Hello,
So after a few months and much lurking I did what any sensible person would do and bought a car blind of the internet, specifically this one: 03 plate dark blue with hard top (https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=70356.0). Malcolm seemed like a very nice gentleman which put me right at ease, and obviously enjoyed the car so I'm sure I'll do the same.
First impressions - it's a car! I had about 5 minutes as my son had just got home and I was in the middle of making dinner. And now it's dark ::) But it drove fine off the trailer and from the brief sit in the drivers seat fishing out the spare keys and documentation it's very nice. Feels quite spacious compared to the Smart Roadster! Will have a good rummage through the paperwork this evening.
Next jobs; insurance, tax, a baby seat for the little one then figure out how to take the middle out of the buckets and get a pram that will fit ;D Then maybe cheering her up a bit. The two things that put me off initially were her being blue (simply because we already have a blue car!) and looking a bit dull with the dark wheels and black interior.
20210202_163801.jpg
Expenses log:Ignoring standard costs (tax, insurance, mot).
- Toyota service kit (inc oil) - £36.11
- Yuasa YBX5053 - £64.49
- LUK clutch kit - £53.80
- Driveshaft oil seal set - £24.99
- Red Line MT90 75w90 Gl-4 Transmission Oil - £50.82
- Full service & clutch change - £557.35
- Rear tyres: Avon ZV7 215/45 R16 V £177.98
Welcome. Middle out of buckets??
Oh and "Project Stop Gap" is intended to be a 3 year project. Before the first lockdown I was looking at fun cars to take the little one out in. There was a rather nice Caterham 160 up north in Aston Martin Green. I got myself a new credit card ready to max it out (and then some), before not being able to travel and realising that you can't get baby seats narrow enough and a baby is also not going to keep ear defenders on... So plan B commenced and I ended up deciding on an MR2. So when he's old enough to fit in a booster seat I'll be re-evaluating the situation, for now I've got a fun car for the two of us to go on outings.
Quote from: Call the midlife! on February 2, 2021, 18:54Welcome. Middle out of buckets??
I read somewhere that you could disassemble the area between the buckets to 'fit a golf bag in'. Fingers crossed or he's going to be on my back when he's too tired to toddle around!
Quote from: Jimbo on February 2, 2021, 18:57Quote from: Call the midlife! on February 2, 2021, 18:54Welcome. Middle out of buckets??
I read somewhere that you could disassemble the area between the buckets to 'fit a golf bag in'. Fingers crossed or he's going to be on my back when he's too tired to toddle around!
I believe you will find it's the ends of the area that are moveable to allow "long" item access.
PS
Be aware that the parcel shelf can be moved up and down but movement is limited.
With the hard top on I believe that restricts the shelf movement as the soft top is down and occupying part of the bin area.
With hard top off and the soft top up the bin area is maximised as the shelf can be moved up.
Aaaah, no, sorry, you can take the end panels out to make the storage area wider/longer but the centre hump is part of the chassis. It's the clearance tunnel for the gear linkage and handbrake cables.
Welcome, Jim??
It's pretty obvious that you haven't yet been able to fully explore the car in daylight!
The 'buckets' you refer to (I take it are the two locker doors behind the seats), when you open them you'll discover it's all one space. As Joesson says, there are a couple of little plastic panels at each end that can be popped out to slightly enlarge the available space.
Do let us know how you get on finding a baby carriage that will go in there!
I think (in the daylight) the blue with black wheels might grow on you. I think it's a lovely blue.
When you get a little time, (regardless of history) give her some love in the shape of fresh oil and filter, and an air filter, and she'll love you back for it.
Have fun.
Welcome
Congratulations on the purchase.
Over time you will get used to being creative with what luggage you take with you and how you pack it.
You can get a bootlid rack so could always get one of those for a while if needed?
If you plan any mods, make sure you seek your insurance quotes with them included as they may accept a mod or two to get your business. Once you have taken out the policy they will rip you off for any small change (if they even allow any).
Thanks all - yes will have an explore tomorrow lunch and see what she looks like inside and out. And getting intouch with the mobile mechanic for a service should be on my todo list as well :)
Quote from: Carolyn on February 2, 2021, 19:08Welcome, Jim??
It's actually Mark (popped that in my signature now), Jimbo's just the online handle I've been using forever.
Tax and insurance sorted (Chris Knott were very competitive and only £15 admin fee for when I move, half of others!) so I'm on the road >:D
Second impressions: brum brum brum brum brum ;D
Managed 5.2 miles to the petrol station and back. I should probably add a 'rattle' to the above sounds effects, she's not a new car after all! Couple of noises from the trim inside but nothing mechanical sounding which is good. Only got up to 40 as per the speed limits around me, but certainly no slow poke at getting there! Clutch is fairly high but didn't take long to get used to and I stopped over-reving at every junction. Brakes work well, not a massive range but easy enough to slow down gently or to give them an extra push for something more sudden. Steering nice and direct. No issues with the suspension over the speed bumps of which there are many before I get out of the residential areas, though rattles inside over poor road surfaces. Still hard-top on, and it did start raining part way round so glad I didn't do anything crazy. Might have to stay that way until I get a bit of time to figure everything out with the plugs and how best not to scratch it between the front drive and the shed (will be easier when I move to somewhere with a garage!).
All in all I'm a happy chappy 8)
Will need to get back to my shopping list over the weekend, probably going to drop in one of these bad boys to really add to the racing feel:
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0413/6098/2167/products/COSATTO_ZOOMI_GROUP_1_2_3_CAR_SEAT_DRAGON_KINGDOM-01_RGB_768x_crop_center.jpg?v=1603369525) (https://www.cosatto.com/collections/all-car-seats/products/zoomi-group-123-car-seat-dragon-kingdom-5-point-plus-1)
Bucket space doesn't look too bad at all so will have a proper measure for pushchairs. Plan B is the generous footwell with the passenger seat all the way back (which it will be). I did find one mention of a "Petite Star Zia" fitting in an MR2 but it didn't say which gen (though did say boot...).
@danp2 mentioned a Maclaren pushchair back in 2013 here: topic=40023#msg503420 (https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=40023#msg503420) so I know it can be done :)
Frustration would be the word of the week, but not with the car at least!
The car seat is too wide on the base to fit flat into the car and Cosatto are being annoying re returns so it's currently boxed up in the spare bedroom/office taking up space with me unable to afford a replacement this month until I get a refund. Will post about seats that fit once I can buy one again.
We had planned on a long trip in the MR2 yesterday with the +1 rather than the wee one to view houses around Exeter yesterday, but we got the call from the nursery saying he's had funny nappies (just teething) but had to be taken home and kept away for 48 hours. So we were in the Sandero instead :(
I did manage a short drive last week down to Euro-car-parts and back to click and collect wipers and some cloths for inside, queue was really long so I headed home and ordered for delivery instead!
Looking forward to a proper drive once lockdown is over!
I cant remember the make of car seat I have in mine, but I remember there being quite a few that didnt fit. Exactly as you say - the base of the child seat doesnt fit.
I also remember someone at our Ding Day looking for a car seat, and I'm sure he got a Recaro child seat.
I'd say the best bet is to go to a shop and ask if you can try them in the car (I know its not that easy at the min.)
Quote from: tricky1138 on February 19, 2021, 11:06I'd say the best bet is to go to a shop and ask if you can try them in the car (I know its not that easy at the min.)
Haha yes that's the frustration! The search on the forum through up some ones that fitted going back many years so hope is not lost :)
Glad you found one Mark, I seem to recall you had a Smart coupe at one time, I imagine very similar storage limitations.
Quote from: scm2004red on February 19, 2021, 13:56Glad you found one Mark, I seem to recall you had a Smart coupe at one time, I imagine very similar storage limitations.
Not even close actually! I had a coupe with the 'bubble back' so loads of room in the back (with the roof on) and a reasonable front boot. It seemed longer (but narrower) inside so got stuff behind the seats comfortably as well. Plenty of camping trips with a 5 person tent, camping chairs, BBQ and all the paraphernalia.
But this certainly wasn't bought to be a practical car as there are 3 of us now! ;D
And the hardtop is off. Ready for a run to Exeter area tomorrow for house viewing (second time lucky!). Soft top went up, but of a struggle even after leaving it for an hour, wasn't exactly warm it mind!
Hardtop cover and tidied in the shed:
hardtop-cover-out.jpg
hardtop-cover-in.jpg
hardtop-shed.jpg
Hopefully get some nice pictures with the top down tomorrow 8)
Forgot to reply earlier. Was in the garage at the weekend and remembered about the car seat.
Mines a Britax, but can't remember the model.
I'll be on the hunt for a new one soon as she's nearly outgrown it. Might (hopefully) get this summer out of it!
IMG_20210228_144658_compress69.jpg
Cool thanks for that. I was hoping for one of the group 1-3 combination seats, guess it might be spending a bit more to get one. Still waiting for Cosatto to get back to me, will just be applying for a refund from my bank shortly so purchasing are on hold until the next pay cheque/credit card bill rolls around
On the plus side the car made it down to Exeter way and back today. In the minus side we had persistent drizzle of rain so no roof down fun. Our the super minus side it looks like I'll need a new clutch imminently. Revs go up without acceleration when changing up on the move, then bites and starts to pull. Took it easy on the gas pedal once I noticed as I didn't want it getting any worse. Will evaluate finances and contact my mechanic as I've been meaning to get a service booked in soon anyway.
Quote from: Jimbo on March 3, 2021, 21:09On the plus side the car made it down to Exeter way and back today. In the minus side we had persistent drizzle of rain so no roof down fun. Our the super minus side it looks like I'll need a new clutch imminently. Revs go up without acceleration when changing up on the move, then bites and starts to pull. Took it easy on the gas pedal once I noticed as I didn't want it getting any worse. Will evaluate finances and contact my mechanic as I've been meaning to get a service booked in soon anyway.
Drive faster.
Above 60 dry as a bone guaranteed above 40 is reasonably dry.
New clutch?
Hello :) bit late to the party but check out the Mothercare XSS stroller if you're still after something... super tiny folded up.
Quote from: moca2cv on March 4, 2021, 01:35Hello :) bit late to the party but check out the Mothercare XSS stroller if you're still after something... super tiny folded up.
Looks to be quite a markup on these second hand now Mothercare has gone under!
Quote from: 1979scotte on March 3, 2021, 21:17Drive faster.
Above 60 dry as a bone guaranteed above 40 is reasonably dry.
Haha - fine until you're in a 30 or 20 zone then, or sat at a roundabout! Even the motorway was a bit start and stop at times and it was chucking it down then. Don't think the other half would have been happy :))
Quote from: 1979scotte on March 3, 2021, 21:17New clutch?
Yeah slipping pretty bad under load. Having only got up-to 40mph due to the local roads being urban and lockdown not found out until the proper drive yesterday. Most noticeable when going from a 30 zone to national or joining the motorway. Wasn't driving hard as I'm not familiar with the car so was just playing getting up-to speed promptly on straight roads. Was gentle with it once I was pretty certain it wasn't just my inability to change gear - didn't want to worry the other half as it wouldn't be the first time we've been stuck at the side of the road in a silly car...
Quote from: Jimbo on March 4, 2021, 11:09Quote from: 1979scotte on March 3, 2021, 21:17Drive faster.
Above 60 dry as a bone guaranteed above 40 is reasonably dry.
Haha - fine until you're in a 30 or 20 zone then, or sat at a roundabout! Even the motorway was a bit start and stop at times and it was chucking it down then. Don't think the other half would have been happy :))
Quote from: 1979scotte on March 3, 2021, 21:17New clutch?
Yeah slipping pretty bad under load. Having only got up-to 40mph due to the local roads being urban and lockdown not found out until the proper drive yesterday. Most noticeable when going from a 30 zone to national or joining the motorway. Wasn't driving hard as I'm not familiar with the car so was just playing getting up-to speed promptly on straight roads. Was gentle with it once I was pretty certain it wasn't just my inability to change gear - didn't want to worry the other half as it wouldn't be the first time we've been stuck at the side of the road in a silly car...
Silly car!!!! 🤯🤬
Quick trip out today to pick up a service kit from Toyota South - £36.11 inc vat (Engine Oil Filter , Engine Air Filter , Spark Plugs x 4 , Sump Plug Drain Seal , 5 litres 5W30 Engine Oil). Not officially open on a Saturday but the part manager Mark Davies was most helpful when I emailed yesterday afternoon and was working this morning so sorted it out for me. Asked about the Luggage Lock (64606-17031) as one of mine has snapped - £37.75 and needs ordering. ~£15.00 from Nengun with cheapest delivery so will add them to the backlog.
Roof down of course:
service-kit.jpg
Definitely not that much juice left in the battery on startup so I kept her running for the round trip, wasn't that far/long so probably not enough to really keep the battery topped up properly either way! New Yuasa YBX5053 battery order from ebay for £64.49 delivered.
Still to order the clutch kit, thinking the LUK kit from SES Autoparts (https://www.sesautoparts.co.uk/toyota-mr2-1.8-petrol-2003/product/clpt-cl-clutch-parts-flywheels/luk-622114560) for £72 most likely.
Work booked in for the 19th April. Maybe a brake fluid change at the same time as the peddle could feel better. Need to take a good look through the history as maybe just get new pads to get done at the same time. The discs look fine - just a bit of surface rust that comes off after a drive. The car is now left in gear rather than on the handbrake (almost level drive) as it let go with a bit of a bang and don't want to be having to hammer them lose before every trip!
Car back on the drive for who knows how many weeks again. Still to sort out a child set though have been refunded for the other one. Certainly don't want the clutch to go with the little one in the car even a few miles from home though so we won't be heading out together until the work is done (yes it'll probably last 100s of miles if treated carefully).
So the booked work is yet to happen, will see how my chap is doing but might need to try the garage who looked after my Smart Roadster or hold out till I move depending on how dates align with the mot in June.
Did get the battery swapped and 20 minutes out for a drive. Top down but nowhere fun.
Right, MOT passed last week (yippee!) which make logistics for moving house a bit easier. One thing that flagged up was a rear tyre which I was aware of.
For my reference:
- OEM front 185/55/15, rear 215/45/16
- Current front: Firestone Roadhawk 185/55 R15 82H
- Current rear: Nankang NS-20 215/45 R16 90V XL / Bridgestone Turanza ER300 215/45 R16 86H
Front are new so will be kept, rears are unknown date. (need to decant the history from plastic wallets and hole-punch so can flick through!).
So new rears are in order next month. Firestone Roadhawk 215/45 R16 V (90) XL available on Blackcircles @ £89 a pop fitted. Maybe the simple option to get a matching set all round? Mixed reviews, not sporty, wear quickly. Maybe fine for my limited use. Or maybe something different on the back and you'll find me in the hedge a day later...
@ Jimbo, for £2 more at Blackcircles, or approx £165 for a pair delivered from Camskill, the Hankook K125 is a much better tyre.
Clutch fitted and full service at my new local garage, will update the costs in the first post when I dig out the receipt again. They're not as cheap as my previous mobile chap but a very good reputation and a nice bunch to chat to - no issues with bringing own parts either. Almost stalled driving off with the new clutch - will have to get used to the new bite point!
They also gave it a good looking over and no concerns underneath (sadly wasn't around so could stick my head under it on a ramp as well), tracks slightly to the left so will think about alignment when I get the rear tyres sorted. See what I can get sorted next week/weekend. And a trip to Halfords for a child seat during the week and I'll be set to take the little one on an adventure down the coast before you know it :)
Looks like it's going to be nearly Christmas by the time we've found space for everything dumped in the garage so I can tuck her up properly. Bikes are large!
New rear tyres; Avon ZV7 215/45 R16, £177.98 fitted from Blackcircles. Fitted at Protyre Exeter, nice chaps. Was recommended by the local garage for tracking so will revisit when the traffic isn't as bad!
Dash lit up with battery and warning (!) light on during the drive there but made it both ways with no drama. Looks like the regulator rather than alternator. Parked back on the drive and walked away after that as was very late back to work.
Popped to Halfords on Wednesday and looked at car seats. Recaro Young Sport Hero was the pick of bunch with a narrow plastic 'stand' type bit at the bottom. Wouldn't have minded paying a bit to walk out with one there and then but not £30 more than elsewhere so ordered and should be turning up this evening.
Quote from: Jimbo on August 6, 2021, 23:26Clutch fitted and full service at my new local garage, will update the costs in the first post when I dig out the receipt again. They're not as cheap as my previous mobile chap but a very good reputation and a nice bunch to chat to - no issues with bringing own parts either. Almost stalled driving off with the new clutch - will have to get used to the new bite point!
They also gave it a good looking over and no concerns underneath (sadly wasn't around so could stick my head under it on a ramp as well), tracks slightly to the left so will think about alignment when I get the rear tyres sorted. See what I can get sorted next week/weekend. And a trip to Halfords for a child seat during the week and I'll be set to take the little one on an adventure down the coast before you know it :)
Looks like it's going to be nearly Christmas by the time we've found space for everything dumped in the garage so I can tuck her up properly. Bikes are large!
Just double-check your tyre pressures re that pull to one side.
Quote from: Carolyn on August 20, 2021, 16:38Just double-check your tyre pressures re that pull to one side.
I will check the backs again after the new tyres, but one advantage of the slow flat on one was the inflator was out before every trip and the all got checked! It does seem like the steering wheel isn't on quite straight, I used to have the problem often in the 924 as I'd have the wheel off on more than one occasion to do something with the dash - not sure I'd do the same with one with an air bag built in so casually!
Quote from: Jimbo on August 21, 2021, 08:57Quote from: Carolyn on August 20, 2021, 16:38Just double-check your tyre pressures re that pull to one side.
I will check the backs again after the new tyres, but one advantage of the slow flat on one was the inflator was out before every trip and the all got checked! It does seem like the steering wheel isn't on quite straight, I used to have the problem often in the 924 as I'd have the wheel off on more than one occasion to do something with the dash - not sure I'd do the same with one with an air bag built in so casually!
Tyre pressures is number one to check if pulling to one side , but as you say "the steering wheel isn't on quite straight" just maybe the tracking is out.
Started the car on Tuesday to take her down to the garage and no untoward dash lights. Garage gave it a once over and nothing to report so will monitor. Been out today and all fine again. Assuming a combination of a hot day and a significant traffic jam. If it lights up again I've got the number of an auto electrician the garage recommended.
Holiday coming up then will get her booked in for the wheel alignment when back.
Car seat also fitted, but will need to come partially out again as the height adjustment lock is helpfully on the back of it! Cracking fit though the Recaro Young Sport Hero. Hopefully get a chance on the weekend or Monday to take the little man out for a ride.
I havent taken my wheel off for a while but it is straightforward, if a bit fiddly.
Park straight before you start!
Always disconnect the battery first and pump the brake pedal to get rid of any residual current to stop any chance of the airbag going off.
Unscrew the 2 or 3 screws that hold the airbag on. These are the fiddly bits.
Then unplug the airbag connector and thats it. The connector is hard to figure out the first time you do it, there is a clip on top you lever up with a small screwdriver and it then comes off easily. There are youtube videos on how to unplug a toyota airbag.
I would want to make sure the wheel was on the right spline before I had the alignment done.
Just been down the coast 30 mins, had a run around there then back again. Hood down on the way but didn't risk it in the way back as it has just started raining. He fell asleep coming back so just sat in the car waiting for him get a decent nap! The car seat is a success and he seems to enjoy the ride shouting "Again!" After I speed up.
Car all running fine now, no more dash lights. Just the tracking to sort next and a fully writing stereo - the other shout from the wee man is "Music" and I'm stuck flicking between radio 1 & 2!
Taxed, switched to monthly direct debit. ~£10 more a year but spreads the costs as insurance is up again.
Will be in the garage on Friday for a new alternator, dash lit up and overcharging. Pondering a new battery, might just wait as it's holding ~13.5V after charging from flat unplugged in the cold garage.
As for the radio, well I got a double DIN kit (doesn't cover the sides properly) and adapters, made a stack of a tape player with rear aux out and a DAB CD plater with rear aux in. It seems there never was a crossover of tape players and DAB radios which is the combo I'd like. Don't think this helped with the battery drain either so may have to reconsider! Will pop a pic on and update the expenses when I've got a bit more time.
Stack of doom:
20220131_154638.jpg
20220131_154659.jpg
Ordered a single adapter, will see if that looks any better. Not sure which one to keep ;D Anyway, enough of being daft.
Just filled up, not cheap but don't think it's going to get better anytime soon and a few places were out of premium. ~27 mpg, shorter journeys and some zoom zooming to amuse the little one coming home.
The single DIN adapter didn't fit, curved profile at the front. Got a refund so nothing lost except half an hour of head scratching. Just have a gap below the fitted head unit and will buy a cubby to fill. After cornering one time I lost the left channel from the stereo and it hasn't come back, think the door cards need to cover off to sort (and maybe upgrade). DAB/cd player in atm, enjoying CDs again :)
Right, long time no update. Last year saw more short journeys (nursery pickup mostly) and not many miles. Into this year and the little one moved into the pre-school in the village so that excuse had gone. The mileage between MOTs was somewhat embarrassing and the hardtop didn't come off until July.
The MOT, whilst nothing noteworthy, was a prompt to get the car checked over properly. I wasn't happy with the braking (disc and pads all round, new fluid), a service was due, the air-con needed a recharge and the handbrake only just got through the MOT with some tweaking before (new cables installed). One hefty bill (over £1k) and need to come back after 500 miles to get the brakes adjusted (free). The owner is a nice chap and he was ribbing me a bit for how long that would take and encouraging me to actually drive the car so I'm getting on it a bit more!
It's mod time, nothing too heavy though! I got myself a phone mount fitted - a windscreen one as the dash mounts I've previously used didn't sit right in this car. For me the best place for the phone was in the right corner, not in the way but easy to glance at to check the map, which led to the problem of power - I didn't really want a USB cable trailing from the lighter socket over there. I also have never put any coins in the little coin holder, and the passenger window disabling switch is also superfluous - 'I have a cunning plan!'
usb-socket.jpg
Window switch relocated down to the left in place of the coin slot. Original wires for this had previously been chopped and connectors added to there were just left joined together in the original location. The blue wire (aerial feed) on my ISO to Toyota adapter was chopped and connectors added (so it can be direct connected again if needed), then new wires added and connected to the switch - we can now enjoy CDs without looking like we're driving a remote control car! Added bonus was that the left speaker has sprung into life again - we're back in stereo! I did buy speaker adapters to upgrade them whilst checking the wiring over but it seems the issue was just somewhere in the double adapters (Kenwood -> ISO, ISO -> Toyota), will save dissembling the door cards for another time.
Onto the USB adapter. Mounting involved trimming the adapter slightly, as well as the hole a bit as well - not the visible part just the inside area not shown. Not the neatest as it is designed to sit proud slightly but acceptable - I did buy another smaller one but it was too small and didn't clip sadly. For the 12V I rewired the connector on the back of the lighter socket to add another cable. This follows the other wires up right out from the centre console and over the steering wheel. Zip tied and carefully slotted into existing retainers so should be all good. For ground I checked nearby and got a nice contact from a bolt which just holds a loom retainer so only needed a couple of inches of wire and a little connector which is held in by the bolt. The nearest actual ground point seemed to be the other side of the steering wheel and already very busy, and I was trying to disturb the existing wiring as little as possible.
Mostly just notes for my future self (or the next owner), but not a difficult job. With hindsight I probably could have just drilled a hole in the coin holder big enough for the USB C side of the cable and added a grommet, then zip-tied the USB adaptor out of sight.
Right, speaker time. Out with the old:
out_with_the_old.jpg
In with the new, "In Phase XTC6CX 6.5" 16.5cm 600 Watt 2 Way Component Door Speakers with Tweeters and Grills":
in_with_the_new_1.jpg in_with_the_new_2.jpg
Grills not used, the tweeters have been glued on top of the original mounts (silver part removed) as the most non-destructive option. The only other thing to do would have been to cut the door cards but the mounts included wouldn't have sat flush. Fingers crossed they hold
Much better sounding, and now always in stereo! The old speakers had something inline for the tweeters, these have a dedicated box. I did read through the specs and both were in theory the same (I think the old were actually claiming a lower bass response!) but the weight and size of magnets was pretty telling.
I've got an alternative single mount (currently got one stereo in and a naff looking draw underneath) so will give that a go next I think!