Mr2 Tbar

[t-spiritpete]

Hello,

I have seen a nice red 1991 J reg T-bar MR2 GTi 2.0 ltr 16v non turbo for sale near to me and I was wondering what to look for and what it is worth as it looks in good condition.

I have not spoken to the owner as yet so I don't have any details, I would rather get some advice here before I call and see the owner.

Thanks in advance

Pete.

[Team EleMental]

Only just registered but MR2 mk2's, check for leaks mainly from the t-bar, usually find these behind the seats. When I were looking at some I found a lot of damp in the boot, dont know why but not had any issues with either of mine. Other than that probably just rust around and inside the wheel arches. Hope this helps a little but leaks with the t-bars from the seals and the rust always seemed a main culprit

[Team EleMental]

Infact...found this on mr2oc for ya :) happy reading!!!

Bodywork:

• Check all panel gaps.

• Stand at front and back corners and scan down each side of the car – especially ¼ panels.

• Check panels for evidence of respray and different colours underneath.

• Check under car for signs of crash damage.

• Check radiator at front for signs of leakage and damage.

• Check wheel arch lining is present and secure.

• Check lining under car is present and secure.

• Check condition of discs.

• Check frunk for lining, tool kit, spare wheel.

• Check rust on underside of the doors and wheel arch lips.

• Check for rust/bubbling around t-bar area when panels are off (look under the rubber seals).

• Check t-bar roof – condition of rubber seals. Tight fitting windows and t-bars?

• Check tyres for even wear on each tyre and across all four tyres.

• Check VIN plate in frunk. Should start with SW20 for a turbo and JT163SW20 for an n/a.



Interior:

• Check every switch (does ariel work?)

• Air con engages and is cold?

• Heaters hot?

• Relevant warning lights all light up with ingition on?

• Fog lights work (and steer)?

• Fog lights on dash come on?

• Folding mirrors both fold and adjust?

• All dash illuminating lights work?

• Hand brake holds?

• Check seats adjust including all lumbar levers.

• Check cable releases for frunk, bonnet, boot and fuel cap.

• Check date label is on seatbelts and also check the date.

• Any evidence of damp carpets in cabin and in boot.



Engine bay:

• Check radiator cap. Should be able to see coolant. Any oil visible?

• Check for ECU error codes.

• Start engine – do all dash lights go out except handbrake?

• Temp should reach ½ way.

• Fans should come on. When they do, check radiator for leaks.

• Check halfway underneath the car for any leaks when engine is on.

• Smooth idle below 1000rpm when warm?

• Signs of leaks around engine bay or underneath?

• Check oil level and condition.

• Check under oil cap for mayo.

• Is downpipe cracked or blowing?

• Condition of air filter.



When driving:

• Any rattles or knocking at idle?

• Clonks over bumps from suspension or other source?

• Bearings grind while turning?

• LSD grinding while turning?

• Brake hard – check ABS works.

• Brakes squeal?

• Check brakes don’t vibrate when applied lightly.

• Full boost to the redline?

• Check boost in all gears including 4th from 20-70mph+.

• Temp stays at ½ way even after full accleration?

• Steering wheel wobble?

• After driving, check discs. Is one hotter than the rest?



Other areas:

• Check service history.

• Does the history relate to the current engine?

• Any written proof of mileage to the car i.e. certificate / check MOTs?

• Proof of clutch change.

• Proof of cambelt change.

• Proof of when brakes were changed.

• If a turbo, what boost is the car running at. If over 1.0bar (15psi), do the mods support it?

• Evidence of regular servicing – check dates.

• Any names or addresses so you can phone previous owners?