Mk3 Mr2 Buying Advice / Help?

[thommo41]

Hi,

Im thinking of getting an MR2 (2000 onward) and I have no idea what to look for, with regards to common issues, spotting any warning signs etc. Can anyone help?

Also, is it really worth finding the extra £1000 minimum to get a facelift 2003+ model?

I've read some issues about pre-cat's and I find it very hard to believe this is a serious problem that effects lots of cars - how could Toyota possibly ignore it if it was? I guess Im looking for re-assurance that you can turn a blind eye to alot of forum gossip and still find a reliable 50K mile early Mk3 without worrying yourself every time you take it on a short run.

Any advice / opinions much appreciated!

Thanks

Alan

[Mad-Matt]

Well, I saved the extra pennies and went for a face-lift model. If you go to evo.co.uk you can find what they thought of the differences.

I've only driven the pre-facelift version on a test drive but their comments seem OK.

As for pre-cats, I think it was actually a problem in the engine and the pre-cats are a symptom, but there seem to be many people who've got the older version and aren't having any problems.

[singeroi]

interesting i think i might just do the same..

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[cfc1]

The pre-cat problemis infact related to oval bore syndrome, the oil gets through and breaks up the pre-cats causing engine failure, although on the grand scale of things it is a minority of cars that were affected, it can still be an issue and should be checked as per the guide here...

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=70844

Toyota have seemingly addressed this problem in the post facelift versions, but it is still recommended to keep a very close eye on oil consumption. Overall if you look after your car it should look after you for years to come.

More hints and tips can be found here...

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=65122

[Guest sontom]

hello everyone. Nice to meet you all.

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[11vie]

thanks for those tips really helpful!

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[N20]

Also, is it really worth finding the extra £1000 minimum to get a facelift 2003+ model?

Well personally I would say yes it is...

I had a W 2000 Reg MR2 and I had many problems including problems with the engine... there was a rattle (possibly piston slap) ant it was extremely heavy on oil and it only had 67,000 on the clock...

I now have a 52 Reg facelift mode and I think it was worth the extra money...