I am seriously thinking of buying an MR2 soon and until now have been convinced that I would prefer the 02 and earlier models over the 03.
I've driven pre 03 models a lot but not the 03, so I'm only going on what I've read in this forum and in various magazine reviews.
The reasons for going for the pre 03 are:
- the 03 manual gearbox is not meant to be a smooth as the old when trying to change down quickly
- the ride in the 03 is firmer
- slightly reduced agility (e.g. turn in) in the 03
Also, I don't like the new light clusters at the rear, but that's only cosmetic.
However, I like the idea of the chassis bracing (I've just been reading about this on the forum) on the 03, but I'm not sure if that, or the other chassis mods, have led to the (alleged) reduction in agility.
The key criteria that would make me decide between a pre 03 and 03 are:
- gearbox
- turn in
- seats (I have a few back pains so I need a seat that will hold me in place)
- high speed handling
I would really appreciate any comments on my points especially from people who have driven both versions.
[I've seen a comparison before but that was a long time ago so I'm posting this as I'm hoping there will be more people with experience of both now.]
Thanks
Jason
the 03 is far more agile. handles better in every way.
the braces and stiffer struts are well worth it.
the box is fine once your used to it.
as for teh rear lights, I'll happily trade with you for my 02 ones if you want.
oh, the steering is better and so is rumoured to be teh engine as well.
03 seats are mucg grippoer as well.
in other words, get the 03! s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
arr but you can get a good cash price on some 02's out there as i did and the savng you make you can buy the bracing's and new seats ! s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Some people (freeks) will say that the MR2 Roadster is a hairdressers car.
in the 03 you have 6 gears - so its clearly not a hairdressers car!. s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Go for the 03 - oh, and you get fog lights s:lol: :lol: s:lol: , although there is the fisher price radio s:cry: :cry: s:cry:
I've owned both pre face-lift (Y-plate) and post face-lift ('03 & '53 plates) cars, and to be honest I would NEVER drive the Y plate again. All of them have been SMT cars, so can't comment on the manual box as my experience is limited to the odd blast in other peoples cars.
The one thing I can comment on is the face-lift car has *FAR* sharper handling - the under-body bracing is absolutely superb, coupled with the slightly stiffer springs (now replaced with Eibach lowering springs) and the increased damper rates has resulted in a quantum leap in grin factor.
Where are you in the country? Maybe you can come along to the Treasure Hunt tomorrow (Saturday) and you should be able to blag a few 'demo' rides.
I got the standard bodykit that was offered with the 02, not seen it on the 03. 02 with a kit looks much more agressive. I love my 02, never driven an 03. Sure MR T improved on things but do I care ??????
Nothing at all wrong with the 03 gearbox. Infact I test drove a pre 03 and bought an 03. The newer car was better in a lot of little ways though nothing you can really put your finger on.
I have no complaints at all with my 2000 model, it have a Mr T bodykit (dispells any illusions about hairdressing s:wink: :wink: s:wink: ) Gearbox is almost identical as 6th gear is only an overdrive (though i'd like one for long motorway journies), I prefer the earlier rear clusters and personally think the newer ones are more effeminate although the wider rear wheels look good and uprated suspension might be nice. To be honest I can fault either car, except the Automatic, don't get the SMT option and make sure you get air conditioning for the winter.
What juansolo said. It took me a while to really get to know my '03 after having a 'Y' plate (both SMTs), but it certainly has an indefinable 'something'. One other thing I would say is that the 03 is much easier for long haul motorway driving (of which, I do too much). The 'Y' plate required constant attention by dint of feeling 'twitchy' (but not in a bad way), whereas the '03 is more 'settled' and less demanding of you if you really can't be bothered (like a 14 hour work day + 3 hour drive home).
So it's about 50/50 which one to go for then? s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Next question is:
Leather or cloth?
I think I read on an MX-5 site that the 03 MR2 has holes in the back of the seat which lets air through and creates aching shoulders. Sounds feasible but does this happen?
Thanks for the great info.
I had read that it was the changes they made to the 03 car such as making the car more stable, less prone to losing the back end (never a problem in the dry in the old car) that had led to the car losing some of its directness and feel.
Looks like they were wrong.
Right, who's going to sell me an 03, with a/c and hard top, black with red seats?
Quote from: "mrsmr2"Next question is:
Leather or cloth?
Leather definitely!!! s8) 8) s8)
Quote from: "mrsmr2"I think I read on an MX-5 site....
Arrrgghh you said the "M" word!!! Please note that dirty language is not tolerated on this forum!!! s:wink: :wink: s:wink: s:D :D s:D What they said sounds like a lot of hot air to me...
Sundance s8) 8) s8)
leather and plenty of it! s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
All depends on how much money you want to spend !
Quote from: "mrsmr2"I think I read on an MX-5 site that the 03 MR2 has holes in the back of the seat which lets air through and creates aching shoulders. Sounds feasible but does this happen?
The '03 does have holey seats, and I did prefer the non-holey seats in my 'Y' plate. You can feel a draught, but it's only a problem if it's really, really cold out and you have the top down. I have a hard top, so it's not an issue for me. I don't know if one of Bama's larger size deflectors would help, but lots of people here rate them highly - might be worth asking around. Or buy a scarf :-) :-) :-)
Quote from: "mrsmr2"- seats (I have a few back pains so I need a seat that will hold me in place)
- high speed handling
I have a 2001 version and the seats are my only real grip. They are the most uncomfortable seats I have had to endure. I am of average build, but I find the base of the seat way to narrow putting too much preasure on the upper leg and causing a numb feeling. I also get a draft between the lower seat and the seat back which goes direct onto the lower back.
I understand the later seats are a lot better, but I have not had the chance to test one.
Quote from: "mrsmr2":
Next question is:
Leather or cloth?
Leather can be bloody hot in summer and cold in winter. Cloth doesnt have this problem.
My MR2 has cloth, my "winter" car has leather with seat heating. I wouldnt bother with leather again personally. Take what you like.
Quote from: "vibratingsky"To be honest I can fault either car, except the Automatic, don't get the SMT option and make sure you get air conditioning for the winter.
There is no automatic
Why do you say dont get the SMT? Mine is the SMT verion and it is super. If I get another MR2 it will be SMT!
_________________
See I'd disagree with Victor. I don't have problems with comfort, breezes or anything like that (I'm 5'10", average-ish weight).
As to the leather... with a pair of jeans on I never noticed the cold in the winter... and in the summer it's amazing how cool it is if you leave the roof down for about 30mins before driving it.
Quote from: "victor"Why do you say dont get the SMT? Mine is the SMT verion and it is super. If I get another MR2 it will be SMT!
It's a standard line from people who have never driven an SMT and listen to Jeremy Clarkson and his 'flappy paddle' speech too much.
So far 3 people who have driven my SMT cars have got out and said in very loud voices 'MY NEXT CAR IS GOING TO HAVE SMT' - they absolutely love it - all the benefits of an automatic for driving in traffic with none of the 'vagueness' you get with a normal automatic 'box.
Quote from: "phil4"As to the leather... with a pair of jeans on I never noticed the cold in the winter... and in the summer it's amazing how cool it is if you leave the roof down for about 30mins before driving it.
Your winter isnt as cold as mine then s:lol: :lol: s:lol: Unforunatly, leaving work, or say a shopping center, to put the roof down for 1/2 hour isnt always practical is it? I am not allowed to leave my work place during my shift for any reason (not even lunch) so I would not be able to put the roof down in advance. s:cry: :cry: s:cry:
Quote from: "victor"Your winter isnt as cold as mine then s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
True s:) :) s:)
Quote from: "victor"Unforunatly, leaving work, or say a shopping center, to put the roof down for 1/2 hour isnt always practical is it? I am not allowed to leave my work place during my shift for any reason (not even lunch) so I would not be able to put the roof down in advance. s:cry: :cry: s:cry:
Fair enough. I've never had any real problems (but then it doesn't get as warm here over the summer either). I guess each circumstance is different.
i have owned a pre 03 and own a 53 i would say that the build quality felt better in the 53 although this might just be a one off pre 03
the doors felt sound better when you shut them, less tiny
the ride in the 53 is a bit harder but better cornering
the acceleration i would say is slightly less in the 53 but this might be down the the thundering great big leaf i found in the air box s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
imo the 03 is a slighly better car but any 2 is ace
p.s. the sixth gear has been previously called an overdrive gear. this seems to describe it well
For me I prefer the 02 look but I like the 03 rear wheels (maybe one day), side vents (got) and member braces (got) and 6 speed gearbox (!!)
wouldnt worry to much about the six speed unless you have a turbo fitted which would have to power to drive it
Quote from: "SteveJ"Quote from: "victor"Why do you say dont get the SMT? Mine is the SMT verion and it is super. If I get another MR2 it will be SMT!
It's a standard line from people who have never driven an SMT and listen to Jeremy Clarkson and his 'flappy paddle' speech too much.
Takes too long to change gear s:( :( s:( Otherwise it seems a giggle.
Quote from: "adz648"the acceleration i would say is slightly less in the 53 but this might be down the the thundering great big leaf i found in the air box s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
http://www.mr2roc.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=26291#26291 s:shock: :shock: s:shock: s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
Quote from: "adz648"wouldnt worry to much about the six speed unless you have a turbo fitted which would have to power to drive it
High 6th Gives quieter high-speed cruising, which is nice for long journeysm though I recognise that's not really the 2's main forte!
I find that the 03 is sharper than the 02 model I test-drove, and tramlines less on poor surfaces.
I prefer cloth seats because of the reasons Victor has already mentioned and also because leather is relatively slippery and I like to be held in position.
<MOD> Topic now split, see 'Frozen winscreen' in Maintenance for continuation of that discussion, feel free to continue this one as necessary, thanks </MOD>
Thanks for the information so far. Now I have a new question:
Soft top and air con or soft top without?
I'm going to test drive a RED roadster in a couple of weeks and I might be tempted to go for a new one (so it will have to be a soft top to fit my budget).
Thanks
Jason
If you dont get the air con, you wont miss it... Its not a sought after feature when it comes to re-sale time, so the extra investment wont be returned, and it adds quite a lot of wieght to a car whose whole raison d'etre is being light...
I have to say I like air-con and do use it, even with the top down sometimes. Driving through sunny France it was lovely and did make a considerable difference!
Quote from: "mph"I have to say I like air-con and do use it, even with the top down sometimes. Driving through sunny France it was lovely and did make a considerable difference!
Gotta agree with da man. Aircon for me is a necessity.
Quote from: "Darth Paul"Gotta agree with da man. Aircon for me is a necessity.
Of course If I had of bought air-con with my car, I'd be saying exactly the same thing. But that's the point, you wont miss what you never had. Here in the UK if you have a car without it its no big deal. If I lived in a country that was subjected to slightly more than our usual 40watt sunshine I'd definitley have it, but I already feel like I'm pushing my luck having a folding roof. s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Personal preference, if you want it, buy it. If you feel like you could probably live without it, you'll save yourself a few hundred quid and it wont affect your enjoyment of the car one iota.
I have the Air con and used to think like GSB. Why bother when you can get the roof off? But, now I have it (I had no choice), I wouldn't give it up at all. Last year, sitting is slow moving traffic on the M11, BALZING sunshine with the roof off, air con was an absolute must. Stopeed us frazzling anyway.
Also, I don't want to contradict what GSB has said (I really don't mean to be antagonistic. It just seems like that these last two days. My apologies!!! s:oops: :oops: s:oops: ), but i was talking to one or two dealers (my dads friend is a dealer and he has bought many cars from him over the years. Very reputable and nice, honest guy, so I trust him) and he said that when he has sold soft topsin the past, he can EASILY put on a £500 premium on the price at resale in the summer cos having air con is one of the first things that people ask. Especially for Saab's for some reason (although I think that may be down to a prestige thing more than necessity........). BUT, I will agree with GSB. It DOES add weight and added maintainance costs in the future, so I suppose it is all down to what you fancy, the way you drive the car (hooning it, you might want less weight) and if you see the car as an "investment", in the loosest sense........
Personally, I would go for it. I have just advised someone at work who is looking to buy a 2 to get it. I can't go back on what I have said now can I? s:wink: :wink: s:wink: s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
Quote from: "GSB"If you dont get the air con, you wont miss it... Its not a sought after feature when it comes to re-sale time, so the extra investment wont be returned, and it adds quite a lot of wieght to a car whose whole raison d'etre is being light...
All very true, GSB. My way of thinking is that "the '2 is an Elise with creature comforts". I'll keep my stereo and air-con and easier soft-top thanks, even if it is sacrificing weight.
Quote from: "GSB"Quote from: "Darth Paul"Gotta agree with da man. Aircon for me is a necessity.
Of course If I had of bought air-con with my car, I'd be saying exactly the same thing. But that's the point, you wont miss what you never had. .
Have to agree with Grant, I had it in my previous car, never ever used it apart from defrosting windows. So i thought with the 2, weight + parasitic loss (when in use), and higher MPG I wasn't that fussed about it.
May have to buy a hand fan in the summer though!
I never had it in my previous car and regreted it during the summer. Got it in my '2 and am very glad during the summer. Can't say I notice the weight difference, but then I've nothing to compare it to.
I've had air con or climate control in my previous company cars and bought my 2 without aircon as I personally do not see the need for it in a convertible.
Maybe if temp hits the 90's I'll regret it but I think I'll be able to live without it most of the time.
mrs roadsterman99's Micra has aircon though s:wink: :wink: s:wink: