I bought a low mileage Toyota MR2 for £1000

[@alanelder3259]

Nice MR2 James. Quick flip to an enthusiast.

[@jameshann5344]

Hi James, there is a place in Bideford that specialises in MR2 roofs, i've got a MR2 myself identical to yours, i'm going there next week to have mine to done in a nice red colour.

[@Wellibob68]

Absolutely worth it. If you can afford it. Keep it. It'll last ages and they're so much fun to drive. Your choice.

[@grantleyhughes]

So pleased I live in Australia. On cars of that age we just don't see that rust. My Mk1 Focus with 225,000kms is like factory underneath. I like that the NR2 is s manual instead of that awful semi auto thing.

[@peterkirwan3337]

Nice car ,alloys are standard on Toyota of that age.needs four tyres they look to old to be safe. Keep up the great work an honest car dealer is a pleasure to watch 🇮🇪

[@broomad]

In addition to underbody rust, the other thing to watch out for on the MR2 is the pre-catalytic converter which can break up and destroy the engine. Loads of info about this on the web\KZbin

[@danielrussell446]

Great save James a well cared for low mileage mr2 and I think you have saved it in time it would be good for you to keep it and give it some chops magic

[@muffindell]

It's a rare keeper, these will only go up in value, but needs underside dry ice blasting, rust converter sprayed, then something like Waxoil pumped everywhere. Probably be too much for Chops to take on unless you want a sure fun investment.

[@fatkev1983]

They don't cost a lot to sort, generally speaking... great fun cars to drive, even with the stock engine. I got one with a factory hardtop and AC earlier this year. There are a few good specialist breakers for these cars in the UK too. The red cloth seats are probably the best. They don't get scorching hot in the sun and you don't slide about in them when cornering, unlike the leather seats. The red also looks good against the silver or black cars. Downside is the cloth seats to wear faster and can't just be given leather feed and or a paint job to refresh.

[@thomasfrancis5747]

Definitely right to grab it - only way the price is going is up. Tyre brands - getting like Matt at High Peak...Sort out the seat position and give it a proper road test. Could be a good raffle prize for a classic car enthusiast to fettle.

[@AndyfromSurrey]

If the rear cross member is ok it looks like a simple wire brush and rust protection would sort the underside. I bought one of these a few weeks back but no rust. I had to sort handbrake, refurbish alloys, new tyres, service it and general tidying up. It is now a lovely example and such a hoot to drive. I have also used lanoguard underneath and in wheel arches & replaced shocks & springs with sports items. If you want a fun car that is also reliable keep it. The MR2 owners club is incredibly knowledgeable & helpful to.

[@lollylaunder]

I had a black mr2 roadster from new for three years. Absolutely loved it. Was the best handling car I ever had. By today's standards its under powered but I always thought that was a good thing as you could pretty much drive it at ten tenths and still not get into too much trouble

[@markfoden765]

Nice one James,hopefully it makes a massive healthy profit for you as you deserve it being the most genuine,honest dealer I know on and off KZbin,I know you had the one knobhead hater in the comments and I apologise to you for replying to them in the way I did but I really pisses me off when you get these sad losers who know nothing but feel the need to be nasty with a personal comment so I'll always have you're back with disgusting humans like asif9700

[@matthewthomas1925]

Had one from nearly new in 2000 on a W plate, was a great car but came with better spec full leather etc , as said before great fun car to drive and with soft potenzas on sticks like sh@t to a blanket . No space and roof leaked on mine , be aware it has bags inside the rear quarter to collect rain and they slosh about when you are driving- only way out was a sponge and rapping your knuckles

[@jdmguy44]

A fundamentally good example. Not much for an enthusiast to do to get it mint. Never owned one but drove my brother's 2000MY a few times back in the day. Great little cars.

[@davidives7204]

I bought an MR2 blind, it was superb. I did feel like Noddy driving it at times but it was great fun.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

I bought a y reg one with 200k on it, lime green, no real problems, sold it for 1495 I think in view of the miles, but tbh everything was good on it.

[@alansimpson835]

Good to see you've taken it out of hiding. I reckon it's worth doing the work on it. The mileage is low and condition good so worth sorting out the underside before it gets any worse

[@davejenkins6896]

A great project for your girl to get busy scraping of all that rust & painting restoring the steering & suspension with help from dad all when time allows & slowly creating a half decent eg of what will be a rare & while we all watch the videos maybe creating a valuable car - what better present could you wish give Brook when she reaches 21& what happy memories she will have created by working over the coming years with dear old dad ? 💝👩‍❤‍👩

[@beswickdale]

Sell it on to an enthusiast to restore. You've got enough projects on the go already. Either that or sell it to Matt at High Peaks Auto as he likes over spending!

[@falcol160459]

Good job it's one of the post face-lift cars as the earlier ones were prone to severe engine problems..probably worth removing the pre cats as a precaution anyway as they won't affect the emissions.. Handbrake can be a pain to set up and keep it functioning as it should . But a fun car to drive..

[@chrisblay]

You've got that just in time to save it.

[@mattwebb172]

Me personally think you did ok with this one James a lot of work to be done though, and possibly a few surprises along the way, maybe best to make a few quid on it and let it go.

[@AndrewDKinsey]

I had one of these, good fun to drive, nowhere to store anything, and my roof leaked, but still good fun. Just had to replace a lamda sensor.

[@raydavison2972]

We had one of those from new and the wheels were corroding within eighteen months. Replaced under warranty but Toyota wheels do seem prone to early corrosion

[@OrangeChimney]

Great car. I had an automatic in silver back in 2009. Loved it. Would buy another in a heartbeat.

[@ged3680]

Sir, thank you for uploading another interesting video. Take no notice of the nasty comments, I’ve always enjoyed your videos. Ged.

[@michaelthompson6885]

Just remember James these cars had the faulty pistons and were notorious oil burners unless they had had the recall work done which was basically a new bottom end so fair play to you for gambling a grand on it.

[@markbro4427]

Later facelift cars which that one is were apparently sorted from mid 2003 on....I have an 04 owned 12 years and doesn't use any oil at all.

[@video99couk]

5:06 Strange to not have remote central locking and immobiliser. My 1994 Toyota Celica had that from new, though I did have to replace it about 10 years ago now. I wonder if the original remote / immobiliser system has expired and been patched out.

[@Smarty72]

Great cars, I’ve had three over the last 13 years. Things to check; Rear subframe, Steering UJ Power steering pipes If you have a small oil leak, it will most likely be the ‘O’ ring for the chain tensioner (easy job) Oil looks clean, so doubt it’s an oil burner (some, that haven’t been regularly serviced, can drink lots of oil) The drains for the hood (can clog up and flood the car) Bottom corner of the radiator will eventually leak if it hasn’t been changed already. They are quite cheap although bleeding them afterwards can be a pain. Looks like a solid car that needs a little ‘titivation’ and will live on for many years to come.

[@Lot76CARS]

That’s probably an ex Toyota GB car looking at the reg number. The problem (as others have mentioned) is the pre-cats that tend to break up and get ingested. However, as they are never likely to produce another MR2 they have to be a decent bet at that prices, albeit with rust risks

[@simonkeay738]

Looks like a good One James, Just traded mine in for my dream car, got the same money you gave after having it for 15 years, (Paid £2700 in 2009) they are such fun to drive and pretty quick just watch out in the wet, when they let go they go! Replaced the rear sub fame on mine , ( easy enough job) also the roof and the engine due to disintegrating Pre cats , Toyota reliability ? The roofs can look really tatty but never seem to let in any water, MR2 Ben great for spares .

[@pkeiths1594]

i had 3 toyotas and they all went to 100k + with out the need for a clutch ..Maybe my driving mainly motorway

[@adrianflower3230]

Right time of year to grab an MR2 👍👍

[@dan44zzt231]

For a Totota of that era its pretty sold. Flip it to an enthusiast you wants to do a proper mechanical/underside restoration. Please don't wire brush it and cover it in gunge, will be in the scrapyard within a couple of years if you do that, needs done properly to save it.

[@MrJonah30]

There a a smashing car, all the surface rust is only a small thing

[@mrv8rick2]

Good Trike fodder chop it in half Z1000 forks tiller bars away you go LOL. I used to build trikes car and bikes We were on our to Derbyshire to a doo. we used to frequent the odd pub on A59 to York and A57 Derby . This day we stopped and there was a MR2 gathering and pint in hand I was upside down looking all over a few of them . the guy running it was so happy that these bike peeps were so interested in MR2's. He was heatbroke when I told him I wanted my next project and was looking how easy it would be to chop. EU type approval and my health saved them LOL

[@danielsellers8538]

Its main problem is surface rust and a good clean-up all round

[@markcoyle5648]

"a little crusty"...aka rotten as a pear.

[@jdmguy44]

​@@markcoyle5648some surface rust around the rear. Easy to turn that around. Sills look good. Definitely not "rotten as a pear".

[@gleng6812]

I would say worth spending time on it for the content and then this would be a superb raffle car

[@richardhaywoodh]

IF the handbrake was working, on a rear wheel drive car if you put the handbrake on a bit it gives resistance to the wheel that has lost traction, almost like locking the rear diff, it's got me through snow a few times in my old Rover P5B and P6 3500s manual in the past

[@markbro4427]

Should have remote keys for lock/ unlock. Toyo tyres are a favourite tyre recommended by the owners club without breaking the bank. Battery is small and only lasts 3-4 weeks if not used. Handbrake is crap on them all even with all new parts fitted lol. I have an 04 with 36000 miles and its mint underneath, owned 12 years.

[@ChopsGarage]

Interesting everyone says handbrake crap

[@ChopsGarage]

Surface rust is what you get if you park car 2 or 3 years after being wet

[@markbro4427]

​@@ChopsGarageI think around that time alot of Toyota's had poor handbrakes. I slacken the cable off at the lever, pump the brakes a dozen times, pull the lever up one click and tighten the cable at the lever until just dragging....when released off the one click it should be free. So far that has worked for me for the MOT.

[@timhancock6626]

That looks a good tidier upper for somebody. There was one abandoned at a property round here, but it didnt look as good as yours. This or MG TF for fun car ? I think Toyota.

[@theghost7260]

Living the dream James !!

[@terencesoutham4262]

Would be nice to have the bottom ice blasted, very nice car.

[@ryanperry3105]

At the end of the day, you are in the lucky position that your hobby overlaps with your job. Yes, you have a few projects on the go, but sometimes you can't pass up an opportunity - as long as the business is bringing in the money to cover the bills, don't listen to the detractors!

[@johnbarr09]

Agree nice car, check the rear subframe and also the precat as if they fail it causes catastrophic engine damage, so definitely worth replacing but overall lovely car with minor issues

[@christucker8613]

Brother in-law had one a few years back. Engine fire nearly killed him, managed to get out with just a hair singe. Burned to the ground.

[@TonyMoore-so1lp]

I think it would be perfect for someone to have at home and tinker and play and simply enjoy .

[@davidworsley7969]

All depends on what you want from it- U tube content (nothing wrong with that), Get a full service and MOT and lose a pile of cash or move it on quietly. I know what I'd do but it's your shout.

[@chrisaris8756]

Good thing to grab it. Move it straight on otherwise it’ll join the others stuck in the corner! Is there an MR2 owners club? That’s who I’d contact

[@johnmackenzie7487]

I have always liked that MR2 model, I did have an earlier MR2 Rev 3 or 2, can't remember. I loved that car but it needed a head gasket so I parted company with it, as the price quoted was scary.

[@davidstevens1547]

Great car. Not sure you you should do it. Suggest you ask the boys for a pre MOT check to see how much is involved then decide.

[@highpath4776]

try exporting it to Usagi Electric in Texas - he likes his Japanese stuff and the price seems reasonable even with export costs, he might combine with a flight to UK on some work (sells farm equipment I think) or other toys - vintage computers ) to at least see it

[@simonp1]

Right to grab it, pass it on and keep track

[@stephenpoessl5464]

Great little car. Someone could clean it up do some rust prevention keep the miles low it will make money in a few years time

[@markpierce8674]

Keep going doing your job I love that one

[@ChopsGarage]

Thank you, I will

[@jasonharryphotog]

See if you can find a buyer with it finished give a list of jobs to be done with an estimated finished price , extras will be extra

[@TheFoolishboy9]

A modern classic, I would pick that above any of your stock. It's a shame you don't own it. The fantastic, Corsa C

[@ianrichards4907]

oo some hatey comments today , good luck to you, a nice little earner once in a while makes up for all the crap you put up with

[@NigelLegg-hz6ur]

Seen a lands end trial video with one of these in it.

[@rawschri]

Toyota alloys from that era were notorious for peeling on our roads ..

[@robblack7560]

Chain-driven cam drive, bullet-proof engine. That's a keeper.

[@gillscorner794]

Definitely one for an enthusiast, well saved - was that a £2k invoice a few years ago?

[@ChopsGarage]

Did not notice values tbh

[@iamyourfuture808]

future classic for sure. bung it away in a dry lock up somewhere for a few years.... same goes for cheap Audi TT's, mk 5 Golfs, some Mini Coopers, Porsche Boxsters etc which can be bought for peanuts right now.

[@nickjones2536]

Hope Bella is doing OK 👍👍

[@gordongourlay7423]

What a great car, it's a keeper 🎉

[@philipadams4043]

Get MOT machine polish etc, up for sale £1995

[@philwass481]

Why not start up a Chops Auction for things like this?

[@RumpleXStiltXSkin]

My 02 Toyota most reliable car I’ve ever had

[@andrewcairns7719]

Nice little car for the summer😎

[@sjc1821]

I loved my silver one...enjoy James

[@colinnewlands743]

If there is a good following for these I am sure an enthusiast would love to have it and bring it back to great nic. I dont think it is a viable retail to just anyone. Sell it to someone who will love it.

[@derekfleming3095]

Ideal car for an enthusiast to do a proper restoration on Looks like it deserves to be done properly

[@roasthunter]

Underneath looks rough with that heavy corrosion on the suspensions, possibly stored on grass?

[@SPGDetailing]

Five to six g's when sorted. Nice score!

[@markbro4427]

Not a chance....I couldn't get £4000 for mine with factory hardtop and the roll bar, 36000 and like new underneath....I kept it....pic on avatar.

[@markmahone390]

Am well jealous. I paid double this privately and only got half the car of this one. I think you would get retail with this one?

[@normanheath956]

Good purchase chops😁

[@robevans8625]

The Titanic has less rust.

[@joedebattista7125]

😂😂

[@Andreasy2]

Its just a bit of surface rust *sarcasm off*

[@robevans8625]

@@Andreasy2 "surface rust" by the time its wire wheeled off, all the metal will also be gone.

[@eszenix]

@@robevans8625I thought that was a bit excessive as well and will take a lot to tidy up…I have one I bought with 122k miles, perfect runner, great body work and is 100x cleaner underneath and has never had anything done in terms of restoration although that’s what’s next for it just before the summer.

[@paultaylor9652]

As always Jimbo, a great watch.

[@gwengo4167]

Shift it on to an enthusiast. I don’t think this variant is the most popular of the MR2 range. I much prefer the mk2 👌🏻

[@ColinEccles-gp8bp]

Great car ,even my wife said she'd love to have that .

[@davidwainwright2816]

Worth doing up. Big profit

[@richardgiles2484]

Looks like a good deal mate 👍

[@paulanderton9424]

What did you end up deciding to do with the MR2 James?

[@keithhooper6123]

Have 50,000 miles on my 2007 Copen 1.3.

[@paramedicchrisbookseries]

Saving in time, love it.

[@garymorris801]

Looks a good buy to me

[@steveegginton535]

On the face of it the hood looks like the worst aspect of the car and might need replacing. I think if you start on it James you will probably end up putting a lot of work in and then might take some time to sell although summer if coming apparently! Think it would be a great project car for someone and a quick turnaround for you;

[@Finglesham]

These are not easy to work on. My son bought an import which went like a rocket as it had turbo but a piston broke a land. So engine out - big deal at home and eventually fixed it. But new pistons bearing etc. then a few months later did it again.! Hopeless so out engine again. This time quicker but hard at home. We have engine crane. They need 5* fuel. He sold it at last. Uncomfortable, very fast, dangerous in the rain was glad he got shut of it.. Yes, move it on to a young nutter.

[@jamesbellis4949]

Keep it for Brooke

[@STORMCLOUDGREY]

What you need now is a Ferrari 360 bodykit.

[@joeg8186]

See if it will mot for not too much money. You play it for a week or two, get it out of your system and then pass it on to someone who will love it. For a bit more than you put into it.

[@keithgreen9009]

£1000 mr2 , what could go wrong... apart from the era where rust protection hadn't been invented . But it would be a great we car for your daughter

[@darrenmoore7131]

You could sell the Ital (cause its not you 🤔), tgen you could keep the mr2 😀

[@ChopsGarage]

Ital more me than MR2 tbh

[@MrRedfreds]

put a shout out if anyone wants to do the work , or the lads up north , ?

[@OldCarsNewVan]

Bargain for £1k - I wouldn't normally disagree with you, but on this one I think someone would pay you the premium for you doing it up properly, detailing the engine etc etc especially as your starting point is just £1k. Even if you spent £2k on it with that mileage you'd get £4995 if it was lovely.

[@johnmoloney5296]

Do it up properly and get the premium for it, its only salt damage to be honest, mr2 i reckon is rare these days, youd never know what they'll be worth in 5 or 10 years time

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Not really a project, just a nice easy sort out, I've had a few, 3995 it tidied up in another mth.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

I would be carefully looking for structural rust underneath, early 2000's Toyotas are rust-buckets.....

[@braydenhegeman1855]

How much you want to sell it

[@ChopsGarage]

3995

[@Frog-t9z]

If you can afford to keep it James and do the work why not keep it use it in the summer