The Toyota MR2 is a cool mid-engine sports car that car fans have loved for years. It’s known for being affordable, fun to drive, and easy to handle. In this guide, we’ll look at the MR2’s history, why it’s a great buy, and what to check when you’re looking for one to buy.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
| Production Years | 1984-2007 (Three generations) |
| Engine Layout | Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Price Range | $5,000 – $35,000 (depending on condition and model) |
| Key Features | Lightweight design, excellent handling, affordable performance |
| Investment Potential | Rising values, especially for well-maintained examples |
A Brief History of the Toyota MR2
Toyota made the MR2 from 1984 to 2007, and it came in three different versions:
1. First Generation (1984-1989): This was light and zippy, with a 1.6-liter engine. People loved how it handled and steered. It was nicknamed “Mister Two” by fans.
2. Second Generation (1990-1999): This one looked sleeker and had more power. Some called it a “baby Ferrari” because of how it looked. The turbo version was really fast and could keep up with much more expensive sports cars.
3. Third Generation (2000-2007): The last version went back to being light and simple. It was a convertible, which made it fun for driving with the top down. It wasn’t as powerful as the second generation, but it was still a blast to drive.
The MR2 was special because its engine was in the middle of the car, which made it handle really well. Toyota sold 293,847 MR2s around the world. It competed with cars like the Mazda Miata and Porsche Boxster, often giving drivers just as much fun for a lot less money.
Why the Toyota MR2 is a Great Buy
The Toyota MR2 is a great buy for several reasons:
1. Affordable: You can find good MR2s starting from about $5,000, with the best ones going up to $30,000. This makes it much cheaper than many other sports cars.
2. Fun to Drive: The MR2 is quick and handles really well. The turbo version can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, which is pretty fast!
3. Great Handling: Because the engine is in the middle of the car, the MR2 is really good at turning and feels balanced when you drive it. It’s super fun on twisty roads.
4. Reliable: Toyota is known for making cars that last a long time. Many MR2s have driven over 200,000 miles and are still going strong.
5. Could Be Worth More Later: MR2s are becoming more popular with collectors. This means that if you buy one now and take good care of it, it might be worth more money in the future.
Whether you want a regular MR2 for everyday driving or a faster turbo version for more excitement, there’s a Toyota MR2 for sale that’s right for you.
What to Look for When Buying a Used Toyota MR2
Condition & History
Check mileage, overall condition, and comprehensive service history
Rust Inspection
Examine wheel arches, sills, and windshield area for rust
Engine Health
Listen for unusual noises and check for oil leaks
Transmission
Test for smooth operation in manual or automatic
When looking for a Toyota MR2 for sale, here are some important things to check:
1. Mileage and Condition: Look for cars that have been well taken care of. A car with more miles but good maintenance records might be better than a low-mileage car that hasn’t been looked after.
2. Rust: Check for rust, especially on older models. Look at the wheel arches, under the car, and around the windshield.
3. Engine: Listen for any weird noises and check for oil leaks. Make sure the engine runs smoothly.
4. Transmission: Test drive the car to make sure the gears change smoothly, whether it’s manual or automatic.
5. Modifications: Some MR2s have been changed by their owners. This can be good or bad, depending on how well it was done.
6. Accident History: Check if the car has been in any accidents. Small accidents might be okay if they were fixed well.
7. Model-Specific Issues: Each version of the MR2 has its own common problems. Research these for the model you’re interested in.
It’s a good idea to have a mechanic check the car before you buy it. They can spot problems you might miss and save you money in the long run.
Where to Find the Best Toyota MR2 Listings
Here are some good places to look for a Toyota MR2 for sale:
1. Online Car Websites: Sites like Carsnip have lots of MR2s listed. You can easily search for the type you want.
2. Special Car Dealers: Some dealers focus on Japanese sports cars. They might have really nice MR2s.
3. MR2 Fan Clubs and Forums: People who love MR2s often sell their cars on these sites. You might find well-cared-for cars here.
4. Classic Car Auctions: For rare or really nice MR2s, check out classic car auctions.
5. Local Ads: Sometimes you can find good deals in your local area. Check newspapers and community boards.
When you’re looking online, use search filters to find exactly what you want. Look for listings with lots of good photos and detailed descriptions. If you can, go see the car in person before you buy it. Don’t rush – take your time to find the right MR2 for you.
Toyota MR2 Price Trends & Investment Potential
MR2 Price Trends by Generation
First Generation (AW11)
Second Generation (SW20)
Third Generation (ZZW30)
Maximum Price
Minimum Price
The Toyota MR2 is becoming more popular with collectors, which means its prices are going up. Here’s what you need to know about each version:
1. First Generation (AW11): These now cost between $8,000 and $20,000. The supercharged ones are worth more.
2. Second Generation (SW20): Prices start around $10,000 for regular models, but turbo versions can go for $20,000 to $35,000.
3. Third Generation (ZZW30): These are the cheapest, starting at about $9,000 and going up to $18,000 for really nice ones.
If you’re thinking about buying an MR2 as an investment, look for ones that:
– Have low mileage – Haven’t been changed from how they were made – Have all their service records – Are rare colors or special editions – Are turbo models (for the second generation) – Have an interesting history
While the MR2 might not become super expensive like some fancy sports cars, it will probably keep going up in value. This makes it a good choice if you want a fun car that might also be worth more in the future.
Conclusion: Is the Toyota MR2 Right for You?
The Toyota MR2 is a great car if you want something fun to drive that doesn’t cost too much. It handles really well and can be as exciting to drive as much more expensive sports cars. There are three different versions, so you can choose one that fits what you like best.
If you love driving and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the MR2 could be perfect for you. It’s reliable and easy to find parts for, which makes it more practical than some fancier sports cars. Also, MR2s might be worth more in the future, so it could be a good investment too.
Remember to do your homework, check any car you’re thinking of buying really carefully, and pick the version that’s best for you. Think about how you’ll use the car, how much work you’re okay with doing on it, and if you’re comfortable with an older car. If you take good care of an MR2, it can be fun to drive for years and might even go up in value.
Ready to find your MR2? Check out our Toyota MR2 for sale listings and find your perfect sports car today!
