What's a fun, cheap roadster

[dawp]

Originally posted by: alimoalem

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: audiotherapy
where do you find a good condition s2000 for 11k? most i've seen around that price are savaged or high miles 00'01 with plastic rear windows.

it's funny that you mention plastic windows like a bad thing because the reason why they went from plastic to glass windows was actually to cut costs, not the other way around...

Switch from plastic to glass windows to cut cost on a $35k car...Honda's kinda dumb.

Anyway, in the Bay Area (in California), which is an expensive area, I found 2 2003 S2000's with ~80k miles for <$11k on craigslist.

A 2001-2003 Miata with ~100k miles is around $6k.

they probably used plastic to save weight. It is suppose to be a sports car.

 

[Cuda1447]

I think we need to know what you consider cheap. Having just gone through the 'which roadster should I get' decision, I feel inclined to let you know about the 350z. I think that is the most 'manly' looking, if thats what your dad is looking for. It has great handling, good low end torque and can be had for $15,000 depending on the year. If you found a 2003-2004 you could prob. get under that depending on mileage. Keep in mind though, there are three engine types put in the car between 03 and 08 I think it was. Wiki the difference.

 

[overst33r]

Originally posted by: audiotherapy
where do you find a good condition s2000 for 11k? most i've seen around that price are savaged or high miles 00'01 with plastic rear windows.

Yes for 11k they come with plastic rear windows, which isn't that big of a deal to me... might be for some people.

S2ki.com is the place to look for good deals.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I like the new Miata. Every time I see one I find myself admiring its clean lines and minimalist design and purpose. It is a cool little car and I'd definitely give it a look if I were in the market for a small two seat convertible.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: audiotherapy
where do you find a good condition s2000 for 11k? most i've seen around that price are savaged or high miles 00'01 with plastic rear windows.

it's funny that you mention plastic windows like a bad thing because the reason why they went from plastic to glass windows was actually to cut costs, not the other way around...

Let's see, glass windows:

1) Don't scratch.
2) Don't cloud over with age.
3) Last much, much, much longer.
4) Can have a defroster.

Yeah, I can't figure out why anyone would think glass windows are better either. :roll:

Seriously, do you sit around trying to think of the dumbest thing you can possibly post?

ZV

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: exdeath
91 MR2 Turbo. Not technically a roadster, but it's in the same class, <= $8k for a whole lot of potential. Though it doesn't meet your criteria for: convertible (it's a T top) and easy to work on (mid engine + turbo = 15 lbs in a 5 lb bag). Though there is a large aftermarket and support community.

If you are looking for something to modify and tinker with, the 3SGTE engine is several notches above what anything else in that class is packing, including the S2k (might not be high revving or as technologically advanced as far as materials and valve train go, but it has gobs of torque unlike the F20, and it can spank the F20 with a brute force approach. Additionally, parts and mods for the 5S/3S family of engines are widely available and cheap, unlike the F20.

And as a mid engine car it has a balance and handling advantage from the start.

:thumbsdown:

Not to knock the MR-2 (a classic for sure), but the S2000 is technically a mid-engined car (entire engine is located behind the front axle), it has perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and there is a vast aftermarket for both the F20 and F22, with loads of custom intakes, headers (including electronic bypasses), exhausts, supercharger kits, turbocharger kits, ways to increase stroke to 2.4L, cams, flashable ECU kits (06+ can be flashed with just your laptop and the right software/hardware package), differential gearing sets, aero and widebody kits, suspensions, chassis braces, roll bars and cages, custom subwoofer enclosures, etc.

A bolt-on 10 psi supercharger kit from a number of respected manufacturers will take an otherwise stock F22 to nearly 400 HP at the wheels. Want more power? Go from there. Stroked and built F20s (2.4L) can achieve nearly 300 HP at the wheels, naturally aspirated.

Point is, there is plenty of brute force to be had if you want it.

Again, MR-2s are cool and the OP should look for those, too, but don't discount the S2000 for reasons that just aren't true.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: audiotherapy
where do you find a good condition s2000 for 11k? most i've seen around that price are savaged or high miles 00'01 with plastic rear windows.

it's funny that you mention plastic windows like a bad thing because the reason why they went from plastic to glass windows was actually to cut costs, not the other way around...

Let's see, glass windows:

1) Don't scratch.
2) Don't cloud over with age.
3) Last much, much, much longer.
4) Can have a defroster.

Yeah, I can't figure out why anyone would think glass windows are better either. :roll:

Seriously, do you sit around trying to think of the dumbest thing you can possibly post?

ZV

Plastic windows can be stronger
aren't brittle
can be folded (at least in the case of the S2000)
since they can be folded, in the case of the S2000 there isn't that blindspot issue like there is with the glass rear windows on the newer s2000s
are lighter (saves weight)
possibly cheaper to replace? (cause people like you don't like them)

 

[Toastedlightly]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: audiotherapy
where do you find a good condition s2000 for 11k? most i've seen around that price are savaged or high miles 00'01 with plastic rear windows.

it's funny that you mention plastic windows like a bad thing because the reason why they went from plastic to glass windows was actually to cut costs, not the other way around...

Let's see, glass windows:

1) Don't scratch.
2) Don't cloud over with age.
3) Last much, much, much longer.
4) Can have a defroster.

Yeah, I can't figure out why anyone would think glass windows are better either. :roll:

Seriously, do you sit around trying to think of the dumbest thing you can possibly post?

ZV

Plastic windows can be stronger
aren't brittle
can be folded (at least in the case of the S2000)
since they can be folded, in the case of the S2000 there isn't that blindspot issue like there is with the glass rear windows on the newer s2000s
are lighter (saves weight)
possibly cheaper to replace? (cause people like you don't like them)

The plastic used in the windows isn't stronger (at least in the Miata and S2000 I have looked at).
They are brittle in the cold. I take great care to be gentle with the rear window as it becomes so stiff in winter.
Folding your window is what causes the window to deteriorate!
I'll give you lighter.
Can't comment on replacing.

After having a glass windows VW Cabriolet and a plastic windowed Miata, I can't wait to get a different top for the Miata that has the glass window.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain

Originally posted by: exdeath
91 MR2 Turbo. Not technically a roadster, but it's in the same class, <= $8k for a whole lot of potential. Though it doesn't meet your criteria for: convertible (it's a T top) and easy to work on (mid engine + turbo = 15 lbs in a 5 lb bag). Though there is a large aftermarket and support community.

If you are looking for something to modify and tinker with, the 3SGTE engine is several notches above what anything else in that class is packing, including the S2k (might not be high revving or as technologically advanced as far as materials and valve train go, but it has gobs of torque unlike the F20, and it can spank the F20 with a brute force approach. Additionally, parts and mods for the 5S/3S family of engines are widely available and cheap, unlike the F20.

And as a mid engine car it has a balance and handling advantage from the start.

:thumbsdown:

Not to knock the MR-2 (a classic for sure), but the S2000 is technically a mid-engined car (entire engine is located behind the front axle), it has perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and there is a vast aftermarket for both the F20 and F22, with loads of custom intakes, headers (including electronic bypasses), exhausts, supercharger kits, turbocharger kits, ways to increase stroke to 2.4L, cams, flashable ECU kits (06+ can be flashed with just your laptop and the right software/hardware package), differential gearing sets, aero and widebody kits, suspensions, chassis braces, roll bars and cages, custom subwoofer enclosures, etc.

A bolt-on 10 psi supercharger kit from a number of respected manufacturers will take an otherwise stock F22 to nearly 400 HP at the wheels. Want more power? Go from there. Stroked and built F20s (2.4L) can achieve nearly 300 HP at the wheels, naturally aspirated.

Point is, there is plenty of brute force to be had if you want it.

Again, MR-2s are cool and the OP should look for those, too, but don't discount the S2000 for reasons that just aren't true.

Uh...what?

Also, he said "older" and "cheap." Show me a built S2000 that's cheap.

As far as the aftermarket options- my MR2 has-
Intake (Apexi)
Downpipe (Berk Technology)
Intercooler (XS Power)
Exhaust (Berk Technology)
Sway bars (Suspension Techniques)
Adjustable shocks (Koni)
Axle cages (TCS Motorsports)
Plus a bunch of other stuff.

Cams are available, along with head and block work. Stroker motors are possible - you can even mate a 5SFE Camry block to the 3SGTE. Shorter gearing is available, but not necessary when you have torque.

Not to discount the S2000, but I just looked up a Vortech supercharger - over $4000 for the cheapest one. I can get an entire Gen3 3SGTE engine / LSD transmission for that...drop it in a $2000 MR2 shell, add an aftermarket intercooler and manual boost controller and be running 12's on an otherwise stock engine - for a lot less money.

Obviously there are different ways to do everything - but suggesting a built (whether NA or FI) S2000 for a guy looking for some cheap fun is not far short of ludicrous.

 

[EightySix Four]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain

Originally posted by: exdeath
91 MR2 Turbo. Not technically a roadster, but it's in the same class, <= $8k for a whole lot of potential. Though it doesn't meet your criteria for: convertible (it's a T top) and easy to work on (mid engine + turbo = 15 lbs in a 5 lb bag). Though there is a large aftermarket and support community.

If you are looking for something to modify and tinker with, the 3SGTE engine is several notches above what anything else in that class is packing, including the S2k (might not be high revving or as technologically advanced as far as materials and valve train go, but it has gobs of torque unlike the F20, and it can spank the F20 with a brute force approach. Additionally, parts and mods for the 5S/3S family of engines are widely available and cheap, unlike the F20.

And as a mid engine car it has a balance and handling advantage from the start.

:thumbsdown:

Not to knock the MR-2 (a classic for sure), but the S2000 is technically a mid-engined car (entire engine is located behind the front axle), it has perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and there is a vast aftermarket for both the F20 and F22, with loads of custom intakes, headers (including electronic bypasses), exhausts, supercharger kits, turbocharger kits, ways to increase stroke to 2.4L, cams, flashable ECU kits (06+ can be flashed with just your laptop and the right software/hardware package), differential gearing sets, aero and widebody kits, suspensions, chassis braces, roll bars and cages, custom subwoofer enclosures, etc.

A bolt-on 10 psi supercharger kit from a number of respected manufacturers will take an otherwise stock F22 to nearly 400 HP at the wheels. Want more power? Go from there. Stroked and built F20s (2.4L) can achieve nearly 300 HP at the wheels, naturally aspirated.

Point is, there is plenty of brute force to be had if you want it.

Again, MR-2s are cool and the OP should look for those, too, but don't discount the S2000 for reasons that just aren't true.

There is a very very big different between front mid mounted engines and rear mid mounted engines.

 

[PricklyPete]

I would buy a MX-5 in a heartbeat. I nearly did earlier this summer and was seriously planning on buying one this fall...but those plans are put on hold as I'm considering some property. Regardless, the MX-5 is as fun as sports cars get.

 

[misle]

Also, I don't plan to swap engines, or mod the engine with turbo/super chargers or any of that. And I don't care about glass vs plastic because if I can't take the top down, I'm not driving it that day!

I just want a fun car.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: misle
Also, I don't plan to swap engines, or mod the engine with turbo/super chargers or any of that. And I don't care about glass vs plastic because if I can't take the top down, I'm not driving it that day!

I just want a fun car.

What's your price range?

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/ctd/1436032367.html <- a bit pricey for a turbo

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/1435022544.html <- non-turbo MR2

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1433123186.html <- V8 S2000 :Q

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/ctd/1434814475.html <- regular S2000

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: audiotherapy
where do you find a good condition s2000 for 11k? most i've seen around that price are savaged or high miles 00'01 with plastic rear windows.

it's funny that you mention plastic windows like a bad thing because the reason why they went from plastic to glass windows was actually to cut costs, not the other way around...

Let's see, glass windows:

1) Don't scratch.
2) Don't cloud over with age.
3) Last much, much, much longer.
4) Can have a defroster.

Yeah, I can't figure out why anyone would think glass windows are better either. :roll:

Seriously, do you sit around trying to think of the dumbest thing you can possibly post?

ZV

Plastic windows can be stronger
aren't brittle
can be folded (at least in the case of the S2000)
since they can be folded, in the case of the S2000 there isn't that blindspot issue like there is with the glass rear windows on the newer s2000s
are lighter (saves weight)
possibly cheaper to replace? (cause people like you don't like them)

Fact: Automotive plastic windows are NOT stronger than glass windows. Plus, they scratch easily and when folded repeatedly (as they are in a convertible that has its top repeatedly opened and closed) they wear and weaken. When left in the sun they fade and become brittle...this takes only a couple seasons from new on a car that is driven frequently.

The ONLY advantage is they are lighter and cheaper.

I've actually owned a convertible with a glass rear window and I've driven a number of convertibles with plastic rear windows. Glass is FAR superior if it's a car you want to live with on a daily basis. Glass would be a selling point for me quite honestly. Plastic is horrible.

 

[misle]

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: misle
Also, I don't plan to swap engines, or mod the engine with turbo/super chargers or any of that. And I don't care about glass vs plastic because if I can't take the top down, I'm not driving it that day!

I just want a fun car.

What's your price range?

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/ctd/1436032367.html <- a bit pricey for a turbo

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/1435022544.html <- non-turbo MR2

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1433123186.html <- V8 S2000 :Q

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/ctd/1434814475.html <- regular S2000

Yeah, I looked at most of those in the last couple days.

I'm thinking around $10k, less if I can get it. But I'll probably wait until spring, unless a really good deal pops up. Right now, I'm just planning ahead.

 

[mwmorph]

Get a MR2 Spyder.

A Miata is more livable day to day and a S2000 will be faster in a straight line, but there is nothing like having the 2nd lightest car in America with a Mid engine RWD platform.

It weighs 2150lbs in manual trim (v.s. 2350/2410 for a Miata(2nd gen/3rd gen) and a portly 2800 for a MR2 from 1990-1995).

The only car lighter than a MR2 is a Lotus Elise/Extige(1980/2015lbs).

What that means is true MR handling, a true convertible, glass rear window, and 140hp in a 2150lb package.

I personally think the 2nd gen MR2s are horribly overrated. They're 15 years old now at least, 600+lbs heavier and while great at the time, cars have moved on. There's some cars like the MR2 Turbo and Supra Turbo that were undeniably wonderful cars at the time, but don't deserve the godlike worship people give them nowadays.

The MR2 Spyder does 0-60 in 7 seconds v.s. 6 for the S2000/MR2 Turbo and 8 for the Miata. It is generally regarded to be sharper than the Miata and thus, harder to daily drive as a daily a to b car, but for a weekend car I think it'd be perfect.

A lot of enthusiasts have a orgasm whenever the word turbocharger is mentioned, but really, I've driven turboed MR2s and owned a MR2 Spyder (as well as driven more high powered MR2 Spyders with 2zz-fe and turbos) and I really prefer the MR2 Spyder by a large margin, it just feels much more direct, much more tossable and more fun to drive, not even compared to a MR2 Turbo, but even a Miata from the same year (2000).

It's also quite an attention getter. I didn't get the feminine car comments, but rather when people asked, they wanted to know what it was. Lots of people kept asking me if it was a lamborghini at gas stations for some reasons.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1436277441.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1434910249.html

 

[jlee]

I'd love to drive a Mk3, but I'm spoiled by the power I have now..not sure I would want to knock a hundred horses off..

It'd be a blast to have one with a 2zz, though.

 

[misle]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
Get a MR2 Spyder.

A Miata is more livable day to day and a S2000 will be faster in a straight line, but there is nothing like having the 2nd lightest car in America with a Mid engine RWD platform.

It weighs 2150lbs in manual trim (v.s. 2350/2410 for a Miata(2nd gen/3rd gen) and a portly 2800 for a MR2 from 1990-1995).

The only car lighter than a MR2 is a Lotus Elise/Extige(1980/2015lbs).

What that means is true MR handling, a true convertible, glass rear window, and 140hp in a 2150lb package.

I personally think the 2nd gen MR2s are horribly overrated. They're 15 years old now at least, 600+lbs heavier and while great at the time, cars have moved on. There's some cars like the MR2 Turbo and Supra Turbo that were undeniably wonderful cars at the time, but don't deserve the godlike worship people give them nowadays.

The MR2 Spyder does 0-60 in 7 seconds v.s. 6 for the S2000/MR2 Turbo and 8 for the Miata. It is generally regarded to be sharper than the Miata and thus, harder to daily drive as a daily a to b car, but for a weekend car I think it'd be perfect.

A lot of enthusiasts have a orgasm whenever the word turbocharger is mentioned, but really, I've driven turboed MR2s and owned a MR2 Spyder (as well as driven more high powered MR2 Spyders with 2zz-fe and turbos) and I really prefer the MR2 Spyder by a large margin, it just feels much more direct, much more tossable and more fun to drive, not even compared to a MR2 Turbo, but even a Miata from the same year (2000).

It's also quite an attention getter. I didn't get the feminine car comments, but rather when people asked, they wanted to know what it was. Lots of people kept asking me if it was a lamborghini at gas stations for some reasons.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1436277441.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1434910249.html

I'm glad you posted this. I've looked at both of those ads today and that is, by far, the convertible that's most pleasing to my eyes. That's some great info, thanks.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: JLee
I'd love to drive a Mk3, but I'm spoiled by the power I have now..not sure I would want to knock a hundred horses off..

It'd be a blast to have one with a 2zz, though.

How is the reliability of the MR2 as a day to day car with so many years on it? Also what year is yours? I've always wanted one to tool around with, but I've never really been sold on buying a turboed 15-20 year old car.

I've gone the whole power route and it's nice, but really, meh, I don't think it made me any happier about the car.

I got my 2000 MR2 stock, started off with cosmetic mods (replaced toyota cowboy hat badge with MR2 1st gen badges, larger wind deflector).

Then I got some chassis bracing/struts/springs and went Autocrossing.

Then I actually did end up splurging on the Turbo kit (used Hass, don't think he makes them anymore, but Monkeywrench Racing now makes some nice ones for the Spyder community). I ended up daily driving at 225WHP and tracked it once at 265WHP and really, it's not in the spirit of the car. It's fun being able to keep up with Corvettes and 911s up to about 120mph pulling high 12s at the 1/4 mile but in the end I think I would have been just as happy stock or close to it.

It's different in a coupe v.s. a roadster. Whenever I'm in a sports car coupe, yeah I want to go fast (case in point whenever I drive a M3 or G35, I want to go fast and do it loudly), but my favorite experience ever in a convertible was in a 2004 BMW 325Ci with a 5 speed manual. It wasn't the fastest car, but it handled well and it made the drive fun because of the act of driving itself, not because I was able to see my speedo get up to 100mph in less than 10 seconds. In a convertible, it's about putting the top down on a nice day and just going somewhere, not necessarily stressing about keeping at the edge of your tire loading, but rather being involved enough to have fun driving while being relaxed enough to just enjoy the view/experience with some good song on the stereo and a back road.

edit: Here's the new MWR turbo kit, looks like they upped he boost which is worrisome, I know that lots of people had issues when playing with boost pressures on a daily driver. 225RWHP is safe, 265 is pushing it and ~300 with all stock internals is just asking for a grenaded 1ZZ-FE after a few k miles.

The Hessmo Stage 2 kit I had was a bit more conservatively tuned than the MWR base kit and provided reliable operation(6-7psi provided ~225hp 11-12psi provided ~265).
Text

 

[yelo333]

Originally posted by: misle

I'm glad you posted this. I've looked at both of those ads today and that is, by far, the convertible that's most pleasing to my eyes. That's some great info, thanks.

Indeed, same here. (Hope this isn't derailing the thread) While I'm not in the market for a new car right now, I'm really excited to hear about a reasonably affordable mid engined sports car besides the elise. This thing looks like a blast to drive, why hadn't I heard of it before?

Any thoughts on reliability? It'd have to be a DD/only car for me.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: yelo333

Originally posted by: misle

I'm glad you posted this. I've looked at both of those ads today and that is, by far, the convertible that's most pleasing to my eyes. That's some great info, thanks.

Indeed, same here. (Hope this isn't derailing the thread) While I'm not in the market for a new car right now, I'm really excited to hear about a reasonably affordable mid engined sports car besides the elise. This thing looks like a blast to drive, why hadn't I heard of it before?

Any thoughts on reliability? It'd have to be a DD/only car for me.

Reliability is fine, the components are all Toyota. Powertrain is shared with most of Toyota's small car lineup (Corolla, Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, etc.).

The reason you haven't heard of them is their rarity. 2000-2005, Toyota imported 24,527. From April 2004-July 2007, Porsche made 100,000 911s, Ferrari made 16000 F360s from 1999-2005, so the MR2 is a very rare car.

 

[FDF12389]

I drove and eclipse spider with a turbo 2.4 and a awd conversion kit, if i had the time to put the work into it I would make that. DSMs are pretty cheap these days.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain

Originally posted by: exdeath
91 MR2 Turbo. Not technically a roadster, but it's in the same class, <= $8k for a whole lot of potential. Though it doesn't meet your criteria for: convertible (it's a T top) and easy to work on (mid engine + turbo = 15 lbs in a 5 lb bag). Though there is a large aftermarket and support community.

If you are looking for something to modify and tinker with, the 3SGTE engine is several notches above what anything else in that class is packing, including the S2k (might not be high revving or as technologically advanced as far as materials and valve train go, but it has gobs of torque unlike the F20, and it can spank the F20 with a brute force approach. Additionally, parts and mods for the 5S/3S family of engines are widely available and cheap, unlike the F20.

And as a mid engine car it has a balance and handling advantage from the start.

:thumbsdown:

Not to knock the MR-2 (a classic for sure), but the S2000 is technically a mid-engined car (entire engine is located behind the front axle), it has perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and there is a vast aftermarket for both the F20 and F22, with loads of custom intakes, headers (including electronic bypasses), exhausts, supercharger kits, turbocharger kits, ways to increase stroke to 2.4L, cams, flashable ECU kits (06+ can be flashed with just your laptop and the right software/hardware package), differential gearing sets, aero and widebody kits, suspensions, chassis braces, roll bars and cages, custom subwoofer enclosures, etc.

A bolt-on 10 psi supercharger kit from a number of respected manufacturers will take an otherwise stock F22 to nearly 400 HP at the wheels. Want more power? Go from there. Stroked and built F20s (2.4L) can achieve nearly 300 HP at the wheels, naturally aspirated.

Point is, there is plenty of brute force to be had if you want it.

Again, MR-2s are cool and the OP should look for those, too, but don't discount the S2000 for reasons that just aren't true.

Wasn't really knocking the S2000, just saying the MR2 already has a turbo setup ready to go You need $4k+ just to get the S2000 as mod ready as the MR-2 is stock (eg: SC or turbo kit), and without a bottom end rebuild to lower compression your boost is limited.

I'd argue that MR2 parts are easier to come by than S2000 parts as well, and are a lot cheaper. The 3S has been around a lot longer and in multiple cars (MR-2 and Celica) and shares many parts with the 5S, while the F series is fairly exclusive. The sleeveless iron block of the 3S is also > F series. 3S engines have been taken to 700+ WHP with 2.0 and 2.2L, not that it's a factor for OPs purposes.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: mwmorph

Originally posted by: JLee
I'd love to drive a Mk3, but I'm spoiled by the power I have now..not sure I would want to knock a hundred horses off..

It'd be a blast to have one with a 2zz, though.

How is the reliability of the MR2 as a day to day car with so many years on it? Also what year is yours? I've always wanted one to tool around with, but I've never really been sold on buying a turboed 15-20 year old car.

I've gone the whole power route and it's nice, but really, meh, I don't think it made me any happier about the car.

I got my 2000 MR2 stock, started off with cosmetic mods (replaced toyota cowboy hat badge with MR2 1st gen badges, larger wind deflector).

Then I got some chassis bracing/struts/springs and went Autocrossing.

Then I actually did end up splurging on the Turbo kit (used Hass, don't think he makes them anymore, but Monkeywrench Racing now makes some nice ones for the Spyder community). I ended up daily driving at 225WHP and tracked it once at 265WHP and really, it's not in the spirit of the car. It's fun being able to keep up with Corvettes and 911s up to about 120mph pulling high 12s at the 1/4 mile but in the end I think I would have been just as happy stock or close to it.

It's different in a coupe v.s. a roadster. Whenever I'm in a sports car coupe, yeah I want to go fast (case in point whenever I drive a M3 or G35, I want to go fast and do it loudly), but my favorite experience ever in a convertible was in a 2004 BMW 325Ci with a 5 speed manual. It wasn't the fastest car, but it handled well and it made the drive fun because of the act of driving itself, not because I was able to see my speedo get up to 100mph in less than 10 seconds. In a convertible, it's about putting the top down on a nice day and just going somewhere, not necessarily stressing about keeping at the edge of your tire loading, but rather being involved enough to have fun driving while being relaxed enough to just enjoy the view/experience with some good song on the stereo and a back road.

edit: Here's the new MWR turbo kit, looks like they upped he boost which is worrisome, I know that lots of people had issues when playing with boost pressures on a daily driver. 225RWHP is safe, 265 is pushing it and ~300 with all stock internals is just asking for a grenaded 1ZZ-FE after a few k miles.

The Hessmo Stage 2 kit I had was a bit more conservatively tuned than the MWR base kit and provided reliable operation(6-7psi provided ~225hp 11-12psi provided ~265).
Text

I bought mine (1991) with a bit under 240k on the chassis and about 60k on the motor/trans. In 1.5 years, I've replaced a lot of stuff but have never been stranded. Once I caught up with fixing everything from the previous owner (he had very stiff swaybars with stock endlinks..was not good. Blown shocks also).., I think the only thing I had to do was replace the turbo gasket (did it in my driveway) and maintenance stuff (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc). She's far from perfect, but it's really a great car. I thought about driving from Maine to Cali - I'm more worried about burning the vacation time than I am about getting there. Toyota really overbuilt the 3SGTE.

I've not heard good things about turbo'd 1ZZFE's - I used to have a Corolla (same engine) and there are a few guys who have turbocharged them, and I'm not sure I remember any of them who haven't gone through at least one engine. Granted, they may have pushed a bit harder, and a LOT of them came up with their own kit since there wasn't much to work with back then.

That said, I would love to drive one - I used to have an '86 MR2 with a 1.6l 4AGE and it was by no means fast, but a blast to drive nonetheless. There are some guys at NewCelica who have made an aftermarket intake manifold for the 2ZZGE and are allegedly seeing some good power gains. In that case, I'd seriously consider a Mk3 MR2 with a 2ZZ swap. I also like to hit the track every now and again (1/4 now, autox eventually)...but I imagine for most people, a bone-stock MR2 of any generation would provide a great driving experience.

If anyone is seriously interested in an MR2, I'd strongly recommend you go to MR2OC and do some research. (Free) registration is required, but the quantity of knowledge there is nothing short of incredible. There's a great group of helpful people there as well.

 

[ayabe]

MR2's are nice, but t-tops are meh. I'd love to own a hardtop, but they are almost impossible to find at a reasonable price.