Toyota MR2 - Better Than a Miata?

What if you want a small, lightweight, rear wheel drive sports car? The answer is always Miata, right? I’ll bet you forgot about the Toyota MR2, I know I did.
Check out the written review on MountainTop-Media.blog
This is my first attempt at a review. Comment if you'd like to see more content like this from Mountain Top Racing!

[@IRLAsh]

These are truly a hidden gem. Yea it looks like a frog on crack, but once it's lowered a bit some side skirts, a wing, wheels and a hard top it looks like a 15k car

[@rubbertoe.]

"looks like a 15k car" - it's literally more than 15k in todays market. Quite a bit more actually.

[@MattNEuem]

@@rubbertoe. yes sir…i know I just bought one.😂

[@mangobtw8624]

@@MattNEuem welcome to the club

[@Zeriel00]

I paid 15k for mine ;_;

[@BondoV2]

@@rubbertoe. not in the uk

[@Elysianplains]

You summed the MR2 MkIII up perfectly. I liken mine to the same fun as driving a go cart. It’s always fun and exciting to drive.

[@stevenbitecofer6831]

One area the MR2 Spyder wins hands down is interior space for the driver and passenger. I am 6'2" and 215. I could never get comfortable in a S2000 or any edition of the Miata MX-5. I have tried them all, NA, NB, NC, ND and ND RF. They are all cramped side to side and do not have enough leg room or headroom. The Spyder, although smaller and lighter than the Miatas fits me much better. I have now owned it for 11 years.

[@scrutch666]

Im surprised by the nc since i would think its bigger than the mr2.

[@LOTPOR0402]

916 alfa spider best for interior size

[@btownballer27]

I'm glad you said that because I'm 6'3 (6'2 heavy) and 198 lbs. I just purchased one sight unseen for the most part, and I have an 18-hour drive to go get it. I've never been in a 3rd gen, but I was told the miatas are small, so this was my unique pickup. I will retrieve it in about 1.5-2 months. and

[@stevenbitecofer6831]

@@btownballer27 I have a son who is 6'3" and 265 and another one that is 6'5" and 220. They have both driven my Spyder successfully but both are cramped and the taller one looks like he is in a go-kart with his knees on either side of the sterring wheel almost.

[@btownballer27]

@stevenbitecofer6831 being that I am a little leaner, may make it a bit more comfy. I'm confident I will fit fine. My old ball coach was 6'3 in a 1st gen miata, and he would rock it all year round, so I'm sure I'll be fine.

[@NeilVegetaDang]

Yes. Having owned an NB, AP2 S2000, and now MR-S, the MR-S is def my favorite Japanese roadster

[@MountainTopRacing]

I'm surprised you prefer the MRS to the S2000. They both feel more rigid than a Miata but the Honda's engine wins me over. Can't argue that the MR2 feels lighter on its feet than the other two.

[@tonimartinovic5552]

@@MountainTopRacing 2zz MR2 > S2000 sorry

[@kostyamarowitz20]

@@tonimartinovic5552 No apology needed! I think I need to drive a 2zz MR2 soon, the revs plus lightweight mid engine platform sounds amazing.

[@ok9k572]

I owned a 2zz ( rolla tivo) 1zz(zzw30) and a 4age (aw11) i dont know what you feed your 2zzs mine cant fight its way outa a wet paperbag below 6k rpm the 4age (still better than a 1Zz) will keep up till that 6k rpm threashold sure peek power is 200hp but it feels even steeper than a b18c on lift and every shift with the C64 puts you back under the vvt. The s2k k20 is a much nicer motor and box setup. Thr only donw side of the s2k is you know its worth money so you dont beat it like it owes you some!

[@tonimartinovic5552]

@@ok9k572 its very different when you put the 2zz in a 300kg lighter car, also you can always put some aftermarket cams to lower the lift activation point

[@veganwaffle]

With gas prices at a crazy all time high, I love to daily my MR-S

[@mr.cookie7308]

Put a 2ZZ into one of these and you will give the s2000 a run for its money.

[@Newt94]

Literally just bought a 2zz swapped zzw30 after I drove a stock zz and a matrix xrs back to back. I have a long way to go with it but it's already a lil ripper and would destroy my modified turbo sw20 at autox.

[@Zeriel00]

In my area mechanics say the 1zz is a better engine because its more reliable, economical, and easier to work qith and repair than the 2ZZ. Im thinking of just turbo charging the 1ZZ.

[@Alien36]

just bought a 2zz swap mrs, I can't wait to try and race a s2000

[@jacklo325]

@@Zeriel00 your local mechanic's lack of experience on 2zz doesn't means 1zz is better than 2zz. 1zz have the oil consumption issue, whereas the 2zz's main drawback is the lift bolts.

[@Weimerica8841]

​@@jacklo325 2zz main concern is oil starvation on r comp tires. Even with all of the oil mods you can still blow them up with no warning

[@mangobtw8624]

for anybody reading this debating between this and a miata. the decision is easy, if you want power, your only option is to K swap, or 2zz swap since you wont get far with a 1zz even with a turbo. however, if you want a really dope exotic looking car, the mr2 is definitely for you. everytime i go stop to get gas, people ask me about my car, they take pictures and i hear all the time "oh what is it, ive never seen on before". especially if u get a loud "but still good sounding" exhaust and its in a nice color, its a head turner for sure.

[@user-nl2gy4ux7r]

Yes, I agree. I actually got my wife with this car (and because I'm very handsome).

[@lucasdamico8947]

great video man, I appreciate the quality of your production and your honest opinion. And also you recorded some wicked sound clips of this. Very nice.

[@christianvanhorn8446]

Excellent job! That’s a great first review!

[@mixalisstathis274]

i've crashed and lost my '92 NA, bought an NA chassis from '96 to start over, bought an MR-2 from 2001 to bridge the time of the NA rebuild when welding issues slowed down the process, meanwhile love it that much i have a guilty conscience about the NA. roadtrips with luggage and girlfriend are kind of demanding but the fun through the hairpins of the alpes and the switchbacks of coastal roads are so much rewarding it is absolutely worth the hustle.

[@Piccolodanigga]

I absolutely love the MR2 Spyder, I actually own one too! I got the 2002 model, and when I bought it (which was almost a month ago) It pushed out 146hp instead of 138, I guess the last owner had to put a new part on it 🤷‍♂️ She runs perfectly fine though, it's only got 42k miles and the engine is in very good condition, and it only takes around 50$ish to fill up, so I guess it's a very good choice, especially considering these gas prices. The car is super fun and I'll be definitely planning to squeeze a Black top 4AGE into it. Thank you for giving me your time, I hope to see you all on the open roads....

[@onerussianboi1164]

Congrats on the Mr2! Make sure to take out the factory cat if you or the previous owner haven’t done that yet. There’s a bad issue with the factory cat from 2000-2002 that can hurt the engine or destroy it by 100k miles.

[@djthiccstar]

Love mine but it needs a K swap or a 2zz even the 20v 4age is a cool idea but I feel like those choices are newer and better motors for the platform

[@MultiLittlegamer]

Just put a 2zz in it lol it bolts right on

[@BoostedorNA]

I underrated it because it was so far off from the SW20. After considering a boxster, I knew the spyder was the way to go.

[@kila_whale]

Awesome and very honest review specially for someone having 6 MX-5s haha! If you think it's underrated in US then I don't know what to say about this side of the pond in UK. Prices are very cheap and overlooked by everyone, they all seem to have forgotten the secret mantra that you've mentioned... It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car really slow 😅

[@MountainTopRacing]

I couldn't agree more. I actually just sold my E36 M3 because I have more fun in the roadster. Slow car fast is the best kind of fast!

[@mixalisstathis274]

MR-IATA is always the answer...

[@RoadsterAlex]

I had 2x NA Miata/MX5 and they were definitely great and fun to drive, bit of space not much behind the seats what I can remember, but I think the mr2 even in stock form is definitely better. Yes the 1zz has issues and not the best engine out there but it’s not bad at all! I got 6.78 to 60mph so your 6.8 is very accurate indeed. Which is faster than an UK EP3 Type-R that has 197hp. Anyway mine now runs an K24 on it and bit of weight gain due heavy bodykit but I definitely love the mk3 mr2 and always will

[@kostyamarowitz20]

I think a K24 or 2zz would make the MR2 a hard platform to beat. And I agree the 1zz isn't anything special, neither is the Miata's BP for that matter. Good platforms don't necessarily need crazy power plants to be fun.

[@diogenesagogo]

I don't get the looks thing. It's got loads of character for me - love the bug eyed look - perhaps reminds me of the the old Sprogeyed Frite? Cars like the Miata (MX-5) look too bland for my tastes. Good news for me though, 'cause that makes them cheaper!

[@MountainTopRacing]

Now that you mention it I can see some of that Sprite DNA. The looks are polarizing, but they certainly help the car stand out amongst the modern stuff.

[@veganwaffle]

This is a childhood car for me, gre up loving every part of this baby

[@RoadsterAlex]

Agree

[@Elysianplains]

I have the 2004 Red Edition. I adore the look

[@Onimun]

Nice! Good review

[@pyrox2004]

My 2003 paradise blue with the wider wheels in the rear looks fantastic and I get approached all the time because people in the states have no idea what the car is!

[@evolicious-x]

bought mine last year for $3k. slowly been modding. glad many people dont know about it.

[@Zeriel00]

Wow I paid 5 times as much for mine in 2022. I paid 15k, 80k miles 2003, but its super clean and has some TRD parts, rims, spoiler and all side skirts. This car is disappearing fast and the price keeps going up!

[@evolicious-x]

@@Zeriel00 ah but mine was sitting for 4 years. 130k miles. needed tires, brakes, replaced headers and cat, head gasket, tune up, driver side axle replaced, and rebuilt the transmission. lol.

[@evolicious-x]

@@Zeriel00 atleast u got a clean and low mileage one and nice! mine im holding off on mods till the spare money comes in. i want to turbo the 1zz get the suspension wheels tires and get the lipkit painted. maybe next year i get some mods done.

[@v8_sami]

@@evolicious-x bought might for 4k with 150k miles on it

[@slowstartfast2162]

Solid review. Great cut aways to full throttle fly by -- please list by name each exhaust component as it sounds fantastic!. Back pack sized storage bins behind the seats. Had a 1990 MX5 for 11 years -- currently have 11 years with the Mr2 Spyder. Both enjoyable on public roads - top down motoring.

[@MountainTopRacing]

Thank you! I'll have to check with the owner for exact exhaust components. As far as I know it's an Ebay header to Magnaflow high flow cat and a stock looking muffler? Stay tuned as I'm going to do another review of this MR2 now that the owner has improved it quit a lot.

[@andbkk]

Which is your favourite? Mx5 or spider?

[@slowstartfast2162]

I was 33 when I got the 1990 MX5 in 1995 with 48K. Gas was $1 a gallon and my hobby was driving everywhere I could to find cool twisty roads. I had fresh shocks put on and with the A arm suspension and body lean it felt fun - fast did not matter. It even felt good with the cruise control on the highway. It was blue. By 125,000 miles it did not feel as fresh. The slogan on the owners guide said "It just feels right" and all the praise the auto journalists gave it were justified because it did. MX5. but it's very close.

[@feral4mr2]

Aw11 (mk1) owner and enthusiast for 26 years now, only have 2 aw11's left though. 😢 I also now have a mr-s spyder, great little car. I will always love my aw11's, but the spyder is a pleasure to drive, same but more refined. And people don't give the 1zz enough credit imo, for a daily driver/weekend driver it's a good torquey engine. You don't have to rev the shite out of it like other common swaps.

[@rushnerd]

Ever tried the GT-S Celica? Would love to know what you think. Silly Toyota made people choose between MR2 1ZZ or the better engine in the Celica.

[@treeskier802]

Excellent video. You’re knowlege on these cars is pretty impressive. Would you go for an NA Miata, the MR2 Spyder or a 350z convertible if the money was the same? Which do you think is most collectible if you could find one with under $100k miles?

[@CrazyPanda688]

These handle better than any miata I can tell you that much Never felt handling like this car. It corners like it’s on rails. My miata would understeer and also oversteer. Although that could maybe have been the tyres But the MR2 sticks to the road. I’ve had it 4 days and I already prefer it to my mk1 miata hands down Except for the looks. They don’t look terrible, just a bit odd

[@markdoyle6414]

I think it's not so much a case that don't like them, it's just they haven't tasted them yet. I have one as a daily driver.

[@marcandsebe]

We have a right hand drive one in the UK and has a hard top. It’s a fun drive.

[@bujin5455]

12:28. There's nothing to wonder about. As you stated right at the beginning of the video, the Mk3's storage makes a Miata look like it's a mini van. The Miata can barely be lived with as a "car" and a Mk3 is simply a toy, period. It's like having a four-wheeled motor cycle. Personally, I think the Mk3 is beautiful, I love the lay out, and the weight, but unless I was building a track car, I have ZERO interest in its storage situation. So instead, I have a Mk2 2GR MR2.

[@funtimesatbeaverfalls]

Why not have both, like me.

[@bujin5455]

@@funtimesatbeaverfalls Sure, if you have the space to own all the things, and the means to do so.

[@kona6451]

had a 2005 MR2 and now have a 2008 MX-5. The MR2 was fun and small but I actually like my NC Miata more. drives better, more comphy and still feels like driving a go cart.

[@mortisvan]

There are storage compartments behind the seats.

[@lostgps3005]

MR2 Is Always The Answer

[@hildamcsulla2741]

😎

[@rushnerd]

Unless you want the 2ZZ lol. Along with the insane prices of the MR2 now, I had to go with my GT-S Celica and I regret nothing. Just 300 pounds heavier. I took the backseats out so even lighter.

[@user-nl2gy4ux7r]

It is also the question. Ying and yang. Miata's only halfway there.

[@johnnyk6906]

IMHO this gen is the best MR. I did end up buying a Miata back in '00 over this because at the time Miata was actually practical as I needed to carry booster seat in the trunk for my son. I hear a rumor about 2024 MR return. if this is true, I will consider replacing my current and 4th Miata even if there is no "trunk" space.

[@Zeriel00]

The problem with newer cars is that theyre not sports cars anymore. Theyre luxury cars. Look at the new 86, that thing is like 3,300lbs is riddiculous! So much comfort, computers and safety features that they dont feel like sports cars anymore. Add to that the fact that they want to faze out petrol engines and the future of sports cars is looking very bleak. I think thats why the price of MR2s is sky roketing, I paid 15k for mine at 80k miles! Theres just no alternatives to these cars anymore and ppl are picking them up fast and not selling.

[@inaNis_]

Dude this 1ZZ sounds sick though?

[@DrewIbarra714]

Keep it down we can't let the clout chasers ruin this car too😔 I'm not paying over 10k for a 20 year old car

[@dustincutt9297]

Unfortunately its already getting expensive for these up here in canada. along with way overpriced vw corrado's and sciroccos. I should have bought and MRS 2 years ago.

[@IRLAsh]

I just saw one on FB market place asking for 15k and one on insta for 10k. I've also been seeing a lot of of these on the road just two days ago I saw 2 mr2 spyders. I got mine for 3.3k 5 months ago. Mine has bad paint but the interior is perfect and a clean title and clean engine. GET ONE SOON

[@DrewIbarra714]

@@IRLAsh lmao I got mine as a hand me down from my grandma I have the exact same problem the paint is shit but the inside still looks mint😤

[@DrewIbarra714]

@@IRLAsh the only good part is that most of the cars on FB market place have less than 100k miles on them so that 1zz is basically brand new😂

[@richardggeorge]

That's what they cost here in Australia and they only came with the SMT gearbox here.

[@GetTheFOutOfMyWay]

For the record I daily my Spyder while my Matrix XRS sits hard parked neglected and that's not the almost $6 a gal gas talking. Lol...

[@puregsr]

I daily drive my Matrix XRS while my Tahoe (14 mpg) sits hard parked neglected, though the 2ZZ uses premium gas

[@Dudeman9339]

STOP MAKING THESE VIDEOS! STOP. Leave the W30 alone and protect it's legacy as a semi-secret masterpiece.

[@sfanch]

Good review, any thoughts on these with the SMT trans?

[@MountainTopRacing]

In my opinion, a sports car this simple shouldn’t have anything but a manual transmission to match the analog feel overall. I’m sure it would still be a fun car to drive if you had to get a SMT trans, but it’s not really what this car is about.

[@Newt94]

Smt suuuuuucks.

[@onerussianboi1164]

I have the SMT trans, if you’re looking for a more daily-able version of the mr2 spyder, it’s the one to get. However, if you’re looking for pure enthusiast fun, the manual version is going to let you have a little bit more choice in shifting.

[@PorschePrestige987]

I'll be nice since it's your first review however, you overlook storage space behind both seats big enough for 2 over night bags. :)

[@kostyamarowitz20]

Hmm I guess if those bags are small you could make it work. My main point was the lack of an actual trunk anywhere on the car. Necessity breeds ingenuity though!

[@PorschePrestige987]

@@kostyamarowitz20 believe it or not they sell a luggage set just for that area on Amazon. Oh and apparently all gen 3 are "numbered" on there door sil Vin plate. It'll say "No. 728" or something similar corresponding to when it was actually built in the production year.

[@markynets]

It has a storage behind the seat

[@TJWilliamssr]

I tried out a Miata, Bmw, and mr2 The miata has great breaks, the Beemer is like a Miata on steroids, the MR2 is more like a lotus, way better handling more precise steering etc.

[@pottasium7117]

10:40, kinda have the opposite opinion. i agree on aw11 looks, but i think sw20 looks fat and bulky, its a gt car (but its bad at being one), meanwhile zzw30 (stock) looks mediocre, but on some nice rims an coilovers looks pretty good and aged well. The main appeal of it (and why i want to buy one) is that is as analogue and close to a motorcycle you can get, but a "modern" car. Its simple and only has the electronics to keep the engine running rather than drive-by-wire or driver-aids, but not old enough that you have to treat is as a project car instead of a daily. Also i find mx5 generic (which is somewhat petty reasoning, but hey, taste is subjective)

[@Wats100]

Pre cats where an issue for the 2000-2002 models I believe they fixed them in the 2003-05

[@Tweedewoning]

Oil consumption for the period till 2003 was an issue. This destroyed the pre cats. From 2003 it was solved.

[@thecsslife]

I’ve driven the MX-5 and the MR2. I prefer the latter much more.

[@evelynkinson5524]

The mr2 has storage cupboards behind the seats which the equivalent mx5 hasn't got

[@CrazyPanda688]

Yeah but the Mx5 has space behind the seats and the MR2 doesn’t

[@vizualmrs]

toyota mr-s >>

[@markdoyle6414]

From a British point of view these are much better when it comes to corrosion. These don't rust like an MX5's. Many of the MX5's are rotten in the UK. I have done 24k in my MR2 and the whole load space thing is way over-stated. It has decent enough space behind the seats, granted it's not as easily accessed as a conventional boot/trunk. I have a BMW e39 sedan and the MR2 is pretty much my daily driver as it's better on fuel.

[@carloscanizares4699]

You forgot the space behind the seats.

[@leadwithlovecrystalmarie]

Question…. In comparison…. Inside in the cabin… is there more room in the MR2 compared to the Miata? I’m trying to find something with a bit more room. The Miata is tight!

[@MountainTopRacing]

The Miata and MR2 cabins are really similar in size. The MR2 might have a smidge more space but if you're looking for more space than a Miata you'd probably be better off with something larger overall.

[@tenExcalibur]

it feels wider inside mr2 than in nb miata. The windshield is further in the mr2 so it gives a lot optical space and u can sit much lower inside mr2 than in nb miata. In the mr2 there is no "tunel" between seats so you have more space again. Yes its bigger inside the cabin

[@mados3639]

Larger I don't know, but I'm 190cm tall and my head is still low in the car !

[@RoadsterAlex]

I feel like the mk3 mr2 has more space than mk1 Miata (had 2 Miata and have the mk3 now)

[@rkd350z]

behind the seats theres plastic bin that is connected left and right. it will hold couple gym bags

[@bujin5455]

6:03. I don't think it's fair to say the Mk3 MR2 was "aimed at the Miata," as though the Toyota's MR2 was some sort of response to Mazda releasing the Miata. The Mk1 MR2 (1984) was released FIVE YEARS before the NA Miata (1989), and there is a whole generation of MR2s AFTER the Miata's release before the Mk3 comes around. If anything, the Miata was a response to the MR2, not the other way around. Really what the Mk3 was, was a return to form after the larger, heavier, and more powerful (more expensive) Mk2. Much like Mazda returned to form with the ND, after the bloated misstep of the NC. The Mk2 wasn't really so much of a misstep (like the NC was), but it was quite the move away from the simple, affordable, playful spirit of what the Mk1 was all about.

[@mixalisstathis274]

don't you underestimate the NC. don't you judge it by its look. it's an absolutely different plattform and there is a reason why Robert Serwanski is flying it (and neither NA, nor NB, nor NB-FL) over the Nordschleife like a bezerk.

[@bujin5455]

@@mixalisstathis274 There's always someone running something somewhere. ...but the fact remains: The NC was built off of the RX-8, didn't have it's own dedicated platform like the other Miatas, and was the heaviest, least-Miata, Miata out of the bunch.

[@mixalisstathis274]

@@bujin5455 man - the RX-8 was built off the Miata. Robert Serwanski is testdriver at Koenigsegg and multiple MX5-Cup-Winner, his time at the Nordschleife BTG speaks for the NC as his choice. the nordschleife is not "somewhere", it is the benchmark for spirited driving in more or less secure circumstances. the NC stands as a plattform for itself: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKTPc5Jqf65-qZI i agree it was the ugly duckling to its predecessors - as an NA owner i did not even like the NB - although i'm running the VVT from such a 2004 model in my NA.

[@bujin5455]

@@mixalisstathis274 Dude, I don't know what you think you're talking about, your own linked video says you're wrong in the first 3 minute of footage. Timestamp starting at 2:08 running to 2:22: "Some of the basic decisions around that car [NC] were built around sort of the Ford's mindset of the way they do economies of scale, and from their viewpoint of course, we had to use the RX-8 platform for that car [NC]." So yes, the Miata was built off of the RX-8, not the other way around. And Nordschleife is "somewhere," if it was "nowhere" you wouldn't bring it up. There are loads of world famous events, tracks, and racers, and just because the NC has been used by someone somewhere in the list of all of that, doesn't make the NC special in an otherwise purpose built heritage. The NC is the least Mazda Miata, it's the least miata "Miata," it's the least purpose focused, and *your own video* underlines ALL of that. If you like the NC good for you. No one cares, it's fine, but just because you have a thing for it doesn't change what it inherently is and is not. What I said in my first post was 100% on the nose. "Mazda returned to form with the ND, after the bloated misstep of the NC." My comment is obviously true, because if Mazda didn't see the NC as a bloated misstep, they would have doubled down on the NC design decisions, but they didn't, they reversed course, and they were VERY public about the fact they were returning to form, that the ND was the lightest most focused Miata since the NA. Not only that, the ND sales exploded with the new design, proving the market agreed with the decision, and also proving the market wasn't impressed with the NC. So both Mazda and the market viewed the NC as a bloated misstep, self-evident in how both responded to it.

[@mixalisstathis274]

​@@bujin5455 okay, thank you for your statement - i think in the first i only said don't underestimate the NC and not that i have a crush for it or similar. as i said before, to me it's the ugly duckling of all the miatas even i do not care if it is the "least" miata or not. i know all the marketing decisions around the last iteration (even me myself i think the 124 abarth ist the much more attractive miata but has the wrong powerplant) - that doesn't change the fact, that the RX-8 was developed off the NB-plattform and the NC made that step back, to redefine the RX-8-plattform as good as it gets to impersonate a miata as known and valued. and yes, its trailingarms and 5-link-suspension is the reason for Robert Servanski's choice - you simply can not reach such cornering speeds with an NB, nevermind the additional weight of an NC. the NAs and NBs are true purist's cars but handle not so excellent on racetracks - for sure manageable and a lot of fun and if all the contestants have the same handicap we can call it fair conditions. the NC, when you drive one yourself, is a whole different experience - but that doesn't make it lighter or even more beautiful. i hope you get my point right this time. and whenever you have the chance... kzbin.info/www/bejne/npm6qJ9ql9aYpbs he just elevated the limiter a bit, so he has to shift less before some corners and their braking zones.

[@ennaespinal4799]

I actually really want one but all the ones around me are $10k-$15k should I just get one?

[@MountainTopRacing]

Wow, they sure have gotten more expensive lately. I’d honestly look further away and find one under 10k, they still come up now and then.

[@adventuresofhunter]

Come get mine for 5k

[@pavelslama5543]

Honestly it doesnt even look that bad. It looks like a Boxter on a budget, maybe even a bit better. The rear definitely looks better than on the MK2. The MK2´s rear lights are just absolutely fugly.

[@andyl9920]

$2800? Lucky guy. these things r expensive nowadays

[@v8_sami]

It used to be cheap. Now you can pick on up for around 3k if you are willing to put a little work into it.

[@robertpearce5553]

Is 1zz better more torque than the 2zz 6sp?

[@micaelantunes7055]

yes at low rpm, but is not much to be honest.

[@plutonium5156]

2zz does not come into its power until very high revs. 1zz is better on the street unless you plan on living past 5,000 rpm

[@dominyj9785]

I saw the video at the most parts, have an improvement for your channel, more car videos and you talking in the background and also you need to improve the audio quality

[@amancars3807]

These can be reasonably quick on the straights too. I N/A tuned mine to about 160hp and got a decent quarter mile drag time (for a 1zz). see my video for more details: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWa8i56qa8aIhLM Basicly I modded the stock air intake pipe & airbox, added a sports air filter, upgraded the manifold and cat pipe + installed a remapped engine chip (unichip). Mine is the heavier facelift model, with no weight reduction

[@arcanevoid9199]

why would you spend that money on a 1zz though, if your not gonna turbo it just 2zz swap

[@amancars3807]

@@arcanevoid9199 it wasn't that expensive at all. I know people who purchased ppe headers for like 800+usd. Whereas I purchased a £100 Toyo sports header instead. Everything cost me about £900 total in parts (which the unichip was the priciest) and the £80 cashback from selling the oem manifold and oem cat to a cat recycler Which brings the total to about £820 for about a 15% increase in NA power (uk) very reasonable tbh

[@jamesmcdonald5026]

Mr2 runs fine on regular gas. The Mazda needs premium I'm told.

[@arlenburgin2392]

Looks like Texas Hill country

[@MountainTopRacing]

Filmed in the hills above Malibu, CA. If Texas Hill country looks like this I'm gonna have to visit!

[@arlenburgin2392]

@@MountainTopRacing come on over! Gotta check out River Road in New Braunfels TX

[@ThomasCorfield]

Trunks are for elephants, and I'm not an elephant.

[@MountainTopRacing]

😂 touché

[@marsarmory6236]

Swap the celica gts motor in this

[@gepal7914]

I had a first edition MR2 which I really liked and kept for years. This edition was just too impractical and slow. Not sure what Toyota was thinking with this regression. Never wanted a Miata.

[@RothRothschild-xj3nx]

Love that car! When I found out the price when new, Toyota are morons! That's why it didn't sell!

[@82raptor]

MX-5 is better.

[@Nickoboss29]

Depends

[@CrazyPanda688]

Better if you care about looks Anyone who’s driven a mk3 mr2 knows that they corner and drive better than any early miata does. And probably most mk3’s too

[@thomasberts8449]

Its so damn ugly and im a Toyota entusiast 🤘

[@Weimerica8841]

you don't have to look at it to drive it, mate. who cares what it looks like? are you taking pictures of your car or driving it? lmao

[@NeilVegetaDang]

As an MR-S owner, I do agree it's ugly stock body. But with a kit, lowered, a wing, wheels, the right mods will make it look great :)

[@PlasticDuckMachine]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.I have had so called cool cars but would not swap my yellow stock mr2 for anything.35 mpg , handles great with new front sway bar and as any car if well maintained totally reliable.

[@RoadsterAlex]

It’s not “ugly” it’s different. When I got the car I wanted to get a porsche bodykit and such due lights etc. Also rear lights are huge (which still annoys me sometimes). But the front is growing more and more on me and how it looks. Okay I have a big bodykit on mine but I still think that the mk3 is a great car. Sure completely oem is cute and I don’t think it’s ugly at all

[@vltruane]

They look much better in person, and with the hardtop. It’s like a mini Porsche Boxster.

[@blackbox3030]

Those black wheels ruin the look of it.

[@OOICU812]

No. MR2 not better than Miata.

[@vltruane]

Mk3, yes it is.

[@bullfrogzbodyshop]

Check mine out & see if it changes your mind on the looks.great review i think its very on point