Here's Why You Need to Buy an SW20 Toyota MR2 RIGHT NOW

[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@XtrmHeat]

Which one do you favor more, this or your Celica GT4?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@XtrmHeat GT-Four! It's a childhood hero car for me

[@throwback19841]

I saw an absolutely mint, bone-stock Red SW20 pull up in my local Costco car park in Northern California recently, having quietly lusted over these for donkey's years but now that I have money, they are very hard to find in good condition, I had to go talk to the owner. A 64 year old Asian lady got out, saw me walking up and immediately said "Its not for sale". Apparently this happens to her a lot. She was kind enough to chat for a couple of minutes though when she shared among other things what her age was , that she bought it from new when the company she worked for IPO'd, that its been maintained at the same local Toyota dealership on time for 115,000 miles, even had the original radio, its her daily driver, its garaged, that she wants to give the car to her grandson at some point, and... its a manual. Absolute supergran.

[@PenryMMJ]

You were spot on with the so-called "snap oversteer" problem James. A lot of MR2 customers were used to driving front wheel drive hot hatches. When the weight is all at the front, barrel into a corner a bit to fast, lift off mid turn, and the back end slips enough to have some fun. Try that when the weight is behind you, and it's going to turn into a pendulum.

[@deadprivacy]

Its a lot more simple than that. The wheelbase is too short and the suspension geometry added to it.

[@gavsdavs]

That's just good old fashioned lift-off oversteer. The sw20 is capable of a whole bunch of weird handling quirks, and switching almost instantaneously from gentle oversteer to tons of grip (causing a switch in direction and oversteer that is the behaviour known as snap oversteer and most unique to the mid-engined layout. I love mine, but a track day isn't complete unless it's spat you off the track unexpectedly at least once.

[@deanj846]

I had a neighbour..still a mate..the list of cars he's had is mind boggling,he had a 1988 911 turbo when I met him,had various lotus esprits including a JPS and turbo's...and he openly said his then wifes s2 mr2 was dangerous...he proper drove his cars...pootle about it's fine,push it and it'll bite you..when he moved he had an RS2 avant.

[@deadprivacy]

@@deanj846 its the ultimate car for learning to drive a mid engine car, even in the video games its a bloody nightmare but once youve mastered it? It makes any other mid engined car seem tame despite having twice the power. Just two inches extra in the wheelbase even and it would be a masterpiece of design.

[@mattspong4988]

I found the mk2 MR2 great handling in the dry, but in the wet....a rather different story. The back end did like to try and become the front end 😊

[@dua1ne]

I’ve just found a mk2 model - 2 litre imported from Japan - its been garaged since 2009 and hasn’t seen the outside since then - just bought it for £2500 with 60k on the clock - imported from Japan so works out lower mileage! It’s just had a full service, mot, cambelt kit and water pump and all fluids dropped and brakes replaced. I collect it on Thursday, I’m buzzing!

[@andrewnorris5415]

Man, sounds a bargain! Just watch all the rubber seals etc with it sitting that long. Happy driving!

[@dua1ne]

@@andrewnorris5415 it is a bargain mate! Got a really good deal! I’ve driven it for around 2 weeks and now it’s hibernating until approximately April time when the weather gets better. 🙂

[@bilbowagons1407]

If you don’t mind me asking, how did you find one for so cheap? Were you just keeping an eye out at local auctions or the like?

[@jackgeraghty7363]

Hi @dua1ne could I ask how you found one so cheap? I’ve been looking at Japanese auction websites, but with shipping and all it would cost me over €10k! I’m in Ireland btw,

[@michaelrose7258]

Sound great enjoy they are a fantastic car, great driving position too

[@ojrphoto]

Had one about 8 years ago with only 50,000 miles on it. Huge vet bill meant it went...Still haunts me to this day.

[@TML34]

How’s the pet though? 😅

[@ojrphoto]

@TML34 Sadly he died during the surgery :(

[@TML34]

@@ojrphoto damn, sorry to hear that.

[@yungboicontigo9278]

@@ojrphotooh man that’s hard to deal with. Hopefully one day you’ll buy back that car you once owned.

[@deadprivacy]

Yet that story marks you as someone who matters no matter what you drive fella. A gesture many would not make for a beloved animal. RIp doggo. When you find another one, its name will be of no argument.

[@lolmeercatz10]

Just sold mine for a hefty profit after many years, they are on the up for sure. I loved mine I only sold as I had aged with it and started buying higher tier stuff which meant it didn't get driven anymore but anyone looking at sub 10k cars MR2 is well up there with the best.

[@life_on_cars]

Always enjoy your videos 👍as a Toyota Technician from the late 80s until late 90s I agree these are a great car, however if buying now please watch out for corrosion, both body and subframes- it's even worse problem on the Mk1 MR2. Other than that the mechanics are strong. All engines were developed with Yamaha who designed the cylinder head and induction system . They love RPMs. The Mk1 with the legendary 4AGE. Totally agree if you find a good standard unmolested one, get it now. 😊

[@joecarpenter861]

The Auto Alex reference was spot on 😂

[@arslan479]

Too right. As always James continues to show he understands a cars heritage & pedigree. Made my weekend thanks James 👍

[@The0rs]

No, missed it completely!

[@dominicrichardson5546]

At least he didn't get that sketchy 300zx lol

[@JohnFromAccounting]

Across from me in the business park was a car collector. He had several imported classics, like a Mustang, a C2 Corvette, a Ford pickup, and a couple more. But the one that impressed me the most was the SW20 MR-2 coupe. It was a clean specimen and had an awesome sound.

[@KoukiFPV]

I've got a 93 NA MR2 and have had it for 10 years now. Unfortunately the Red Paint has evolved into the dreaded Matte Pink, and is in need of a respray. I'm debating getting it sprayed, but in this current climate it is really hard to justify. Thankfully it's mechanically and structurally sound, but the paint lets it down. This video is pushing me towards keeping mine...

[@cafe405]

Mk1: A wedge with pop up headlights, I'm not entirely sure what more people would want?!

[@nrs6956]

Don't think people know what they want!

[@-lightningwill-6014]

a round wedge with pop ups

[@michaelcosgrove7769]

I tracked one of these for about 5 years. Excellent car, ran all day without fault, which could not be said for a lot of other makes. They could corner really quickly, but you had to catch the slide literally before it happened, as it became a lot harder once it broke away. You could really feel the weight of the engine aggravating the whole slide. I only realised how quick in the corners it actually was when I switched to a Honda EP3. It's all round quicker, but much slower in the corners. Really miss it now watching this video.

[@KO-sx9uy]

You can tune out the oversteer with a Wilhelm racing geometry correcting kit and removing sway bars plus a good alignment. Mine never loses rear traction even pushing it, just grips

[@anthonybaker5896]

I bought one in 1995 seconds hand 3 years old. I did over 100K miles of trouble free motoring over 4 years,I loved it. Nice review Jay

[@steveridge8168]

Mine is a 1997 mk2 rev 3 T Bar, Silver with Black roof, full UK spec with added Air con ( which is unusual for a Uk T Bar) 117000 miles 3 owners from new full service history and complete handbooks/service manuals. Only altered installed cassette radio for a Sony double din CD, Radio cassette player, had some issues over last 22years, new alternator, battery, alarm/central locking playing up ( removed fuse) Nylon aerial toothed cord snapped easily replaced, keeps passing MOT, needs a little body work to one sill, could do with a fresh respray and of course leather seats to be recovered nothing major. Cost £7000 in 2002 could be worth more once the above is fixed/sorted. Lucky me.

[@simmymunchkin]

I owned one of these in GT T bar from 1992 to 2011!! Fantastic car, great fun and lasted me 165 thousand miles before corrosion finally finished her off.

[@asdreww]

Same, mine also died due to corrosion

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@asdreww 140,000 miles. Sills rotted to nothing. Everything else Perfect. Sold it but felt shitty. Luv and Peace.

[@ianedmonds9191]

I did hear about Maestro Sills being a possibility but I gave up and bought BMW 320i 2.2 M54. Nowhere near as exciting but it also did me for 140,000 miles so can't complain. Had a new family at that time so MR2 was no longer practical. I probably would have tried the maestro sills if not for Callum but On balance Callum wins! 🙂 Luv and Peace.

[@Zerofightervi]

I watched some young fella write his MR2 off right in front of me at no more than 20 mph. Just started raining after a hot spell, so very slippy. Pulled off from a roundabout down a dip & then up, it swapped ends so fast he was facing a 30 mph sign side-on & put a lovely crease down his side air intake.

[@RedLP5000S]

Yep, another car I would gladly own. As a forty-something guy, I adored these when they were new to market. Yes, I likened them to the Ferrari of the day and they looked just as expensive. At the time though, if I had the opportunity I would have gone for the Nissan 300ZX. That car had flawless design and the top of the range Turbo. 1989 was a banner year for the automotive world and I truly believe that there will never be another time like it.✌🏻🇺🇸

[@ROSSYBYE]

Absolutely love my Rev 4, first car I bought with my own money, after seeing my uncles friend with a turbo when I was 8 I was obsessed. It’s my daily and rough around the edges much like this one but a real usable classic daily that turns heads and starts conversations wherever it goes. Welding has been my only issue but worth it to keep the car I love. Maybe a car I’ll never sell.

[@michaelcliffe562]

I fullfilled a dream of mine when I managed to buy one in mint, low milage bone stock condition from the elderly ex owner of a toyota dealership here in Germany. T-roof, black paint, dark grey leather. It looks absolutly stunning on a sunny sunday morning and I love it! I run it on a seasonal registration (april to october) and have no plans of ever selling it. Dream car.

[@philzvids3577]

Cool car. Always liked the T-bar version. Sat in one at a dealer as a youngster but couldn't afford it. Owned a MK3 later in life. As you said, mid-engined cars need careful handling to avoid snap steer. The later MK3 version that I bought had a couple of Toyota mods to try and safeguard against this. I found the car very confident in all weather and the only time I went for a slide was on wet mud and it was very recoverable with no drama. Highly recommended.

[@mosnas]

Just stumbled across this and I am pleased to see an unbiased review. I have owned a 1997 SW20 MR2 since 2000, but mine is the even rarer MR2 Spider of which I aim to keep until I need a hoist to get me in and out 🤣🤣

[@RacerGRE]

I own a Mk1 (AW11), and would never change it to a SW20. I think it looks more interesting, has the revvy 4A-GE engine, is smaller, simpler and better as a fun Sunday car.

[@technologic21]

These are excellent cars. The next best thing to an Elise. Unfortunately, many have been butchered by amateurs. It's hard to find a decent one here in the US, and probably the UK. Finding that unicorn unmolested one is gonna set you back a pretty penny.

[@LukeAnthony-v3r]

rev5 na in sonic shaddow, 105k miles, moonroof version. paid 4k a year ago. been the daily ever since, with some 14k miles of use in that time

[@JohnFromAccounting]

Most of the MR-2 Spyder were not butchered, and are genuinely an Elise-lite. The SW20 is an exciting tourer. Don't try to use it as a track car, they are horrible for heat soak.

[@icehawk3442]

Hmm surely the heat soak is something that a bit of backyard garage engineering can fix for not too much money, given the simplicity of the vehicle? Though, racing is truly not the point of this car. Agreed. Doesn't need to be left COMPLETELY stock given that we've all progressed a lot since then and practical little upgrades with more modern parts could be nice; but this is certainly not the kind of car to turn into a ricer.

[@IdiotRace]

@@JohnFromAccounting The NA cars will take a beating all day on track with little modification. For a turbo really you need an oil cooler and something that isn't the standard SMIC. I used the A2W charge cooler from the ST205 Celica GT4 as it's also designed for the 3rd gen 3sgte. I never had problems with heatsoak, I did have the odd thing break but at the end of the day I was tracking a 30 year old turbo car and even with all the preventative maintenance stuffs still going to break. Factory brakes on the turbo are also well up to the job with good fluid and pads. Also so is the cooling system if it's in good condition.

[@MrDOZA28]

Ive had two Mr2s. One Rev3 NA (170hp) and a Rev3 Turbo. Selling the Rev3 turbo is probably my biggest regret in general, let alone in car terms. That car gave me a feeling i have struggled to find in anything else since and I feel as though it made me a better driver for it. Alignment and decent tyres were the key in getting it to feel sure footed. I`d buy another in a hearbeat if i could. Always felt like an occasion taking it out on a summers evening with the Targa tops out.

[@ingopaul67]

Owned both a F reg AW11 and a S reg SW20 Rev5 back in the 90s. Loved both, but the AW11 was by far the best fun to drive. Snap oversteer only really applied to Rev1 versions.

[@MixieMew]

Australia has very bad pricing for cars, a 1994 Toyota Celica GT in bad condition is marketed for $63k

[@luke_3_113]

I've only ever driven a Mk1 in Bristol, but always appreciated the fact my sister's friends trusted me enough to drive their 15-ish month old baby, to their new house, and even for a few miles in the city, it was great :)

[@aqunza]

Currently in the process of selling my 2nd SW20, i bought it earlier this year because of the nostalgia and the price was good... well too good to be true kinda good, which it was. it had no love given to it from the previous owners, brakes were shot and it was barely drivable, so I fixed it up to a point to where its roadworthy and enjoyed it throughout the summer, doing a roadtrip across norway and back. I will probably regret selling it the second its gone, and then especially in a few years when the prices have become beyond insane.

[@peterfritzphoto]

I have many fond memories driving and photographing these when new. I loved how you sat IN the car.

[@stephenboyd9479]

I currently have a black 1990 SW20 uk model 14” stamped alloys, have it 10 years now. Gets a lot of attention at car shows. 133,000 miles on clock & engine still very responsive .

[@lukebarron2593]

There's another not mentioned roof config...Toyota TechnoCraft convertible. JDM only,

[@IdiotRace]

I'm glad mine just had mph dials fitted, although it meant my speedo only went up to 110mph, which was fun because on track I could get the needle to hit the bottom of the dash. I never did bother delimiting mine I just learned to lift off a bit around 120mph as the speed limit cut was brutal, pretty sure it's the same method as the overboost cut off where the ecu just cuts fuel to the engine.

[@xXVibrantSnowXx]

The MR2 TRD 2000GT, is a beast of it's own What a legend

[@charliegrace7459]

Called the MR2 Spider. And there's one in the U.K.!

[@acanuck1679]

I remember getting a ride in an early example of the MR-2 in 1990, out in Alberta. As a (still) young man at the time, I was, like your friend, smitten by the car. Thank you for this trip down memory lane.

[@darrenjones5885]

I’ve got a 1998 MR2. It didn’t do many miles last year as it needed a new nearside sill. Toyota packed the rear end of the sills with sponge that has a habit of holding water and rotting out the sills. It’s not outright fast when compared with a modern hot hatch but handles beautifully when driven properly.

[@andysmith792]

Had one of these, took it from 23k to 275k miles. Engine was still as good as day I bought it when it went......bodywork on the other hand...😢

[@midship_nc]

I have a factory 91 turbo in my garage, in the process of restoring it. It had sat for 12 years, needed thousands in parts will be finished soon and daily driven no later than Thanksgiving.

[@garycollard1981]

I bought one off my brother who later regretted selling it and bought another one. Enjoyed mine, loved that cosy little cabin and the pop up headlights :) Only non front engined car I've owned. My main memory though was having to replace the radiator in the street in the middle of winter. Fun times, ha ha.

[@Melhaven1]

I am 6'3" and I fit just fine. Seat isn't even all the way back. You'll fit!

[@MrMagooRC]

Had a red K plate SW20 T-bar as my second ever car in the mid-late 90's and loved it. Loved it to bits, it felt that little bit special everytime I drove it.

[@n0cturnalgamer]

I couldn't resist and ran this plate through the MOT history check and holy fucking shit at the last few MOT's lmao... Fail and repair advisory looks like a shopping list xD

[@virumzzgaming]

Had a G-Limited and I'm about to get myself a Turbo and I'm so excited. Driving experience is like nothing else.

[@stubax1013]

Great video. Owned mine for 13 years and currently giving it a complete overhaul. Right on with the rust comment!

[@purplemonstertv]

I’ve said for years this is the car to buy now. They are getting rarer now. James you are always welcome to use/borrow my car again.

[@Docinaplane]

Neighbor's kid had one. I had an NSX-T at the time. I thought the MR2 was a smaller version of the NSX.

[@dennisnichols2411]

Great video, and your quite right about prices. BC (Before Covid) I shopped on FB Marketplace and found many doable and roadable 1st and 2nd gen MR2's (but would need work) for anywhere from $1500-3000, just depended on how much you wanted to get into. Those prices have shot up likely well over 100% or more. True for about any of the 80's-90's Japanese coupes, and Toyota 4wd's are even more valuable. A plethora of automatics over here of course, so manuals have the higher values. There is a loaded '92 Celica GTS 5-speed on a lot in town here and I'm thinking it might just be a bargain at under $2000, even with needed rust repair... So what did I end up buying for a sports car project? Why a '59 MGA coupe for $1500! Been sitting in a barn for over 40 years and of course still needs welding. We did get the 200HP turbo MR2 with 5-speed here in the States, which of course has the greatest value. FYI the T-top first appeared on the 1968 Corvette coupe. It was so successful that the roadster version became redundant by 1974. Many bought clear tinted aftermarket "Saratoga" tops for them to replace the solid factory units.

[@johnsnowdon2939]

MK1 MR2 for me. With the mk2 3S-GTE motor. Perfect. I owned the 3rd car to be converted in the UK. Absolute rocket.

[@jamesmustin7289]

I am a original owner of a 1997 Honda Del Sol Si” CRX. I called it my mid life crisis car. I am still in it. It has 218,000 miles. I have maintained it. It is. Cypress green color. It has a five speed manual transmission. In the US most people drive an automatic. I know Europe still has a lot of manual drivers. The truck rules the road. I love m’y little two seater.

[@sickbozzer]

0:31 - 0:38 I think the audio-video timing is a bit off (might be an issue in my end but probably not as all the other bit of the video are fine)

[@alistairjheeley]

Same here.

[@murrieteacher]

They are already staring to move up in price here in Oz. The snap oversteer is as you said, no experience with mid-engine cars. They tend to handle, or maybe that should be go around corners a lot better than a front engine car. So they are pushed and get faster until they let go. With that big lump of an engine now part of the slip, you have to be very quick to catch it. I have had MGF's and TF's for about 20 years and have been caught twice. Both times in competition. Get one now or even a good MGF or TF as there are indications the price is starting to move up rather than down. A really good video Jay.

[@MilkmanHero]

I've owned my '98 turbo for over 20 years and it's my daily (though I don't do many miles) The only times it's let me down is when I've let the battery get too low. Never selling.

[@byunglee6038]

In 1991 I sold new Toyotas at Longo Toyota and I remember driving and selling these cars vwhen they first came out, what a great little sports car. The msrp for turbo was like $20k brand new. I had a feeling these would become a classic. Corners so well and power was incredible for that time. When I would go for test drives, I would take the corners at high speed and the look of the buyers faces were priceless.

[@johnmelling9950]

I had a good few of these back in the early 00s. Also had a lot of mk1s which are personally my favourite model of them all simply because they drive like a go-kart. The MR2s are the best cars ive ever owned and ive owned lots. Being a 90s Toyota they are super reliable and are so much fun to drive. I remember the first time i saw a mk2. It was the very first day they came out in the UK and there was a red one parked on a car park brand new from the dealer that day. I fell in love with its Ferrari looks straight away and even today, 30+ years on, they still look good and dont look that dated. I almost nearly bought a nice low mileage one owner mk2 a couple of years ago but i have nowhere to store another car so had to skip the opportunity as i didnt want the driveway blocked up.

[@deadpoolredsuit4892]

In the past i have owned two MR2 MK2 2.0 T-Bar both with black leather interiors. One was Red the other was White. While i loved both cars, it has to be said rain would enter where the front windows joined the glass sections of the roof. Both cars suffered from rust. Both cars had issues with the front breaks. The wide rear tyres, which are slightly unusual cost about £500 a pair (this was 10 years ago). I did manage to find a place online that sold a pair of new rear tyres for £250 (they took about 2 weeks to arrive from overseas). It cost me £40 to have them fitted. On rainy days going around roundabouts, was a bit of a test, as i managed to have the car facing the wrong way on more than one occasion. Speed wise, both my MR2's were good for 125mph.

[@davebarron5939]

Not big on the 2nd Gens, LOVE the 1st, great sharp lines and just cool! Great cars.

[@maxgamingyt3175]

bought my own sw20 back in jan of 2020,all though winter and rain were a moment where you'd be having to change your underpants twice during a drive,in the summer and or dry sunny days the car was fantastic,also love that people specially older people would come up to me at a supermarket and ask about the car or tell me the time they had one themselves, sure 160hp wasn't a lot but it was quick enough to be faster then most cars on the road and always funny to see a sour face on the driver of a bmw or mercedes who couldnt win a slight race on the freeway or couldnt keep up,sadly had a massive accident with mine last july...currently in the process of repairing it and going for a full respray....hope to have it finished by the upcoming summer so i can once again enjoy it together with my fiance as it was also the car i first met her in,have never regretted buying the car and have never regretted the thousands i've spent since i bought it to get it to where it was before the accident, though will never drive it in the rain or during the winter again XD as i've been way to traumatised of it trying to kill me if i gave slightly too much gas in a corner or at an intersection

[@MANGO-SAXON]

My first car was one of these, beautiful in black and only £850. I span out on a roundabout in the rain once and that's the only accident I've had in my nearly 20 years of driving which i am thankful for.

[@bloodstockvip2176]

'Midship Runabout 2 wheel drive' apparently.... I had a UK GT MR2 in the 90s and it was the 1st car I nearly spun on a roundabout, with little experience in rwd back then. My later TBar 173hp black (might have been dark green) facelift model with the rounder rear lights was no better with snap oversteer but a great car to experience, careful in the wet, and it was faultless fun!

[@darrylwebb3625]

Much enthusiastic sense spoken. I recall the first time I saw one, not knowing what it was. It was so jaw-dropping I fully turned around as it passed on the other side of the road. Not a great idea while I was driving in the opposite direction in city-centre traffic, but the driving gods protected me :) 'twas in the same red as your review car IIRC.

[@Simonpocarroll]

I’ve always fancied one of these

[@andrewthornton2562]

Another undervalued gem is the Fiat Coupe, especially the normally aspirated version, plenty fast enough for most of us.

[@alfamad155]

I love my 10th Anniversary edition mine is number 095 of 250 not sure how many are left but I’ll never sell mine.

[@apordonez]

Thank you for the review! I had owned a MkI and MkII MR2, and wish I had kept both. The MkI was so tossable and fun, but the MkII was faster, had more space - could fit 4 race tires (1 in the frunk, 1 behind the passenger seat, and 2 on the passenger seat) plus all my gear in the trunk; could also fit two golf bags in the trunk!) - and the t-tops were, as you mentioned, very welcome. I had a 1993 model, which also had the suspension adjustments that mitigated snap oversteer. In the US, these have already climbed in value, but perhaps one day I’ll have another!

[@anthonyrobbins8647]

Definitely on the up in value here in the US as well. The SW20 was only produced here from 91-95 with 7,200 or so total. 94-95 is basically negligible with 400 or so produced. We did have the turbo model but again production numbers were extremely low. Currently in my state mr2 Facebook group, we only have about 20 current owners with maybe half of those running and driving. I have had multiple over the last 11 years but every aspect of ownership is getting more difficult. Currently I have a 91 original turbo car that has had a professional 2GR swap done. Makes about 300hp to the wheels which I think is the perfect amount of power for this platform while staying naturally aspirated for reliability.

[@cjcronin1000]

I’m one of the people that always wanted one, and picked up a good one last year…one of my best car-related decisions.

[@ianharrison7862]

I've had 2 mk2 MR2s - One was an aquamarine Rev 2 UK NA, the other was a carrabean blue Rev3 UK NA with an import turbo engine fitted into it and tweaked a bit. Ended up getting a 3.0L V6 engine conversion, and although a bit down on power compared to the turbo engine, it transformed the car and really suited both the car and myself. Had it for almost 7 years, 5 as a V6. Rust is the main issue - and was what finally killed mine. Rust in the cills, inner rear wheel arches and bottom of the doors. Ended up braking it up for parts. Was tempted to get another one and transfer the V6 etc over, but by then even the very latest available was 10 years old so decided to go for something different. I was commenting to a friend the other day that you don't see many of them on the road these days.

[@spaghettisama]

smiling at this video as I look at the SW20 Turbo sitting in my garage right now, that I bought two years ago. Though, it needs a bit of work to say the least.

[@joelsmith9311]

The cheapest manual MR2 Turbo in Australia today (September 2023) is a fairly leggy example with 164,000 KM’s on it and it is $27,500 plus on-road costs. The nicest one is $57,835!

[@sinistarmr2]

Damn!

[@mrhammett7508]

One of the top three cars I ever had. Bought it for a girlfriend, before I signed it over realised she wasn’t as into me as I was into her. Kept it for four years, even though I had a turbo 300zx as well. Good times.

[@wayland7150]

A few years ago I drove an MR2 then an MGF in the same day. The MR2 was miles better. Handled just as well as the MGF but had loads more power.

[@jeremyjs8863]

Haha, yes, had one in Japan. Very fond memories. Great drive, 'tardis' interior (originally wanted 3rd gen RX7 but too cramped for tall drivers to steer and pedal at same time). A few S/O moments, but only when deliberately provoking in attempt to master. Never did, but wasn't an issue for public road use. I'd go round again if a good one came up :)

[@janniklaswittmann1667]

I spent the last 5 years getting my mr2 back on the road, thousands of euros into it (just like this one, super red 1991 NA) and I love it so much!

[@bengraham6672]

I had one when i was 20 years old. Some 11 years ago now. I bought it for £1000 and blew the head gasket on the drive home... another £1000 later and it was good as gold! Plus, the t-tops in the summer are great!

[@James-cs2wi]

I remember servicing these cars 25 years ago They Drove absolutely beautiful possibly 30 years ahead of their time why don't car manufacturers go back to the old ways of manufacturing with good old mechanical instead of electrical cheaper and easier to fix and more reliable I remember seeing one of these cars with over 300,000 miles on the clock and it drove like new slightly noisy on the top end probably a new set of hydraulic tappets was needed and it passed it's MOT for a 25 years on the trot

[@ThriftMachine]

I love my 91 MR2 Turbo, 200hp is plenty enough to put a big grin on my face

[@DkpDrifter]

Picked one up a month or 2 back. It's a project but its 80% complete. In my early 20's so plan to have fun :)

[@andrewshaw7221]

I had this car and i loved it! Same model and spec except for all leather interior. Amazing fun and i did a few laps of the nurburgring. Best experience ever!

[@rexseven93]

Back in the late 90's, I drove a turbo in the US before I settled on my FD. I really liked the MR2. I remember the accelerator being extremely heavy. It may have been just that car, a linkage problem or something, but it was unwieldy. It wasn't the deal breaker, but I didn't like it the gas pedal. After almost 30 years of FD ownership, I don't regret not buying it, but it was really nice.

[@-jimmyjames]

I really enjoy installing jdm zz engines, exhaust and a tune for a very enjoyable 3g MR2. Drives so well

[@garrettsc]

The word you're looking for is "zenki" translated means "early period" while "kouki" means "late period" ie pre facelift and facelift in English terms

[@ultrawidegaming7894]

I was fortunate to purchase a rev4 na in Goodwood Green just after lockdown , Iv almost finished restoring it , trying to get it ready for summer 2024

[@vapeking466]

I love them but haven't seen one for sale in years around here in northwest Arkansas.

[@dghdavies]

Had two of these, one from new in 1992 K661HMV and bought one again later in 2005 second hand L603CPK. Loved them both.

[@yungboicontigo9278]

Jay you’re right about modern car enthusiasts obsessing over the values of older cars in the beginning of the video. I also agree that people (mostly old rich people) who treats sports cars as an investment is a terrible thing to do. I’ve always been against the idea of once affordable cars being valuable because I think that the sellers are greedy and love to take advantage over potential buyers. I never understood why there are car guys who obsess over how much expensive a car cost. That is the reason why I think JDM cars like the MK4 Supra or R34 Skyline are overrated and overpriced. Good video JayEmm!

[@Zircon93]

I bought my Rev2 22 years ago with the expectation of having it for about 5 years. Currently running 300bhp with a rev3 turbo engine transplant it is a bit of a weapon. 0-60 in 5.3 seconds if it were standard.

[@MrMairu555]

Oh, how I miss the 90s! Grew up in the 70s, got my licenses (car and bike) in the 80s and tooled around in Mk1 & 2 Escorts, Mk3s, Sierras etc., then the 90s grey import boom! What a glorious time to be a twenty-something petrolhead! Picking up everything from MX-5 Eunos' to Supras & Soarers, and the GTRs, all for about £3-5k... for a nice one!

[@v-gun9735]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I wish reviewers wouldn’t comment on looks, it’s subjective. Personally I think both the NA and NB MX-5s and this MR2 are ugly, but each to their own.

[@garyhawkins9246]

I’ve had 2 of these, one for nearly 24 hrs, the next for 4 years, I loved them and they are hilarious in the snow, my 2nd was Dark Green with a Van Aaken tune and exhaust, I’d definitely have another

[@chriscuthbertson]

As a former FTO owner who has great memories of my time with that car, I totally get the nostalgia. I've been casually looking for one and was shocked by the insurance quotes I was getting. I'm guessing this is due to the cost of replacement parts.

[@asdreww]

I had a UK T-bar one in Zircon Blue, and a rev3 JDM Turbo T-bar. They are great cars, particularly the JDM Turbos as they have aircon etc so much nicer to live with (& the turbo power/noises is intoxicating obviously). The problem with these is... rust. my UK car was scrapped at 15 years old. The turbo faired better but is now very rusty.

[@robsx4280]

Zircon Blue one of the best colours❤

[@mickstereftb]

Loved all of Mr 2s. Had an early Mk1 and 3 Mk2s. Ended with a Mk 2 Rev.3 168 bhp. Sold that for a BMW Z3.....which I then sold.for a Boxster. .

[@nrs6956]

"mitigated snap oversteer." Yes it's possible. Recommend 15' wheels and mods to suspension. Have owned 32yrs. MR2T.

[@andrewnorris5415]

The non T-bar cars also had the option for the slightly more powerful engine. The guaranteed way to distinguish the more powerful ones is by rear spoiler. I owned a MKII but the MKIII appeals now for it's Elise like handling and low cost.

[@Guerilla_G]

I used to have a mint Rev 4, they’re great cars - the 3SGE engine is one of the best 16v 4 cylinders to come out of the 90s, it was comfy and easy to drive and turned heads. Main issue I had with it was that it was just a bit too well sorted and civilised for its own good. The handling was great, and it was difficult to get to the car’s limit (where the fun is) on normal roads so you were either feeling like it was a bit dull or going too fast and probably crashing into something. Similarly the suspension wasn’t ultra rigid which took a lot of the drama out of driving at the speeds that you good have a decent b road blast, but meant it was pretty comfy day to day. The gearing was a bit too long which again, great for driving around but when you were pushing it on a b road you were usually going a bit too fast to have fun - it would hit 60 in 2nd gear. The engine, was absolutely fantastic and sounded great, very linear power delivery but overall wasn’t super exciting from a standing start. Overall I think that meant that as a road car it felt really fast and capable but just a bit too well sorted, throughout the other cars I’ve driven I’ve always felt it’s the drama that makes the driving experience fun rather that outright performance. My old MK3 supra for example was much slower, heavier and handled worse than the SW20, but it was such a sense of occasion to hear the turbo spool and have the car reach the limit much earlier which made it much more enjoyable to drive. It’s a fantastic car, but very difficult to really enjoy on the road since you can’t get near the point where you’re absolutely caning it very easily.

[@zainpowell4202]

Love mine.Thanks for the continuous MR2 content.

[@simonnorcliffe5877]

My mum owned several back the 1990,s. The design is stunning, a bit like the Audi tt mark 1 😊😊

[@grimson]

Excellent video. One thing: I doubt any MR2 owner in the real world is getting over 30mpg. They’re just okay for economy. Excellent for everything else.

[@michaelrose7258]

Had 3 of these absolutely loved them still one if my favourite cars to this day. Also had the mark 3 which was nowhere near as good.

[@rickr5193]

I had a black Mk2 t-bar from 2 years old and drove it daily for 10 years, wish I'd kept it. The only time I had a problem with handling was in the wet when it got a bit twitchy on corners, otherwise Yokohama sticky tyres kept it glued to the road, although they only lasted 5000 miles.

[@nigo1787]

In France it was never cheap, but the prices have gone completely crazy over the last few years. They are just too expensive now to my taste. I had one of the later models, to drive I thought it was on the heavy side and a bit sluggish for a two seater roadster, still a great car

[@Nickoboss29]

Would you recommend it as a 1st car?

[@xXVibrantSnowXx]

Yes@@Nickoboss29

[@LukeAnthony-v3r]

Fair review, only a couple of very minor fact errors. Fell that the handling ability may have been overlooked.. SW20 can attack a roundabout or sharp bend at higher speeds than most even on modest tyres

[@xoiylo4660]

Bought my Rev 4 at 19. Cost me £1700 on insurance for my first year. Now I’m looking at around £2k at age 20. Love this country 🙄👍