Toyota AW11 MR2 ULTIMATE Buyers Guide

[@CasperBritto]

As an AW11 owner, I've gotta say, this is a great video! Stay consistent and I'm sure you'll have way way way more subs. Your content is brilliant!

[@hakosan86]

Thanks soooo much!!!

[@ae86fiend]

These things are not cheap anymore. 30 years ago, they were.

[@hakosan86]

You can find a running one for 4k. Our definitions of cheap might be different but for me that’s cheap.

[@tramlink8544]

@@hakosan86 depends where you live really. in Europe a 4k one would be non road worthy in most countries west of the river Donau and you'll be spending at least another 2k to get past the bi annual inspections. NAs in europe seem to be going for supercharger US prices now. ive seen one NA go for 16kUSD in the UK

[@ThatTurboProbe]

​@tramlink8544 This. I've noticed that popular 90's cars, and most popular petrol head cars in general, are waaaay more expensive in Europe than in the US or even the UK (Used to live in the West Midlands and you can just import a car straight from Japan with little difficulties apart from translating the papers). The biggest factor is probably that there are significantly more of them there, but 4k for a running one seems like a dream and a steal for that price. The first running AW11 I've found was in Germany for 9000 euros, without a Pickerl (or MOT or TÜV, basically it doesn't have a roadworthiness certificate). Now factor in the price of importing it, going through the bullshit that is reregistering the car in your country and getting it roadworthy, which give or take would be around 3000 euros if you go for the car yourself with your own car trailer or have a good friend that has one. If you have a US Imported car like my Probe Turbo, good luck. It took me 3 MONTHS and over 2500 euros to just register it (not to mention paying off certain officials to make the process even possible). I envy all of the car enthusiasts in the US. You guys don't have to go through fucking absurd loopholes to just get your car on the road, and most states don't require your car to go through inspection or register all of the smallest modifications you do to your car. You want to slap a 3SGTE into a Toyota Corolla? Or V8 swap a Ford Escort? No problem. Over here? The amount of headaches you will get from attempting that will give you permanent migraines for the rest of your life.

[@hatsofftoya3810]

@@hakosan86 you said in your video that you bought one for $500 and your friend bought a parts one for $300... $4k is like 8-13 times that lol not to mention in los angeles you cant find one for under 5k. most people want $8-18k. wish they were actually dirt cheap lol.

[@MrDuece1985]

right? first 5 seconds in im questioning this video

[@MintyAW11SC]

In today's market, there is no such thing anymore as a cheap AW11 or SW20 unless it has been tortured and/or neglected. These cars are finally receiving the recognition they so richly deserve. If you do by chance find one that is "minty" with low mileage, you are going have to buck up, plain and simple. The AW11's and the AW11SC's are the rarest, especially the SC versions. A well set up SC version is the one you want, especially the 1989 models that retained the original factory "Dan Gurney" suspension settings, which included the rear sway bar. 1988 models SC models were dumbed down to prevent customers from crashing them - drop throttle oversteer being the main culprit - and left the factory with mushy suspension settings and no rear sway bar, making them understeer at speed like pigs. As much fun as the underpowered N/A versions are, they simply do not compare with a properly tuned SC version. At the most recent Barrett Jackson auction held in Scottsdale, a low mileage SC sold with poverty windows (manual)and a cloth interior for $51,700 USD. IMHO, it won't be long before well preserved low mileage SC models will be worth six figures. If they had been manufactured and badged as a Porsche, Ferrari or even a Lancia, these cars would already be worth six figures. The problem with properly restoring any MR2, especially all versions of the AW11, is the availability of parts which have become difficult if not impossible to source. When you do manage to find parts, prices have risen substantially, even for used parts. For the record, I consider a K-swap in any MR2 as sacrilege, and most owners simply don't have the mechanical/technical expertise to do a professional job. Far too many first gen MR2's have been butchered and ruined after tacky modifications by their young overly exuberant owners, which is yet another reason these cars have risen in price. If I had my choice, I would own both an AW11SC and a SW20. But if I had to pick between one or the other, I would choose the SC hands down. It's way lighter in weight and has a much better feel and driving experience than the SW20, even though the SW20 is much faster and has better styling.

[@mastahshonuff]

This is a really good video on the AW11 and covers quite a bit of the niche issues you might come across. very informative and useful. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@hakosan86]

Thanks for watching!

[@ToyotaMR2Enjoyer]

I just hope they stay cheap until I can get one😭🙏

[@KidNato]

now that I think about it, every MR2 I owned caught on fire

[@toddk4115]

Great video pictures of AW11's. Some misinformation here and there but subtle enough to not be blatant.

[@wholespeed]

I appreciate you making a video about this car as I agree it’s undervalued and under appreciated but you have a couple simple things incorrect. For one the horsepower for the NA is 112hp for the mk1a and 115hp for the mk1b. The SC MR2 is 145hp. Cheers!

[@RetroMotiveAdventures]

The NA cars offer a fantastic value still. You can still find relatively clean examples under 6k which is amazing! Good luck touching a worth while example of a SC tho for under 10k. A non sorted SC is a nightmare and parts are a pain to find. Love mine and have spent way more than I should getting it to where it is now but considering what I paid for it 6 years ago now I still am well under its current value.

[@jelken4591]

I have the helios blue (ice blue) Aw11 it definitely is gorgeous in person, i wasnt a fan of the color until I saw it irl.

[@BrianSiskind]

My AW11 is an 85/mt slicktop no wing... and in your least favorite silver 😅 Thanks for letting me know how many ways it can catch fire!

[@hakosan86]

No problem 😂. No matter if if my least favorite combo it’s still a mr2!

[@tramlink8544]

500 bucks for an AW11? in my country you could get a non roadworthy rust bucket only for that price. do ups (Switzerland) will go for 3k-5k USD and mint ones for 12k-15kusd, i was lucky and scored mine for 6k rust free

[@askewentree233]

Got mine for 400 cad but it took some sweet talkin

[@NegativeTravis]

The only real reason to swing for a SC model is either because you're insane like me and actually *want* a supercharger or you want to turbo it without going for a full 3SGTE swap. The 4AGZE is a great base for a turbo build without too much in the way of headaches. I got lucky and found a guy selling an '87 with a GZE swap so I don't have to deal with T-top leaks or the added weight of the E51 tranny that's impossible to find axles for.

[@user-zq6yz5gf6d]

The supercharged models in Japan were available without that T top. I recently sat in one at a show, right hand drive.

[@user-zq6yz5gf6d]

These are one of the last affordable retro sports cars here in the UK. once these get over 20k, the apocalypse has begun.

[@MR-2_AW11]

As a owner it is worth it

[@DEHDON13]

I had both. An 88 supercharged and an 86 na. Ive never had any of those problems with neither. Also the supercharged is 145 hp 140 lb torque

[@inorite4553]

Same. I've owned both, still own my 88 SC and I haven't had any of the mechanical issues he described...well, except for the AC. My compressor has never worked

[@samhicks97]

I had the MR2 "fever" just a few days ago, was searching for another car to drive while i was repairing my other car's transmission. Had found a couple clean MR2's 1987 and the other a 1989. I started strongly considered buying one but one of the reasons why i stopped searching for one to buy was because of the infamous Oversteer-snap. (FYI, alot of Mid-engine cars suffer from oversteer snap, less so on Front engine/front wheel drive/rear wheel drive. Coming up on a corner? Did you lift off of the gas pedal? Going too fast? Well prepare your self to be put up against a guardrail or potentially the oncoming traffic, side on. The car is somewhat unforgiving to drive unless you have the skills to back it up, As for me, I don't, and even if i did, i'd be too afraid to drive it as i might wreck this Beauty of 80's goodness. I'd consider something else like a 1989 Toyota Celica, longer wheelbase, front engine front wheel drive, and minimized oversteer snap, and it still retains the pop up headlights. Very closely Related to the AE86 or the Levin. Still sporty looking and a tad more practical. Both MR2's that i have found were $7000, over 112K miles/Kilometers on them. Very clean, very enticing. but not for the faint of heart. Thanks for reading this far, i hope i didn't turn you away from purchasing an MR2 also.

[@elijahking7309]

Hi, I myself got the mr2 fever a bit after my daily manual 02 Forester jumped timing on Jan 1st. Got an 87 sunroof 5m/t, every single drive I regret not buying an mr2 sooner. No power steering sorta adds to the experience. 137004 on the dash, $2500, crappy exhaust job but car isn't very loud. I have not heavy braked in the car even once in a month of ownership, and no snap oversteer. However, in the car's current state (leaking brake fluid like nobody's business), the brakes will lock up if you go more than mild above about 40mph? If the ground is wet, forget it. Just coast or engine brake, decelerate, and move on. Wanted to also note I have no trouble getting into parking spots. OEM wheels are amazing but tire size is rare-ish. No place around me has them locally. Thought my tire was flat because it was losing air, turns out it was just uneven on the bead. Walmart employee used a wire wheel on my wheel. Entertaining for $15, plus mounting and balancing. May go for the 3rd gen mr2 wheels. I love the idea of taking other OEM wheels from a different car. Would also fit it in a retrofuture way. Car definitely has a bit of futuristic 80's tech baked into the DNA, and really shows in the interior. My imterior is pretty nice but daah above wheel on the right has a medium sized crack in it. Rust. Car was known to have one rust spot above driver's rear wheel well. Previous owner said he treated it. Won't know until I take off the wrap. Oh, the wrap. It's like a crimson. Good on the car but definitely not put on by a pro. Maybe that's why the car is so cheap. Had to replace battery ($130) and warrantied it 2 weeks later after my new alternator ($140). My car starts up every time though. Previous owner also threw a "thermal pad" on the starter because he claimed the solenoid would overheat, and the car wouldn't start immediately after a long drive. I took the starter out, removed the thermal pad (it's like a metal rag, I have no idea how this could have helped the starter stay cool), and then my alternator died that night. Been a little pain to the wallet but I have the title to it and it's really awesome to have one of these. Handling is really exquisite, and can be amplified with coilovers. I will prpbably go with the basic BC Racing Type BR Coilovers. I would also like to rebuild the suspension (which is performing fine despite my failing CV Axle (known issue)) Car is already worth it for the attention it gets and the stories I've heard. So many timeless memories made in cars that look exactly like this one, the golden image of the future. Go drive one and catch a glimpse. Let me know if you get one! Last thing- must mention parts availability strictly for the aw11 is somewhat limited. Luckily, ebay should suffice for general things, mr2heaven is a pretty good ace to get parts, and a lot of parts were shared with that fancy drifty Corolla. Grab a repair manual with it and take time to look for previous repairs, especially poorly done ones.

[@samhicks97]

@@elijahking7309 Thanks for the "review" Still am on the fence on getting an early MR2, albeit that has dwindled a bit. Really I was looking for a late 80's car, where the parts are (mostly) readily available, and as a secondary daily driver as I've got another car I'm currently repairing the transmission. I just don't need another "project car" but don't like the look/want anything newer than 2000's cars. Maybe an Acura Integra (1997) has piqued my interest, but then again not exactly what I was intending to go for. Oh, and I just spent the cash on the transmission parts, so saving back up is going to take some time lol. I will pin your ad/review for further notes if I do end up considering getting an MR2 at a later date again. Thanks. Sidenote: the braking performance in the rain seems to be something to be desired, also how would you engine brake if the car was equipped with an automatic transmission? Just drop the gear selector to manual 2nd? 3rd? I have a much older car I daily, it's a 1964 Chrysler forward look car. It doesn't get the sketchy braking even at above 75MPH, somewhat more predictable braking performance. Sounds like I should not speed with the MR2 eh?

[@jet468]

as an AW11 owner having put about 45k miles on my car, i would not necessarily consider myself a "skilled driver". imo the snap oversteer issue is way overblown. it has happened to me a few times, but i was always able to correct for it before it became an issue. all you really have to do is be careful on windy roads and ur good to go, the car generally has excellent handeling and solid grip so as long as you are not a complete troglodyte in the corners ull be fine.. honestly having no abs is a much bigger issue for me. ive had several instances where i had to brake hard and locking up the wheels and losing control that way is much more frightning than snap oversteer.

[@FT__Motorcycles_Cars____-zg3fc]

dude these cars are awesome

[@dan-othemando7958]

Seeing An Aw11 outside in the Elements is Like seeing a Box Of Kittens......Kindly Bring it Inside where its safe. Lol as For AC...... Yup Replaced compressor.....Pulled Sensor for Radiator so Fans is on Full Blast and that should help the Condenser......But ya AC been my Burden.

[@タツマキ-y3v]

私も以前に所有していました。素晴らしい車です。

[@zachogdahl210]

Sherwood toning is actually dark jade metallic with silver beige metallic 2 tone. The dark jade is really pretty in the sunlight. I have two aw11s and they are both sherwood but sadly my first aw11 the prior owner painted over the original paint and did a horrible job with the black that they sprayed on. Not sure if im going to restore to sherwood or go with orange mica or one of the metallic blues, the original paint is ruined and i have another sherwood shell.

[@n8lightfoot]

Been looking for awhile now and cheapest one not totally wrecked out is 5k

[@notlotus985]

i wanna own an ice blue pearl with copper wheels one day :)

[@mrjjthor]

Cheap?? The aw11 has been going up in value.

[@JukoYT]

Us having tgem cheap :(, cheapest i found in europe was 5k € and it looks worse than your 500 one. Clean examples start at 10k and above

[@markblades4536]

“Supercharged just ain’t that good” what you mean ?

[@honoriamedynski6757]

Where are you guys finding good condition mr2 aw11s? I’ve been looking for a 1989 ice blue pearl one for a while now and no luck

[@wnproductions123]

where do you find this car for cheap everywhere I look I'm finding them for 5000 - 10000 buckaroos

[@thndr_5468]

No way you can find these for less than 5k. At least not a decent condition one. 10k at the MINUMUM

[@hakosan86]

not looking hard enough man. They arent hard to find.

[@hakosan86]

Here’s one. Not looking hard enough. facebook.com/marketplace/item/178831004821707/?mibextid=6ojiHh

[@thndr_5468]

lol I always forget facebook is usually a great place to look. I usually peruse bring a trailer and cars and bids@@hakosan86

[@reckless_lobo2591]

Not ture I got mine for at leat 4k

[@thndr_5468]

@@reckless_lobo2591 absolutely wild

[@AngelofZul]

Dirt cheap?…. Where the heck do you live?

[@hakosan86]

Texas. I found 2 complete cars for sale non running for 2k a couple months ago and I bought mine for $500.

[@kuri1796]

@@hakosan86where can you buy one?

[@blakecable7088]

*4ag-gte

[@hakosan86]

What?

[@tramlink8544]

@@hakosan86 i think he means 4AGZE 😂

[@henryhytmiah4844]

Toyota engine last 4ever just oii change