Buying An 00-03 Mr2 - Pre-Cat Issues To Watch For

[elredso]

Hi guys,

After getting knocked off of my motorbike I am not keen to get back on one ! so am using the insurance money from the accident to put towards a new car. I have decided on the MR2 Roadster - and believe that now is the best time to buy (as no one is looking for a convertible in this miserable weather)

I am however MASSIVELY concerned about the pre-cat/oval bore issue - from what I have read, most other issues are easy enough and not hugely costly to fix - apart from this one.

I am looking at 60-75K examples - and my question is : If they have lasted this long, is it likely they will suffer from the pre-cat issue (from what I have read it is more often seen at around 40K - if it is going to happen) - regardless, once I have picked it up I plan to remove the pre-cat -but just wanted to know, if a car with this kind of mileage was likely to have the issue or not, or would it have manifested itself earlier ???

Thanks

Ian

[GIDDLEPIN]

Hi and welcome to the club Ian

Sorry for the late reply.

If you look HERE You will see my reply to a similar question.

I can only say that in my own opinion Pre-cats are not the problem and never have been, I respect those that consider this to be an engine destroyer but if the rings have gummed up and the bores are beginning to wear, removing the pre-cats won't make a jot of difference, by all means take them out if it gives you peace of mind but my original header with pre-cats still intact is in my garage and it wouldn't bother me to put it back on the car in the slightest, it would bother me if I started consuming oil though but at 91.000 miles, no oil/water usage (at all) I seem to be ok so far. ;)

Buying any car second hand is always a gamble and you will never really know it's history unless it comes from a known source, try get a 2003+ model (Mines a 2002) and at least you will know it should have the modified piston design.

Good luck in your search and keep in touch

Les