:56 PM

You guys are right about how much I should spend. After some more research if I spend $2500 - $3000 I'll save myself a lot of money and time. The one I checked out just need a bumber replacement. When I looked in the truck I did not see any damage due to the accident. There were 150k miles and it need clutch work, engine souned bad, and it looked like the rear boots need to be replaced. Anyway I want to spend my time more on body and interior work rather than engine and clutch work.

As for my wife, I'm happy and I want to keep it that way.

Warrior of the rising sun · 02-05-2007, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jared Bishop

As for my wife, I'm happy and I want to keep it that way.

Smart man!

02-02-2007, 04:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jared Bishop No Skills Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 15 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Looking for project car. 1991-1994 I'm new to this forum. My Dad onced owned a 1st gen MR2. It was fun now I want a project car. I can do body work and some minor repair work. My wife said I can spend $1000 to start out, I figure I'd put another $2000 or so into it over a few months. So my question to all is; What to avoid/look for when looking at damaged MR2? I know the basic car stuff no water damage or damage to the chase. Are there years that are better than other, or which engin is more dependable. Jared

02-03-2007, 01:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
Warrior of the rising sun 4 cylinders of fury baby! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Welcome Hey, Jared- you need to have a talk with your wife. It seems you're a bit pussy whipped Sorry man, just screwin' with ya. Seriously, though welcome to the board and good luck finding an MR2. richw131's right though, your going to have to spend a little more, or look for a KILLER deal. Just be careful if you go with a wrecked one- make sure the frame and chassis aren't bent, that will lead to many problems later. Anyway, good luck! We're here if you have any questions.(not that we can answer them, we're just here )

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

02-02-2007, 05:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
richw131 Cage Fighter Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, Georgia Posts: 248 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (4/100% )	Just being realistic here, you might want to save a little more money to start. Unless you want to find a crushed chunk of metal with a MR2 decal on it. I would think a reasonable amount to start with would be in the $2,500 - $4,000 range depending on Turbo/NA, condition, etc. After that it would be up to you on how much money to put into it. Generally you would probably be looking at another $2000+ depending on whether you were complete restoring the car, or just making it runnable. Note: These are just guidelines. You may be able to find the "deal of the century" MR2 for $1,000, but I doubt it. I am also assuming you are looking into a damaged or "fix it up" MR2. HTH

02-02-2007, 05:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jared Bishop No Skills Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 15 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I've seen a few for about $1000 that were rear ended. No damage to trunk. Yes I am looking for a fixer-uper.

02-03-2007, 01:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
Warrior of the rising sun 4 cylinders of fury baby! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Just out of curiosity, how can you have rearend damage, and the trunk not be damaged? (unless you're talking about the front trunk )

02-03-2007, 03:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
Hiighboost2 Wiring fun! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spring/Woodlands Posts: 1,265 Thanks: 10 Thanked 19 Times in 19 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Welcome to the board, hope you find a project and get it goin.

02-03-2007, 07:56 PM	#7 (permalink)
Jared Bishop No Skills Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 15 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	You guys are right about how much I should spend. After some more research if I spend $2500 - $3000 I'll save myself a lot of money and time. The one I checked out just need a bumber replacement. When I looked in the truck I did not see any damage due to the accident. There were 150k miles and it need clutch work, engine souned bad, and it looked like the rear boots need to be replaced. Anyway I want to spend my time more on body and interior work rather than engine and clutch work. As for my wife, I'm happy and I want to keep it that way.