help the new guy

[Raybuck]

Hi guys. Im new to the site and, i suppose, mr2s.

Im not new to cars though, I have a 87 Turbo II RX7, 04 RX8, and a pile o' junk 90 Celica GT.

Im tired of my celica so ive been looking into other cars to replace my beater and seeing as how I love the reliability of my yoter for a dd i have decided to be brand loyal. I landed on the mr2 because i cant stand fwd cars but i need something to drive all year round (yes, including winter) I figure it would be decent because of the engine sitting on the rear wheels but the whole steering thing bugged me so sandbags and winter treads in the front???
Im also sorry to anyone that might be offended by my wanting to beat a beloved 2 around in the snow (id be mad if i saw someone driving a nice 7 in 2 feet of snow!) but its just my style.

Anywho, on to my reason for posting. Im sure this has been said on here before but Im not exactly sure what to look for in these cars. Im torn between price and performance. I have a 4wheeler to trade but if i have to buy outright id prefer to not go over $2k-$2500. I found a pretty nice 91 n/a
for $2500 but its got 196k Miles. I know its a toyota but i never thought id consider spending that much for a car with that many miles on it. That said, it had the timing belt and head gasket replaced at 187k. Its "powered" by a 5sfe, which is also in my celica, and im not a fan of it at all. I have read on here about the general mild mods that people do to the 5 to give it a little more power but my question is is it really worth the trouble? Should i just stick it out and wait for one with a 3sge? Im not looking for a fast car by any means, i already have one, but i really dont want to drop the cash and be disappointed because its just as slow as my celica, but way more fun to drive.

Any input on my situation would be greatly appreciated. and sorry for the book but i felt i had to completely describe my conundrum

BTW guys im in western pa about an hour northeast of pittsburgh if anyone has a 2 in my price range or wants a really nice 06 polaris predator troy lee edition

[o6spdracer]

A running/good condition 3s will cost you more than $2-2.5k. But who knows, you might get lucky or have really good negotiations skills. You figure the car is 18 years old, so thats less than 11k miles per year, not too shabby. There are some with a lot less miles, but again the price will be higher. Since you are not content with the 5s in the celica, more than likely you will not be happy with the same powerplant in a 2. I think your best bet is to wait it out, you might come across some good deals. It is a buyer's market afterall!

[scottohno]

i agree with o6spdracer however id like to point out that these cars are not that easy to drive anytime theres sliding conditions. light front end, momentum in the back, youre basically in a tilt-a-whirl on even wet road with the wrong tires. i have low composite "federal" pos tires and i can get it squirrelly in the dry without too much effort. and thats an mk1 thats heavier than an mk2. not trying to change ur mind, just tryin to educate. i park mine when it snows, and im in chicago, i know snow. mr2's my year are extinct around here.

[traintech86]

have you even done any research? the mk1 is lighter then the mk2. that being said, i just drove my mk1 and VA is covered in the ass end of a hurricane. i have ****ty no name tires and i didn't have any problems. it was my first time driving in weather like that and the car held on to the road. i am sure there are better cars but i had no problems. ice is coming tho so that will be the real test. if you're buyin a car just to beat, stick with the stock engine and don't put work into it because there isn't much point.

[scottohno]

correction: MINE is ALMOST AS HEAVY as an mk2 weighing in at almost 2600lbs. my mistake. and it depends on if its auto or stick. i CAN keep mine stuck to the road, but ice is REALLY fun. we had an ice storm and i couldnt hit the brake to slow down or my wheels would lock up. i had to downshift or id probably spin or definantly slide. not to mention, chicago roads are a lot more oily than roads in virginia. we dont even have vehicle inspections. any car after 1996 doesnt have to go to emissions testing.

[traintech86]

for real? ice sounds like win and inspections.... where do i sign xD