MR2 For a First Car - Page 9

Choctaw · 05-31-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbrew8991

you guys must have a different definition of "good" then

In 1965, I bought a British 2 seat sports car. I liked it better than the new Mustang. I still prefer smaller more nimble cars; I'm driving an 07Honda Si now and its a 4 door, but has a world-class 2 liter engine w/a forged crankshaft, 5 main bearings, 6MT and a 8000 rpm redline. Its almost as much fun as my 91 MR2T.

Choctaw · 05-31-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super 2

I don't get what's so dangerous about an MR2. Sure if you decide to be stupid on the road (no offence to anyone) you might kill your self or hurt the car. Yes, I'm sixteen and I have a 1991 MR2 as my first car and i love it. but can you explain why you all are saying it's dangerous. My Dad autocrosses and i plan to this year, i have seen the limits and you spin. My dad is one of the best drivers i know of and he can't even keep it from spinning when it decides to go, so i know thats dangerous, but thats in autox. so can you explain to me one more time why it is so dangerous.

Paul Frere, former LeMans winner and F1 driver, died recently. He never recovered from an accident in a new 06 Civic Si Coupe on the Nurburgring. He was 91, and a frequent contributer to R&T magazine; his last road test to appear in the mag was a comparison between an M3, ZO6 Vette and a Porsche 911 in 2006.

I seriously doubt the accident was his fault. I give this only as an example to point out the MR2 is a very small car in traffic and 18 Wheelers cannot see something that small often, neither can other, ordinary drivers. Just be cautious, and keep your head on a swivel to check traffic all of the time in your MR2.

Cavanagh · 06-02-2008, 07:16 PM

I started out in a 1993 Toyota Celica ST Automatic. Slow and Not very exciting. BUT IT was the most reliable car i will ever have owned. I always wanted an MR2 since i owned my Celica, but i am glad i started out with a rookie car. 103hp, fwd, auto. I learned responsibility and got the real feel of a car in general. I bought that 2 years ago, but in dec of 07' got hit by a school bus in it and got the MR2 about 2 weeks ago. I am being very cautious with it. Actually when i purchased it, i was scared driving it back home.

I came here and read about the oversteer and whatnot and took that very seriously. Although i do have a 93' and it is corrected better then the 91 & 92's, i still am careful and never brake while turning or keep the same speed.

Sorry for the novel, but what i am trying to say is, as slow and boring as my ST was, im glad i had that as a first car rather then my 2. I would probably not be here or in jail for doing something stupid in it. My (Driving) maturity went up immensely. I would recommend a different car before hoping in a 2 when you just got your license and very excited, and a complete N00b at driving.

Choctaw · 06-07-2008, 02:53 PM

Small world. The dealer kept my tradein and gave me a 90 Celica 4 AT to drive while they were prepping my 91 MR2T. Very nice car, not sporty but easy to drive and a solid-feeling car. You make a good point and some may listen, others may be reluctant to wait, though.

linhnguyen · 07-23-2008, 01:15 PM

Awesome post! Apparently I would fall under the category of people who shouldn't have an MR2 :P I'm not an immature driver, not at all. But my 1990 mr2 is only my 2nd car, and I've been driving for 6 months. Had I read this post prior to purchasing my car with my own money, I would probably of reconsidered. But, it's too late now. So I guess all I can do is ask for driving tips! I live in Calgary AB Canada; it snows, it rains, its cold. I already bought winter tires to put on once it starts snowing, but any specific advice for keeping my car and myself in one piece? Thanks!

MR2 Drifter · 07-25-2008, 10:26 PM

MR2 for a first car is not a good idea
(Unless you have lots of money)

its a great 2nd car though (if you know how to drive manual and your not immature and try beating everything on the street and blowing up your engine)

91mR2sW20 · 07-26-2008, 01:00 AM

YouTube - Street Racing - Toyota MR2 crash into...

N/A only or this video shows what can happen.

I started with a stealth TWIN TURBO and im pretty shure the N/A would be a great first car. although the turbo model might be too much for a begginer. I had this same talk with my little bro, he wants to save up to take the mr2 off my hands. Honestly most young kids just wonna fly I can tell you by expirience with the stealth after doin 160MPH. What a thrill. At least give them a chance with the N/A. And if they want a turbo model they would have to buy a coffin first.

Cavanagh · 07-26-2008, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 91mR2sW20

I started with a stealth TWIN TURBO and im pretty shure the N/A would be a great first car. although the turbo model might be too much for a begginer. I had this same talk with my little bro, he wants to save up to take the mr2 off my hands. Honestly most young kids just wonna fly I can tell you by expirience with the stealth after doin 160MPH. What a thrill. At least give them a chance with the N/A. And if they want a turbo model they would have to buy a coffin first.

It's not always about the speed, and quite honestly i think it is the MR, Short wheelbase that is what should concern the novice driver. Speed is just another factor.

91mR2sW20 · 07-26-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cavanagh

It's not always about the speed, and quite honestly i think it is the MR, Short wheelbase that is what should concern the novice driver. Speed is just another factor.

thats true. and it really depends on the driver

Choctaw · 07-30-2008, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linhnguyen

Awesome post! Apparently I would fall under the category of people who shouldn't have an MR2 :P I'm not an immature driver, not at all. But my 1990 mr2 is only my 2nd car, and I've been driving for 6 months. Had I read this post prior to purchasing my car with my own money, I would probably of reconsidered. But, it's too late now. So I guess all I can do is ask for driving tips! I live in Calgary AB Canada; it snows, it rains, its cold. I already bought winter tires to put on once it starts snowing, but any specific advice for keeping my car and myself in one piece? Thanks!

The first time it snows, try finding a large, deserted parking lot, with your snows on! Drive it around slowly until you get a feel for the surface, then start weaving it around to invoke oversteer. Test the limits on the slippery surface until you start to spin, still slowly, and use opposite lock to correct the spin. When you've done that, increase your speed slowly until you feel comfortable with oversteer, which always happens in rwd MR2s. Learn your limits, and the car's limits, and you'll be fine.

The snow tires give you a solid foundation, but any driving situation changes from mile to mile, you just have to be ready for it. Practice does give you an edge, don't waste the opportunity. My only surprise was driving on ice with summer tires, but I caught it quickly without spinning, then tiptoed very slowly home. I never spun mine, but I've been driving sports cars since 1965and I found my MR2's limits quickly under adverse conditions. I was lucky, but I had enough experience to correct the car's oversteer.

You can handle it too; don't be afraid, just be careful and your MR2 won't bite, enjoy it! I wish I had another one.

linhnguyen · 07-30-2008, 05:24 PM

I will definitely do that!! Thanks for the advice

Gairloch · 07-30-2008, 05:38 PM

That is an excellent suggestion but make damn sure there are no curbs or other obstructions hidden under the snow!

linhnguyen · 07-31-2008, 12:26 PM

yeah hahah no kidding!

Miss Mr2 · 10-01-2008, 09:43 PM

so i am a little late on this but i was 15 when i got my car. i had a saab before that but i didn't drive it that much i learned how to drive a 5 speed in the saab i wish i would have kept it. my brother saw the mr2 in Charlotte NC while he was working and he looked pics up online for me and i took a look at my car and i was like that is my car. so he bought it for 2200 and the guy that had it abused it. when we went under the hood all of the wires were messed up and the timing belt was on wrong and it was tagging out at 4rpm. so i think if you are mature enough like "me" you know what you are in for. even though i wrecked mine... i took responsibility and fixed it with my dads help!! i thank my brother everyday for buying it for me. it has helped me grow up.

metheores · 10-01-2008, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Mr2

so i am a little late on this but i was 15 when i got my car. i had a saab before that but i didn't drive it that much i learned how to drive a 5 speed in the saab i wish i would have kept it. my brother saw the mr2 in Charlotte NC while he was working and he looked pics up online for me and i took a look at my car and i was like that is my car. so he bought it for 2200 and the guy that had it abused it. when we went under the hood all of the wires were messed up and the timing belt was on wrong and it was tagging out at 4rpm. so i think if you are mature enough like "me" you know what you are in for. even though i wrecked mine... i took responsibility and fixed it with my dads help!! i thank my brother everyday for buying it for me. it has helped me grow up.

well i guess the only difference wouldn't be the maturity. Just the fact that your dad and brother know something about wiring and turning wrenches...many people are not in the same conditions and therefore end up paying up to twice the value of the car. It's not the same when you have another person that knows what they're doing helping you through the process than opening the page up in the manual and doing it by yourself.

Pontificus666 · 10-21-2008, 10:01 PM

I bought my first MR2 when I was 17 and I am 18 now, so it's still a fairly new car. I paid $4000 out of the $5000 it cost when all was said and done (inspection, new tires, etc.). It is also my first car, but because 4/5 of the cash came from my own pocket that I earned from my job, not allowance or anything that came from my parents, I am extra careful about how I drive. That car is all I have and I know that if it goes, I am car-less until I graduate college (like I'm going to live that long without a car

). I'll admit that one time I was showing off in the rain (yeah, not the brightest ideas

) and lost control. Fishtailed for a bit but regained control still going the right way down the road. Luckily, there were no other cars around and no one got in an accident. I believe that maturity does play a great deal in owning this car. The key is to learn how to drive the car before even trying to do anything stupid, or better yet, don't show off. I stopped showing off a long time ago out of fear of wrecking. The last thing about owning an MR2 is having the money and/or the will to keep the car in good shape. I know that it has cost me more than I ever expected to keep my car in good shape. If you aren't willing to spend the money, don't buy the car....and that's all I have right now. Other people had better stuff.

bretleg · 01-13-2009, 04:40 PM

im 19 and just got the car a month ago. my advice is make sure you look the car over good before you buy it and also keep some cash around for maintenance and repair. as far as driving goes don't act stupid, don,t race don't drive fast in snow, rain, sleet, mist, or any thing compromising and most of all be careful and always watch every vehicle around you. trust me after being ran off the road on a daily basis by suv's i know this.

by the way on a side note i have only spun once and that was just to see what the handling limits were on it but that happened in a parking lot

Jcamry94 · 01-15-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bretleg

im 19 and just got the car a month ago. my advice is make sure you look the car over good before you buy it and also keep some cash around for maintenance and repair. as far as driving goes don't act stupid, don,t race don't drive fast in snow, rain, sleet, mist, or any thing compromising and most of all be careful and always watch every vehicle around you. trust me after being ran off the road on a daily basis by suv's i know this.

by the way on a side note i have only spun once and that was just to see what the handling limits were on it but that happened in a parking lot

Don't race? Why buy an Mr2 then?

eleitner8914 · 07-11-2009, 09:34 PM

has anyone had the problem with there headlights. mine flip up but there is no power to the lights. i checked the relay and fuses maybe the high beam switch ?

jessetjames · 08-11-2009, 09:48 PM

alright so im one of those 17 year olds who is looking for his first car. looked at a 3000gt but they are to expensive to maintain....and ive also looked at the mr2 read up on it and it sounds like a fun car. my question is that isn't the same for a RWD miata. about the same size why is this harder to spin out? if you're pushing it to its limits then i can see why.Is it not the same as most small RWD cars? also why cant you drive this car while its wet/snowing as long as you are careful ect . also if this car is not for me since i am younger what sport car would u recommend in the 4,000 price range. also if i do get this car im not going to be drifting around corners/racing people doing nothing stupid/showing off....i just want to cross all my Ts before buying a car.

I hope i didn't sound (no it all) i just want to ask everything before i buy. almost got a 3000gt until i looked into it further and learned that its reliability sucks.

07-30-2008, 05:38 PM	#172 (permalink)
Gairloch Dreaming of apexes Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 4,848 Thanks: 125 Thanked 258 Times in 228 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (7/100% )	That is an excellent suggestion but make damn sure there are no curbs or other obstructions hidden under the snow! __________________ "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

10-21-2008, 10:01 PM	#176 (permalink)
Pontificus666 No Skills Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 20 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I bought my first MR2 when I was 17 and I am 18 now, so it's still a fairly new car. I paid $4000 out of the $5000 it cost when all was said and done (inspection, new tires, etc.). It is also my first car, but because 4/5 of the cash came from my own pocket that I earned from my job, not allowance or anything that came from my parents, I am extra careful about how I drive. That car is all I have and I know that if it goes, I am car-less until I graduate college (like I'm going to live that long without a car). I'll admit that one time I was showing off in the rain (yeah, not the brightest ideas) and lost control. Fishtailed for a bit but regained control still going the right way down the road. Luckily, there were no other cars around and no one got in an accident. I believe that maturity does play a great deal in owning this car. The key is to learn how to drive the car before even trying to do anything stupid, or better yet, don't show off. I stopped showing off a long time ago out of fear of wrecking. The last thing about owning an MR2 is having the money and/or the will to keep the car in good shape. I know that it has cost me more than I ever expected to keep my car in good shape. If you aren't willing to spend the money, don't buy the car....and that's all I have right now. Other people had better stuff.

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

LinkBacks (?) LinkBack to this Thread: http://www.mr2.com/forums/general-mr2-discussion/Toyota-MR2-232-mr2-first-car.html
Posted By	For	Type	Date
MR2 Technical Knowledgebase	This thread	Refback	09-27-2008 06:17 AM
Helpful Links - Automotive Forums .com Car Chat	This thread	Refback	03-27-2008 10:31 PM
Helpful Links - Automotive Forums .com Car Chat	This thread	Refback	02-04-2008 03:06 AM
Toyota MR2 Message Board	This thread	Refback	08-15-2007 04:58 PM

06-02-2008, 07:16 PM	#163 (permalink)
Cavanagh AKA-Eskimo Kid Join Date: May 2006 Location: Springfield,IL Posts: 181 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	I started out in a 1993 Toyota Celica ST Automatic. Slow and Not very exciting. BUT IT was the most reliable car i will ever have owned. I always wanted an MR2 since i owned my Celica, but i am glad i started out with a rookie car. 103hp, fwd, auto. I learned responsibility and got the real feel of a car in general. I bought that 2 years ago, but in dec of 07' got hit by a school bus in it and got the MR2 about 2 weeks ago. I am being very cautious with it. Actually when i purchased it, i was scared driving it back home. I came here and read about the oversteer and whatnot and took that very seriously. Although i do have a 93' and it is corrected better then the 91 & 92's, i still am careful and never brake while turning or keep the same speed. Sorry for the novel, but what i am trying to say is, as slow and boring as my ST was, im glad i had that as a first car rather then my 2. I would probably not be here or in jail for doing something stupid in it. My (Driving) maturity went up immensely. I would recommend a different car before hoping in a 2 when you just got your license and very excited, and a complete N00b at driving.

06-07-2008, 02:53 PM	#164 (permalink)
Choctaw No Skills Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 26 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Small world. The dealer kept my tradein and gave me a 90 Celica 4 AT to drive while they were prepping my 91 MR2T. Very nice car, not sporty but easy to drive and a solid-feeling car. You make a good point and some may listen, others may be reluctant to wait, though.

07-23-2008, 01:15 PM	#165 (permalink)
linhnguyen No Skills Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Awesome post! Apparently I would fall under the category of people who shouldn't have an MR2 :P I'm not an immature driver, not at all. But my 1990 mr2 is only my 2nd car, and I've been driving for 6 months. Had I read this post prior to purchasing my car with my own money, I would probably of reconsidered. But, it's too late now. So I guess all I can do is ask for driving tips! I live in Calgary AB Canada; it snows, it rains, its cold. I already bought winter tires to put on once it starts snowing, but any specific advice for keeping my car and myself in one piece? Thanks!

07-25-2008, 10:26 PM	#166 (permalink)
MR2 Drifter No Drifting Skills Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 956 Thanks: 3 Thanked 16 Times in 16 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	MR2 for a first car is not a good idea (Unless you have lots of money) its a great 2nd car though (if you know how to drive manual and your not immature and try beating everything on the street and blowing up your engine)

07-30-2008, 05:24 PM	#171 (permalink)
linhnguyen No Skills Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I will definitely do that!! Thanks for the advice

07-31-2008, 12:26 PM	#173 (permalink)
linhnguyen No Skills Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	yeah hahah no kidding!

10-01-2008, 09:43 PM	#174 (permalink)
Miss Mr2 No Skills Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Marion NC Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	so i am a little late on this but i was 15 when i got my car. i had a saab before that but i didn't drive it that much i learned how to drive a 5 speed in the saab i wish i would have kept it. my brother saw the mr2 in Charlotte NC while he was working and he looked pics up online for me and i took a look at my car and i was like that is my car. so he bought it for 2200 and the guy that had it abused it. when we went under the hood all of the wires were messed up and the timing belt was on wrong and it was tagging out at 4rpm. so i think if you are mature enough like "me" you know what you are in for. even though i wrecked mine... i took responsibility and fixed it with my dads help!! i thank my brother everyday for buying it for me. it has helped me grow up.

01-13-2009, 04:40 PM	#177 (permalink)
bretleg No Skills Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 38 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	im 19 and just got the car a month ago. my advice is make sure you look the car over good before you buy it and also keep some cash around for maintenance and repair. as far as driving goes don't act stupid, don,t race don't drive fast in snow, rain, sleet, mist, or any thing compromising and most of all be careful and always watch every vehicle around you. trust me after being ran off the road on a daily basis by suv's i know this. by the way on a side note i have only spun once and that was just to see what the handling limits were on it but that happened in a parking lot

07-11-2009, 09:34 PM	#179 (permalink)
eleitner8914 No Skills Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	has anyone had the problem with there headlights. mine flip up but there is no power to the lights. i checked the relay and fuses maybe the high beam switch ?

08-11-2009, 09:48 PM	#180 (permalink)
jessetjames No Skills Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	alright so im one of those 17 year olds who is looking for his first car. looked at a 3000gt but they are to expensive to maintain....and ive also looked at the mr2 read up on it and it sounds like a fun car. my question is that isn't the same for a RWD miata. about the same size why is this harder to spin out? if you're pushing it to its limits then i can see why.Is it not the same as most small RWD cars? also why cant you drive this car while its wet/snowing as long as you are careful ect . also if this car is not for me since i am younger what sport car would u recommend in the 4,000 price range. also if i do get this car im not going to be drifting around corners/racing people doing nothing stupid/showing off....i just want to cross all my Ts before buying a car. I hope i didn't sound (no it all) i just want to ask everything before i buy. almost got a 3000gt until i looked into it further and learned that its reliability sucks.