Toyota MR2 MK1 review with 0-60mph and 'SCARY' brake test 😱

I've always wanted a MK1 Toyota MR2, and have often thought about swapping my Mazda MX-5 for one. But should I? In this video I will talk your round the key features of the MK1 MR2, what problems to look out for when buying one and explain why they now cost up to £15,000 for a good one like this. And of course I will test it from 0-60mph and brake test it. Baring in mind this car from 1985 has no drivers aids or ABS you can expect quite a smokey and out of control brake test!
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[@MatWatsonCars]

Should I sell my Mazda MX5 for a Toyota MR2. VOTE by liking my comment for either the MR2 or MX5 below.

[@MatWatsonCars]

VOTE: Keep the MX5

[@MatWatsonCars]

VOTE: Get the MR2

[@need4speed290]

Sell MX5 and get something newer, remember to check CarWow.

[@NMSHAFKI]

MX5

[@nadeekapalayangoda9109]

Keep the mk 5 and buy the mk1 mk2 and pls tune it.

[@Foxx6699]

I wouldn't mind seeing more videos of older cars being reviewed in the same way the newer cars get reviewed.

[@carwowRussia]

This thing is such a beauty!

[@_chewoo]

Hi rus version :)

[@crabrangoon2493]

Hello slavs

[@davidclark2932]

This thing is a joy to drive and great fun. But a beauty? No it really is fugly!

[@santbhindranwalejidefanche8767]

@@davidclark2932 I know everyone has different opinions on what a good car looks like but this is ugly?? Seriously I can't understand how this is not a FUCKING BEAUTY just look at it and especially the back end.

[@davidclark2932]

@@santbhindranwalejidefanche8767 Yes the back end of a horse. MR2 MK1 Brilliant drivers car - FUGLY, Cramped MR2 MK2 Lousy drivers car - Beautiful and comfortable. You need a combination of the two cars. Presumably you are 5 foot six, because normal people cannot fit in the car.

[@johanns3142]

Imagine Toyota made a revived version of this, that would be every car guy’s dream

[@jamespasifull3424]

Not in France! This model never took off, simply because MR2, in French, sounds like 'merde'! No Frenchie is gonna buy a car called shit! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Mushroomancer]

Or they could ruin it by teaming up with another German company...

[@DDB-91]

@@Mushroomancer - Yeah, imagine if they took one of their ultra iconic cars, and paired with a particular German manufacturer known for making good but bland generic cars Surely that would be a bit silly, hope Toyota never do that.

[@riveronnnn]

If they manage to keep it under 30000$/€, yes sure. Otherwise it becomes much less attractive

[@MrTartiflettePower]

Many said this about the GT86......and actually it is a failure

[@insayn7995]

9 second 0 to 60 in the 80s is like 5 seconds by modern standards.

[@JakobusVdL]

My 1987 Supercharged AW11 still runs 7's, without thrashing it. A supercar in its day ;-)

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

My Renault 5 GT Turbo was low 7s.

[@mike_oe]

it did a clean 8 sec 0-100km/h

[@sebyfloristean9514]

So it's average

[@StigMug]

About the same as a Ford Escort RS2000 or Xr3i. Not the quickest but certainly not the slowest

[@patrickharveyy]

can we have more heritage fleet vids, they're so cool

[@ericcharnholm9595]

Matt, This is one of the better AW11 reviews I have seen. Props to you! You covered many of the issues these cars can have quite accurately. I have owned 7 AW11's over the years and currently own an 88' Supercharged MR2 that has been thoroughly sorted and fully restored. Everything from the A/C system be converted over to R134A to rebuilding all steering, suspension, brakes and even T-Tops seals has been completed and the car is basically a brand new 33 year old car. A change to an HKS supercharger pully brings the power safely up to 175hp motivating 2600lb (1180kg). One suggestion I have for aspiring owners looking for a good rust free car is to pull off the side skirts when inspecting these cars for rust issues. Rust loves to hide just where you said in the video... down in the lower A Pillars. By pulling the side skirts you can really see where the water and debris likes to cause mayhem. Also, these cars are now over 30 years old and most of them are still operating on their original fuel pumps (located on top of the fuel tank located in the hump between the driver and passenger seats). It's a pain to pull the fuel tank and change the pump but in my experience it can wake these cars up. Not only will it solve many driveability issues but also can help the motor produce fully power that can be lost due to age and the original electric fuel pump motor loosing it's ability to push fuel. Lastly the steering rack has a little plastic busing located on the passenger side of the steering rack that wears out over years of use. It is a very inexpensive part and easy to replace and it completely transforms the steering in these cars. Rarely are these bushings ever dealt with by previous owners and most people that drive an AW11 have no idea how much better these cars actually are with a simple $10 part.

[@yeahok3164]

How much did it cost total? If I may ask

[@oldmercedesdiesel]

I recently bought an 88 supercharged, which I love. I wanted to say I appreciate the tips, especially on the steering and fuel pump.

[@abikepeddler]

@@yeahok3164 Did what cost? The car? The fuel pump replacement? The steering bushing?

[@abikepeddler]

@@oldmercedesdiesel No problem. They're absolutely fantastic cars. Only the Acura NSX is really comparable in terms of Japanese reliability combined with an exotic mid-engine chassis. Plus the 1st gen MR2s are getting extraordinarily rare. And a supercharged specimen is even more rare having only been sold in Japan and the United States. (Europe did not get them but Europeans are actively searching for them so they are also driving prices up on the Supercharged model) I remember when these cars were brand new on the dealer lots and let's just say I wasn't the biggest fan of their styling. It was how they drove that mattered and they delivered big time. But as time has gone on the styling has actually grown on me. Certainly not a pretty car, there is a certain purity to its Japanese design. You know it's Japanese when you look at it. And that's a compliment.

[@oldmercedesdiesel]

@@abikepeddler I agree on all, except I was a fan of the styling from the start. But I was 12 when it came out so it hit me at just the right time. It's an amazing car for the time. Great build quality, great value for the price, and for the small package it has a huge amount of room. I'm 6'2" and fit much better in it than my friends S2000. I totally agree on the NSX as well. My uncle and I have been looking for one around here recently for him, and we have gotten close a few times. Those are the only sports cars I've ever really wanted.

[@mike_oe]

I owned one of these back in the 80s. Loved the handling and drove some 70000 miles in it. The balance was incredible - if you need a bit more oversteer, just lift off ever so slighty and it turns in just like you need. I don't remember ever spinning it. I had one epic drive down the Ligurian Alps to San Remo with the slope down making it accelerate like a Ferrari and sliding it in every bend of the serpentine road. Had to sell it when I moved up the corporate ladder. Miss it almost as much as my mk2 RS2000 :)

[@TheWorldTeacher]

I owned the Series 2 (Mk 2) in automatic for a few years and never span it, despite being a mediocre driver. :D

[@KenFullman]

I found that too. I took many corners sideways and never spun it. It was just so controllable. It was so easy to adjust the slide with the throttle. I later got the MK2 but that was nothing like the same. I gather the MK2 was more prone to snapping into a spin without warning but I never got comfortable enough in the MK2 to take such liberties.

[@pahieerathanharikesh5255]

Couldn’t wait till this video comes out. One of the legends of Japanese classics

[@myplatemyfate3402]

My 5th grade teacher had one of these. I didn’t know back then how cool she was. She spent time in Japan as an English teacher.

[@oliverleesmith6371]

My step dad has a 1989 Toyota MR-2 T bar and there is no rust what so ever, it's in brilliant condition.

[@kidustefera425]

is it for sale

[@pablonavaridas3302]

keep it good, is a really good car ;)

[@AbuDhabiDude]

Exactly the car I used to have. Absolutely loved it.

[@cordcordero5772]

For sale?

[@davepyne62]

I owned an MR2 identical to this colour year and everything it is the only car I have ever owned that I want back it was SOOOO good. Would definitely have one over an MX5

[@Jaccayumitty]

I've had both. The mk1 MR2 was a go-kart compared to my MX5 ND, loads of fun but I found the steering was so responsive it was exhausting to drive any distance as it needed constant driver input. I still miss it though.

[@vinithvindula7336]

We need more classic car reviews Loved this one

[@rutlandboy]

I have an 'F' reg T-Bar one of these in White with black leather interior. Had it since it was 11 months old and it still runs perfectly and is really fun to drive. No leaks from the targa roof and no rust. Good news about the value going up. I was thinking of selling it but may hang onto it longer now if it's an appreciating asset (unlike my other vehicles).

[@RacerGRE]

Thinking the same, i have a clean 1985 MK1a. I think it can't be replaced with anything better at current prices and its a good investment. Will either sell when price is right or leave it to my daughter.

[@paulshanesmith]

I've had my 90G white coupe since 94 and values are finally starting to go up.. the vast majority of examples in the UK are currently sorn.

[@karelmaree6375]

I love the windshield visibility in old cars. I drive a citi golf ( South African VW golf mk1 2006 ) and I feel more connected with the road than in a newer car.

[@Filip_Phreriks]

Don't roll it though because you will be crushed. That's the tradeoff.

[@jonnyvt6602]

Had one of these in 1990, the very first model, the closest ivr ever been to a motorcycle with 4 wheels, one of my very favorite cars, love em

[@drawwithdan5821]

Mat: Burns the clutch out doing 0-60 runs. Toyota GB: So, what exactly happened?

[@kevinn1158]

Absolutely do more reviews. My first car was the first gen Honda CRX Si. In fact, it was between the MR2 and the Si and I went with the Honda. Both cars were so fun and drove like Go carts.

[@johnnyhoney2074]

Thanks for great review . I've owned one for 22 year's and it's still a blast to drive and always makes me smile 😊

[@DM-mx2ud]

Speaking of Toyota's and the 80's , I believe I'm speaking for all when i say: We want a Toyota AE 86 Trueno Review!

[@christopherthomas9091]

Oh god yes 😭 I absolutely love the trueno 🎀💓💓💓🎀

[@thetruthwithin1]

Hyundai absolutely missed an opportunity with the n74

[@TheDude-pb1wu]

It is a lovely car with a big story, importance an intresting mechanics, though it is a little (quite) overrated. To be fair, if you know its capabilities and if you don't act as an absolute toddler (like what happened withte Supra MK5), the car is pretty decent.

[@themrmarkprior]

YES, DO MORE HERITAGE. 80’s Hot Hatches 🙏🙏🙏

[@santbhindranwalejidefanche8767]

Noo, let's keep the prices down 😭😂

[@jimsgaragetoys]

I have an 89 Supercharged MR2 5MT and I love it. It's so much fun to drive.

[@JakobusVdL]

Hi Jim, I have an 87 SC manual with a T-Top. Owned it for the last 16 years. Brilliant car to drive and to own.

[@jimsgaragetoys]

@@JakobusVdL 1987 SC? Are you in the US or do a SC swap? The SC was only available in the states in 88/89 but was available in Japan sooner.

[@JakobusVdL]

@@jimsgaragetoys In new zealand. The car is a used import from Japan so an early factory SC. It had been in NZ for a few years when I bought it.

[@jimsgaragetoys]

@@JakobusVdL Very cool! The year threw me off but I've seen 87's that had a 4GZE transplant. I knew that an 87 was available in the SC in Japan.

[@winstonsmasterplan]

Fantastic Review, real blast from the past, I had one 15 years ago, picked it up for under 1k, my second ever car, WAS A FANTASTIC CAR TO OWN, taught me how to drive, ultimately the rust and lack of money to fix it killed it, I watched it get dragged out of the drive way because the rear wheels ceased, put on the back of a truck and literally driven off into the sunset 😭😭😭 MK1 MR2 you are dearly missed 😢

[@santbhindranwalejidefanche8767]

You can always get it again nah?

[@quokkapirquish6825]

I had a red one in 1987, i even had a carphone fitted, I felt like Don Johnson!

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Hope you had a linen jacket with the sleeves rolled up 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SamSam-xg4vc]

Do you still have it

[@quokkapirquish6825]

@@SamSam-xg4vc I wish

[@LewisBGA]

Coincidental how Car Throttle just bought a mr2 too!

[@stig585]

the red one too

[@MatWatsonCars]

@@stig585 Will check that out

[@jonathancaramin]

Theirs wasn't in such good shape though...

[@SinanRawther]

@@stig585 yo omg the stig You are the stig How did you end up here stig

[@leemclaughlin3927]

@@jonathancaramin agree and not the best shape/mark mr2 either lol

[@seanfernie8218]

Love it! More please. I actually owned a 1986 MR2 myself back in the day. It was such a fun car!

[@thndr_5468]

My parents had an Eagle Talon, and like you, they got rid of it. I'll never forgive them for that move

[@admiralsadventures]

Best car I ever had was the me of the final Honda S2000. No traction control or esp and 240bhp to the rear wheels on a front mid engine layout. Awesome car but scary as hell in the winter 😀

[@Strex_Edits]

Lol

[@roland9367]

Hi Mat, I have this MR2 from 1985. Great review! It is sooo much fun to drive. And like you said, the car wants to be spanked. When people drive it, they always say "this car really wants you to go faster" even if they have a faster car, or of they are not a car lover at all. It says a lot. And the handling is so much fun, although risky. I have gone to track a lot of times, and it is just great fun. No need to make it faster, it is a true sportscar feeling. I have never felt the need for a faster car. Because they would just be faster, but usually don't give more joy to drive it. It is a relatively safe car in forward collisions, pretty good for that time. However, the real danger is hitting a tree after you spin it. Brakes are good, but not that good for track driving. I bought it for 1250 euro 10 years ago. But yeah, I need to probably put in some money to get rear wheel arch fixed and back on the road. But the engine is almost never a problem, even if it stands still for a couple of year.

[@cannerbal]

My dad has one too

[@countach27]

Keep reviewing older cars, they’re fascinating and feel special unlike today’s copy pasta cars

[@global_nomad.]

if Toyota made a Fiat X1/9....always wanted either of those cars

[@stevealexander6928]

Being 50yrs young and the Eighty's being my era id like to see a few more cars from back then, The Escort mk2/mk3 , Mini GT, Astra GTE and so on....Oh and the XR3i but for me back then the Escort RS turbo, i had a 90 plate one in 1996 and had the thing took apart, de-rusted re-painted and she was an absolute blinder, god i miss that car!

[@SteveSideris..2k02]

u do a huge mistake that u sell your car who u like it alot . and even i aint have driving license i have some favourite cars who i like them most.

[@georgemilburn6213]

I own exactly the same car and Mat I have to say your review was really spot on. I owned a brand new one in 86. and always wanted another. After a long search I bought my current car 4 years ago and love it. You get great satisfaction as you really have to put driver input in to get the best out. But on a twisting bumpy road it is a joy to push it hard with that little twin cam singing behind your left ear. You don't need crazy speed to have fun.

[@dr.ramizu]

Yeah... You've nailed it Mat. More of these please. Cars are getting more artificial nowadays we tend to miss the joy of pure driving.

[@carnurd7586]

Next you should try a lotus carlton 377bhp 176 mph 0.60 5.1 seconds and a car that batters the german cars of the time I wrote to top gear in 1993 about testing the car and I had a letter back from clarkson which he signed saying they have never tested it then tiff drove it. Try and test one Matt you will love it keep up the amazing work from craig car Nurd.

[@philsmith2219]

I would be great to see a Nissan Silvia turbo, a friend had an 1987 example and back then it was fast

[@TimBorg]

I had one of these on the road for over a decade most fun of my life ... only matched by a 2000 Celica

[@pauldmack]

Yes Mat, more heritage videos. Had one back in the 90s and loved it but something else loved mine even more......rust 🥺

[@filipps810]

Actually more interested in old car reviews like this one rather than new car reviews 😁

[@mr8I7]

They're a lot easier to 'understand'. With all the modern electrics cars have now it's hard to imagine what they actually feel like because they can be changed to much by their software...

[@5amH45lam]

More heritage cars please, Mat. 👍😎

[@MatWatsonCars]

Coming. Old M5 next... Perhaps.

[@alex_and_er_g]

More of this. Absolutely brilliant. The buyers guide stuff is like the Fifth Gear cheap alternatives segment but waay more in depth. Great work Mat!

[@SteevilKinevil]

Really good review. I had an identical one to this but on a D plate back in the early 90's and it's my favourite car ever. Replaced it with a Mk2 and while I also loved that, the AW11 topped it in my opinion. Love the point about the gear change - really smooth and the interior was awesome. Suffered from the rusted arches issue like many other owners but there were a number of after-market fixes. If I had the space now I would buy another. Saved for a Mk3 before they came out but was really disappointed by it on release and ended up getting a TT instead. Good advice about coolant and temperature - they've solid if you look after them properly but don't cut corners. Blew my head gasket - expensive fix but worth it to keep the car. A real classic and still looks awesome (especially from above!)

[@jonathantaylor1998]

JEEZ... This takes me back...! Back in the late 80s, I worked at a Mercedes dealership in Sheffield and we took in a Mk1 MR2 in p/x. The boss let me run it for the weekend before we traded it out - your comment "It just wants to be spanked...!" brought it all back. Rainy Sheffield roundabouts are a particular memory - the back end would step out at the merest poke of the throttle, providing you were in the upper end of the rev range. Just bliss... :-)

[@bowsh1238]

A S2000 review would be good!

[@SamIAm-kz4hg]

As soon as I signed my first teaching contract I bought an '85 in '88. I took it for a test drive and couldn't stop smiling. The best experience I've ever had driving.

[@andrewgibbs5096]

Wanted one of these when I passed my test in 1988. Ended up with a 1978 Austin Allegro 🤣. It was a rare automatic. Try finding one of those to review.

[@SheeplessNW6]

Bit of a contrast between those two cars! But I can't help thinking that putting a brand new driver behind the wheel of an MR2 would be asking for trouble.

[@paulgospel4258]

I bought my first MR2 MK1 in 1999. So it was already 15 years old. £3900 low mileage red mint condition. The middle engine layout and re wheel drive took me 1 year to be totally knowing what it would ( might) do. 12000 miles. What a fantastic car! Almost a 2 stroke power band at high revs in second especially! Drifting? No problem after some practice. It was totally reliable, I sold it to my old dad. Then I bought a Mazda 1.8 mx5... Handheld even better, but not quite as fast or fun. Then bought a white late g reg MR2 Mark 1 again. Had that one about 3 years. Fantastic little go cart's they are. The white ones with the contrasting black trim in my opinion look the best!

[@ronniejaye1]

We had the supercharger in the Canadian models. They were alot of fun .

[@phinds1]

I live in Canada as well and have a '89 Supercharged MR2. Gotta agree with ya. They're already pretty expensive if you can find one for sale. I'm never selling mine:-)

[@miamimo70]

I had an '89, T Bar roof, honestly the best car I ever had, soo much fun

[@AbuDhabiDude]

I used to have a 1989 Targa one (red of course). Was a great car. I ended up keeping it until 1999. Loved it. You’re so right about getting set up properly for corners. Especially in the wet. Plan it wrong and the weight will shift quite dramatically and induce quite a trouser soiling moment. But that is what made it such a driver’s car. You were so connected and it felt like it was a part of you. No hand holding nanny aids. Just pure fun.

[@MrAnderson321]

Totally agree, had one when they came out in the 80’s, loved it but when it was wet it was lethal😁

[@420Ard]

YES, more vintage car reviews!!!

[@neomaster007]

I own a gold coloured ‘85 Mk1 as my daily runner and it’s never let me down, an 80s icon

[@grizzly._.]

Mat has never been happier doing 0-60 mph in 8.91 seconds. 🤣

[@Beastmode_Mr2]

I’ve owned two of these, one with a 20v silver top swap, other with red top 4age. Don’t let the looks deter you, it’s like driving a go-kart. I’m surprised he didn’t talk about T-vis, when he was noticing the engine woke up a little after 4K rpm.

[@TheDad777]

I remember knowing someone with one of these in early 2000. And he said “I just can’t see why anyone would ever need more power then this.”

[@RacerGRE]

Hes right, pretty economical too if you stick to the lower half of revs.

[@holtymagic]

Had this exact car, same colour and on a E reg. still my favourite car I’ve ever owned and wish never sold it 5 years ago🥲 Flew down the M25 everyday in it as my regular drive for 2 years and didn’t give me any trouble, only big smiles and fun.

[@realMaverickBuckley]

Man I remember when these were £500.🤣 Still think the Rev 3 Turbo Tin top is the best of all MR2s

[@timjones7336]

I had 2 of those 18 years ago. Wow was that a long time ago. Fast & fun, but handling at the limit was tricky I suppose due to the short wheelbase and engine sitting behind you.

[@craigsmith86]

I own an 86 MK1 and a rev3 tintop turbo and I would keep the MK1 over the MK2 I'd I ever had to choose.

[@sidyal]

Had one these, same year same colour. A real fun car but you had to watch for the snap oversteer in the wet. The big rear spoiler made the front end light and floaty at motorway speed. It was more at home on the twisties and the engine screaming behind your head made it even more enjoyable.

[@grozaphy]

I honestly love the interior. Love the low dashboard and the many layers

[@Ottobon]

So if you own one of these cars or plan to for a extended time one tip i can give regarding fighting rust is that you fully need to take some of the sideskirts and inner wheel covers off. The way the car drains water also collects huge amounts of debris. If its in good condition and you drive it regularly just do that every once in awhile and it should stay solid. Sadly the car has no simple drainage tube like you see with early Miatas you have to just get inside and at the fenders, but if you do that and the vehicle is already in decent condition it should stay as such for a long while. I figured this out before selling mine, which was a rust bucket, entire piles of leaves out of each corner of the car.

[@PerpetualTiredness]

I think that's the same 4A-GE engine from the Toyota Sprinter Trueno that was featured in Initial D.

[@davidsmith2356]

I had a MK1 white TBAR in 89 cost me £13000, quick off the mark, its 3rd gear that I loved mid range acceleration quite brilliant... 50 MPG if you wanted to sit at 50-60 mph. Happy memories. Bullet proof 4AGE engine which also went into the Corolla Gti which I bought 3 years afterwards.

[@dr.deepamenon5763]

This car's shape reminds me of the Countach 😂😂

[@sooofancier]

And it Rrminds me a Porsche 924

[@80srenaissance67]

Reminds me of every single kit car from the 90s

[@MatWatsonCars]

It's so cool

[@dr.deepamenon5763]

It truly is mate!

[@tr3204]

I owned a E reg blue one, what a great car to own and drive . Definitely a classic

[@cheesusslice7342]

I literally have a 1989 MR to T-bar and it's such a fucking sick car I'm only 17 insurance is expensive but it's worth it

[@PhilbyFavourites]

There’s no “literally” about it. You either have one or you don’t. It would appear that you have - there is no literal about it. Nice car though 🤓🤓🤓

[@stephendibari5010]

i owned this exact car here in NY, bought it new in 1986 for about $15k, kept it for 7 years and sold it in 1993 with 73k miles. Same color, except the interior was black with gray cloth and mine had different rims but all else looks identical. I changed the oil every 3k miles, never had one issue with it. Never changed the brake pads nor rotors, i always engine braked. Did have the timing belt changed at about 60k miles. Was a blast to drive, it was my first manual transmission. Would love to have it back to drive again!! Now i have a 1999 C5 FRC with only 19k miles. An absolute legend and very rare since there was only just over 4k made in 1999.

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

"You wont confuse this with anything else" The Fiero would like a word.

[@hanzhong_wang]

The Fiero would either be converted to a fake Italian supercar or be on fire or both. There is no way you could confuse the two. /s

[@chrissdavey]

My Dad had a dark blue G reg Mark 1 MR2 in the UK and it had the factory air conditioning. What a great car. Lovely handling and that revvy engine ❤

[@jordanhtiffirg1990]

I just subscribed just because you said you were gonna do more retro cars

[@boldcitycc]

I owned a dark blue 86 with t-tops. Probably my favorite car. The T-tops were just great! It makes it so open and wind through those years. Yeah man! That engine was cutting edge for its time. 16 valve engines were a brand new thing for production cars. And I believe Toyota was the first to bring one to market. It first appeared in the GTS Corolla, and then the MR 2. It made around 112 HP, nothing today, but in 1986, 4 cylinders were getting more like 75. It does not use rocker arms, and the cams act directly on the valves with little shims in between, Which helped it rev so freely and smoothly. The transmission shifted incredibly smooth, and that tunnel was so high in the middle, that you could literally shift it with your wrist. Nothing but fond memories of this car

[@opkb4e]

My favourite car I have ever owned, by a long margin.

[@lgliam]

I absolutely loved my AW11, I sold it for a 996. I actually think I preferred the MR2, it was such a great little car. The 4A-GE has to be one of the best engines I've ever used, it's fantastic.

[@emgee44]

Still think this was Toyota’s answer to Fiat's X 19, only more reliable. My brother had one for a short while, in white! I liked how you felt cocooned when you sat in it, as the transmission tunnel is so high, everything just wrapped around you. Not my cup of tea though.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

I remember sitting in an X-19 in a Fiat showroom. I’m 6’3” and I couldn’t sit up straight in it - it was so small…..

[@50RobinHill]

So nice to be re-acquainted with this lovely car. I had one back in the day and I always think of it as the best car I've ever owned - pure fun to drive and quite practical around town if you were single. Ahh well... If you are looking for one, go for the slightly improved '87 onwards' version (recognisable from the slightly enlarged air intake at the side), not the earliest version. They got better. Each of the three marks of MR2 had their own, unique 'drive', but for my money the Mk-1 was the best, marrying together sportiness with ride comfort better than the later versions. (Mk-3 also a lovely car in it's own right, but more of a basic 'go-kart' to drive.)

[@areasevenpro]

I wonder what happened to the MR2 that Edd China fixed in series 2 of Wheeler Dealers.

[@bobhale3902]

They're such great cars - so analog and fun - arguably more fun (in a basic, pure way) than our '94 NSX. My dad bought our MR2 new in '85 and I bought it from him in the 90s when I was in college - I'll never sell it. I can tell you that they're capable of 0-60 in mid-7s with a proper launch (you need to be brutal, with a 6,000 rpm clutch drop though). If you have the means, I highly recommend acquiring one.

[@Jetskicentral]

Review the hot clio range - Williams, 16v, v6 etc !!

[@srp21y]

You should definitely review more heritage cars for sure , my buddy had two of these first gen models , it was such a great car , I had a first gen Mazda Rx7 and we would always go for drives , with the sun roofs off LOL great memories !!!

[@karmveer240]

Mat's video posted 11 minutes ago me :watching in 144p and having a blue kind of effect on the screen. did youtube existed in 1990's

[@MatWatsonCars]

Good call.

[@karmveer240]

@@MatWatsonCars omg u replied to me I am your big fan dude

[@karmveer240]

@@MatWatsonCars btw u should keep ur supercharged miata for the question u had posted

[@MrAnderson321]

This has brought back some great memories! I used to own one in the 80’s when they first came out. B-Reg, two tone Oak Green/Champagne. It looked so modern ‘at the time’, felt like I was driving a Ferrari, superb handling…but when it rained it was lethal! After that I bought a 1991, Honda CRX 1.6 V-Tech and that was the dogs bollox, pissed all over the hatchbacks at the time, loved it. Try and get one of these Mat.🙏

[@Chris0-58]

"...you can actually blow a head gasket..." EJ25 : yes.

[@jeandibb4111]

Owned one of these brand new in 87. In that colour - Super Red II. Best handling car I have ever owned, tho the balance is very sensitive to tyre pressures. A great car, vastly underappreciated

[@thanosgkirgkinoudis9077]

1:08 *donut media pop up headlights song starts playing *

[@VRKUUL]

My MR2 was white. I drove it from 2002 to 2004. Your MR2 looks so beautiful and superb. Good review.

[@jaykhaw5025]

Those 4AGE engines are so revvy, imagine if you have the 20 valve version in the same car

[@nzwotb2525]

That would be quick i have seen a few around

[@ericbritton8146]

I had this exact car in white with the t-top, and a/c when I was single. I really enjoyed it the time I had it. Everything changed after I married my wife and had daughters. I went from driving awesome 3 pedal 5-speed manual transmission sports cars to driving a 2 pedal 8 passenger minivan. I did not see that coming.

[@aggelosblmp4637]

Classics are so much more interesting to watch and compare to newer cars imo!!

[@MatWatsonCars]

Well I'm going to do more.

[@harryharry8384]

i took a silver white D reg one out to italy for 2 years and you never get to experience how good that spoiler is in uk...... above certain speed you can actually feel the car become more and more stable as speed rises which always amazed me.

[@grayfool]

Having tried the MR2, you have to try the Honda CRX now.

[@garyclark6747]

Owned an 85 in the states. It is absolutely a hoot on smooth twisty roads. Lots of fun to drive and yes your feet feel like they are at the front on the car and wind screen set just off the ground. Had one battery pop on me which can happen so consider a cover for over it as the acid can come up through the deck grate. It is the easiest stick to drive quickly.

[@aehsanurrahman2025]

How many cars u wanna keep mat???

[@MatWatsonCars]

YES

[@ruairiobradaigh9810]

Had one of these absolutely the best car I've ever had, lovely gear change handled like a roller skate, beautiful direct steering, drove it from London to calais, did a little road trip round northern France, they loved it! cried when I had to get rid, never forget you F156BOL😔

[@straightbusta2609]

It has a 4AGE tho 😍

[@MatWatsonCars]

Yo

[@straightbusta2609]

@@MatWatsonCars Ayy yo

[@dazzareader4773]

I bought a 205 CTI last year , good old retro fun , Love the 80s/90s cars

[@atwntennisclub]

One of the greatest "put a shit eating grin on your face 24/7" cars of all time

[@wilee.coyote543]

Mine rusted at the rear wheel arches. I loved that car. Also had an 88 Corolla GT-S. Same engine (4AGE). Another great car.

[@spydaman2022]

You still had RPMs to go in second gear… I guarantee your time would be quicker if you did not shift into third right before 60 mph

[@bren38a]

Correct, it'll do 60.8mph in 2nd!

[@alanwayte432]

Talk about stating the very very obvious..yawn

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

RPM is already pluralised, no need for the s.

[@PatrickSBellSr]

Bought a brand-new 1988 MR2 in two-tone metallic grey and silver. Drove 120,000 miles in FL, WV, MA & NC. It was an AWESOME car! It ate tires, but was so much fun to drive, reliable and very well built. The Poor Man's Ferrari...👍🏼

[@Valisk]

Owned an NA MX-5 and a Mk1 MR2 back in the day. Two of my favourite cars ever. The MX-5 shaded it, but it was close. Loved the MR2 interior though. It died of terminal rust and oval bores in the end.

[@neilnettleingham4805]

Great vid Mat. We've just taken delivery of our 1989 MR2 that's the almost identical to your review car. Really looking forward to taking it to a few meets and events soon.

[@robertsupercalifragilistic7404]

This was my very first car that I bought myself in 1986. I loved it.