Hello,
In the near future ill be out and about looking to purchase a car, ive got my heart set on the MR2 spyder, what i want to know is what one should i go for, i dont want to go over the 12k mark, ill be trading in an 02 plate astra
I would probably want one with a hard top, and can anyone explain if theres a diffrence between the 5 speed one and the 6 speed one? is the 6 speed one quicker with closer ratios?
What year did the 6 speed box come ?
Anyone recon i could get a nice example for 12k?
The six speed is available on the newer '03 models... they also have other subtle differences, such as different styling (including front fog lamps), larger rear wheels (16" vs 15") and other less obvious stuff.
As for speed diferences, I think the 6th gear is oft described as an overdrive/cruise gear, to drop the revs for motorway cruising... the rest of the ratios are about the same. That said there are extra suspension changes which as some will tell you improve the handling (and therefore speed) a different way.
As for your target price, you're at the bottomish end, so you'll be looking at a high mileage '03 model, or something a bit older (2000/2001 I guess).
Try m http://www.parkers.co.uk (http://www.parkers.co.uk) m to get an idea of age/mileage for your price range.
I also traded in my MK4 Astra for the MR2!!
As Phil said there are some differences and opinion is generally split between the two adn which are better.
I could go for a higher budget if needed, but im trying to discipline myself as im treating myself on the car i want.
I currently spend alot of money on my career training, which i have to pay monthly, so by setting a set budget it allows me to set myself up financially to making the commitment! i could push it to 13k if i see one i love.
Im looking for a good clean example, where i could look at doing engine mods in the future, hopefully by this time the TTE turbo kit which yous all talk about will be available (gotta love that search button) s:D :D s:D
One other questions to the "knows alls"
I was looking at getting an Lexus Is200 instead, one great feature i was after was the sat/nav system....ive heard that you can get a better system on the MRS ? I take it this is an optional on the 03 ?
option on the pre-03 as well AFAIK (think Victor has it).
Still, I reckon you'd be pushing it to get a good-nick, lowish mileage '03 for 13K.
yea me too, just looking at what features come with what at present.....ill hopefully be out test driving this weekend, so maybe ill be tempted to spend more if i really like s:) :) s:)
Now I may be wrong here, but I think there was very little difference between the options available on pre-03 cars and post-03 cars. You can get satnav, leather, aircon, hardtop etc. on all of them.
The other differences; 6-speed over 5, 16" rears over 15", front fogs and revised front and rears etc. Aren't (again, as I recall) available on pre-03's.
Now there's an exception to this... there are a fair few bits and pieces (especially the cosmetic ones), that you can buy as spares from Toyota, or others. So if you liked the new front bumper, or the intake vents or the the 16" rears then you could buy those and fit them.
Some of the mechanical (eg. suspension) differences would be more tricky, but with a few mods, you could still get there.
All of this is AFAIK. I'm sure there'll be the odd small exception to prove me wrong, but I think generally what I've said above is true.