My Love/ Hate Relationship with the Toyota MR2 Turbo SW20

On this special Sunday episode of Roads Untraveled, Marcus gives us a list of his favourite and least favourite things about the second generation (SW20) Toyota MR2 Turbo GT-S from Japan (JDM). Enjoy!
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[@bzzt_jgtc]

Hey man - wind noise in the SW20 often comes from the seals of the side mirror baseplates - the rubber seals shrink with age and an air gap opens up. take off the tweeter covers in your doors, remove the tweeters and undo the bolts to take the side mirror assemblies off. then run some black silicone around the rubber seal and reinstall - should help plenty of that wind noise. Cheers!

[@vegetoe01]

That and also replace the rubber that the window slots into where it meets the wing mirror. They always split at the top.

[@1plateclub]

I see that Ken Kogashiwa let you borrow his car 😂😂😂

[@ataorkunoguz5451]

Initial D :)

[@leftrightoutcognitive8638]

Lol nice one

[@axl1632]

No sherlock, the Kogashiwa's MR-2 SW20 its a N/A model (G-Limited to be specific) and this one its the Turbocharged one. The one that we got for the USDM market.

[@77knives]

@@axl1632 Correct, exactly what i was going to say

[@A7MkMayo]

@@axl1632 kai’s mr2 was actually a turbo, it is just that in the arcade games it was listed as a n/a despite in the anime and manga it was a turbo

[@ivorton23]

Still want one of those...i just love how they look

[@mralldayiskate100]

ivorton23 yea me too

[@KINGHARGRAVE]

ivorton23 NNNNNEEEEEERRRRDDDDDD

[@negativeindustrial]

You’ll love even more how they drive if you ever get one. They’re easy af to live with.

[@zangovu]

I once had a Mister Two years ago. Much fun and love for those car. They handle even better with the right coilovers!

[@st4n401]

its beem 5 years i drive a 91 sw20 with the 2.2 5sfe, its not as fast as a turbo but as gas milage i get 7.5L/100km so its pretty damn cheap. it does not have the torque and the hp of a turbo but in twisty roads if you keep her into her power band it still pretty damn fun to drive.

[@4stroh1gheg02]

damn thats really good mileage, sir you just changed my mind and placed it the right way, im getting an mr2

[@chieftain5391]

Just replaced the ignition switch in my 1993 MR2. 70.000 miles in mint condition. No accidents. Had it repainted four years ago in its original color. Still drive it once or twice a week. Teenage boys stare enviously every time I am out! Love my MR2. Will never sell it. Put in a new surround sound five channel system with Bluetooth! Great sound!

[@hakanhakan8161]

I hate the term "poor mans Ferrari" basically calling 95% of the world population poor. The MR2 deserves respect instead of being insulted just remember its a 21 year old car putting 280 HP on the road for less then £4000.. Fuck Ferrari.

[@mre7550]

yeah, ferraris are for spoilt bitches. lol

[@Baerchenization]

95% of the world ARE poor... wtf. Are you 12 yo?

[@Marticus518]

wouldn't surprise me if 95% of the world population actually IS poor.

[@fukkinkana]

You'll make 200hp if your lucky enough to find a (4th gen) turbo model. But for 4k you'll most likely be getting a 5sfe wich you'll make 135. But you're in Europe so there's also a chance you'll get a 3sge and make like 150, but that wasnt an option where I'm from unfortunately.

[@RoadsUntraveled]

So I know a lot of you have been asking for more videos with my MR2 so here you go! No mods as of yet, but parts are on the way :D Have a great Sunday! - Marcus

[@adsmith_]

Are parts tough to come by?

[@sturomain]

Great video I love my MR2 3sgte. I will never sell it!

[@therealboofighter]

+Adam Smith Once you are in the community, no.

[@sturomain]

Adam Smith Toyota Dealer has every part available.

[@RoadsUntraveled]

Toyota dealer has 90% of the parts. Other random things you can find on MR2-specific sites which carry the other 10% of the parts.

[@Pine360]

YOU DAILY YOUR MR2 TOO? SO happy i thought i was the only one

[@mushlove6933]

There are hundreds who daily theirs! A guy where I live dailies both his aw11's And I almost daily mine haha

[@negativeindustrial]

Nope, me too, for many years now. It’s so reliable, even at 30yo.

[@grimson]

Really good video. Lots of these types of videos only show us the driver the entire time. The external shots are great. Your comments are really thoughtful, too, and make a lot of sense. I have an NA but mirror many of the same likes and dislikes, with the former greatly outweighing the latter.

[@SnowWhiteMR2]

Good video! It's nice to see someone talking about the car who has a realistic view on it.

[@AC28]

Clean MR2 man! Keep up the vids!!!

[@Stevej25257]

Awesome video man, exactly what I needed and gives me motivation for my own channel

[@tejdhillon9591]

Man, your an inspiration to myself. Been wanting an MR2 for ages. Thanks for this video your teaching me tons before I get it. Hopeful for Summer 17 I will finally get one. Got the exact Blue that I love as welll! Thanks for the awesome content keep the MR2 videos rolling! There aren't enough of them on youtube sometimes! Have a good one.

[@RaphaelMenoni]

So did you get it?

[@tyupton1719]

right uses a lot of fuel under hard driving... you should drive my rx7, no power or speed but it drinks away lol, still a fun car.

[@larry12345]

just picked up my mr2 3 days ago completely stock and cant agree more with your love hate comments abt the car. looking forward to more vids on ur mr2!

[@tomo55554]

Such a sweet little car and looks so balanced, I would have liked if you talked a little more about the handling being a MR set up but great video.

[@rgregory23]

Love your videos! Keep it up!

[@StraightUpHippo]

Loved this video! :D

[@SpeedStik]

I think it's great that you've kept the car extremely clean. factory wheels look great!

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+SpeedStik the only reason for the stock wheels is a lack of funds haha

[@TeniaJenkinsmusic]

Great video!!! Very informative!

[@bikinggreg]

Great car. Thanks for sharing. I have a '93 w/o the turbo, which I bought new. I've got 250K on it and it still gets 30+mpg. Great, fun car to drive, especially in the mountains.

[@gehringer37]

Awesome car! The MR2 is soooo under rated!

[@nrs6956]

Agreed!

[@JasonWhitewick]

Love what you do man

[@jzshouse]

Had a BEAMs swapped SW20 here in TX. Loved it to death!

[@KiddTrip]

Great video. Love SW20's

[@zhemin]

Markus thanks so much for making a video on the MR2 just for me ;"D More video on your MR would be super awesome. Thanks

[@RoadsUntraveled]

:D Glad you enjoyed it

[@vdtogt]

Compliments on your review!

[@jacksonwitha8078]

Love the song at the start!

[@FudgeCakeShanker]

Love it, always loved the MR2's since I was a kid

[@TheEVGuy85]

That town you drove through, gorgeous!!! I'm moving to Canada.

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+TheGoogleGlassGuy hometown :) White Rock, BC.

[@justmoah3410]

loved the vid man I used to own an mr2 but no turbo. sadly it burned down as me and my father were rebuilding it.

[@jkldeer]

Love your channel, love your car! Would like to see more BMWs and 911s. :D

[@JB_287]

Have you driven an NSX or S2000? If so, how would you compare the stock shifting feel? You always hear about how good Honda shifters feel. I've never driven an MR2, so I'm curious. Keep up the good work, I always enjoy your videos.

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

When I bought my Supra there was one of these on the lot as well, I test drove both and man it was a tough choice. the only thing that made me not pick the SW20 was because it was neon yellow. ahh man. that's too much. .Great cars though! awesome at autocross and really quick. Great video as always man. Cheers.

[@DragzMR2]

I have a '93 rev2 NA SW20 and I love it! One hell of car, such a blast to drive! I wan't the BEAMS engine since I'm the "NA all the way" type of guy but the 3SGTE must be crazy fun! great car man, that's a rev3? Look's mint, love to see an MR2 in good hands :) Cheers from Croatia

[@dolbyvixen]

I just bought mine a week ago, 1991 Turbo as good as stock (except 1994+ taillights and spoiler), Canadian model too. Definitely enjoyed the 1300km return trip getting to really now this car

[@shanes0s473]

Yes do Sunday videos please :) :')

[@trdartz]

I can totally relate Marcus... I had a usdm 91 sw20. The frustrations of having to fix things continuously but also enjoying putting on parts and enjoying the results. It's a car that I definitely looked back at whenever I parked it and admired. I've since sold it... I know it was the right decision... But I also miss it sometimes.... I had a berk downpipe on mine. That mod is definitely worth the upgrade with regards to turbo spool

[@trdartz]

Oh yes... Fellow BC resident as well =) nice videos.... Love that 964 turbo video you did. PORSCHE fan here too

[@UltimateRides]

love the mr2 dude

[@tmr8991]

I love my 1991 5SFE MR2. Not a fast car, but it's not a sloth either. It's quite lively for a 130hp car. I live up in mountains, so handling is more my priority. My car is doesn't not have power steering, power locks, power windows (they're roll up), no ABS, and no LSD. The only luxuries I do have is air conditioning and t-tops. It's a bit spartan, but you really fell the raw nature of the car. I do use it as my daily driver, it's quite practical for my needs since I'm only a college student. As far as fuel goes, I can get as high as 30 mpg depending on how I drive. It's not bad for a early 90s 2.2 liter. Maintenance is easy as well since the 5SFE has a narrow cam setup. So it doesn't sit very cramped in the engine bay and things are easily accessible.

[@Veksi8]

I love your mr2 videos and really love my mr2. I have to agree about noise, in cabin there is quite much tire, wind and engine vibration noises.. that is the bigest drawback. If there is some1 who have a good idea to bring those noises down let me hear that. I wondering to put some bitum mats, let see if that helps. :)

[@nuyorcubariqueno3634]

I’ve had my 91 Turbo for 22 years now....it’s a love affair.

[@Tact-Mack0397]

Great vid

[@purplemonstertv]

Great vid. Very well put. Im on my 2nd MR2 now, Also turbo. I love them, Such a good car and fun to Drive. It could have more space in it, But i manage to fit alot in mine, But you dont buy a MR2 for carry stuff around in now HA. Keep up the good vids.

[@dougdeboer3907]

I've wanted a mister 2 for a while I think they are really cool cars. I know your pain trying to find twisty roads here lol I noticed a few that were very far from each other in the video.

[@Demon_Pig]

Use stick on weights on your wheels instead of clip ons. Corrosion builds up underneath clip ons, not to mention that whenever someone installs them, they can scratch the rim.

[@samsagar]

At 7:25 I see that the license plates don't fit up haha. I have the same issue with my Skyline. The U.S. plates don't match up either. I actually ordered an adapter from a Canadian JDM parts company. Hopefully it fits!

[@zimos5842]

great stuff as always my fellow bcers xD

[@JerZeyFiveOh]

I can totally relate with my 1.8T Audi, we had a few hot days here and man when the engine oil temps get pass 210 I can feel the computer take timing out and lose power. :(

[@topdownb58]

I stay fighting heat soak down here in SC with my R56 Mini Cooper S...full bolt ons...intercooler definitely helped a little, but summer is here and I can't always push the car the way I'd like to :(

[@jayclark4239]

My parents own a UK mk2 mr2 n/a which I get to drive during summer, and for a non turbo car it's awesome! Drives so well! Motivation to save for something like a supra! Also what's the outdo music? Always wondered

[@JamesMotorsport]

BTW marcus, A megasqurt plug and play is a great investment with this car, simplify the engine management and increase its potential.

[@alexr1949]

I have a first Gen MR2 non turbo, all stock (not for long) and its sooo much fun to drive! i want a second gen soo bad... MR2's are life

[@Moe-ks1sy]

looks nice 👍

[@jbbairoletto1509]

That pleasant turn! 10/10 02:28

[@grayprojects591]

Can u pleaseeeeee do a evo 9 or 10 in a future episode plzzzz man!

[@liamroberts1534]

Hey man how do you manage time with making videos so often? Assuming you're in college? I've been making a few of my own lately and seem to miss out on events because I'm overloaded with uni work... Love your work mate

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+Liam Roberts I did two years of film school right out of high school and decided I was done with school. I finished that in 2013. I haven't gone to school since then, Grayson and I have been running our company since then full-time. We also do a few other video/media related work under our company name. Time management is key ;)

[@mishimposble]

Having owned MR2's I can tell you the alternator will probably need replacement and power steering fluid will run out after 100k miles. Another tip is to not use the windshield washer. The fluid fades out the single stage paint so you're better off wiping if off by hand when you fill up. You will notice one side of the roof, trunk lid, and rear spoiler losing color because of this. On the N/A the seal on the distributor shaft will leak oil up into the cap and need regular cleaning. Always use the OEM spark plugs if you want the car to run right and keep good gas mileage. The wheel bearings may need replacement and front shock mounts will fall apart over time. The ashtray will crack and/or break. The third gear syncro will probably be the first to start grinding on downshifts around 150k. Also, some owners bring the suspension and wheels up to the later gen 2.5 specs to help avoid the dreaded snap over steer. Since you can't rotate the tires you will probably need to replace the rear tires at least once a year. Still loved and miss the 2nd gen. I always got lots of interest, offers to sell, and car conversation with this car. Still one of the most reliable and nicest looking Japanese sports cars in my opinion.

[@hssw20c24]

Never know you had an mr2. It's pretty cool!!

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+Hussein Cheikh thanks :D I love it

[@p4horror]

I always thought the same thing about the 2nd gen. MR2. The styling is very exotic. Put it next to a Lotus Esprit or those older Ferraris and the 2nd gen. MR2 fits right in.

[@04dram04]

This reminds me so much of the FRS, but mid engined

[@ChimkenNuggers]

Heeeey! Another British Columbian! Hopefully I'll see you around! Hoping to get an MR2 AW11 in the near future! :)

[@snape1464]

Will you be modifying this car? Maybe just the heat soak issues you mentioned or more extensive mods? Greetings from the Netherlands!!

[@ctrl-alt-bingo]

Hey what twisty roads are those, they look really fun

[@that5what5he5aid]

dont forget about behind the seats storage!

[@patrickstarr87]

What a beautiful color! What is that blue called?

[@puregarage.official]

Is there video of you speaking about the cornering characteristics of mid engine MR2? I've some experienced on fwd and rwd car but not with mid engine car. Specifically, people been saying the car is unpredictable and could be very dangerous..

[@69bock69]

I found it very good on fuel, the boot is massive for what it is. there epic

[@TheLeachMan97]

Beautiful example. You rockin the 3sgte?

[@RoadsUntraveled]

Yepp! It's a stock and original 1994 GT-S I imported from Japan

[@zahtherapper]

What about the snap over steer?

[@andezzat]

Fortunately enough. The red top BEAMS in my 96 hasn't had any heating issues so far, even on a couple hot Melbourne days, but then, it's NA ;) Loved this episode, was honest, didn't come off as whingy and you really wrote home about what made the car great. And YES, the noise at 100kph is not the best ahahaha.

[@andezzat]

Joshua Berry it's a 96 MR2 Bathurst (Aussie model) with an engine swap from a Celica. you can import them from Japan. Just Go and search it on eBay!

[@andezzat]

Not too complicated, and it's not a bad price to pay if you do it yourself. Here's a great one-stop shop information thread: www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=91467

[@andezzat]

Keeping in mind, I didn't do the swap, so I don't know an awful lot, I bought it with a recent swap done to it. Lucky me!

[@brandonmaxwell364]

Is snap over steer a big issue or something that you just need to be careful with

[@dante04srt]

What year is your MR2? I've seen a few of these JDM spec MR2s wind up in Canada but haven't seen them in the US... :(

[@Thatonedude337]

I love these cars, but I don't know what he is talking about regarding the shifter, the shift feel is one of the worst traits of these cars, probably due to all the funky linkages from being a mid engine setup. Ive had 2 of them and both were very notchy and fairly difficult ime. A weighted shift knob actually helped a lot on mine. Wouldnt trade it for anything though

[@michaelbelcamino7034]

I've always wanted one! Unfortunately LHD mr2 turbos are rare in Ontario, and finding RHD insurance is a nightmare! Would love to see more about yours.

[@RoadsUntraveled]

Checkout my vlogging channel! There's a few more videos of it up there. kzbin.info/door/eaDk3ncNsslEVrpO3YNgOw

[@michaelbelcamino7034]

Awesome will definitely take a look!

[@nuckfish30]

easily the most driver car I have driven. I have a n/a one (ya I know) but even with the lack of hp it's a blast to drive and quick in the corners. and the lack of power steering and abs really make so much more enjoyable and a driver car

[@spacecadet35]

I agree. I have a N/A MR2 through a 5 speed box. It is used as my daily driver and still puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it.

[@jdalzell3354]

The gen 1-2 3SGTE was tuned extra rich for engine safety. Why they benefit from more boost on stock fuel system. Gen 3 and 4 are more conservative.

[@adriantrd3625]

When you do one with gt4 celica o t20 o st202 celica vvtl I

[@Mefrom_Here]

I owned an mr2 turbo but I like the shifting from my stock s2k better I still miss my mr2 though but I'm happy with my s2k given a chance though I would buy another mr2 turbo

[@DSHanska]

My 400hp Silvia consumes 10 l/100km in mixed driving. 13 l/100km in winter when you try to slide it all the time and 9 l/100km in highway driving.

[@ActiveFatmaN]

does anyone know a simular car that has the same gear shift feeling as mr2? ive driven this a few times and the gear shifting is freakin awesome. it makes a clicking sound whenever u change the gear and i never got bored of it. i own a different MT car but im thinkin of changing it cuz its so different to this car. i really cant afford this one cuz its a two-seater.....

[@iliovecaRS]

are you going to daily this in the winter? what about rust?

[@FroztiProductions]

My friends neighbors have left one just like this but lhd on the side of 5he street fot 2 years. Never touched. Tires flat and debeaded, growing algae. I wanna buy it but idk what to offer lol

[@ElvisVikic]

I really miss my mr2. Such a regret selling it... 4th gen swap LHD canadian car, don't come along too often..

[@lionelpiper4018]

Does you gearbox whine a bit ? I have a mr2 turbo just would like to know if it's normal!?? Please reply

[@nrs6956]

Somewhat contradictory on storage capacity, given the overall configuration of the car it' extraordinary in conception. Have not noticed the "heat soak," but there any many mods for cooling available. Have owned mine for 28 yrs. and it's still fun for whatever!

[@aissetzaki9848]

Hello man nice video, i'm from Quebec and want to buy one of these : is it a good daily driver ? how about the winter and rust if i don't have a garage.. please let me know thank you !

[@RoadsUntraveled]

Mine was kept outside 90% of the time. Summer and winter. It held up much better than 90% of Nissan products of the time I've seen in the same climate. Of course it still could be an issue though, have to take care to rinse off any salt as best as you can and wash it often. It's a great daily if you don't need more than 2 seats most of the time. Big trunk, a frunk, and space for a bag behind each seat. Throw snow tires on it and it'll tackle the snow wonderfully thanks to most of the weight being over the rear wheels. Super easy clutch and steering to drive everyday though. Wonderful and easy Toyota when you need it to be, but it becomes a buckled down mid-engine sports car when you want that as well.

[@Cr1spo4]

Make more mr2 vids!

[@Chops473]

How is it in tight twisty roads?

[@thecaptain5026]

I'm deciding between a decent BMW 325 or a fun tiny car. I could use the space in the car but now I'm still young.. 29 ;) a 325 is fun to though.

[@cosmic-fortytwo]

You didn't really say what you hated about the car. Just that a few things are annoying: Heat soak, wind noise and lack of space. So I guess it's not that bad then.

[@wallruss5850]

Dream car

[@swagmeisterVLR]

Go to a mountain pass, look for un-even hairpins and try to jump them. (Muffled Eurobeat in background)

[@elliotjharris4495]

sock 2015 porsche cayman gt4 shifter is amazing

[@joshuasamaroo9377]

Man I miss my MR2 😢

[@boosts14]

How does a radiator help heat soak? Or added air flow into the engine? Winding a few more pounds into the stock set up will increase heat soak.

[@mr2marc]

radiator doesn't help, but more airflow to the engine bay does help. the intercooler is about half a foot away from the exhaust manifold. the more air you throw in the bay the easier the i/c can do its job

[@boosts14]

+canuckaholic91 absolute minimal underhood temps. It's the temps going into the compressor and intercooler efficiency. The stock intake will draw near dead on intake temps as an aftermarket intake. I've seen thousands of set ups. Heat soak is 95% to do with outlet temps in regards to the intercooler. It's not like compressed air is as cool as ambient temp.

[@stephencain3467]

u forgot the nsx when u were talking about 90s Japanese cars and I think they were very close

[@bjornsama9649]

gonna own one, one day.

[@samuelalarid2035]

Decent review...

[@FronkG]

may i ask you how much you import this for? if u dont mind