As I head towards a year of ownership and over 10,000 miles I'm still delighted with the car. Easily comfortable and useable enough to daily, which is good as I do. Even when we had the heavy snow the other month.
Upon checking the oil and water earlier I noticed that the auxiliary belt is split in the middle so need to get this sorted asap. Is this an engine out job or can it be done in situ?
Scrap that. Google is my friend. Should have tried that first. A very detailed guide on replacement on this very forum, I should have known ;D
Quote from: Mr220Mike on April 30, 2023, 14:28Scrap that. Google is my friend. Should have tried that first. A very detailed guide on replacement on this very forum, I should have known ;D
May be on the How To, but I would stress make a sketch of the belt run and/ take photo/s. Make sure you order/ get the correct belt, two types available, with or without air con. Check length of new one with length of old for super security.
I did find another pair of hands necessary when I replaced mine, but
@Carolyn has a useful work around if you have to fly solo.
I bought a Gates belt following comments on here. NB My Main Ford dealer recommended a Gates belt rather than Ford OE when replacing the cam belt on my daily.
Thanks. To be honest I'll be getting it done at a garage. I don't have the time or skill to be taking it on. Have a couple of decent local ones nearby so hopefully I should be able to get it done during the week
Booked in for auxiliary belt change plus oil and filter as it's been 6k since last done. £148 all in which I thought was ok really.
Just got the car back from the garage and they have done a great job at a what I think is a decent price. I have to say, they are a proper garage that are used to working on older cars. They had a Willy's Jeep, VW camper and a mini shell being restored in plus a mint old Fiat. Not sure on the model. I will use them again in future.
Just over a year on and it was time for the second MOT in my ownership. Sadly it failed first time on pads and a D bush in track rod end now all sorted and ready for another year of fun.
15,000 miles in to ownership now and I thought it might be a good idea to list what I've done in that time and also what I've got planned for the future.
Jobs done to date:
Swansea roof
New tyres all round
New discs and pads on the front
X2 services
Bush replacement in track rod end
Full check underneath and clean up where required, thankfully it's really good underneath.
So jobs for the future:
New NSR wing - mine has a little corrosion and also quite a few scratches and little dings so if I can get a decent one used I will. Don't seem to have them new anymore, however, my brother is a painter in a body shop so will see if they can get any.
New wheels - currently running on MX5 Sport wheels which came with the car and actually look decent but I'd like to go back to original ideally
Polish the headlights before winter
Might look at some slightly lower springs when the suspension needs a refresh.
I'd like some more power, I know that isn't the purpose of the car and it's all about handling but it could obviously manage more power. I'm not bothered about the 2zz really. Read a few turbo threads on here but there don't seem to be many around, do they all blow up? Then there is obviously the Audi 1.8 20v turbo swap that is around at the moment. Not sure how I feel about that though.
That's us all up to date. Still love the car and whenever I'm just out with one of the children the request is always to take daddy's car with the roof down.
Any pics? Would like more power for mine too eventually, I'm not really sure what the cheapest/most cost affective route is, but at least there is a few options.
Sadly not no. I haven't taken many recently. I'm on leave next week so hoping to get some early morning blasts through the Peak District in before everyone else is up. I'll take some then and post up.
Yes, it's difficult to know what to do for the best isn't it power wise. I'm slightly constrained by the fact that I wouldn't be able to DIY it either.
Quote from: Mr220Mike on August 23, 2023, 18:3715,000 miles in to ownership now and I thought it might be a good idea to list what I've done in that time and also what I've got planned for the future.
Jobs done to date:
Swansea roof
New tyres all round
New discs and pads on the front
X2 services
Bush replacement in track rod end
Full check underneath and clean up where required, thankfully it's really good underneath.
So jobs for the future:
New NSR wing - mine has a little corrosion and also quite a few scratches and little dings so if I can get a decent one used I will. Don't seem to have them new anymore, however, my brother is a painter in a body shop so will see if they can get any.
New wheels - currently running on MX5 Sport wheels which came with the car and actually look decent but I'd like to go back to original ideally
Polish the headlights before winter
Might look at some slightly lower springs when the suspension needs a refresh.
I'd like some more power, I know that isn't the purpose of the car and it's all about handling but it could obviously manage more power. I'm not bothered about the 2zz really. Read a few turbo threads on here but there don't seem to be many around, do they all blow up? Then there is obviously the Audi 1.8 20v turbo swap that is around at the moment. Not sure how I feel about that though.
That's us all up to date. Still love the car and whenever I'm just out with one of the children the request is always to take daddy's car with the roof down.
Mum's always chuffed to hear it's still running well and you're enjoying it ;D
Finally got some dry weather so I could clean out the drain holes in the car. They were absolutely filthy and couldn't manage to dispose of what storm Henk threw at it but now we are all nice and dry again.
Closing in on 100k miles now, the last 20k of which have been done by me and it continues to be faultless. It needed a new rear caliper and new bulbs a couple of months ago but apart from that it is spot on. Still loving this car and really can't think of anything that I would want to replace it with.
A mile stone was reached today or should that be a 100,000 miles stone. My passenger thought it strange I wanted a picture but hey ho.
So that's 20k in 18 months pretty much. Still can't really think of anything that I would replace it with. Excuse the dust, she needs a good clean inside and out.
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@Mr220Mike Not much time for cleaning when your knocking up the miles like that!
Is this an indicator of how tough these cars are? Surely they were only intended for occasional/ leisure use, not 14k pa!
I think it is. You don't see many other 21 year old cars on the road full stop, let alone one doing the mileage I'm doing. I think it is a reflection on how it has been looked after throughout it's life.
My only concern regarding the mileage I do is that I'm only too aware that it's going to take its toll at some point.
No it won't, it's a Toyota ;) a well maintained one at that ;D Well done.
Thanks Chilli and a very good point you make. The miles will continue to pile on and I'll keep all updated on here.
Quote from: Mr220Mike on January 18, 2024, 18:55I think it is. You don't see many other 21 year old cars on the road full stop, let alone one doing the mileage I'm doing. I think it is a reflection on how it has been looked after throughout it's life.
My only concern regarding the mileage I do is that I'm only too aware that it's going to take its toll at some point.
There was a Member on here that had his 2 from new and had exceeded 200k miles in it. He had changed the oil ( maybe also the filter) at 5k mile intervals for the early part of it's life.
I have referenced this high mileage Member previously but have unfortunately lost my note as to his name.
So
@Mr220Mike will hopefully have a good few miles more to enjoy.
@Joesson that sounds like a challenge ;D
Quote from: Mr220Mike on January 18, 2024, 20:14@Joesson that sounds like a challenge ;D
Not so much a challenge as an aspiration.
Quote from: Mr220Mike on January 18, 2024, 18:55I think it is. You don't see many other 21 year old cars on the road full stop,
over here them´s a common sight. My daily is ´99. My son´s is an ´84. The owner of the local garage I use drives an R6 as daily. When coming back from a cup of coffee sat behind a seventies Range Rover. There are at least three in the village. The Series LandRover (by Santana) are still common although getting thinner on the ground because in daily use in the olives.
So kuddos to you; keep the metal worm at bay and enjoy the cheerful cabrio!!
You are massively aided by the climate. I love going abroad and seeing old cars that you don't see here anymore.
I was thinking today on my way to work, when my car was new a 21 year old car would have been from 1982. I can't think of a direct example to an MR2 from then, maybe an MGB, spitfire?? Both would have rusted by 1989 though. Always fancied a spitfire though or a GT6.
Quote from: Mr220Mike on January 19, 2024, 21:06I was thinking today on my way to work, when my car was new a 21 year old car would have been from 1982. Can't think of a direct example to an MR2 from then,
Think something from the Continent. France produced some proper gems. And then there is the Alfa Spider. Were both a TR6 and a Spider here on the classic event in December with the latter só much more refined and elegant. In mý opinion of course ;)
That Spider is from the brother of my neighbor and used just about every week bar rain. Indeed a massive aid those 300 sunny days/year. There were also a pristine Fiat 850 Spider ánd a Coupé. Go figure!
You could also think Triumph Spitfire. I had a 1500 and lóved it. Apart from the elegant lines, mainly because of the simplicity to work on it as it was quite agricultural though.
Anyway; pay proper attention to rust protection so you can enjoy your lovely cabrio max long. As the l´Oréal blurp goed; because she´s worth it ;)
How on earth did I forget about the Alfa Spider and Fiat 124. It's been a long week. Great shouts both of them.
Quote from: Mr220Mike on January 19, 2024, 21:06You are massively aided by the climate. I love going abroad and seeing old cars that you don't see here anymore.
I was thinking today on my way to work, when my car was new a 21 year old car would have been from 1982. I can't think of a direct example to an MR2 from then, maybe an MGB, spitfire?? Both would have rusted by 1989 though. Always fancied a spitfire though or a GT6.
MGB and spitfire both out of production in 1982. You could get -
Alfa spider
Fiat x1/9
MX5 and Lotus Elan have to wait until 1989. schimiter SS1 wasn't around until 1984, shame they never built the Stevens Cipher. TVR Tasmin anyone?
I've always loved TVR's. My brother has a Chimaera. I've always wanted a Cerbera but think I've probably missed that boat now.
The Peugeot 504 cabriolet is a properly built luxury car from a manufacturer with longstanding experience with fourseater cabrios. Pity they abandoned this niche. More so since the newer coupés are só nice.
It's very rare that I get to drive my car purely for pleasure, however, today has been one of those occasions. Driving some of my favourite roads put a huge smile on my face and the car felt fantastic and performed beautifully.
I thought I'd treat the car to a wash and polish today. It wasn't a really thorough job but enough to brighten her up a bit.
I really want to get some original wheels this year if I can. Getting married in just under 4 weeks so everything is focused on that at the moment. Maybe I should see where some are and base a honeymoon on that. Could be the quickest divorce ever ;D
(https://i.ibb.co/qpKXSKg/PXL-20240303-165019599.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qpKXSKg)
(https://i.ibb.co/z5S2VXn/PXL-20240303-165039278.jpg) (https://ibb.co/z5S2VXn)
(https://i.ibb.co/zbVKWRz/PXL-20240303-165002209.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zbVKWRz)
J-Spec in Scotland??? Could be a nice place to honeymoon???
That could be a good shout Carolyn.
It's that time of year again and the dreaded handbrake has reared its head. I thought it might struggle to pass the MOT this year with it. Also failed on offside front service brake lagging in operation. Never heard of that one before. The garage said it could be the caliper on it's way out.
Apart from that, all good. The underside is still nice and solid and rust free. Love this car.
The front sounds like sticky sliders. A clean and lube should sort it.
Handbrake cables fitted today and it now has a full MOT for another year. Looking forward to another year of motoring.
Quote from: Mr220Mike on June 29, 2024, 18:08Handbrake cables fitted today and it now has a full MOT for another year. Looking forward to another year of motoring
what a good feeling that is 8)
now for that honeymoon to J Spec because you can :)) :))
I haven't really updated this much, largely because the car continues to run brilliantly. Had a slight issue with an ABS sensor but that's sorted and apart from servicing that's it.
I am starting to come to a bit of a cross roads though. A new job means I'll now be doing circa 20k miles a year, the MR2 has been great in the first month but the commute is motorway and fast A road so wind noise is quite high. There is a part of me that wants to keep it and take it to 200k but we'll see how it goes.
Gave it a quick wash and wax this morning and it still scrubs up well
(https://i.ibb.co/sdFmr89D/PXL-20250309-102845493.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sdFmr89D)
edinburg teachers credit union (http://nonprofitlight.com/mcallen-tx-area/?page=1)
I certainly found that adding a hard top cut out that wind noise you speak of and made the MR2 cabin feel more suited to all-weather driving in the autumn/winter months - ideal for a daily drive I would suggest. You do of course need storage space for when it is not fitted. And there is small matter of buying one too ;)
Yes I could get a hard top but kind of struggle with the cost when compared to the value of the car. I know I could always sell it separately at a later date. I do have somewhere to store it during summer months but it would take up the entire space.
I've just purchased a MK7 VW Golf GTD, and it's the perfect mile muncher. Two car garage perhaps?
It's an option I'd consider but it'd be a three car garage with the wife's in there. I could store it at my mum's so that's an option to consider. Out of interest, what sort of MPG do you get from the Golf?
Quote from: Mr220Mike on March 9, 2025, 20:13It's an option I'd consider but it'd be a three car garage with the wife's in there. I could store it at my mum's so that's an option to consider. Out of interest, what sort of MPG do you get from the Golf?
It's early days yet, but averaging 57MPG.
Quote from: Alex Knight on March 9, 2025, 20:44It's early days yet, but averaging 57MPG.
That's pretty good. What kind of roads are you commuting on and are you trying to get that figure or just driving however you feel?
Quote from: Mr220Mike on March 9, 2025, 21:09That's pretty good. What kind of roads are you commuting on and are you trying to get that figure or just driving however you feel?
Mixed really. My commute is 28 miles round trip on a mix of A and B roads.
I'm not exactly hypermiling, but I do tend to drive pretty gently (on the roads at least) these days.
So 4 months into the new commute and fast approaching 120k miles the MR2 marches on. Delivering 42MPG regardless of how it's driven. It's coping admirably with the increased mileage but can sometimes be tiring with road noise after a long day. I keep an eye out for a hardtop but with the weather we're having it's not a top priority.
I'd previously thought about changing it but think I'll be keeping it for a while yet and continue pouring the miles on.
What tyres or condition. Can make a big difference to nvh.
Quote from: Mr220Mike on July 1, 2025, 21:08So 4 months into the new commute and fast approaching 120k miles the MR2 marches on. Delivering 42MPG regardless of how it's driven. It's coping admirably with the increased mileage but can sometimes be tiring with road noise after a long day. I keep an eye out for a hardtop but with the weather we're having it's not a top priority.
I'd previously thought about changing it but think I'll be keeping it for a while yet and continue pouring the miles on.
You'll be amazed at how boring other cars (whilst more comfortable in some ways) become after getting to commute with the 2.
Quote from: Ardent on July 1, 2025, 21:32What tyres or condition. Can make a big difference to nvh.
Toyo proxes which I'm not a massive fan of if I'm honest.
Quote from: jvanzyl on July 1, 2025, 23:01You'll be amazed at how boring other cars (whilst more comfortable in some ways) become after getting to commute with the 2.
I know and that's a big problem. I can't think of anything that would be as nice and fun to drive on the commute. I think I just need to get a grip.
Quote from: Mr220Mike on July 2, 2025, 07:11Toyo proxes which I'm not a massive fan of if I'm honest.
Yeah I've got those.. they're cheap to replace but honestly could be better..
Quote from: Mr220Mike on July 2, 2025, 07:13I know and that's a big problem. I can't think of anything that would be as nice and fun to drive on the commute. I think I just need to get a grip.
You're hard pushed to find anything that adding miles and miles onto doesn't fill you with dread for some kind of maintenance or repair bill.
There are other bits you can work on that significantly help the feel of the car and knowing what it's doing.
Replacing all the bushings made a huge difference to mine. Then just adding more and more bracing meant that it handled better and better.
I know what you mean about the dread of adding miles especially with depreciation. To be honest I'd love to turbo charge it, which would take it away from being a daily I'm sure but it would be great.
You can run a turbo daily... You just need to spend the money properly and not skimp on things.
Very happy to provide you with a breakdown on what is needed..
I fully intend running mine as a daily commuter. Just haven't had a job to do it with!
Well I think the day has come, my time may be at an end with the MR2. The MOT was done yesterday and it failed for rust on both sides of the car. It doesn't look great as you can see.
(https://i.ibb.co/jK1GyYm/PXL-20250711-154615548.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jK1GyYm)
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It'll be a sad day after 4 years and 40k miles. Any suggestions on what to do will be appreciated.
:'( :'( i feel for you there :'( :'(
hopefully someone can help :( :( :(
:-\ oh no.. I'm battling bits of rust on mine too..
@The Arch Bishop seems to have experience with this.. maybe he can "consult"?
That's sad. I hate to see them die, but, to me, that seems beyond economic repair .
Quote from: jvanzyl on July 12, 2025, 09:02:-\ oh no.. I'm battling bits of rust on mine too.. @The Arch Bishop seems to have experience with this.. maybe he can "consult"?
Not really had any experience with rust on an MR2 other than surface, but as ever with this sort of thing, it's never going to be an economic repair. Head or heart I'm afraid!
Quote from: The Arch Bishop on July 12, 2025, 11:57Not really had any experience with rust on an MR2 other than surface, but as ever with this sort of thing, it's never going to be an economic repair. Head or heart I'm afraid!
Quote from: Mr220Mike on July 12, 2025, 07:47Well I think the day has come, my time may be at an end with the MR2. The MOT was done yesterday and it failed for rust on both sides of the car. It doesn't look great as you can see.
(https://i.ibb.co/jK1GyYm/PXL-20250711-154615548.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jK1GyYm)
(https://i.ibb.co/Z6JM0Tmc/PXL-20250711-154624599.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Z6JM0Tmc)
It'll be a sad day after 4 years and 40k miles. Any suggestions on what to do will be appreciated.
Depends what you want the car for. For me, the economic repair logic is distorted somewhat, it's not so much what the car is worth in pounds and pence, but the cost of getting into something that would take the place of the MR2. Also depends how much you've invested in the car, not just in monetary terms but your own sweat and graft.
Quote from: Carolyn on July 12, 2025, 10:47That's sad. I hate to see them die, but, to me, that seems beyond economic repair .
I think i'm inclined to agree to be honest. As much as I love the car and have enjoyed owning it, it's probably had it's day. Such a shame.
Would be interested to see from an amateur perspective how to go about repairing that.. you know.. some one with basic Tig welding skills for example..
I suppose you could put a plate on it but there will be a fair way to go to find clean metal to weld to which I think would be the bigger problem.
My biggest issue now is trying to think of a suitable replacement for it. I'm really struggling. Maybe because I'm still a bit upset about and need time to get over it. However, I think commuting by train will see me quickly get over that. :)
Quote from: Mr220Mike on July 12, 2025, 15:08I suppose you could put a plate on it but there will be a fair way to go to find clean metal to weld to which I think would be the bigger problem.
My biggest issue now is trying to think of a suitable replacement for it. I'm really struggling. Maybe because I'm still a bit upset about and need time to get over it. However, I think commuting by train will see me quickly get over that. :)
Get another one- but have it up on a lift before you buy it? If it's decent underneath then you can do annual rust prevention and it will keep for many a year.
Couldn't hurt to have a punt on one from copart.. probably in the £500 is mark when all fees are paid
Quote from: jvanzyl on July 12, 2025, 14:26Would be interested to see from an amateur perspective how to go about repairing that.. you know.. some one with basic Tig welding skills for example..
A recent TV programme featured the restoration of a prewar Volkswagen that was later called the Beetle.
That was like the proverbial carrot.
For example, the lower edge of two section rear window was rusted away from the main bodywork. A straight piece of steel was folded to the profile required and then cut at intervals to allow the piece to be bent to shape to suit the curve. This was then tacked and finally welded into position.
So, such repair required clever metal working skills to form the required pieces and then good welding ability to refit.
The whole car took " hundreds of hours" to rebuild and was finally painted with" rusty paint" to present an age related patina effect. Not my cup of tea but this work was done for a VW enthusiast customer who must have had a lot of money to satisfy himself.
So much so that he paid a third party expert to check the car out on his behalf!
Quote from: Carolyn on July 12, 2025, 15:34Get another one- but have it up on a lift before you buy it? If it's decent underneath then you can do annual rust prevention and it will keep for many a year.
I am giving this some serious thought.
Quote from: jvanzyl on July 12, 2025, 15:47Couldn't hurt to have a punt on one from copart.. probably in the £500 is mark when all fees are paid
I've thought about this before. Maybe for the sake of that sort of money it's worth a punt. Brother in law works for them so that's also helpful.
Quote from: Mr220Mike on July 12, 2025, 16:58I've thought about this before. Maybe for the sake of that sort of money it's worth a punt. Brother in law works for them so that's also helpful.
Ooooh that's helpful. Does he work onsite? Or in an office? Would be good to have someone able to poke their head under it before you buy it. There's 3 on there at the mo. You could always just transfer your nice bits across and then scrap your old frame etc..
Quote from: jvanzyl on July 12, 2025, 17:07Ooooh that's helpful. Does he work onsite? Or in an office? Would be good to have someone able to poke their head under it before you buy it. There's 3 on there at the mo. You could always just transfer your nice bits across and then scrap your old frame etc..
In an office so no access to the cars to view but I can find out reserve prices etc which is helpful.
That in itself will help a lot.
Be very interested to see how you get on.
Quote from: jvanzyl on July 12, 2025, 17:44That in itself will help a lot.
Be very interested to see how you get on.
If I progress with it I'll create a new thread here. Although I sometimes worry I watch too much Mat Armstrong, it's not that easy!! ;D
Quote from: Mr220Mike on July 12, 2025, 18:00If I progress with it I'll create a new thread here. Although I sometimes worry I watch too much Mat Armstrong, it's not that easy!! ;D
Nah.. you want home built by Jeff!
It's with some sadness that I can now bring this thread to an end. WBAC made a relatively decent offer in the circumstances, certainly better than scrap value so I've taken that and handed the car over today.
I've had a great time over the last 4 years and enjoyed every moment of driving it in all weathers. I managed to borrow my mum's mk8 Fiesta ST today and I have to say, the commute was much nicer without the wind noise, so to this end, for now at least, I think my MR2 ownership is over.
This forum has been a great source of information, knowledge and help. Although I haven't been a massive contributor myself, I appreciate the effort that everyone goes to and admire a lot of people's cars on here. Thank you all.
Sorry to see you go. Hope you end up back here one day some how!