Thanks again for the warm welcome everyone.
A little back story. I've been commuting in my Renault Twingo GT for 7 years now. I've taken it from 17,000 miles to 139,000 miles! It's done me well and other than the ABS unit failing has only needed normal wear and tear items along the way (still on the original clutch for example).
I fancied a change. I've actually been looking at ZZW30 for two years now, slowly saving and browsing the classifieds every couple of days. Then in October I spotted a car in Brighton, listed on eBay and Pistonheads. It had a good write up, good photos taken of all the things you want to see, genuine reason for sale, good price for a car with a hardtop. I checked the MoT history and it was pretty clean. Only issue... I'd never driven one and wanted to be sure it was okay. So I organised a test drive of a car a bit more local to Swansea first...
Test drive was fine. So I went straight to the bank (it was 10am on a Saturday) and withdrew the necessary funds and messaged the guy in Brighton to see if I could view the car the following day. He got back to me an hour later informing me he had a viewed that afternoon and would let me know. Well, if it was the car I thought it was, I knew it would sell straight away. And so it did. Gutted.
So I went back to saving and browsing the classifieds.
Two months later and between Christmas and New Years Eve, when boredom sets in, I was idly browsing the classifieds. I was checking gumtree which I rarely do, but there was a nice blue facelift with a hardtop, just what I wanted... it looks very much like the Brighton car... in fact, it is the Brighton car! Only now it is in Kidderminster and is £95 more expensive, but claims to have a new clutch (at a cost of £700!).
This obviously raises a few questions...
- Why is it for sale so soon after purchase?
- Why is it for sale after changing the clutch?
- Why was the clutch changed when the previous owner thought it was OK?
So I messaged the guy to see if it is still for sale. No response. Nevermind I thought, I've missed it again!
A week later I'm checking gumtree to see if there's any response, and the advert has ended... so I check the listings, the car is back! Only now at the same price it was in Brighton! So I message the guy again but give an alternative email and my number. Next day I have a reply! So I organise to view the car the following Sunday.
Sunday comes round and my Dad and I jump in his car and travel up to Kidderminster. I have a number of questions and things to check in my head... first of which being... why are you selling!? Luckily the guy selling the car was a really nice chap, put me at ease immediately, and without me asking explained within 30 seconds of meeting him exactly what was going in. Poor guy was suffering a bit of ill health and was actually not legally allowed to drive for at least six months, which happened just after he had the clutch changed! What bad luck!
Everything else with the car checked out, so I parted with £2300 and now she's mine!
(https://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/26067192_418893585194463_3884098346368892928_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/26299688_890369001127166_1054892260509876224_n.jpg)
On the trip home next to my Dad's Forester.
(https://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/26181637_491212154612965_8910815446974857216_n.jpg)
So my plans are at the moment..
- Refurb the wheels
- Replace the aerial - guy has already bought the part, I just need to fit it
- Discs and pads all round some time soon
- General tidy up of paintwork, but it's actually really good already
- Find something to loosen the material of the soft top... it feels like it's never been used and is quite stiff
- Get the car on a ramp and double check underneath, it seemed pretty good except for surface rust, but easier to tell when she's up in the air
- Enjoy
Hopefully I'll be reducing my commute soon which will help keep the miles down, but for now I'm just learning and enjoying. Cheers!
Welcome! What a wonderful story s:) :) s:)
Looking forward to updates
Hi and welcome, the soft tops are normally quite stiff to use in the colder weather, best to attempt on a warmer day as use of the heater would not help much on a car with the roof already folded away.
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Quote from: "andyroo104"Hi and welcome, the soft tops are normally quite stiff to use in the colder weather, best to attempt on a warmer day as use of the heater would not help much on a car with the roof already folded away.
I'll wait a few months for the sun to come out before judging it then, cheers! s:) :) s:)
Welcome
Please visually inspect the rear cross member for corrosion.
Both my MR2s needed them replacing.
Enjoy.
You did well the hardtop & fitting kit is worth £500 so you got the car for £1,800
If the softops been under the hardtop for a while it's going to be stiff needs to be warmer as Andy says
Cheers guys. We will be getting her up on a ramp soon so will have a good poke around. From what we could see there's just some surface rust on a few bits but nothing terrible!
Hard top was a big plus. I'm not sure the last two owners quite knew what they had. I'd have expected it advertised at around 2.8-3k.
Works out for me!
Did the brakes last weekend.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4752/39241728114_5a181e2f4d_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/22ME7Bd)Mr2 (https://flic.kr/p/22ME7Bd) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4718/39053753135_0d9b0c4774_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/22v3Gci)Mr2 (https://flic.kr/p/22v3Gci) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4748/39919886362_0f9c9065e1_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23PzRqN)Mr2 (https://flic.kr/p/23PzRqN) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Not getting much performance out of that...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4668/25080657787_f73ed14075_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EdhVLg)Mr2 (https://flic.kr/p/EdhVLg) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4627/39053860175_7a2fd55493_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/22v4f1P)Mr2 (https://flic.kr/p/22v4f1P) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Freed these up a bit so that should help.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4651/26079340388_e418bd3555_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FJxriN)Mr2 (https://flic.kr/p/FJxriN) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4723/39241727094_64c79c1ac4_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/22ME7iC)Mr2 (https://flic.kr/p/22ME7iC) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Rear pads actually cracked on both sides... didn't get to the bottom of why that was... other than being totally at the end of their life.
Anyways... new discs and pads all round, and with those seized pins sorted out hopefully I'll get nice even wear and more braking efficiency.
Took a nice photo then when it was sunny this week.
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/43f2cf40b27f010e3c3966b9c9e6ec0e/5B1F0D1B/t51.2885-15/e35/26867095_156946121753402_8508505959142785024_n.jpg)
This car is really photogenic.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4658/38437638600_5eb4363fe8_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/21yAWNU)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/21yAWNU) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4609/25377102767_e4d367fb7d_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EEuhwB)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/EEuhwB) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4661/38437637180_472ec6e77e_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/21yAWoq)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/21yAWoq) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4649/40248235331_d846b4a2fc_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24jAJ8V)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/24jAJ8V) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4612/39536979184_e43dbe0caf_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23eKmsU)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/23eKmsU) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Got some front spats (not genuine, but seem close enough) as well to be fitted.
Quote from: JTB on February 13, 2018, 18:51
This car is really photogenic
Can't argue with that.
there is a
sliver of sunshine, get the hardtop off :)
Quote from: delhusband on February 13, 2018, 19:01
Quote from: JTB on February 13, 2018, 18:51
This car is really photogenic
Can't argue with that.
there is a sliver of sunshine, get the hardtop off :)
I need to sort out somewhere to keep it! Think I'll be talking nicely to my Father come spring time.
So I have a few things to sort out. Got a few things being delivered this week.
Really need to sort out a new stereo and fit a new aerial though. Is there a how to on here for changing the aerial?
Also, anyone fit a head unit with bluetooth? Is there a way of adding hand controls to make/answer calls? Also from search this site it looks like there's a fascia kit to go around a normal sized head unit? I'm rubbish when it comes to car audio.
I ordered some front spats, think they are remakes of the toyota style ones (look slightly different on the end that points to the middle of the car). Don't seem to fit that well, do you have to do anything with the genuine items to get them to fit?
I think that's it for questions in here... I'm sure if I searched hard enough most of this has probably been answered.
Anyway. Obligatory photo.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4617/39489441375_f1003b5a7a_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23axH8v)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/23axH8v) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Quote from: JTB on February 20, 2018, 19:56
So I have a few things to sort out. Got a few things being delivered this week.
Really need to sort out a new stereo and fit a new aerial though. Is there a how to on here for changing the aerial?
Also, anyone fit a head unit with bluetooth? Is there a way of adding hand controls to make/answer calls? Also from search this site it looks like there's a fascia kit to go around a normal sized head unit? I'm rubbish when it comes to car audio.
I ordered some front spats, think they are remakes of the toyota style ones (look slightly different on the end that points to the middle of the car). Don't seem to fit that well, do you have to do anything with the genuine items to get them to fit?
I think that's it for questions in here... I'm sure if I searched hard enough most of this has probably been answered.
Anyway. Obligatory photo.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4617/39489441375_f1003b5a7a_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23axH8v)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/23axH8v) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Hi. I can't answer the aerial question but...
I have a Kenwood double din head unit with Bluetooth with iPhone compatibility, you can make and answer calls using the buttons on the head unit to search your phonebook etc or just use Siri if she can hear you.
The nearest thing you're going to get to hand control is probably a Sony remote commander, a little stalk you mount near your indicator stalk or anywhere you wish.
I don't know if there's a modern version as they've been around a while.
Single din fascia adapters are easy to get and usually have a storage slot where the bottom half of the standard radio would be.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
There's some nice double din out there... I'll be getting something soon I think.
Had a delivery from MR2 ben a few days ago. Replacement dust covers for the brakes all round. A set of spark plugs and an oil filter from the sale section and an import style badge for the front.
Next on the list of purchases is probably zunsport front, upper rear and side vent grills. I think they look very nice.
First things first though is fix the aerial... and most importantly. This weird power steering issue it has developed. Goes stiff at about 90 degrees lock both ways (and again at 270 etc.). Have read about universal joint and pump issues, so will investigate.
Also photo
(https://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/78c020656f5bdbd91b48d6135221cfe6/5B43EBC4/t51.2885-15/e35/28151294_339897053174371_3777605697416462336_n.jpg)
Steering fixed itself... odd. Must investigate further.
First though....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4764/40617856941_1f2c55247e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24Tg8Li)Uh oh (https://flic.kr/p/24Tg8Li) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Fix that!
What a lovely looking car. The state of the brakes and auxulliary belt indicate to me that she hasn't been very well cared for in the last few years.
May I suggest:
A full service including oil and filter, spark plugs, air filter and change the gearbox oil. (Redline MT 90 is very good).
That will give you a good start.
I've read that people recommend the auxiliary belt around 60-70k so we were passed that.
I've already picked up oil filter and new plugs. So a service is on the cards.
Replaced headlights and sidelights what a pain in the arse!
Still, got to enjoy the evening.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/819/40120787005_43d3671f8f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/248kwbZ)MR2 at Rhigos Pass (https://flic.kr/p/248kwbZ) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Think I may have seen you going through Aberdare last week
Quote from: Callyuk on March 27, 2018, 14:26
Think I may have seen you going through Aberdare last week
Wasn't me sorry!
Did 120 miles on the Welsh touge on Friday.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/909/39821691280_389a6574b4_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23EUzs9)MR2 and AE86 (https://flic.kr/p/23EUzs9) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/905/41589624552_4b50fc30e0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26n8Gqh)MR2 and AE86 (https://flic.kr/p/26n8Gqh) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/855/27760610788_7322a99e29_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ji7oqu)MR2 and AE86 (https://flic.kr/p/Ji7oqu) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/816/26761515857_8fe456ce4c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GLPLiP)MR2 and AE86 (https://flic.kr/p/GLPLiP) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/915/26761514477_6ffa99374d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GLPKU2)MR2 and AE86 (https://flic.kr/p/GLPKU2) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/938/26761514427_5e2690a113_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GLPKTa)MR2 and AE86 (https://flic.kr/p/GLPKTa) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
And also finally sorted out a little issue
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/840/26761515207_bc830d7a7e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GLPL7B)MR2 and AE86 (https://flic.kr/p/GLPL7B) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
I want to replace this
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1723/41571842215_15772fee33_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26kyymg)Mr2 (https://flic.kr/p/26kyymg) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Is the correct part number 45209?
All I know is a company called TCB sell them put TCB Toyota in google and go to website
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: ilovejapcrap on May 31, 2018, 16:35
All I know is a company called TCB sell them put TCB Toyota in google and go to website
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Or go to the affiliates section on here...[emoji38]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Or that
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Took the car down to my top mechanic (Dad) today.
Did some pre MoT checks - knew I had to replace a tail light bulb and add some coolant anyway. Also changed number plate bulb. Everything else seems okay. May get an advisory for a bit of surface corrosion on front springs. Will get it booked in later this month.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1872/29494735647_9d1eb39ff9_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LWmejX)Driveway Mechanic (https://flic.kr/p/LWmejX) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
While I was there we got underneath a little and scrubbed up this bit of surface rust and put on a little underseal.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1875/44382909382_9596f9e069_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2aBY1Fy)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/2aBY1Fy) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/30564101078_037185e076_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NyR1pY)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/NyR1pY) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Had a rattle since we got the car so finally had a little look at that...
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/29494607707_4c3738325b_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LWkzi6)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/LWkzi6) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Some one has been here... nothing holding these on except some jubilee clips...
So we sorted that
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1870/30564102258_f0518db5bc_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NyR1Lj)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/NyR1Lj) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
But it seems like that one piece should be welded to the downpipe, is that right? So still got an occasional rattle, but it's a lot better than it was.
Also wondering about this
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1855/44382909282_f78e05800c_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2aBY1DQ)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/2aBY1DQ) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
Is that standard on a face lift car?
We also used some headlight restorer.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1855/30564104478_ee255c038b_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NyR2qA)MR2 (https://flic.kr/p/NyR2qA) by blayney1989 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/56303601@N07/), on Flickr
You can spot the Zunsport grilles that I got from here, which I rather like.