Problem Areas / Used buying checklist

crazycorkey · 05-23-2009, 04:24 PM

So I searched but couldn't find if there was a post about general problem areas for the 80's MR2s.

Also a checklist of the MR2 specific things to check when looking at a used car.

thanks

mr3 · 05-23-2009, 11:29 PM

Before I bought mine, I read alot about the throttle cable being frayed on a few of them. Mine was but I found a replacement and it was fine. Just test drive it and see. I dont really think there is 1 mr2 mk1 speciffic problem but I may be wrong.

toy-driver · 05-23-2009, 11:48 PM

-Rusted rear arches, especially behind the rocker cover thing (I got rust on a car from Nevada).
-Oil leaks, I doubt you will find one without. But they are an easy fix (distributor, oil pan, oil cooler lines, valve covers).
-Head light problems, ether with the switch of the plugs on the motor.
-Transmission pops out of 5th gear on 85-86 models.
-Rear wheel bearings don't last terribly long.

Maticuno · 05-24-2009, 10:51 PM

^ +1
- Head gaskets blow about this age, usually on the #4 cylinder
- Exhaust manifold cracks, also usually on the #4 cylinder
- Once owned, you will be forever hooked on the MR2, like an automotive heroin.

crazycorkey · 05-31-2009, 03:45 AM

Thanks for the replies.

I found this online if anyone else is looking.

Toyota MR2 Mark 1 Buyer's Guide

Jackstand Queen · 06-05-2009, 12:57 AM

What we see on this board much too frequently . . a new Mk I owner with a blown head gasket.

There is a weird procedure to top off coolant in the car. If you don't use it . . . it almost invariably results in a blown head gasket.

I am so tired of reading about these initial ownership experiences that my eyes want to explode afterwards.

05-23-2009, 04:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
crazycorkey No Skills Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Problem Areas / Used buying checklist So I searched but couldn't find if there was a post about general problem areas for the 80's MR2s. Also a checklist of the MR2 specific things to check when looking at a used car. thanks

05-31-2009, 03:45 AM	#5 (permalink)
crazycorkey No Skills Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Problem Areas / Used buying checklist Thanks for the replies. I found this online if anyone else is looking. Toyota MR2 Mark 1 Buyer's Guide

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

05-23-2009, 11:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
mr3 Cage Fighter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Plymouth Mtg, Pa Posts: 848 Thanks: 19 Thanked 26 Times in 25 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Before I bought mine, I read alot about the throttle cable being frayed on a few of them. Mine was but I found a replacement and it was fine. Just test drive it and see. I dont really think there is 1 mr2 mk1 speciffic problem but I may be wrong.

05-23-2009, 11:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
toy-driver Getting there Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 265 Thanks: 3 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	-Rusted rear arches, especially behind the rocker cover thing (I got rust on a car from Nevada). -Oil leaks, I doubt you will find one without. But they are an easy fix (distributor, oil pan, oil cooler lines, valve covers). -Head light problems, ether with the switch of the plugs on the motor. -Transmission pops out of 5th gear on 85-86 models. -Rear wheel bearings don't last terribly long.

05-24-2009, 10:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
Maticuno Park Ranging Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: California Deserts Posts: 233 Thanks: 14 Thanked 16 Times in 11 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	^ +1 - Head gaskets blow about this age, usually on the #4 cylinder - Exhaust manifold cracks, also usually on the #4 cylinder - Once owned, you will be forever hooked on the MR2, like an automotive heroin.

06-05-2009, 12:57 AM	#6 (permalink)
Jackstand Queen Cage Fighter Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 677 Thanks: 52 Thanked 56 Times in 53 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	What we see on this board much too frequently . . a new Mk I owner with a blown head gasket. There is a weird procedure to top off coolant in the car. If you don't use it . . . it almost invariably results in a blown head gasket. I am so tired of reading about these initial ownership experiences that my eyes want to explode afterwards.