Dad and Son, newbies, looking for MKII - Austin TX

[Denz]

Honestly, one car is as safe as the other at normal, sensible speeds.
I have had my MR2 for about a year, from when I was 19 till now 20ish.
The MR2 has the ability to make going at reasonably sedate speeds seem fun, I tend to drive faster around down in my mums Civic than the MR2 just because its fool proof.
I would sugest the N/A just on the basis that for a daily driver the only time you would safely use the extra power is on the motorway etc and for the extra Money and Speed its a lot more money to spend and a lot more maintenance.

In saying that, one year on im planning a V6 swap, but being at university I was doing enough general maintenance on my N/A to keep me busy, I would have loved a turbo but couldn't afford to have maintained it, run it or insured it.

[Mark_Dorman]

You could always buy a 91-92 and upgrade the rear crossmember. They usually go for around $200.

[Brags]

So, I thought I'd join up and introduce myself as well. I would be the son to that guy right above me. He's already done a pretty good job of introducing us. I just wanted an account so I could monitor what he says about me.

As stated previously, my current car is a 95 Toyota Previa SC. If you don't know about the previa, its a Mid Engine, Rear Wheel Drive minivan, That Drifts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_meHP_ZrliU

Here's a picture:

The only time I've driven like an idiot was when I drifted up an empty parking garage with some buddies. It was great fun. When we hit the top, a secret fight club was going on, the cops arrived, detained the fighters, and searched us. Later the same cop found us with all our cars lined up for a picture. We had just gone to see "Fast and Furious" with ghetto riced cars. Mine had a cardboard hoodscoop, and another had a cardboard spoiler. The movie was terrible, but that night was the most fun I've ever had at a theater.

The only experience I have with a RWD car is from the Prev, and I doubt they'd let me autoX the thing. The other slight problem is that I have never driven a standard, but would prefer not buying an automatic.

Having just finished reading the Mr2 As A First Car post, I can honestly say I'm a little bit apprehensive about learning to drive one, but I do think that, given my track record (no pun intended) as a safe driver, and actually wanting to learn how to drive an Mr2 correctly, I should do alright. Especially with my dad backing me up.

[ebouwman]

Originally Posted by Rags

Yeah, I know "turbo" is a thousand times cooler than the non. Even so, we're talking about an 18 year old boy / young man. As a dad I'd have some concern about putting him behind the wheel of a speed machine. He's a very safe driver - aware and responsible - but still, I'd be fretting.

On the whole I think we'd rather start with the N/A. I might could be talked into the other but I'd need some convincing (not to mention the mom!).

<snip>

BTW, the reason we're looking for a '93-'95 is the suspension / rear wheels thing. Seems safer, especially for non-pro drivers like us.

Thing is that as long as you don't push it hard, and you drive carefull in bad weather it won't really drive that much different than a normal car, at least thats what i've found.

I'm no pro driver either and i'm a young guy also (19) and i haven't had too much trouble with my '86 N/A even though i drove in winter, on snow and ice. But really you DO need to take it to some place where you can experience that snap oversteer if you plan on A) driving the car lots and in bad weather or B) driving fast, or aggressive. And really, at some point we all chuck these into corners hard, so it will be driven aggressively sooner or later.

My first experience with snap oversteer was only 2 or 3 days after buying the car, i came around a corner and there was a patch of ice there which was very odd for the time of year, and i let off the gas while on the ice (bad idea) and i still managed to save it (after a few overcorrection slides) that really did scare me, mostly because i didn't see it coming AT ALL until half a second before hand when i saw the ice.

So i'm sure if i can do it, you can manage in texas... with no ice...

Maybe what you could do is scare the crap out of your son with horror stories until you get to a track day so he can practice!

[mthreat]

Originally Posted by Brags

Having just finished reading the Mr2 As A First Car post, I can honestly say I'm a little bit apprehensive about learning to drive one, but I do think that, given my track record (no pun intended) as a safe driver, and actually wanting to learn how to drive an Mr2 correctly, I should do alright. Especially with my dad backing me up.

It's not really that bad, just the fact that you're aware of it means it probably won't bite you. I mean it isn't a rear-engine 1987 Porsche 911 yellowbird!

I totally recommend attending a track event, it's the most fun you'll have in your car, and it really does make you a better driver. And being in Texas, you're lucky enough to have many tracks to choose from. Check out The Drivers Edge - they run events at 3 or 4 tracks here in Texas (in Ft. Worth, Dallas, Austin, and College Station). If you happen to be in college station may 30-31 or June 6-7, find me at Texas World Speedway (chris in the black 350Z - PM me) - I can give you and your dad a ride around the track at speed. Then you'll be hooked

[Brags]

If you happen to be in college station may 30-31 or June 6-7, find me at Texas World Speedway (chris in the black 350Z - PM me) - I can give you and your dad a ride around the track at speed. Then you'll be hooked.

I'm going to the new student conference on June 18-19, but I might be able to drive up earlier for that free ride. Riding in one would definitely be helpful, though I must warn you. I would ask a lot of questions.

My first experience with snap oversteer was only 2 or 3 days after buying the car, i came around a corner and there was a patch of ice there which was very odd for the time of year, and i let off the gas while on the ice (bad idea) and i still managed to save it (after a few overcorrection slides) that really did scare me, mostly because i didn't see it coming AT ALL until half a second before hand when i saw the ice.

Oddly enough, That's almost exactly how my first experience with oversteer panned out. Only difference was I was hydroplaning on a turn, and the longer, higher body of the previa is a lot easier to pull out of an oversteer. Now anytime It's the least bit wet out, I expect it to slide on the wet ground, and it never disappointments me.

[mthreat]

Originally Posted by Brags

I'm going to the new student conference on June 18-19, but I might be able to drive up earlier for that free ride. Riding in one would definitely be helpful, though I must warn you. I would ask a lot of questions.

We're there every month on average, so no rush. Also, I'll be in my 350Z -- my MR2 isn't my normal track car (although I have tracked it a few times). But the fun is the same.. and the more questions the better

[ebouwman]

Originally Posted by Brags

Oddly enough, That's almost exactly how my first experience with oversteer panned out. Only difference was I was hydroplaning on a turn, and the longer, higher body of the previa is a lot easier to pull out of an oversteer. Now anytime It's the least bit wet out, I expect it to slide on the wet ground, and it never disappointments me.

Ya, but at least you have that experience with the oversteer so you know what it feels like and it won't scare the crap out of you as much again.

Before i did that in my mr2 i'd only ever ripped the e-brake in fwd cars, and done it in video games, and that doesn't really prepare you for it, because when your car actually starts to oversteer by itself (not just when you want it to) it's a whole different thing, as you found out

Oh and i only really ripped the e-brake in winter (on snow), so that is even more unlike real oversteer.

Is the previa actually mid engine rear wheel drive? I'm going to google that, is the engine under the rear seats or something? Also, WTF?

[Davis]

Engine is under the front seats. One day I'll get a 5spd Previa and VIP it.

[ebouwman]

lol i just looked that up, that is... interesting...

It's kinda odd that it's a rwd mini-van though

[Brags]

Is the previa actually mid engine rear wheel drive? I'm going to google that, is the engine under the rear seats or something? Also, WTF?

Toyota went a little crazy in the 90's. I think they looked at the mr2, and thought, "you know, soccer moms would love this, but it's just not practical enough!" so they made the Previa mid engine rear wheel drive. Later, when America complained about it not having enough horses, they added the supercharger to bring it up to 160hp.



To replace the spark plugs, I had to remove the right hand seat. You're basically sitting on the engine, and the supercharger and exhaust make a hilarious whistle that sounds like a turbo. It helps that I have a 10" and a 12" in the back. The car is definitely a head turner, but not for the right reasons.

At one light, I look to my left and notice two guys in a Crossfire gawking at it. I promptly revved the engine.

[ebouwman]

Originally Posted by Brags

Toyota went a little crazy in the 90's. I think they looked at the mr2, and thought, "you know, soccer moms would love this, but it's just not practical enough!" so they made the Previa mid engine rear wheel drive. Later, when America complained about it not having enough horses, they added the supercharger to bring it up to 160hp.

To replace the spark plugs, I had to remove the right hand seat. You're basically sitting on the engine, and the supercharger and exhaust make a hilarious whistle that sounds like a turbo. It helps that I have a 10" and a 12" in the back. The car is definitely a head turner, but not for the right reasons.

At one light, I look to my left and notice two guys in a Crossfire gawking at it. I promptly revved the engine.

ROFL

160 hp is still pretty week for a minivan though compared to the power some of them make now, my mom has a ford freestar or something like that, and it has a ****ping 4.2 Litre V6 making 200 hp and 263 ft/ibs of torque and it is significantly faster than my 86 n/a auto, yet it still sports seating for 7 and has a built in dvd player and 6 cd changer!

Luxury, practicality, and power, what a package!

[Brags]

Yeah, my moms 03 odyssey has around 240hp, but due to weight and vtec, I might still win. The new odysseys have about 260hp. Why they need it? I'll never know.

On a side note, I really prefer working on the previa compared to the Odyssey. Even though I have to unbolt a seat, an IL4 is so much easier to work on than a V6 next to a firewall.

How easy is it to work on the mr2? Do you have to rent a crane to change the oil filter?

--Edit--

Originally Posted by mthreat

We're there every month on average, so no rush. Also, I'll be in my 350Z -- my MR2 isn't my normal track car (although I have tracked it a few times). But the fun is the same.. and the more questions the better

I'd like to take you up on that offer, but my parents have final say on such decisions. My dad is going to attempt to find a track school here in Austin for us, and I've already looked into AutoX a little bit. (I thought about entering with the previa, but couldn't figure out what class it fit into. H stock or something.)

[ebouwman]

Mini-vans have power to haul people and pass on the highway. They should be able to handle 6 adults without too much trouble, also they put tonnes of power in there so men will be less reluctant to get them!

As for maintenance mr2's are not too bad, i'm not totally sure about the mk2's but my mk1 hasn't treated me too badly.

Regular maintenance is pretty accessible spark plugs, oil, distributor cap, etc. If you plan on doing lots of major work to the engine it would be an idea to drop the engine out, but you could probably do most things with to it without doing dropping er.

One big thing i'll say for the mr2 is, at least i don't have to pull out my passenger seat to replace spark plugs!!

[Brags]

Originally Posted by ebouwman

but you could probably do most things with to it without doing dropping er.

Did your cat just sit on your keyboard?

I've got most of the tools I need for general maintenance:

Filter wrench
Torque wrench
socket set
spark plug socket
multimeter
ODBII to USB reader with eeepc.

I do need to get a good pair of jacks and stands. Anything else I'll need?

[biorchang]

Ok. I might get tarred and feathered for suggesting this, but I drove by a red 300ZX today (convertible) that was for sale...$5900 obo. on the window.

No idea on mechanical condition, etc., but looked like a decent car from the outside.

Might be worth a call and look see. It was parked in an industrial park off of I-35 about 4 miles south of Braker.

The window said it was a '93. Number was 512.587.9051

[Rags]

The Dad steps in....

OK, "BRags," I suggest we not be thinking about a convertable if only bcz you probably won't have the car in a garage your first 2 years of college. Wouldn't it be way too easy for someone to cut open the top and steal all your goodies?

I'm sure the fiend wouldn't be a fellow Aggie. I'd be worried about someone from, you know, Texas State or somewhere.

Love, Dad

PS Did I ever tell you I was about to buy a Fiat Spider 2000 - with my own money, no less - when I was a Sr in HS? Grammy put the kabosh on that, unless I was willing to install a hidous rollbar (more like a cage, actually). In the end, though, I'm glad I listened to her. You should always listen to your parents. Don't forget that. I'm sure all posters here will agree with such sage advice.

[wagonis]

Wow, I'm reading through this thread and it seems like you two are a hell of a father/son team. More power to you both with this project, and welcome to the board. Keep us all updated on what you end up getting in the end. Too bad you are in Austin, there are several cars out here in Florida that are for sale.

[PHOENIX]

Originally Posted by biorchang

Ok. I might get tarred and feathered for suggesting this,

lol....I was thinking more of a Filipino style flogging

Originally Posted by Rags

You should always listen to your parents.

I have to admit, this is good advice with the exception of who to date Moms always have a "safe" and protective attitude of who their children should be dating.

My best advice would be.....don't jump into anything too quick. Make a list or something of a few cars that your interested in. Check the local market to see what you can get, then decide if the MR2 is right for you.

Beware though....once you have one.....your hooked!

[ebouwman]

Originally Posted by Brags

Did your cat just sit on your keyboard?

No, i just edited that post about 3 times before i even posted it, and it didn't turn out so hot...

Ya, i'm not an english major, or great poet or writer...