Faults:
The valve cover gasket is currently leaking oil.
Interior leather on the steering wheel and shifter boot has started to crack.
Recently, a part of the exhaust system just before the muffler rusted through and needed replaced.
The clutch is starting to wear and needs replaced. The clutch is very old, however, and I am surprised it took this long to wear badly.
General Comments:
I got this car over the summer. I have owned several cars before, and driven many. I can honestly say that I have never driven anything which was more fun. It has more than enough power, and acceleration is phenomenal for a four-cylinder with 120 horsepower.
This car handles perfectly. There is no body roll, and it is most fun on twisty roads. The steering response is instantaneous, and the car has all the traction in the world. If you do lose traction, the center of gravity is right by your right elbow, and the car will just oversteer (the back end slides out from behind you).
I though my last car was fun to drive. I was definitely wrong. It is not possible to tell someone how wonderful this car is, to fully appreciate the fun of a lightweight two-seater, they must go for a ride in it. And to truly appreciate the joy of a mid-engine with rear-wheel drive, you must take one for a drive.
The seats are fairly comfortable, and there is more than enough legroom, although the pedals are small and close together. Shoe size 13 is about the biggest that would fit. Power steering is absent, and also completely unnecessary.
I don't think you could get a car which would be more fun to drive without paying over $100,000.
18th Feb 2005, 22:33
How much horsepower does a stock 1985 Toyota MR2 have?