MR2 v. Elise S2 - your experiences please!

[commievid]

I own an Elise, 111S, and my nephew has the MR2.

One thing I have noticed, that is similar to an S2000 I used to have, is how there is a large discrepancy between parts prices between the US and the UK.

Even now, if I was to price up and plan ahead a suspension refresh for the MR2, I would expect it to approach £1500-£2000, this is factoring extreme measures like new arms and a subframe. I imagine it would be half or less the price over in the States.

My Elise's suspension was refreshed for £1000, which included the arms being cleaned up and powder coated, and spherical bearings instead of bushes.

Now, I don't know whether the above is a factor, but in terms of driving, the MR2 is certainly more oriented towards a broader audience, so is easier to live with, and bits like A/C and stuff appear to work reasonably well. The electric steering is terrible in my opinion, especially in comparison to the Lotus.

The Elise is significantly harder as a prospect to live in. So if this is your only car, I would suggest the MR2. Ironically, of course, the Lotus has a bigger boot (or, well, a boot).

The MR2 is right now at the bottom of the market, which is to say around the 15 year old mark, where parts will need replacing (referring to the suspension and their rubber bits), so this is when certain examples die, leaving those that remain become a little coveted as they survived the process. This, in addition to the rumours of a new MR2, may lead a resurgence in MR2's throughout and possible price increases.

If you're handy with spanners, then I'd be more leaning towards the Elise, but otherwise, the MR2 would be the safer bet, or the standard answer of the MX-5, just to throw that in there  s:) s:)

[Two's Company]

Based on what you've said i would get the best MR2 you can find. I have considered all sorts of cars over the years from Porsche to Lotus and getting back into the MR2 after a test drive, I've decided they don't offer any more smiles per £ than a little cheap MR2. I wish Toyota would make a replacement to rival the MX5 which has the engine in the wrong place and looks odd.


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[commievid]

I wish Toyota would make a replacement to rival the "car with engine in wrong place" which has the engine in the wrong place and looks odd.

Guess the GT86 kinda looks odd too?

[1979scotte]

I wish Toyota would make a replacement to rival the "car with engine in wrong place" which has the engine in the wrong place and looks odd.

Guess the GT86 kinda looks odd too?

Really like the gt86.
Shame it's not a drop top or mid engined.
You can fit a V8 in it though.

Drove around Scotland with a highly modified one had a HKS supercharger kit.
Wow.
Rapid.

[Two's Company]

I wish Toyota would make a replacement to rival the "car with engine in wrong place" which has the engine in the wrong place and looks odd.

Guess the GT86 kinda looks odd too?

It doesn't look great.  Different kind of car anyway being a front engine coupe rather than a Mid engine soft top.

[K T M Rider]

The electric steering is terrible in my opinion, especially in comparison to the Lotus.

feels pretty good to me (in comparison to my old Fabia   s:) s:)  ) I do recall that the unassisted rack in my Mk1 MR2 felt better though. Can bypass the pump / modify the rack to run unassisted  if it's an issue,I know some MK3 owners have done this.

[1979scotte]

The electric steering is terrible in my opinion, especially in comparison to the Lotus.

feels pretty good to me (in comparison to my old Fabia   s:) s:)  ) I do recall that the unassisted rack in my Mk1 MR2 felt better though. Can bypass the pump / modify the rack to run unassisted  if it's an issue,I know some MK3 owners have done this.

MK3 could be better.
Should be a great improvement on a fabia.
Pretty sure you don't mean electric as although it is power assisted it is a hydraulic system.
There are true electric PAS cars these days. Think even Porsche does it now.