Hey guys...

Tinton · 07-28-2007, 03:25 AM

I don't have a MR2 yet, but I'm currently looking to buy 1. Specifically a 2nd gen, maybe turbo, has to be 5-speed. I currently have a mint 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT I'm selling (46,000 miles on it) that I might spend on a MR2.

1 question: how reliable would a MR2 Turbo be with around 180,000 miles on it?

Sang · 07-28-2007, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinton

Specifically a 2nd gen, maybe turbo

The "generation" MR2 is referred to as "Mark", 91-95 being a MarkII MR2. Saying 2nd Gen here usually means you were referring to the "generation" of motor you are using, for instance a 2nd gen 3SGTE (which is also referred to as "Rev", for instance Rev2, et cetera).

Quote:

how reliable would a MR2 Turbo be with around 180,000 miles on it?

That entirely depends on how well the car was treated and maintained prior to your purchase. But 180K is an awful lot of miles if you ever plan to build a long lasting 300+whp setup. But people have some good luck with the motors are still daily driving them at 210-220K+ miles.

And welcome aboard, good luck with your search.

-Sang

Tinton · 07-28-2007, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sang

The "generation" MR2 is referred to as "Mark", 91-95 being a MarkII MR2. Saying 2nd Gen here usually means you were referring to the "generation" of motor you are using, for instance a 2nd gen 3SGTE (which is also referred to as "Rev", for instance Rev2, et cetera).

That entirely depends on how well the car was treated and maintained prior to your purchase. But 180K is an awful lot of miles if you ever plan to build a long lasting 300+whp setup. But people have some good luck with the motors are still daily driving them at 210-220K+ miles.

And welcome aboard, good luck with your search.

-Sang

Ok, got more news from the guy. The motor is brand new, 5k miles on it. But, and there's always a catch.... its leaking oil. Apparently the oil pump was installed the wrong way or something? Anyways, how much to get the oil pump fixed on it and to get it to stop leaking? Also, how hard is it to change out? Do you have to drop the motor to get to it?

Gairloch · 07-28-2007, 04:11 AM

Welcome!

No, you don't absolutely have to drop the motor I don't think. You might as well though because reaching it still in the car is going to be a colossal PITA if not impossible. What's he asking for it?

Tinton · 07-28-2007, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gairloch

Welcome!

No, you don't absolutely have to drop the motor I don't think. You might as well though because reaching it still in the car is going to be a colossal PITA if not impossible. What's he asking for it?

He was asking $6200. I talked him down to $5900 at first. But now I found out about the oil pump. I asked him about going down to $5000, considering I'm selling my 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT for $6k that should give me a good amount to use to get the MR2 running good and healthy again.

I probably wouldn't do the pump myself....how much do you guys think a shop would charge? And what does he mean by it leaking because of the pump? Does that mean its leaking right by the timing cover?

Tinton · 07-28-2007, 04:32 AM

By the way this is my choice right now:

Keep this:

Or sell it and get this:

Kurdain · 07-28-2007, 05:10 AM

Welcome to the boards!

Neither your Fiero or MR2 are hard to work on, in fact you can drop the whole Fiero engine assembly with only 4 large bolts and just drop the whole subframe.

Anyhow, both are clean cars but MR2 Turbo in my book!

However an oil pump installed backwards wouldn't make the car leak oil as far as I know....I'd talk him down further

. Get an inflated quote from a shop and take it to him and give him the price he wants minus the quote for repairs!

Your potential MR2 would likely need new tie-rods and ball joints as well.
Also when you test drive it pay special attention to the 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear shifting, these are prone to syncro wear and can result in notchy shifting and eventually grinding.

That being said, Toyotas are super reliable and likely after some minor maintenance you'll be enjoying the car for a long time to come.

Mister2.2 · 07-28-2007, 05:18 AM

The MR2 is the better, car, BUT. You have a low mileage Fiero in good condition and you're going to go to a higher mileage Turbo MR2 which will cost more to repair and maintain.

I would not consider the purchase unless you have the funds to keep the car in good condition, paint, interior, motor and all. Also for some reason that MR2 looks a bit jacked up in the front. Make sure you get a good set of wheels on it, stock 93+ can be picked up cheap. Not sure what's on it by those pictures, they should be staggered, though.

monopolizedinc · 07-28-2007, 10:59 AM

welcome

i hate to say that im likeing you current car over your new purchase.... if you want a turbo car just boost the Fiero, a coworker and i are in the process of that now; currently its non intercooled but has a lot of torque down low

Tinton · 07-28-2007, 01:58 PM

I'd love to turbo the Fiero, I know a guy with 1 around here and he's making like 210 hp with only about 8 psi and a intercooler. But, that also costs about $3000 to get done, which I don't have. Not to mention that the Fiero is automatic. I could get a brand-new 5-speed for it but I don't really have time/money for that either.

Selling the Fiero and getting the MR2 I'm thinking I'd end up with about $1000 or so extra from the Fiero sale, that I could use to change the oil pump and fix the leaks on the MR2. And the motor/clutch are completely brand new in the MR2, so it should last a VERY long time.

I guess its just that I can move up from 140 hp and a auto to 200 hp turbo and a 5-speed in under a week...I love that idea, lol. And I've always loved the MkII MR2s.

monopolizedinc · 07-28-2007, 02:47 PM

that is a good way to look at it... but billy does not have more than 500.00 into his turbo car yet and its running 7 psi

MR2 Dad · 08-16-2007, 05:09 AM

Tinton,

From the picture I would point out that the MR2 shown has a cheap respray paint job (rubber molding on the side not masked or removed and replaced) and the suspension is not right. My guess is it is an attempt to sell a shiny new paint job with patched together mechanics for high dollar. Pay a really good MR2 mechanic to do a pre purchase inspection if you are serious about this or any used performance car, any used car for that matter.

Good Luck!

MR2 Dad

07-28-2007, 03:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
Tinton No Skills Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Hey guys... I don't have a MR2 yet, but I'm currently looking to buy 1. Specifically a 2nd gen, maybe turbo, has to be 5-speed. I currently have a mint 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT I'm selling (46,000 miles on it) that I might spend on a MR2. 1 question: how reliable would a MR2 Turbo be with around 180,000 miles on it?

07-28-2007, 04:11 AM	#4 (permalink)
Gairloch Dreaming of apexes Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 4,464 Thanks: 115 Thanked 222 Times in 195 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (7/100% )	Welcome! No, you don't absolutely have to drop the motor I don't think. You might as well though because reaching it still in the car is going to be a colossal PITA if not impossible. What's he asking for it? __________________ "Inside the car, the world beyond the driver's immediate horizon ceases to exist. Alone with the solitude of his desire, survival sense numbed by the speed, he's outrun the mediocrity of the outside world, slipped the shackles it tries to clamp on us all. He is running free, chased only by a fear of failure, for failure is to risk ejection into the real world." ~Mark Hughes

07-28-2007, 05:18 AM	#8 (permalink)
Mister2.2 Cheese it! Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,220 Thanks: 106 Thanked 107 Times in 92 Posts Blog Entries: 1 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	The MR2 is the better, car, BUT. You have a low mileage Fiero in good condition and you're going to go to a higher mileage Turbo MR2 which will cost more to repair and maintain. I would not consider the purchase unless you have the funds to keep the car in good condition, paint, interior, motor and all. Also for some reason that MR2 looks a bit jacked up in the front. Make sure you get a good set of wheels on it, stock 93+ can be picked up cheap. Not sure what's on it by those pictures, they should be staggered, though. __________________ --Josh MR2Trader.com Free Accounts to Buy and Sell your MR2 Parts! Deal of the Week: MR2Only Magazine, Get it NOW! Click Here. Ask me about Web Hosting Solutions, starting at $5.95 a month. 'I am at two with nature.' 'Students achieving Oneness will move on to Twoness.'

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Posted By	For	Type	Date
Toyota MR2 Message Board	This thread	Refback	08-16-2007 11:07 AM

07-28-2007, 04:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tinton No Skills Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	By the way this is my choice right now: Keep this: Or sell it and get this:

07-28-2007, 05:10 AM	#7 (permalink)
Kurdain Cage Fighter Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 528 Thanks: 31 Thanked 25 Times in 19 Posts iTrader Rating: (9/100% )	Welcome to the boards! Neither your Fiero or MR2 are hard to work on, in fact you can drop the whole Fiero engine assembly with only 4 large bolts and just drop the whole subframe. Anyhow, both are clean cars but MR2 Turbo in my book! However an oil pump installed backwards wouldn't make the car leak oil as far as I know....I'd talk him down further . Get an inflated quote from a shop and take it to him and give him the price he wants minus the quote for repairs! Your potential MR2 would likely need new tie-rods and ball joints as well. Also when you test drive it pay special attention to the 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear shifting, these are prone to syncro wear and can result in notchy shifting and eventually grinding. That being said, Toyotas are super reliable and likely after some minor maintenance you'll be enjoying the car for a long time to come.

07-28-2007, 10:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
monopolizedinc They call me LUCKY! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: lynchburg va Posts: 843 Thanks: 12 Thanked 17 Times in 15 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	welcome i hate to say that im likeing you current car over your new purchase.... if you want a turbo car just boost the Fiero, a coworker and i are in the process of that now; currently its non intercooled but has a lot of torque down low

07-28-2007, 01:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
Tinton No Skills Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I'd love to turbo the Fiero, I know a guy with 1 around here and he's making like 210 hp with only about 8 psi and a intercooler. But, that also costs about $3000 to get done, which I don't have. Not to mention that the Fiero is automatic. I could get a brand-new 5-speed for it but I don't really have time/money for that either. Selling the Fiero and getting the MR2 I'm thinking I'd end up with about $1000 or so extra from the Fiero sale, that I could use to change the oil pump and fix the leaks on the MR2. And the motor/clutch are completely brand new in the MR2, so it should last a VERY long time. I guess its just that I can move up from 140 hp and a auto to 200 hp turbo and a 5-speed in under a week...I love that idea, lol. And I've always loved the MkII MR2s.

07-28-2007, 02:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
monopolizedinc They call me LUCKY! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: lynchburg va Posts: 843 Thanks: 12 Thanked 17 Times in 15 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	that is a good way to look at it... but billy does not have more than 500.00 into his turbo car yet and its running 7 psi

08-16-2007, 05:09 AM	#12 (permalink)
MR2 Dad No Skills Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Posts: 7 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Tinton, From the picture I would point out that the MR2 shown has a cheap respray paint job (rubber molding on the side not masked or removed and replaced) and the suspension is not right. My guess is it is an attempt to sell a shiny new paint job with patched together mechanics for high dollar. Pay a really good MR2 mechanic to do a pre purchase inspection if you are serious about this or any used performance car, any used car for that matter. Good Luck! MR2 Dad