Which Mr2 Mk3 Revision To Buy?

[wilbur750]

Hi

I am in the market place for a MR2 MK3. I havent owned one before but have test driven one (which was shabby) but still keen on getting one.

The issue I have is that on many forums you see "common problems" for all cars but you never know if they are genuinely common or it just so happens that the 20 people in th eworld with problem have found each other on one forum.

So here's the deal...

1. What's the real issue around the precats? Some are saying that they just break up and destroy your engine, others say that the piston rings on early MK3s used to wear which in turn destroyed the precats etc. Should I be really worried about this when looking for an MR2?

2. Further to Q1, some say that the 2003 revision with the 6 speed box had revised pistons to prevent the previous piston ring problems. Is this true?

If Q1 and Q2 are correct, should I only be interested in the 2003 revision car with 6 speed box?

Also, are there any other model specific problems I should be looking out for? My local Toyota dealer has mentioned that the drainage pipe for rainwater that run between the cabin and engine can sometimes get blocked and cause wwater to enter the car making the carpets wet etc (where some people think this is a leaky roof it often isnt).

Any advice would be welcomed as I would love to get one ASAP but hopefully not be worrying about it going "pop" soon after buying it.

Thanks muchly! :-)

Wilb

[derekcoombes]

Wilb,

I have a 2003 6 speed version with additional "flappy paddle" gearshift; aircon and leather seats. There is a lot of lterature about the pre-cats but I have not had any issues and my soecialist servicing garage (TOYODA) says the same. I cannot vouch for the notion about 2003 piston rings. My suggestion is to go for the latest model you can afford and the six speed makes sense.

I have not experienced the blocked drain issue but again plenty of literature to suggest it is a problem for some - wonder if they leave the car out in the open with top down?

The only "issue" I have had it that the strap running across the canvas hood keeps coming undone leading to oft mentioned "rabbit ears" when hood is folded. Some vecro would probably fix this.

Buy and enjoy!

Derek