Found an 89... good deal?

[swift978]

i came across a dark grey 89 mr2, 5 speed t tops, paint and trim fully in tact, great condition for the most part. Absolutely no rust underneath, besides under the back trunk area, and the front fan metal housings. i noticed there was rust on the shifting mechanisms underneath the stick shift boot, which struck me as odd considering how its a tough place for corrosion to get at.

theres no air conditioning, but i dont really care about that.

the vin number doens't bring up anything on carfax, as if the number is wrong, is that supposed to happen? i'm wondering if thats what happens if there was no reports on the car. the owner hasn't driven/registered it, he said he got it from a friend, and really wants to let go of it fast.

the things it needs are a muffler, possible cat converter, and new tires. i'm wondering how much the cat will cost, i've seen universal ones that are cataloged for the model for as low as 50, but whats the catch? i can get a muffler for 100 and tires are a no brainer...

i can buy it for 1000 dollars. is it worth it?

-thanks in advance!

[canadam]

I think that 1000 bucks is a good deal for a good running, drivable MR2. Just make sure that it runs fine and you can register it no problem.

It should show up on Carfax.

[thirdvector]

Have you been able to drive it?

I'd at least do a compression check on it, even for only $1000. Check the oil, coolant, and brake fluid for discoloration and good levels. You know, all the usual stuff. If everything checks out ok I say go for it.

[swift978]

Ok so i'll recheck the VIN number when i go, if carfax still doesn't come up with anything what does that mean? is it a possibility the car is stolen?

and for the discoloration what am i looking for? the coolant was blue i remember that, the overflow cap was broken so i could see right into the reservoir. where do i check the break fluid?

and sorry but this is going to be my first car, how do i do the compression check?

[thirdvector]

Hmmm, I'm not sure about the Carfax thing. I guess it could be stolen with a fake VIN, but I honestly don't know. Your main concern with that is the ability to register the car for yourself. You might want to run the VIN by your local DMV, but that's just a guess. Sorry I can't be more help than that.

As for discoloration, neither the oil or coolant should be milky/opaque - that indicates that there is a blown head gasket (also referred to as BHG) or other major seal failure where oil and coolant mix together. It is an expensive repair and will destroy the engine if left alone due to overheating. The brake fluid reservoir is in the front trunk "frunk" next to the driver side shock tower. The fluid should be yellowish clear if new and can get close to looking like black coffee when really old. Also look for milkyness or just plain weirdness of color here, mainly for contaminates.

You might just want to get a shop or someone else to do a compression check for you. It requires a special tool that plugs into the spark plug galley. It doesn't take long and shouldn't be expensive.

Good luck hunting!

[mr2ace]

for $1000 t-top 89 mr2 with a good register-able title, minimal rust, straight body/frame, and runs well, who cares about carfax? you really cant go wrong.

If you don't want it, send that deal my way. I have been looking for a car like that! (88-89 mr2 in decent shape for a decent price)

[swift978]

it mine now

i'll put up pictures when i get the chance!

since the tires need replacement, i'm thinking why not upgrade to 18's. is there any problems with that size for the mr2? the wheel wells look big enough but i'd like to make sure... thanks again guys!

[Gairloch]

On 18s a Mk I would look like a monster truck.

[E T Haggis]

lmao i agree go with either 15's or 17's the 15's i hear handle a lot better ad aret as sluggish as the 17 but the 17's are good to look at lol

[PearlJammzz]

Largest I'd go are 16's on an MK1. Look at the wheels that came stock on the 2000+ MR2's, I believe they have a compatible bolt pattern and offset. They would be the perfect wheel for the MK1

[swift978]

haha yeah your probably right, found some for $50 each, but the tires are really expensive anyways. i guess i'll buy the best tires for the money, and wait on the rims. thx