Some of you may have met me before on IMOC (I have a MK1 and a MK2..).
Now I am thinking of a MK3, and am on the look out for info for a change. s:) :) s:) Have got the burning urge for a convertible for the summer.
Just a couple of Qs - I'm told all UK MK3s have an LSD but some import MR-S's don't - is there a way to identify this on the chassis?
Am I right in thinking that the 'facelift' happened in 2003 and included a change from a five speed to a six speed gearbox for the manual?
What is special about the TF300 models...
Appreciate any replies (oh and if you're selling an interesting example do let me know, though I have to shift my drift car first for space reasons! Manual versions only please...)
T
hi m8
yeah- facelift was broadly described at 2003 but it was in fact late 52- like u say easiest way is gearbox but front styling looks different too!
you will love the handling of mk 3!!!! its amazing!
not sure on how 2 tell if car has LSD, other than to see how well it drifts lol s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
only thing to watch on convertable is the roof is REAL expensive to replace, very hard to fit correctly and if the rear windscreen is broken then you have to replace roof also!
Ta - found info on the forum about the TF300 (appears not generally liked!) and the revisions. Seems like 2004 also had a lot of work.
I am thinking hard over whether to go for an older one to track, or a nice new one to float about in all summer. I am very much liking the sable coloured cars with red leather atm...
T
Quote from: "tonigmr2"Ta - found info on the forum about the TF300 (appears not generally liked!) and the revisions. Seems like 2004 also had a lot of work.
I am thinking hard over whether to go for an older one to track, or a nice new one to float about in all summer. I am very much liking the sable coloured cars with red leather atm...
T
IMO the TF300 were ordinary cars with a bit of extra seat stitching and badges to make them "special". You are probably aware TF300 stands for The Final 300.
Things changed as the summary shows, and certainly bracing and strengthening got better and better as the car aged, but most of it can be purchased as add-ons from 3rd Party vendors, though if you want sable thats got to be post 03. (The best colour s:wink: :wink: s:wink: )
Still, as you say, you've got to make your decision yet, whatever it is you will not regret it. We'll give you an even bigger welcome once you've bought s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Hi Toni, good to see you over on the dark side! s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
AFAIK there is no way to identify whether an import MR-S has LSD or not, bar putting one wheel on slippy mud and one wheel on tarmac and seeing what happens. I know that there were a couple of different specs in Japan (V-Edition and S-Edition IIRC), but I can't remember which one was which with regard to being the higher spec, or even if either came with LSD as standard.
Given the choice over an older 5sp or newer 6sp, I'd take the 6sp 'box everyday. It'll make no difference on track as the ratios are identical (assuming we're talking Jap/Jap or UK/UK) but the extra gear to cruise on a motorway is invaluable. An '03 plated car should be a bargain to pick up right now, it just depends whether you prefer the facelifted front bumper or not more than anything. But then, that can always be replaced...! s;) ;) s;)
Welcome Toni s:) :) s:)
I think others have covered most things..
Also points to note - the Japanese cars have shorter ratios, but no LSD on some cars.
S-spec was the low end spec I think
I'd agree with Dan - I'd rather have the 6-speed than the 5-speed.
There's a good sticky (I think it's a sticky) with lots of info on the year-on-year changes s:) :) s:)
<irresistable question> Have you finished the twin charger yet? s;) ;) s;) </irresistable question>
Quote from: "aaronjb"<irresistable question> Have you finished the twin charger yet? s;) ;) s;) </irresistable question>
s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
And there was me avoiding that! s;) ;) s;)
Toni s:shock: :shock: s:shock: Mk3 s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
welcome to the dark side! s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
thats 2 IMOC committee members that have given in, and i saw speedy in one the other day, we'll get the rest of them soon s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
as the others have said Toni, get an 03+ the engine internals and braceing are better. If funds stretch to it then the late 04+ are even better for body braceing.
What will your plans be? turbocharger?, supercharger?
m http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4807 (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4807) m
Quote from: "kanujunkie"What will your plans be? turbocharger?, supercharger?
Twinch... *hides from Toni*
Ok ok, I'll stop that now s:) :) s:)
(And thanks Stu - that's the thread I was thinking of, but was too busy to dig out earlier s:) :) s:) )
Cheers I'd found the sticky from a search but I appreciate your help s:D :D s:D
LOL atm given I've got two major projects on the go I just want a MK3 as a runaround...but that's not to say I haven't thought wicked things in the longer term. s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
NO I HAVEN'T FINISHED THE F* TWINCHARGER. Just need to get that out of the way. s:) :) s:) But I have moved it and I do expect it to be done this year, believe me when it is the champagne is on me at a launch party, LOL
Anyone seen that VM180 TRD in the flesh from the for sale section and want to PM me any info?
T
p.s. I've also decided the red leather interior is for me. s:) :) s:)
T
Hello s:) :) s:) Somehow missed this post.
Welcome Toni.
And Im sure I saw your worser half on TV the other day s8) 8) s8)
Philster.
xXx
If it was about airports you probably did, he is on some programme that has been repeated half a million times on Sky complaining about planes, LOL.
T
hehehe see you soon.
Ask of us, whatever you need.
Phil.
J-spec levels in order....
mr-s B edition - basic spec
mr-s
mr-s S edition
mr-s V edition
The V edition wasn't introduced until late 2000 and came with leather as standard -at the moment thats all I can think of thats different between that and the S edition (but thats only applicable to models after late 2000)
After the chassis number in brackets you would see the edition in brackets where applicable.
An LSD was optional on all models.
Welcome to mr2roc s:D :D s:D
Quote from: "tonigmr2"Anyone seen that VM180 TRD in the flesh from the for sale section and want to PM me any info?
i've not seen that one Toni but if you want to look at a VM180 then give Patrick a call, he has one.
(http://www.stuandele.co.uk/mr2roc/vm1801.JPG)
(http://www.stuandele.co.uk/mr2roc/vm1802.jpg)
(http://www.stuandele.co.uk/mr2roc/vm1803.jpg)
(http://www.stuandele.co.uk/mr2roc/vm1804.jpg)
(http://www.stuandele.co.uk/mr2roc/vm1805.jpg)
(http://www.stuandele.co.uk/mr2roc/vm1806.jpg)
Have seen Patricks (well Lynns I should say, LOL!)
Quite fancy it as something different. We'll see.
T
What say you lot on a price of £16995 for an '06 roadster in sable, with hardtop and aircon, red leather and only 30 odd miles on it?
T
Lot of money for a discontinued car... But then if you really have your heart set on as newer one as possible then I guess that's probably as good a car as any. Also sable is just stunning to look at s8) 8) s8)
I think it's a bit pricey too. Only one in the spec I'd like I can see though. I spoke to the dealer and he was like 'it's already £2.5K discounted off the new price'. So am thinking about it.
I've seen a few 'red' editions about which look nice, but never seem to have a hardtop or aircon. Did they never have those options available?
T
Quote from: "tonigmr2"What say you lot on a price of £16995 for an '06 roadster in sable, with hardtop and aircon, red leather and only 30 odd miles on it?
T
Hi, i paid £3500 less than that 3 months ago for a 06 sable with 7 miles on it, no a/c hard top or leather though.
Is that Lynn's 180 in the pictures then?
Quote from: "bossman23780"Is that Lynn's 180 in the pictures then?
yes, pictured at the world record attempt
i agree with the others Toni, seems a tad on the high side, £15000 would get my interest for that age and mileage
I just wondered if those were 17's on it and what brakes and such they were, did they come with the car or is it something they did themselves?!
AP Racing brakes, not sure on the wheels though
Welcome Toni; I agree about the Sable price as its now discontinued. I'm sure they would be up for some further bartering s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Toni, i loked at about 8 different cars, all at arnold clark dealerships (alas) and although they would deliver any car to my local (<1mile away) dealer i had to try different dealerships and eventually buy 40 miles away to get my deal. (nearly £1300 better) stick to your guns mate, they will barter. s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
I might go and see it tomorrow, kick the tyres and grumble about price. s:) :) s:)
In the meantime this has caught my eye
m http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Toyota-MR2-MRS_W0 ... dZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Toyota-MR2-MRS_W0QQitemZ160090319716QQihZ006QQcategoryZ18290QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) m
What about the price on that? Plus I am a bit of a yellow fiend. s8) 8) s8)
T
not a bad price, just make sure the engines checked out properly(precats). The pre 03's had weaker oil control rings as well and of course the body braceing. Nice looking car in the picture
I reckon it's about a grand overpriced
Parkers has a 2000W with 60000 miles at £5745 from an independant dealer.
Thats based on teh poverty model with no ac or HT
allow for teh fact it has lower miles but is a Japanese import with no LSD
I still think it's overpriced
Be aware that I don't think anybody has come across a reader (or a dealer) that can read OBD II codes from imports. Might be important if you are going down the "trackday" route.
thats because striclty speaking they don'tuse ODBII
I appear to have acquired a MK3. s:D :D s:D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/tonigmr2/MR2-0464.jpg)
The later six speed, aircon, hardtop, red leather interior...drove lovely, needs more power but I intend to keep it standard for now. s:) :) s:)
Oh and Rogue have got me a factory bodykit in sable, how cool. s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce: (Obviously to be fitted, not on yet!)
Didn't manage to get much off the price, trouble is I had 'I want' all over my face when I arrived. s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Couple of things now - where can I get a nice roll bar? I'd really like hooped ones if poss.
T
thats a beautiful example,
re the roll/style bars. keep an eye on this thread
m http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=16309 (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=16309) m
Nice, best colour too s:D :D s:D Do rogue have any ore body kits in sable?
Oh cheers for that!
And thanks for comment, it is a striking colour in the sunlight I think, and contrasts well with the red leather!
As for kit - sadly no, he just had the one which I've reserved, and at a damn good price too. s8) 8) s8)
T
Sorry m8, just out bid you s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
s:wink: :wink: s:wink: only joking
He knows better than to risk that, LOL s:D :D s:D
Car also has heated seats, was that a rare option?
T
if its the toyota one then yes, not many people took it up, however there are after market ones, Tem has done a long going GB for them
All original Toyota! Car only has 120 miles on, although registered in March '06 - a pre-reg jobbie!
T
nice find Toni, did they come down a bit on that price?
Not much, I wanted it too much, LOL I'm my own worst enemy. s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
But I'm quite pleased as the car was at least £3K below 'list'.
T
well either way, congratulations on the new purchase, you realise this opens a new dilema, what to bring to JAE???? s:? :? s:? decisions decisions
That's why having a husband is useful. s:D :D s:D
Quick Q - have been reading the pre-cat stuff. s:o :o s:o Do people recommend I do this asap, or wait until the end of the warranty on the car (it has 22 months left).
T
Do it now Toni, they can't prove one way or another that the precats were ever in there anyway. Besides, that's the only major thing you're likely to take the car back for warranty work anyway.
chances of them ever removeing the o2 sensors and looking at them is extremely low and at that point a quick bit of BS will get you out of jail. Personally i removed mine with 2yrs of warranty left, better that than trying to get a new engine fitted
If they checked and they were gone who can say how ? Sucked in or drilled out ?
They would presume you might need some engine work I expect, if they were even clued up to that level. Reality is they hardly know the 2 s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Philly
Well guys one week to pick up. s:) :) s:) It's done nothing but rain since I decided to buy it though. s:o :o s:o
I shall be on the lookout for some nice rollbars in the short term...
T
Today is pick up day, impressions later. s8) 8) s8)
T
You do impressions aswell?
s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Best of luck. Let's see if we can rustle up some good weather for you.
LOL, yep very talented me. s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Ever since I bought the thing it hasn't stopped raining!! Sunny now but coming home with hardtop on anyway. s:) :) s:)
T
I LOVE IT!!!
T
Best colour, best year, of course you love it, sables lead, lesser colours follow s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Been sunny around my way the last two days; actually got the grass cut at last. So what do you think Toni on your new toy s:?: :?: s:?:
It's great. s:) :) s:)
It's comfortable, not too noisy, firm yet compliant, responsive and zippy. s:) :) s:) s:) :) s:)
I keep going to look at it in the drive, haven't done that with any car for a long time. s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
Husband loves it too, so big score on both points!
T
woohhooo, another MK2 convert s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
you'll have to get rid of that box'o'mk2 parts now and replace it with some mk3 ones s:wink: :wink: s:wink: s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
LOL, have promised to keep it standard, though... s:) :) s:)
Quite fancy some bits of blingy chrome - was going to change wheels but don't think I will now.
My only slight criticism is it feels light at motorway speeds, I'm told lowering it helps with this?
T
front strut brace also helps, it stops it feeling so light and floaty at speeds
and stops a lot of understeer issues
i'd recommend the springs and FSB if nothing else Toni, whilst your there chuck in a corkies brace as well
FSB?
I'm going to drive it around for a month without touching it (have promised myself s:) :) s:) ) to decide what else I might want doing, LOL
Fed the dry leather seats yesterday, now looking a lot better!
T
Quote from: "tonigmr2"LOL, have promised to keep it standard, though... s:) :) s:)
Quite fancy some bits of blingy chrome - was going to change wheels but don't think I will now.
My only slight criticism is it feels light at motorway speeds, I'm told lowering it helps with this?
T
if it's running stock stones or yokos drop teh fronts tye pressures a couple of psi
FSB = Front Strut Brace
Doh!
OK info taken on board...no toucho for a month though promised hubby. s:) :) s:)
T
Has anyone else found it near bloody impossible to get the hood up? Both me and my husband spent 20 minutes pushing and pulling the damn thing and finally got it in place. I checked everything and it all looked in ok, is it possible as it's been sitting since March '06 (and probably never used) it is just very stiff?
T
Quite possibly, mine was always a bit stiff in the summer after leaving it down for the hardtop all winter. Might be worth giving it a good clean with some roof restorer just to make it a bit more pliable.
pulll it as far as it goes, then back down , then up
repeat for a few mins and it should loosen up enough to shut teh latches,
they get stiff when not used.
,
I couldn't believe how difficult it was. s:shock: :shock: s:shock: I am hoping 24 hours up will stretch it out a bit...will have a look over some hood cleaner too.
After doing a bit of searching I think my first mod will be one of those breastplates, scuttle shake very evident with hard top off!!
T
Yeah mine was a bit tough when the HT came off.
Mine was always tough after taking the HT off, but it's always nigh on impossible to put it up from outside the car - you have to be inside and pulling on the handle..
After 20 minutes fighting with it that's exactly what we did, both got in and pulled it from the inside. s:) :) s:)
I'd have never done it on my own though, needed husbands brute force...
T
Quote from: "tonigmr2"I couldn't believe how difficult it was. s:shock: :shock: s:shock: I am hoping 24 hours up will stretch it out a bit...will have a look over some hood cleaner too.
Park it in the sun while you're at work - that should sort it out (always works for me :-) :-) :-) )
Sorry to just blatantly butt in here (as a newbie around here). Toni, it's Paul T(sharpfish) from imoc/MK1 SC owner (the guy who traded MK1 space saver wheel+cover with you for BGB set? Think we met at some MK1 stand once or twice too).
Anyway i've been looking at possible future cars and want to stay mid engined if poss, and was like you a mk1 zealot, but the more I read about the MK3 (and the more I ignore the stock styling and think about how Toyota have given the owner the power to mod the hell out of the thing looks wise with the bolt off panels; also good for rust issues in the future compared to the welded on stuff on the mk1) the more I can see it as a serious companion to the mk1 Supercharger I have. It's lighter, handles better, and could eventually turbo/2zz it for more speed than my SC... so what's to loose?
So, my point is - how do you feel it compares to your mk1s for driver appeal, handling and sports-car-feel. Does it really feel like an improved Mk1 with a different body shape + modern build quality?
I'm not a fan of convertibles as they make me look like i'm posing but I can appreciate some soft top action now and then, however with the hardtop in place and a more agressive kit (nothing too ugly) and a turbo I can see it being a really special car. Do you think I would be pleasently suprised coming from a MK1 SC (+big pulley and lowered suspension etc).
The mk1 I love of course, but as you may have seen on my imoc posts, the rust is becomming a pain and I prob will repair it but I still want a future "project" car that's worth sinking cash into (won't disintegrate cos of the creeping menace) and after pretty much ruling out the S2000 (not a massive fan of the looks nor lack of MR layout) and the VX220 Turbo (maybe one day when I have enough cash to use it more as a toy and can put up with it's raw edge) that pretty much leaves the MK3 as the only viable mid-engined 2-seater with good build quality (please no-one mention an MGF... I wouldn't p*ss on one if it was on fire, and from what I hear that is quite likely!) s;) ;) s;)
Any info from the perspective of a fellow MK1 nut going to a MK3 would be great.
Also, I have to ask what drove you to get a mk2? Were you after the brilliant value for money turbo performance? and how do you rate it in your vast collection of MR2s now you also own a mk3? I'm sure the last time I was active around mr2 stuff (mainly the MR2-SC list) you weren't into mk2s (I know I wasn't and i'm still not, but sorry if i'm putting words into your mouth it may have been Lauren who said it) s:) :) s:)
Oh and this whole "Sable" thing... is it really that good that it puts the other colours in the shade? I was thinking of the lagoon blue (or a darker colour anyway) for me being a bloke... and that grey seems to fit the bill too.
If I added a body kit in future is "Sable" going to be possibly the most expensive paint to buy and hardest to apply (is it a pearl/mica etc?)
Obviously that is addressed to all mk3 owners if anyone can help. s:) :) s:)
thanks
paint wise i have resprayed in the 8M6 blue, and had no problems, just make sure you get it from paints4u.co.uk
Paul, have a look at this for bodykits,
m http://www.angelfire.com/space/mr-s/kitspage.html (http://www.angelfire.com/space/mr-s/kitspage.html) m
pass on the cost of the paint. If your looking for widebody kits then have a look at the Reckless site
m http://www.reckless.co.jp/modify/item.php?id=474 (http://www.reckless.co.jp/modify/item.php?id=474) m
Quote from: "grey lantern"If I added a body kit in future is "Sable" going to be possibly the most expensive paint to buy and hardest to apply (is it a pearl/mica etc?)
Never heard of this, and when I had a panel done I received a quote before they even new what colour (Sable) it was. So I don't think this is a problem to worry about. If it does concern you, a quick call to a Toyota bodyshop should provide the necessary information.
Thanks for the links and info. I suppose I can worry about paint colours when I actually come to get one s;) ;) s;)
So any mk1 owners moved to (or added) a MK3 and can give car ownership comparisions?
Mainly looking for the 'grin factor' rating and driver appeal comparisons... s:) :) s:) Most other stuff is already in the MK3's favour (newer, less rust, less seized bolts when working on it etc).
That link to the Black car with the reckless kit looked great. I've seen some really nice kits for the mk3 (there are NONE for the mk1 imo; though Toni may disagree with her kitted monster). It's almost as if Toyota wanted enthusiasts to buy the car as a reliable/handling base to customise whereas it's almost ruining things if you change the looks of the mk1!
where do you live, perhaps someone can take you out for a spin, not literally though i hope
I had a mk1 for about 10 years and loved it, i also love my roadster, which do i prefer? Both! s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Quote from: "grey lantern"Oh and this whole "Sable" thing... is it really that good that it puts the other colours in the shade? I was thinking of the lagoon blue (or a darker colour anyway) for me being a bloke... and that grey seems to fit the bill too.
If I added a body kit in future is "Sable" going to be possibly the most expensive paint to buy and hardest to apply (is it a pearl/mica etc?)
Obviously that is addressed to all mk3 owners if anyone can help. s:) :) s:)
thanks
Wondering about Sable? s8) 8) s8) Pearle as you say, and it shifts from grey to a browny colour to silver in bright light. Really stunning. Oh, and this one's for sale too!
http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=16715
Quote from: "Darth Paul"Quote from: "grey lantern"Oh and this whole "Sable" thing... is it really that good that it puts the other colours in the shade? I was thinking of the lagoon blue (or a darker colour anyway) for me being a bloke... and that grey seems to fit the bill too.
If I added a body kit in future is "Sable" going to be possibly the most expensive paint to buy and hardest to apply (is it a pearl/mica etc?)
Obviously that is addressed to all mk3 owners if anyone can help. s:) :) s:)
thanks
Wondering about Sable? s8) 8) s8) Pearle as you say, and it shifts from grey to a browny colour to silver in bright light. Really stunning. Oh, and this one's for sale too!
http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=16715
Take it from someone who drove a 570 mile round trip to see this car, its fantastic! Alas i could only afford the hardtop, lots of other bits i would of bought had i had spare cash. Well worth a look, free coffee and pizza as well s:D :D s:D
Hi mate, only just saw this. s:D :D s:D
I got a MK2 as a cruising type car, it's no where near the 'go-kartness' of the MK1 or MK3, but I like it's brute power (at 420bhp at the hubs s:D :D s:D ).
I still love MK1s and have my 1987 SC which will be mine until I expire. But it's my weekend car (if it ever gets out of the garage!).
So....I was looking around for a car I could just get in and drive. Both my other MR2s are really not daily drivers (rollcage/buckets/harnesses!). At first I was going to get a skyline (R34) but just couldn't justify the expense tbh, plus my husband just wanted something comfy...
So then I decided what I really really fancied was a soft top. Started looking at S2000s, MX5s and lo and behold the MK3. Started looking around at prices and realised the Mk3 is now a really good buy. LOL I was looking at £6-10K examples. The more I read up the more I realised there were various revisions particularly between 2003-2004. So I looked at slightly more expensive versions - £10K-£13K. Finally I noticed some pre-reg deals at Toyota dealers - brand new delivery mileage with approx £5K off list. Spotted a sable with red leather interior and the rest is history...it's the best colour IMVHO s8) 8) s8)
First impressions - the driving position is very different to the MK1. The steering wheel feels lower somehow. The interior was quite nice. But as soon as I got going I knew I was going to buy it. You will notice less torque on acceleration, and mid-range it can be slightly frustrating unless you are prepared to rev it up. But it definitely has that go-kartness that I like. s:) :) s:) The steering is very direct, the car is very pointy and I have a lot of confidence in it after a very short time frame.
Go drive it, as a MK1 owner I am confident you'll like it. Keep an eye out for an LSD version is my advice (all UK cars, some imports). Hardtop is also a must, the car is a lot more composed with it on...though I am looking at some bracing to improve that. All in all recommended - unless you are very tall as I had to laugh when a mate got in it this weekend and his knees were either side of the steering wheel. s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
T
thats the whole point of the mk3 engine its power band is around 4500 rpm all the way up to 8000 rpm. thats where all the power is (its even better if you play with the engine)
so below 4000 rpm its a nice town driver, above that and it becomes more sporty, its all in the VVT-i. hence the pretty good mpg as well.
as for paint: paints for you is £10.99 a can of custom colour irigardless of colour (this is standard car colours, not special paints, so no worries sable is fine)
to spray up a full body kit in rattle tins is roughly £120 in paint (thats how much i've just spent, but thats for a ducktail spoiler as well), but you might also need fillers and wet and dry.
Hey thanks Toni!
Great to hear from the perspective of someone who has an SC esp. s:) :) s:)
I can imagine less tourqe in the N/A but to be expected I guess. And the wheel feels lower? Do you feel higher in your driver position (is your head higher than in the mk1?). Could be they raised it up a bit, or perhaps it's cos the dash doesn't slope away like it does in the mk1. (Quite vertical/horizontal in the MK3 from what i've seen).
rtbiscuit and others > thanks for the paint advice. Sable looks very cool, though I admit I'm also very much into the blue (if it's dark enough) though I suppose that depends on year. And would defo put a hardtop on except for the 2 weeks a year when it's guaranteed to be red hot/sunny, I think it looks much better with the hardtop on (and gives the top half of the car some shape) and very plain from the A Pillar back with the roof down (A rear spoiler helps as does that all in one cosmetic roll bar; makes it look more targa ish.)
I will attemp to get a test drive in one from somewhere (used car dealer) within the comming weeks.. I have my other dream cars (that are a way off yet) but in the mid-term the mk3 looks like an excellent platform to have fun with (modding/styling and just driving).
Cheers all.
Quote from: "grey lantern"Hey thanks Toni!
Great to hear from the perspective of someone who has an SC esp. s:) :) s:)
I can imagine less tourqe in the N/A but to be expected I guess. And the wheel feels lower? Do you feel higher in your driver position (is your head higher than in the mk1?). Could be they raised it up a bit, or perhaps it's cos the dash doesn't slope away like it does in the mk1. (Quite vertical/horizontal in the MK3 from what i've seen).
.
rtbiscuit, yes I know on the VVTI, was just explaining it to an SC owner who is used to bags of torque low down. s8) 8) s8)
On the seating position - it took me a little while to get used to it. The steering wheel 'feels' low. No I don't think the driver position is higher. Not sure the dash is the problem either - I just think the steering wheel doesn't adjust very high. Since the car has a 'low slung' feeling all round though you do get used to it.
T
Toni - nice one! When your month of cold turkey is up - have you seen all the different turbo options for the Mk3 s;) ;) s;) ?
grey lantern,
Just another take on mk1 and Mk3 - (and Mk2) ... I can see exactly where Toni is coming from.
My own view on the Mk3 vs a Mk1, is that a MK1 on original 14" rims with skinny 185s has a lot less mechanical grip, and with a Mk1 NA you do get a fair amount a roll-oversteer. Great fun to drive with the car at / on / over the limit, at not licence-loosing speeds unlike some modern cars.
My Mk1 is standard and mostly used for trackdays. The Mk1 does give lots of feedback to the driver, something that really does allow you to exploit it if you're feeling like it. Also, with a free flowing filter, the induction noise it sounds fantastic over 4k when you open it up.
Now, compairing it to a Mk3 - you're really talking about a car with eningeering and technology that is 20 years newer. Mk1 vs Mk3, the Mk3 is the better handling overall.
In standard NA form, a Roadster is exactly as fast a a Mk1 NA in a straight line (tested around a track with a friend) but has more rubber on the road and so grip than the Mk1. Feedback is also very good and well telegraphed, allowing you to enjoy driving it and never doubt how much grip there is actually left - you can feel it all the time through feedback in the steering etc. It 'feels' quite similar to a Mk1 in terms of handling on the limit.
As for me - I'm a torque junkie, so a Turbo conversion was the way forwards. I've got a small PE turbo fitted, providing 230bhp and 210 Ft/lbs of torque which is plenty enough to make the car very easy to drive on torque if you're cruising, but will also be very adjustable and responsive on track - you can drive the car neatly to be very quick, or enjoy exploiting the very progressive nature and sacrifice tyres to oversteer .. all excellent fun.
Ben.
Thanks for the info Ben, it's very useful. s:) :) s:)
I only drove my mk1 on it's stock wheels for a short time (it's now on 15"x7 + toyo tyres and lowered/uprated suspension)... and it's a modded sc conversion (pulley and weight loss etc). just for info purposes.
Yes the mk3 is 20 years newer so is bound to do pretty much everything the mk1 did and more (and more efficiently; save for engine size I guess).
As a long time mk1 fan (years before I even got one), I would have eventually upgraded to the mk3 (mk2 never did it for me though of course it's a great car, I just saw them EVERYWHERE in the 90's), while I was too young to see MK1's on every corner back in the late 80's (in other words I just didn't look at cars), mk3's dynamics and performance were never in doubt just it's looks even though it looks pretty amazing even stock.
So anyway, a 'perfect' modern replacement for the mk1 is obviously the mk3 which has improvements all around. It's just the slightly soft styling (again, kits are brilliant on the mk3 thankfully) and the fact it's a full convertible which means it would spend 90% of it's time with it's hardtop on (If I got one with it/could source one). I couldn't run around in one stock looking for long as I feel the mk1 had very agressive/futuristic (now old fashioned but still eye popping in the flesh on a nice colour without rust) looks that appealed to me but I have to admit it's getting pretty long in the tooth by now. Mk3 looks great from most angles but the rear lets it down, it's a nice rear but the amount of people who say to me when I mention getting one "It's a girls car" really p*sses me off s;) ;) s;)
While we are all used to "hairdressers car" comments since the mk1, i've never seen such strong opinion that an mr2 is a females car than with the mk3. I've seen some very cool looking mk3s out there that don't look like a typical mgf/mx5 alternative but a proper "drivers car".
So basically i've been mulling over the total costs of getting a cheaper mk3 + kit + mild mods (small turbo sounds sensible just to get it into the revs) and whether this would work out more than my more expensive cars choices (Honda S2000, VX220 N/A)... I admit I'm going round in circles with it and would just like to own all 3 of them (and keep the MK1 and FTO aswell!)... I can dream s:) :) s:)
edit > I should point out the insinuations of who or what a particular type of car is "meant" to be for hasn't been exclusively applied to the MR2/mk3; the S2000 and the VX also apparently get similar stick (from reading their forums) about being somewhat 'feminine' cars (seems like a constant insult to women to always say it as if it's a bad thing too), I wouldn't call the harsh VX or the Mad engined S2000 'soft' at all. Seems to me the mk3 can easily be made to have the power that it's handling is fit for and that is plenty to silence the 4 door/ugly car brigade... s:) :) s:)
Heh, I know where you're coming from. Personally, I like to keep my '2s as standard looking as possible - if you feel like it, it can be fun to surprise some seriously expensive machinery.
One thing I'd say - do make sure you drive all of the cars you're considering. Before getting the Roadster, I did try the 350Z and S2000 - neither 'handled' as I would expect them to. The S2000 was quick on cam -but you would be only on cam at well above licence-threatening speeds. Below that, excepting the brakes ... it just felt 'average'. The 350Z was a big, heavy, car - driving it the steering was over-light for my tastes, and I had trouble really getting the measure of the feedback. Lovely soundtrack from the V6 engine though.
The Roadster is much more progressive, and later facelifted cars are more setup for understeer with the tyre sizing -but I've found doing trackdays with an earlier set of 15" alloys does give the most balanced handling. For the Road, later wheels with Elise Advan Neovas are astonishingly good. Even with the turbo, you get lots of feedback as to how much and where the grip is. If you did get one, one of the first modifications I'd do would be an under-body brace to stiffen it up and a front strut brace - that will reduce any scuttle shake there may be.
also the s2000 is about as tuned as you can get- not so with the mr2
like someone said, to get into vtec mode your doing above 70mph anyway, unless your in 1st gear!
mr2 good mpg
MCH cheaper insurance on mr2- s2000 is alsways high regardless of your age it seems
mr2 has hard top option too s:) :) s:)
there is a vid on here somewhere of a 190bhp mr2 hammering a s2000, nissan 200 and 300 sx around a track
thanks again. Yeah i'm aware of the s2000s lack of grunt down low (some fit a small turbo similar to Ben to get it into the vtec range quicker; but I understand it's a bit clinical and doesn't feel as all round good to drive as an mr2). Also some put in superchargers (similar to the mr2 but I agree it seems less suitable for them in the first place).
I liked to keep my mk1 stock because imo there were no bodykits/spoilers that made it look any better (because it was so weird/purposely functional looking to start with) but with the mk3 it appears that a lot of kits/add ons actually improve it and look very nice. As I said previously, it appears that Toyota anticipated people wanted to customise their cars with the bolt on panels which is what got me properly interested in the first place. Just seemed like the most fun car to buy (and cheap) and turn into you own unique vehicle (I don't mean completely transforming it but just some tweaks here and there, or poss gt300 look).
Anyway, on a hot day like this (with my mk1 in the garage awaiting welding) I envy you mk3 owners... today would be a good day for some proper roof down action s;) ;) s;)
That's the real reason I bought it, just really really fancied some summer driving. s:D :D s:D I've been pleasantly surprised at it's handling abilities on the way!
But it does need engine mods for power. s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
T
(p.s. had some friends round last night, let slip they fancied a convertible, showed them mine, they're going for a test drive now. s:) :) s:) )