Questions about MR2

[terryjacobs]

Hi all,

I'm thinking about getting myself a MR2 Mk 2 (I think) which is 1990-1998 or something along those lines.

Can anyone say much about insurance? The insurance seems good for a 2.0 sports car, however the automatic is exceptionally good! What's the performance of these like? The automatics seem to be a little cheaper too.

Now does anyone have a guide on the various trim models? The GT, G etc. It seems like one of those cars that they are all completely different.

I'd ideally like an insurance friendly one (auto considered) with all the extras. I would also particularly like the T-bar (I think it is).

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[+Steve]

You might find even cheaper insurance if you join the MR2 Drivers club.. they have a great scheme on and do some real good insurance cover.

i think the site is http://www.mr2dc.com

My brother has insurance with DIG through MR2DC and was very cheap!

[TheNissanMan]

Hiya...

Great choice with the MR2, especially if you go for a T-Bar.

A number of choices to think about although I don't know what your budget is like, insurance isnt too bad, I paid elephant £680 fully comp (I'm 28 with 3 Years NCD) although if you want to play on track days I would go through the MR2 Drivers Club and get the Dorset Insurance as Track Days are inclusive to the cost.

Early Mk2's in good condition can be found for about £4k, personally I wouldn't bother with an automatic but then thats my opinion I don't think a sports car should be an auto, it takes a lot of the joy out of driving, if you want a really fun car to drive which is why Im guessing your choosing the MR2 I would consider a Mk1 SuperCharger, rare but absoutely amazing driving cars....

Jap Imports tend to have all the toys as standard, Air Con, Electric Wing Mirrors/Windows etc whereas the UK cars had them as optional extras, Jap Cars use exactly the same parts as a UK spec car so fixing it wont be a problem. There are also a number of forums specifically for the MR2 so knoweldge wont be a problem and cheap legitemate fixes are always available as well as advise.

If your looking for an early Mk2 a few things to look out for (not sure how much you know about the car so sorry if IM teaching you to suck eggs)...

1) Leaky T-Bar Seals

2) Cross Strut - in engine bay at bottom by cabin (have a habit of rotting through although cheap to replace)

3) Be careful of Jap Imports with extra toys (bodykit, alloys etc) as a lot of them have been raced in Japan, although if they've been looked after over here this shouldnt cause a problem

4) Be extra careful about the permanent grin on your face once you've bought one as they are truely great cars to drive.

Can't think of anything else at this time but sure something else will pop up, drop us a mail if you have any further questions... Am sure I can find the answer to any question you may have pretty quickly.

Insurance is obviously a lot better for the N/A as the Turbo is still a very powerful car...

Which area of the country are you in ?

[terryjacobs]

Thanks for the replies guys,

Okay, i'm in the UK and 19 with 1 3/4 years NCB so it'll probably be two years NCB.

I'll be definatly looking for a base engine i.e no Turbo etc as that will severely kill my insurance.

I've been quoted by elephant about £1700 FC or £1300 TPFT, i'd like to contact my current insurer Norwich Union to see what they can do for me.

Thanks for the advice so far, no doubt i'll be back with more questions as I research my options more.

[TheNissanMan]

Don't forget if you want to do track days which are still great fun in an NA try Dorset as I believe they go through Nowrich anyway but give you free track day cover (with paying a bit extra for).

Elephant and most insurers will not cover you on track...

[terryjacobs]

I said i'd be back :P

I've been digging recently and looking at insurance. To get insured on the GT I have seen between £1900-2200 FC and for the Automatic £1492.64 As you can see it's a big difference.

Can anyone offer any views on the auto? I'm not going to be thrashing the car but finance is of great importance. I've found that it appears the autos are cheaper to buy, to insure and more likely to be owned by lady owners (suggesting usually that the car is good nick and lower milage)

Everything points to the auto, however I worry I might miss out.

[mtlisi]

yikes!, Don't buy an auto. If you do I'm not sure if the mr2 is really the car for you. you won't really be able to get the best performance out of it. If you just want to look good it may not be a bad idea, but that all depends on your priority.

[TheNissanMan]

IMHO opinion MR2 Auto is for someone who wants to pose in a car that looks the puppies plums but can't or doesn't really want to enjoy driving.

Yes you get a huge discount on the insurance premium but you don't get any enjoyment of what is after all a mid engined rear wheel car....

Auto..... don't get an MR2....

Just my 2p