1987 Toyota MR2 NA 1.6 Litre

Summary:

An affordable super car

Faults:

Starter motor went out immediately after purchase. $120 repair.

Valve Head Cover Gasket damaged. Cheap repair.

General Comments:

This car is a blast to drive! That in mind, its not surprise it's called the poor mans super car.

It's got a lot of torque above 3,500 RPMS and hangs corners better than a Ferrari! This is due to a small weight and low center of gravity and a T-VIS system (similar to Honda's VTEC).

The interior is small, but comfortably seats 2 people. There's also T-Tops and sunroof options.

The exterior is somewhat disappointing, as with an 80's car manufactured in the Orient. However, there are many companies that make beautiful ground FX.

It's possible to beat cars with twice as much horsepower on an auto racing track.

I'd recommend this car to anyone who wants a daily driver that'll turn grocery getting jaunts into roller coaster rides.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2002

1987 Toyota MR2 2 door coupe 1.6 DOHC Inline 4

Summary:

Cruise at low gears, high revs, then make heads turn!

Faults:

Alternator went out, but I fixed that with a good hammering. Fixed this one for free.

Constantly overheated, but a new thermostat and moving the front license plate, as to not block airflow to the radiator, fixed that easily. $20 fix.

Front shocks went out when I cracked a rim. $100 fix.

And both front stabilizer link bars wore out causing annoying clanking. Each stabilizer link bar is ridiculously expensive. They can only be found at Toyota, and they cost $65 a piece.

General Comments:

Going from a Civic LX to a MR2 was the best darn decision I could have made.

Very quick car, even if it only has a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder. I've raced, and beaten, other cars with 6 cylinder engines. Advantage, MR2's lightweight and Toyota's excellent engine design.

Driving this car is extreme fun. The engine lacks inspiration at low RPMs, but screams at higher RPMs.

This car was not meant to be driven under 3500 RPMs. It's just no fun that way.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 2001

24th Oct 2001, 23:39

You have a point. Keep the revs up and keep the fun up. I love these cars.

16th Sep 2002, 20:42

I'm thinking about buying an 87 MR2 1.6L. I Test drove it already and the car definitely had problems running at low rpm. Once I pasted 5,000rpm the car did in-fact take off down the road.

14th Feb 2003, 02:46

I must say, the MR-2 sounds great, but I am upgrading to a 4 door car.

I used to drive a '92 Toyota Tercel. I was always impressed with the good performance of its engine at high revs.

If I was so impressed with a little Tercel, I'm sure I'd like an MR2 if I weren't looking for a 4 door car.

I'm not sure why I replied, but, I thought I'd let you know about my good Toyota experience.

The car NEVER gave me any problems of any sort. I got it in '97 and had it 'till '03. It had over 121,000 miles on it when I got rid of it and the clutch just started to slip when cold.

Oh, and to let you know, that car wasn't completeley gutless. I had wider tires than stock and it could still leave twin 8 foot marks on the road.

30th Mar 2004, 07:40

I have a 1987 MR2, also alternator problems, went through two this year alone. Rear Stabilizer bars--Japan-only part, costs $182.

I concur that it is a fun, fast car to drive!

7th Sep 2004, 16:50

I have a 1987 MR2 with a bad engine. I am going to buy a new one and put the supercharger in with it. Any sugestions on where to go to get the parts for a moderate price. Also it is an awsome car and I miss it dearly.