mrp

Just wondering opinions on what would be the better car to own. Haven't driven the MR2 yet (had an import Mk2 a few years back). Driven the Storm (Mk2), reasonably fast but it seems to lack the shove in the back factor.


mrp

cletterridge

mrp, the Mk1 is a really different driving car to the Mk2 you used to have, so you'd best try one before you buy to see if you like it (it's a real apples and oranges question). Be warned though, there are a lot of dogs out there now - and it's unfortunate that people driving these for the first time think come off with a really bad impression of the Mk1. Find a good one and it'll drive the doors off any Scirroco though (I've driven both).

http://www.benerridge.freeserve.co.uk/mymr2.htm

Marky-San

Mk1 MR2 is a scream to drive. Mid engine RWD 2 seater - cool as!

Gary VR6

Sciroccos are loveable sheds, but not at all dynamic unless you can find a rare 16v model. I've had a H reg GTII (1.8 carb engine)with 152,000 miles for the last year and it's been a hoot; dead reliable, torquey, low, and kind of cool in an ironic way. Great practicality, too - back seats, proper boot, etc. Just don't expect MR2 mk1-league performance.

fatherpierre

I think it's the handling that's a biggest difference!

XT

The MR2 Nk1 is the most involving car i have ever owned and driven. I regret every day the moment i sold it. Find a good one and you'll fall in love.

fatherpierre

Hard to find a good MK1 these days without rotten arches.

Can you believe Toyota made them with an absorbant sponge-like material between the arch skins!

XT

Mine was a completely rust free 1987(post changes) red T-bar

Pics here:

Clicky

XT

It had 2 previous owners, Full Toyota Service History and i sold it for under a grand.

fatherpierre

You must have looked after it to keep it rot free!

Mine fell to bits despite constant attention.

XT

I was waxing the car each week, undersealed it twice. After driving it while raining, i always went to the nearest Jet Wash to clean it from the salt.

My missus wasn't too impressed with the attention the car was getting

fatherpierre

Fooking hell, you did care for it!

I couldn't be arsed with that level of care but still wiped down the arches every couple of days and washed it all the time.

Best handling motor i've ever had - too slow though.

XT

yup, a little more power would be nice

I believe that this car would be cracking with 60-70bhp more

The chassis screams for more power.

fatherpierre

That's why I bought a Rev3 Turbo with handling adjustments!

No rust, bullet-proof reliability and like **** off a rotor blade!

Still not as sharp as the Mk1 around round-abouts though

mrp

Thanks for the info guys. I know finding a good mr2 for the right money is going to be tough. My mate has had the storm for 10 odd years, its straight, solid, has been very well looked after and is a good car from that point of view.

Heart says MR2, head says scirocco.

XT, yours looked a cracker and for under a grand, someone got a real bargain.

mrp

cletterridge

XT, nice example. Mines had rusty arches AND a tree...

XT

Fatherpierre, what i'll never forget from my MR2 will be the steering feel, the best steering i have EVER used on a car. The engine also was a proper screamer

mrp,I believe that your best bet is the MR2DC, it's almost certain that you are going to pay more, but the car will most probably be mint.

And as regarding the heart and mind dilemma. I have changed 16 cars so far and i followed my head twice. Believe me, i regretted it BIG TIME.

You buy the car for yourself, you are going to drive the car. Do you want to go with the logical choice or with YOUR choice??

Go with the MR2 mate, if it's a good example, you'll never regret it, trust me

The only thing that holds me back from buying an MR2 right now, is the fear that it won't be as good and well treated as my previous one.

micaAB

MR2 mate, every time, still miss mine like mad - so much fun and quick as anything down the narrow country lanes.

shame mine blew up in a mushroom cloud of smoke in the New Cross one-way system on a saturday afternoon (so embarrassing!)

that was it's end (sniff)

BUT still remember beating many other cars............and it's rusy arches............and it's oh-so sharp handling and steering

Gompo

Any comments on the supposedly nice, revvy, reliable powerplant?
Possible future transplant for me, so interested in previous owners thoughts?

Cheers, Greg.

cletterridge

The 4AGE is considered by many to be one of the best performance engines made in the eighties, and way ahead of its time. When looked after (esp with regular oil changes and proper antifreeze) they will run and run - there are a couple of folk in the Mk1 club with over 200k miles (but some dogs out there too - be careful!).



A good one will be quiet and refined at low revs, but a mental F1 style screamer from around 5,000 - 7,600rpm - probably one of the best sounding engines I have ever heard. Low rev torque is enhanced with an extra butterfly system (TVIS) that cuts off air to one of the intake valves below 4,200rpm, and it pulls really clean all the way from 1,000rpm upwards.



Mods for the 4AGE are perhaps more expensive than for, say, a Ford CVH. To get a lot of power, you can stay NA, and put the rev limit up to 8,500, add some wild cams and carbs (say 190bhp). Or, you could put some forced induction on it (has been done, this one gets 331bhp: http://www2.msstate.edu/~sgn1/MR2/mod/jw1.htm). Or you could buy a supercharged unit (4AGZE - plenty available from http://www.fensport.co.uk). Takes up a similar amount of space, but has 145bhp as standard and a bigger pulley takes this up to 180-190bhp very easily for a nice P/W ratio.

I think these guys have a lot of experience selling modified 4AGEs to kit car owners....
http://www.rawengineering.co.uk/RAW_engines.html

Gompo

Thanks a lot mate.