Alright, so, buying a car

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rykon Zero
  • 27 comments
  • 1,355 views
Rykon Zero

Rykon Zero

Car
Premium
Messages
5,481
United States
Seattle, WA
Messages
RykonZero
Well, it's finally time. After six years of being on this website, and talking about cars, I've decided to buy myself one. With a budget of $3000, the car I seek is going to be far from perfect, but it should still net me a car that is worthwhile. I hope.

Mainly because I'm not scouring Craigslist for any ordinary car, I'm searching high and low for a Toyota MR2 AW11, or the first generation.

I'm not really willing to compromise on that point, I'd really like an MR2, but the question is where can I look for one, what prices can I expect, and what things I need to look out for. So far, I've found few good examples, but as a starting point, this car looks pretty good. I'm okay with the engine mileage because I'll probably end up replacing it.

So, anyone out there feel they could lend a hand or a few tips of advice for my quest?
 
A good example will likely be double what your willing to pay (probably like 6-10k), but you might get one needing work in your range.
 
I'm in the market for something I can modify, preferably do an engine swap on.

That said, 6-10k? For a first gen? The most expensive I've found was six, and it was in perfect condition.
 
Ah, no, not a second gen. A little too complex for me to risk my limited technical abilities to modify/repair.
 
I picked one up for $1k from a guy who didn't know what he had. I can check the MR2 Forums for ones for sale close to you. What the farthest you would think about?
 
I'm willing to make it a day trip for a working one, so that's a good hundred miles or so, provided it's a sure thing about me buying it. Other than that, I'd like to keep it near the Seattle area.
 
Cool, thanks for the links! The first one's a bit out of my driving range, but the second's probably worth a look.
 
Too bad I can't go back a year. My sister had one she bought in one of those storage locker auctions but sold it. It needed a tremendous amount of work, too, even for her skills (she's restored a few old Toyotas), so I think a father and son bought it to try to restore together.

I know none of that's helpful, but they're out there. If looking for something that specific, I'd search out dedicated enthusiast groups and forums. You can probably get a lot of information from them. If you're lucky, there may be a group somewhere near you that meets on occasion. Something like that would be a good place to find leads for both cars and parts as well as tips.


Edit. This looks it might be of interest: http://www.pstoc.org/
 
Last edited:
Hmm, I might personally go out and check that. I'm trying to get one early in summer on the off-chance I need to do any work to it for school in fall.
 
For that kind of money, you might be able to get an '88 Fiero and put a 3800SC in it. Don't quote me on that, but it might be worth a try.
 
Rykon Zero
Ah, no, not a second gen. A little too complex for me to risk my limited technical abilities to modify/repair.
Click to expand...

Are 2nd-gen models that complicated? It's still a car of the early 90s, so can't be too bad. Suspect there's more space in the 'bay for that engine swap too.

Out of interest, what on earth would you be swapping into an AW11?
 
homeforsummer
Are 2nd-gen models that complicated? It's still a car of the early 90s, so can't be too bad. Suspect there's more space in the 'bay for that engine swap too.

Out of interest, what on earth would you be swapping into an AW11?
Click to expand...

4A-GZE, 3S-GE, 3S-GTE, an I think someone has put a V6 in it.
 
White & Nerdy
Be warned it's not comfortable or refined. That's the way I like it, but your mileage may vary.
Click to expand...

It my experience, the MR2 is much more refined and comfortable. And handles better for all model years, doesn't have the bump steer issue the Fiero had till the last model year, has more go from a 4 cylinder than the Fiero's 6 cylinder, and 4A+C52 pairing is pretty much bullet proof.

The 6 cylinder swap put into MR2s (generally Gen2 ones) is the Camry V6, but it is a hassle in the Gen1 MR2s.

Rykon, I'd look at '87 or new AW11's, due to the C52 being used instead of the C50 for the transmission, the revisions to the brakes and everything else are significant as well. The T-Top models weigh a couple hundred pounds more from what I recall, and finding a Hard top is damn near impossible, though the extra headroom they have is nice.

Also, I'd recommend that you go to an auto-x or track event shortly after getting one. This way you can experience it spinning out in a controlled environment rather than when you get a bit over zealous on a public road. Yes, when not if you spin it because everyone spins their MR2 at some point :p
 
^A lot of good info in that post. I think the T-Top is 150lbs heavier than the hard top. And if you come across a convertible I would suggest at least going to look at it. There were 15 made in 87 if I remember correctly.
 
wrapture
^A lot of good info in that post. I think the T-Top is 150lbs heavier than the hard top. And if you come across a convertible I would suggest at least going to look at it. There were 15 made in 87 if I remember correctly.
Click to expand...

I was never aware of a convertible AW11 being made. Honestly, knowing how dated the chassis is, I wouldn't touch a roofless version simply because of how much it would flex.

My friend and I weighed are T Top and Hard top AW11's several years back, and I was sitting around 2300 pounds or so, where as he was closer to 2700, if I recall correctly. The T Top models tended to have more luxuries installed as well, which helped tack on the pounds.

Also, keep in mind that there are rust concerns for arches of the rear wheels as well. Rotors had issues warping on some of 85 and 86 model years as well, along with the C50 in those popping out of gear sometimes. I use to know quite a bit more, but it has been several years since I've really had to think about these cars - I'll post more as I remember though.
 
Azuremen
It my experience, the MR2 is much more refined and comfortable.
Click to expand...

Which is exactly what I said... though seeing as these are sports cars we're talking about, there are more important concerns.

And handles better for all model years,
Click to expand...

Worth looking into, but the Fiero was pretty sharp itself.

doesn't have the bump steer issue the Fiero had till the last model year,
Click to expand...

I know the '88 has a better suspension, hence why I specifically mentioned that model year.

has more go from a 4 cylinder than the Fiero's 6 cylinder,
Click to expand...

So then stick a 3800SC in it (you can probably find one in just about any junkyard). He was looking into engine swaps anyway.

I've heard of someone shoving a Corvette V8 into one, now that sucker would move.

Also, since it's not as high revving AFAIK, valvetrain damage is probably less of a worry (I wouldn't trust any factory valvetrain parts that aren't factory team parts much over 6K anyway).

and 4A+C52 pairing is pretty much bullet proof.
Click to expand...

As I recall, the GM 60deg V6 is known to be so as well, regularly lasting 300k or longer. The trans I wouldn't know about.

One thing the MR2 is fortunately lacking is the Fiero's coolant-filling (has to be added at the front) and jacking (try not to crush the extremely fragile coolant pipes) misunderstandings.
 
Well, these are some pretty good points. Aim for a later model due to revisions, Take it to an autocross so I can experience it spinning out in a controlled environment (Part of the plan anyway) and of course make sure there's a few key things not out of place to make sure it lasts. Are there any places where rust will be an unfixable problem?

No way in hell am I going to swap in a V6. The four cylinder is more than enough to get me in trouble, and I want to keep it a light car, not a powerful one.

And of course I'll paint it blue. I haven't forgotten that.
 

Latest Posts

Back