Swapping My Car For An Mr-s?

[emilybee]

Hi All

I'm new to the forum so wanted to say hi and ask a question if I may?

I'm potentially going to be swapping my car with an MR-S and have read about the pre-cat issue (I'm not technical at all so didn't really understand it). As with any new (second hand) car purchase, I'm a little concerned but have had a chat on the phone with the guy and he seems nice enough. He mentioned a repair on the hood but no leaks and a few chip dings which is not surprising or alarming really. He also mentioned that the aerial doesn't work and says it wasn't there when he bought it.

It's a 99 V Reg with approx 64000km on the clock.

A new clutch has been fitted (at great expense) by the previous owner (there have been 5 owners in all)

From the description: 1999 (V) Toyota MR-2, 1.8 VVTi Convertible in metallic blue with red interior and seats, the hood is manual folding with a glass rear screen. Features include; Air conditioning, remote central locking, power steering, 17 inch alloy wheels with new tyres fitted recently, Pioneer head unit with remote and ipod connection, electric windows and mirrors.

Does anything set alarm bells ringing and/or is there anything I should be asking before we meet?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

:)

[T600]

Look out for oil burning. That engine is notorious for oil consumption problems, and whereas Toyota are dealing with the problem on UK cars that have FTSH they probably won't be too keen to deal with an import.

[FifaJay]

+1 on what T600 said.

shop around,you could get a better deal.NO NEED to rush buy.

Pre-cats are [99] 00-02 edition regarded as the year's with this issue.03+ up are ok.

Also 5 owner's would put me off,to be honest.

[GIDDLEPIN]

I agree

Five previous owners would get me thinking as well as hood repair, dings, clutch etc,. :shutit:

Doesn't sound like it has had a well cared for life. :(

Welcome to the club by the way

Les

[cfc1]

5 previous owners would also put me off.. what has caused 5 owners to part with such a good looking car?

I think you will find a better car if you bide your time and shop around.

[FifaJay]

This is a Precat

Video

Toyota wanted to,when creating this car,make it a ULEV [ultra low emissions vehicle]. so they put not one,but two catalytic convertors in it.In the 00-02 years,they found a common problem of the honeycomb material breaking down.

When this material breaks down it makes it's way INTO your engine and ruins in.which we call precat failure.If its under warranty,it can be replaced by Toyota,if not then it's a new engine.there has only been [as far as i know,2 cases documented in 03+ years].what many of us do is gut or replace the headers.Take note if your or anyone else guts this material,keep in mind to cover your mouth and nose as the material is toxic when inhaled and is cancerous.

[emilybee]

Thanks for all your comments.

I decided to leave it, I had my own doubts but obviously wasn't sure so signed up and you have all confirmed my fears which means I made the right decision! I feel so much better about it too so thank you :)

I would definitely like to get an MR2 but I'm test driving a Golf Cabrio on Sunday (a bit dull I know) so I may end up with that.

If you know anyone who lives near Cambs and would like a Beetle in exchange for their Roadster - let me know ;)

Thanks again everyone and thanks FifaJay for the simplified pre-cat explanation - what a friendly bunch! :)

[FifaJay]

Your welcome.

Now on Sunday,"test drive the golf" that's it,just test it.Have you test driven an Mr2 yet?

Trade it for an Mr2,ANY help or questions you need answered after that,just ask.

Mine is a '99 model[classed by most in US as 00]I have changed my header's and gotten rid of the precats.Im alway's modding and improving it with good advice if I need it from other's.

Here's a few pic's of my updates.

http://spyderchat.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=49301

[emilybee]

Wow - your car's looking great!

No, I've not even touched an MR2 in the flesh :D I've been looking at a whole bunch of cars. . . Z3's. . . . MR2's. . . . Lotus Elan's. . . Celica's. . . it's just dependent on someone having the right car who's prepared to do a swap. I'm listed on pistonheads so of course, someone may wish to buy the car but I've never had much luck in selling :(

The Golf's a 2.0 but only has about 115bhp whereas the Beetle has about 160bhp and considering I could do with more power still. . .

. . . who knows. Keep your fingers crossed for me for a sale! :)

[FifaJay]

I've been looking at a whole bunch of cars. . . Z3's. . . . MR2's. . . . Lotus Elan's. . .

Then things seem to have an uneven balance in the Universe for you.

By this,it is not your time to buy an Mr2...BUT ,that's a good thing.I looked at a lot of things before I found my 2,Z3's,Lotus etc..they ended up out of my price range.then ..then,by chance my missus clicked on a site one night and found my car.22,000 miles for a '99 .The time was right..Bingo!!I was to pick it up 2 days later ,but got the train the next day and drove it home from up north.damn it was awesome.Trust me,bide your time,sell your other car.someone may not want to swap,thats the thing,but Jesus,when you test drive it.Now i mean test drive it ,take it for a half hour or so and get the feel.damn you'll fall right in love with it I promise you.Lotus is bare inside,most have no radio's or AC as standard.There's a lot you can do on a Mr2.and people are always willing to help on this car,because they love it also.

Then the Universal balance is restored. :D

Right guy's lol.