I've currently got a MKIII Mr2 year 2000
I was wonder is it worth buying the newer version????
If so why?
I was thinking of getting the newer version of the gear box... Dunno what it's called though. The thing with the paddles on the back of the wheel... I hope you guys know what I mean. Is it true it's slower then the older version of the MKIII version? If so would I know about it? Or is it Faster???
P.S.
No I ain't got more money then brians... I was only thinking about it.
PPS.
I was thinking of getting a new car. Something faster though also in a reasonable price range.... So 911's and fancy cars are out of the question. any ideas
Quote from: "rainmen23"I was thinking of getting the newer version of the gear box... Dunno what it's called though.
SMT (as in Sequential Manual Transmission).
Quote from: "rainmen23"Is it true it's slower then the older version of the MKIII version?
0-60, most likely. (Most automatics are slower than a well driven manual 0-60, VAG's DSG is changing that).
But then who spends all their time doing 0-60? On a track, round bends, probably not much difference (if anything the new SMT's traction control possibly helps).
Quote from: "phil4"(if anything the new SMT's traction control possibly helps).
more like, takes the fun away s:? :? s:?
Quote from: "phil4"0-60, most likely. (Most automatics are slower than a well driven manual 0-60, VAG's DSG is changing that).
The SMT is still a manual under the covers, with a proper manual gearbox worked by a bunch of levers and hydraulics. Cost is about 15kg in weight over the stock car. Nothing that couldn't be sorted with diet and exercise (in my case s:lol: :lol: s:lol: ).
It is slower, but I think that's because it is tuned to protect the mechanicals, and over here we don't benefit from the TTE's stated attention to detail during the infamous SMT learn process. (The turbo prototype at JAE was _good_ s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted: ). Plus, if it was tuned for lightning fast changes, I'm sure it would be in the shop a bit more regularly than every 10k miles.
Quote from: "kanujunie"more like, takes the fun away
-er- no .... got mine properly sideways on a muddy corner on Friday (totally due to lack of talent s:lol: :lol: s:lol: ). Managed to apply some opposite lock to correct it, the TC light came on on the dash, but no buzzer to tell me I had overdone it for longer than the electronics thought was reasonable. No clattering brakes from the VSC either. I suspect, but can't prove, that if you're making the right moves behind the wheel, the electronics won't interfere too much.
Of course, if I hadn't had them (TC & VSC), I would probably have binned it big style s:oops: :oops: s:oops: .
For "normal" s;-) ;-) s;-) driving, TC & VSC don't get in the way. In my un-modded, un-braced car you can induce throttle steer in the corners without any disco lights coming on to spoil the fun. In any case, you shouldn't be going sideways, as this is not the fastest way to get from A to B s;-) ;-) s;-)
Quote from: "phil4"On a track, round bends, probably not much difference
The biggest difference I noticed over driving a 'proper manual' ("stick"), is the amount of time you have to get the corners right, and you can keep both hands on the wheel. So for me, it is see corner, decide on braking point, line and gear required. Pick line, wait until I arrive at the brake point, Brake, one eye watches revs drop to ~2.5k, downshift - push button, (repeat as required), off brakes, turn in, on throttle, accelerate, upshift - push button, look for next corner. Never take my hands off the wheel, and it always seems like you can get loads done in the shortest amount of time in the twisties. Compare this to having to tap dance across three pedals and only hand on the wheel most of the time you are in the braking zone. Works for me - but I can still run out of talent s;-) ;-) s;-)
Quote from: "phil4"if anything the new SMT's traction control possibly helps
The most noticeable thing is tyre wear - or lack of it s;-) ;-) s;-) . I know I do lots of motorway miles, but my previous '01 model did ~13k on a set of rears. This one is at ~21k, and I still have 3-4mm left. Same driver, same sort of mileage mix, and if anything, I drive this one a little more aggressively - see above s;-) ;-) s;-)
In summary - try one, I think you'll like it.
I got an '01 SMT just over a year ago and I love it. BUT, the gearchange takes a bit of getting used to. I have found I enjoy it more on the open road where having both hands on the wheel while pressing on makes a big difference. In town I still have to think momentarily about what gear I'm in as I don't like taking my eyes off the road, and sometimes I use the stick rather than the buttons when turning, but it's no big deal. I have also found the first few changes when the engines cold can be a bit clunky, maybe due to cold hydraulic fluid, it doesn't take long to smooth out. My biggest gripe is the clutch slip which I wouldn't have if I was driving a manual. I garage the car in an underground car park and coming up the ramp worries me as the clutch slips, and there's really nothing I can do about it until I on a level road.
I just hope MR T. took this into account when specifying the clutch friction plate!!!!!!!
Gordy
I've spoken to a tpyota dealer and they've even told me that the car with SMT is CR*P and the value of the car doesn't hold because there low in demand and also he added if I liked my driving. Its best I don't buy a SMT geared car....
So I guess I'm sticking with the car for a bit longer....
Though are there any ideas on a new car????? in a reasonable price range of about 15 to 25K.
I don't have any intentions of buying any imports or another MR2 now and nice ideas would be welcome....
Though I was thinking of a buying a Supra
well... the resale value of a MR-S is not the reason you'd want to buy one, is it?
you want a MR-S... if you tried the SMT version, liked it, go for it: mine is 11 month old and I still love the gear change because, it might be slower between traffic lights, it's still pretty fast ('03+ are faster) and so much fun...
as it is said up there, keeping my hands on the wheel on a twisting road, is just great...
it's a pity salesmen and mechs at Toyota don't know a thing about the SMT... many sales think it's an auto... s:? :? s:? and don't talk about a software upgrade to a mech, or do it just to make fun of its looks when you do so s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
if the SMT, ESP, TC are not what you're into... I'd say... turbo s:lol: :lol: s:lol: and a few mods to upgrade the chassis up to 2003+ standards...
that's what I'd do... s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
oh, and, yes, by the way: ESP is loose... it'll let you get sideways many many times! it'll just brake on 1 wheel or 2 when you're about to cross the deadly line... it's just too sad it won't let you practise donuts on your favorite parking lot s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
Quote from: "rainmen23"Though are there any ideas on a new car????? in a reasonable price range of about 15 to 25K.
350Z mate is the motor for you s:wink: :wink: s:wink: even though its just above you higher limit, but only just.
Mmm,
Or a vx220, elise, rx-8
Quote from: "rainmen23"I've spoken to a tpyota dealer and they've even told me that the car with SMT is CR*P and the value of the car doesn't hold because there low in demand and also he added if I liked my driving. Its best I don't buy a SMT geared car....
that's usually what they tell you if they don't have any in stock..........give one a drive and see what
you think.......
as far as the rx8......the interior materials, solidity and fit & finish are appalling for a car of it's price......
kev
Do you think, the couple of RX-8's i've been it seemed really nicely put together. Those red and black leather seats and shiny alloys.
My only problem with it, is it does look like it was designed to be in on e of the x-men films.
Quote from: "odub"Do you think, the couple of RX-8's i've been it seemed really nicely put together. Those red and black leather seats and shiny alloys.
My only problem with it, is it does look like it was designed to be in on e of the x-men films.
s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
i've been eyeing an rx8 since before they came out.....it was my "$30k car" (that is to say, it's the car i would buy if i were spending $30k)
after sitting in one, i decided to not even bother test driving it.....everything felt cheap and poorly put together, the seat bolsters felt as if they were made of plastic and the entire seat felt like it was going to collapse, the pedals....dear god the pedals, their placement is odd and poorly thought out - the brake is too far out and too far left relative to the throttle, i could never heel-toe properly.........
then, the same day, i checked-out an infiniti g35 coupe - what a difference!! the materials were first class, everything was positioned properly, everything looked and felt stout......i decided then that this was to be my new "$30k car".....i don't know if they are imported to the uk - it is badged as a skyline in japan (the new one, not the r32, r33, r34, etc.) but if it is, and if the cost is similar to that of the rx8 (as it is here) then definitely take one out for a spin........and don't be fooled into thinking it's the same car as the 350z, for all their shared parts they are two completely different vehicles........
kev
Not sure that I would take RX 8 buying advice from someone who "decided to not even bother test driving it....."!
I've got an RX8 (the wife has the MR2) and think it is fantastic. No complaints on build quality or ergonomics. It goes well, handles well, corners well, has a decent sized boot and proper seats in the back. It does drink heavily (average 22mpg but 15 is possible without trying that hard) and does use oil. No hesitation in strongly recommending it if you can live with the running costs.
Quote from: "rainmen23"I've spoken to a tpyota dealer and they've even told me that the car with SMT is CR*P and the value of the car doesn't hold because there low in demand and also he added if I liked my driving. Its best I don't buy a SMT geared car....
I've heard that before s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
he may be right ... but I think the restrictions are around the size of the re-sale market, as they are only likely to be bought by 'enthusiasts on a budget', looking for that F1 'feel' (-er- poseurs - like me s;-) ;-) s;-) ) I would also think they are slightly more difficult to sell to the ladies (sorry ladies, but I honestly think posey gear changes are a 'man thing'). Therefore, straight off you have cut out 50% of your potential re-sale market.
As was said elsewhere in this thread, that's not really the point of the SMT (or probably even an MR2).
One other thing, the salesmen have a problem with SMTs anyway. The guy who did the deal on my first one thought that the factory had mistakenly fitted 2 downshift buttons on the wheel when it was delivered. I had to explain to him how the car worked!
Having said that, another garage with a high mileage demo SMT was pretty keen to rip me off with a big selling price and a high finance charge as soon as I showed an interest in their car. So much for reduced re-sale values!
I guess the usual care when car buying applies - good luck in your search.
Quote from: "ruston"Not sure that I would take RX 8 buying advice from someone who "decided to not even bother test driving it....."!
what's the point in driving it? (and i have driven a few since) it could be the greatest sports-coupe in the history motoring, but i'm still not going to drop $30k on a car with interior materials and fit & finish that would be sub-standard on a hyundai!!! (or worse, a GM vehicle)
at least with a g35 or an s2000 you know where your money went...... s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
kev