TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER BUYERS GUIDE

[@JagoTFC]

This is still the most relevant and quickest buying guide for MR2 lovers.

[@jimmytran5328]

Even though I know all this info and this video was played on autoplay, it is a great video for new buyers! Good job man!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

I really appreciate it man!

[@kevinomarrivera1253]

@@dimlylitgarage9785 why did you stop making videos??

[@brendanc1775]

Would a 2003- be a good first car for a 16 year old, I’ve always admired Toyotas unique cars

[@LSmiata]

I purchased an 2001 from Serra Group in Traverse City, MI. It had 59K on clock, and was snowing when I tested. I was so happy I paid full price. Put con on trailer to its winter storage point and within 5 miles off trailer check engine light comes on.....GRRRRR. Pulled O2 sensors and cat1 was empty, cat2 was intact/semi-clogged. Burns oil at rate of ~1qt per 500 miles.....GRRRR! Contacted dealer.....informed car sold as-is not Serra Group issue.....GRRRRR! Pulled service history.....Random misfires, previous owner asking "what is wrong with my car?" at Serra Group service center. Dealer still claimed "sold as is" and did not know of condition. DO NOT BUY from Serra Group. P

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Im sorry to hear that. Maybe its time for a 2zz ;)

[@LSmiata]

Thanks for the comment and I also watch your videos.... You guys do some good stuff! Have 2zzGE with 6spd from Celica GTS dropout. .....from MI...crusty lump, but it will live and thrive again.....doing bolts zero full rebuild.....bores a little egged....but still going to build! Watch for future posting as I hope to give back to the KZbin community. NOTE: It will be a slow process. P

[@LSmiata]

@@dimlylitgarage9785 Hello again Dimly Lit Garage, Finished 2ZZ-GE install with C60 and added TRD Torsen type LSD. Finished at end of Michigan season, but still got to drive 600 miles! Finally got the original 1ZZ-FE to my work for tear-down and it was totally sooted. Head was BLACK from too much oil. Believe I also have the ring issue as pistons are rocking in the bore......, but just pre-cat issue may have added to problems, as they where "gone" and "half gone" on banks 1 and 2 respectively. Will be tearing this engine down within the next few weeks to bore gauge and determine if I can salvage the block. Keep posting! Mr. P

[@BoleDaPole]

Caveat emptor

[@LSmiata]

@@BoleDaPole และถ้ามันเกิดขึ้นกับคุณคุณยินดีที่จะยอมรับ May karma be with you on the journey of life.

[@JSAFIXIT]

A header would be a perfect fix for the catalytic issues.

[@capeman10]

You sir are an asset to the Spyder community. Such a great video. I'm highly impressed with your advice.

[@standandeliver8376]

You missed a couple of key things to look out for. The rear subframe can be susceptible to corrosion and is expensive to replace. Also, the brake calipers (rear I think) can seize up. Both of these happened to mine when I had it. Still a great car though and I'd love to get another one.

[@standandeliver8376]

@Nicholas Penn Come to think of it, where this was filmed in the States, the weather could be good all year, which would explain why the subframe and calipers aren't mentioned. Here in the UK, the weather isn't great and salt gets sprayed on the road during winter, which doesn't exactly help with corrosion. Nevertheless, get down and look underneath the subframe, especially by the exhaust, poking with your finger to see if it has rusted through. They tend to rust from the inside out. Regarding the brakes, check if it pulls to one side and inspect the discs for corrosion that the pads don't scrape off (although you won't see the inner surface). Overall though, these are pretty reliable cars. I have now bought another one!

[@DeezNootz42069]

Thanks for leaving this comment, I was about to get an mk1 but they seem to have disappeared :( although I feel like the spyder is calling me haha. Really helpful to know what to look for though.

[@standandeliver8376]

@@DeezNootz42069 If you're interested in a further update, one of my rear brakes did seize up a few months back. There was no pulling to the side, but the first signs were an excessive amount of brake dust on the wheel in question, followed by a juddering after a few miles of driving, and then obvious resistance when it got worse. All sorted now though. Definitely get one if you value fun handling at legal speeds over outright power, as I do.

[@erinericsson]

​@@standandeliver8376Yeah in the US Chicago and San Francisco close to the Ocean you have the worst car life and wouldnt want to buy.

[@wileecoyote5749]

Unfortunately he was found dead

[@bbrown3996]

Great delivery of a video. Quick and to the point. Thank you for your efforts and the review and highlights to look for. it's refreshing to see someone being so professional

[@GeekTherapyRadio]

Bought one for $3,000 and burns oil. Still the best $3,000 I've ever spent. An absolute blast. My 2010 Audi S5 is for sale. Also an astonishing car of course. I intend to use some of the money from that sale towards an engine swap in the MR2 and otherwise freshening it up.

[@soundersaz550]

So I just got the an MR-2, a 2004, from my dad, with 6500 original miles on it. Yes, 6500 original miles. I couldn't imagine what that is worth.

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

No kidding!

[@axtran]

That's awesome! Is it a manual or SMT one? Color? :)

[@soundersaz550]

Red. manual, with LSD. And it's for sale.

[@axtran]

Wow, msg me!

[@soundersaz550]

I have no idea how. Check out craiglist in Tucson, AZ and you will find it.

[@otter25702]

Not boring very informative. This is what I wanted to know before I make a decision on buying.

[@michiel4570]

Thank you for this guide! Thinking about buying the MR2. Always hating on it's size but the more I see it the more I want it.

[@FinalMix64]

Now it’s not so much that the precat failure causes the car to burn oil, but 2000-2002 models featured piston rings that were slightly oval in shape instead of a perfect circle so they will be more likely to burn oil on to the precats. This gets them white hot and that’s when parts will break off and wind up in the motor and it will normally burn astronomical amounts of oil at that point and normally take a rod bearing with it. 2003 onward MR2’s have revised pistons rings that allegedly fixed this issue.

[@alexharrison3275]

These are cheap in the UK! Can pick a good one up for £2000

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Thats a bargain!

[@ИванСтаростенко-л4ш]

I found a couple MR2's in the same price range in Germany as well.

[@iwannabelikemikepow]

it amazes me how much they go for in the US etc. just bought a very clean, 2004 with 62k miles from the auctions today for £1500. granted that was auction price but the same car would only be around £2500+ as a private sale. only bought it as a winter beater to keep my other car (FC3S) off the road in the bad weather but I've already grown attached to it so i may just keep it longer.

[@Nemoticon]

Lightweight sportscars are usually quite economical so they end up being bought for trophy wives in UK or as weekend toys and when the warrantee is up the second hand car market is flooded with them. Sports cars in UK are like bumble bees, when the sun shines and the flowers bloom, sports cars come out to play.

[@DildosForChristmas]

I bought a 2zz swapped one with around 68k on the clock for £4k

[@Laceyktm]

Good video but the precats failing are a symptoms of an engine burning oil not the cause. Pre 2006 engines on the spyder had major oil burning issues due to piston design (they finally remedied it properly for the last of the mr2's in 2006/07). The oil residue coats the precats and starts to break them down which then ultimately leads to a blown up a engine. Removing the precats will remove the potential for grenading your engine but it won't solve the oil burning issue.

[@SpyderLEE]

Nicely done video guys 👍.. the aftermarket is pretty damm awesome if you look around 😉

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

It sure is! thanks man

[@blade5054]

What about repair parts like gas tank etc. I've been looking but haven't seen anything makes it hard to be ok with buying one if cant get vehicle specific replacement parts..... looking to make a daily driver.

[@jellie33414]

blade5054 just found a gas tank for 65 w/ one google search.

[@zavicks]

Thanks for this guide, you managed to cram a lot of useful info in a small amount of time (the bits about how to check the pre cat are particularly nice to know). Do you know if there are specific issues to look for in pre-2003 models? I've heard they have reliability issues that post facelift did not have. About the production quality I have a slight critic to make: the music was really loud at first, and globally the sound quality is not very nice to the ears, sometimes it saturates. Thanks again for all the infos!

[@MultiKtiger]

Precats, and the SMT transmission is relatively weak, thats pretty muc hthe only weaknesses i found so far in mine. other than that the annoying thing is the radio antenna. but thats probably just me whos bugged about it.

[@time2maked0hnutz54]

Great vid Sir, thanks for the info. I've got nothing but old Toyotas on the driveway but looking for a sporty fun driver. Thanks 👊🏽🤙🏽Keep up the good work!

[@aguiloco23]

My car with the cat converter problem did 360k kilometers before the oil consumption became too much, not bad for a bad engine. I'm getting another engine and adding a turbo, what a great driving machine.

[@canyonero2050]

These cars designs are growing on me so many years later. Imagine it with a fine tuned suspension and say 220hp

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

Precat issue only exists in 2002 and prior models, was resolved in 2003 and newer models.

[@andrewbolivar3040]

I love MR2 Spyders. I currently have a 1993 Miata showing it’s age and would love to upgrade to the MR2-S. I love the look and the fact that it’s a Toyota. That’s great information about the engine issue, I did not know about. I was hopping it was as simple and reliable as a Corolla just in a different orientation and in a lighter car. Do you know if there is an alternative material replacement part for those ceramic pieces to assure a long life? Thanks for the informative video. Love how the round headlights show nicely on the black car and the hardtop is amazing. Also would like to know how much you got a hardtop for.

[@dontrump9769]

My engine and catalytic converter failed at 35000 miles and computer chip fried after 1.5 years. Got covered by warranty. Free. But...but...I did race it pushed it to the limit etc. Every day! So yes a good car. Not expensive to own.

[@LRS7B]

*06:35* How does your car sound so *DEEP* ? Mine has a cone intake, cat+decatleas with a full backbox.. still doesn’t rumble like yours

[@menouahakopian9331]

PRO TIP: If you get an SMT, when the transmission craps out on you just swap it, probably more cost effective :)

[@bajabret60]

Thanks for great info. Thinking to buy one, but not many in my town, so probably heading a few hours away to bigger city with more inventory. Now I can ask seller specific questions before making a long trip to confirm if there's any point in my travelling. Thanks again!

[@cameronfell4415]

Are you still running the 1ZZ engine? Because it sounds sooooo good

[@sacajah]

Thank you for made this video for us. Very informative. I'm going to check it out everything what you jusf said. 😊👍🏻

[@oldowl4290]

Great video bud. Thank you. I've been waffling on various 15 year old sports cars to possibly get and was mainly looking at the Mk1 Audi TT (essentially a Golf MK4 with much more stylized body) as well the Chrysler/Mercedes Crossfire, but in being a long time Toyota fan / owner (I have an older Tacoma and brand new XB) I think I want a Spyder. I remember how much I liked them when they first came out (when you were 5 lol) and much like the Mk1 TT it is now somewhat of a classic at this point. We've had a VW Cabrio for the last 15 years and while that car made me a very qualified mechanic, it did so to the point that I never want to own a German car again. Same with the TT. It seems most owners of them spend much more time fixing them than driving. Toyota for the win. I might as well have three.

[@aygwm]

The TT is nothing like this car. It’s basically a smaller, less useful GTI. This is an actual sports car with rear wheel drive.

[@superdude5656]

Bro, thanks so much for that precise explanation of the precat situation. Going to buy mine next week. Greetings from Stuttgart 😊

[@Feraz69420]

I have white 03 with 284,481 miles on her. She drives like its new. I love the little car

[@gursehejoberoi3295]

Thank you for a very informative video! At 2:38 when you suggest checking the pre-cats by pulling out the O2 sensors, can you explain what that means? If I pull out the 02 sensor wire will the pre cat honeycomb be visible? Thanks :)

[@MrMinimanmatt]

Yes you can see them with a torch

[@Onkarr]

very helpful with the precat information.thanks for the heads up

[@shanebeaudrot777]

Great video. The exhaust sounds great 👍 what is it? Also love the seats. Tell me more about them.

[@td797357]

nope, in reference to pre 2:45 piston rings were poorly designed, which allowed oil to blow by, which then could dissolve or clog the pre-cats thus the change in the 03+ motors where they redesigned the piston rings. psi number you should look for are 194+ SMTs do have a clutch. its just automated like you said. no talk about the hard top, interesting?

[@JB-uv4hm]

Was the issue widespread on pre03? Recall? Typ mileage this would start?

[@erikmiles5536]

Oil does not dissolve or brake down catalytic converter material

[@JB-uv4hm]

Excess heat does.

[@dwood2010]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the sequential manual transmission does have a clutch; it's just electronically controlled. When you shift you are just sending an electrical signal to the ECU to engage the clutch and shift for you.

[@dawnag7526]

great video! I finally found an MR2 and bought it! Waiting for it to arrive to my home in Canada. :)

[@xxboxofmuffinsxx4252]

I wiped the inside of the exhaust and my finger was powder coated black. Didn't care, wanted the MR2, gave him the check. LOL. It's my problem now but I do indeed intend to swap out the 2ZZ + 6MT when possible. Can't afford a Lotus and this thing is even more of a desirable classic IMO.

[@md95065]

I owned a 2003 Spyder from about 20,000 miles to 125,000 miles - it was a great car and I would probably still own it if not for one thing - it had the sequential manual transmission option and once that developed a fault that could not be resolved after spending over $2,000 at a Toyota dealership it became obvious that no economic repair was possible. I actually quite liked the SMT, but the first warning was when it developed a fault at about 30,000 miles - that was fixed under warranty. The problem is that the SMT was unique - this was the only car that Toyota used it on and many Toyota service shops had never even seen one - nobody knew how to diagnose faults in them so the dealerships just swapped parts until the fault went away - not too much of a problem when the vehicle is still under warranty, but it gets very expensive very quickly when it isn't. When the second set of problems started at 125,000 miles the dealership was at least honest enough to admit that, short of replacing all of the sensors on the transmission, and the transmission control computer and the engine control computer they didn't know how to fix the problem and they weren't prepared to guarantee that even that would definitely fix it. There are very few people with the knowledge and skills needed to attempt do-it-yourself repairs on a Toyota SMT - if you happen to be one of them then you will already know what is involved - if you aren't, then don't even think of trying. So, my advice would be to avoid the SMT models like the plague, watch out for pre-cat problems (I never had any) and don't be too afraid of vehicles with over 100k miles on them since (apart from the SMT) these cars are very sound.

[@dabeast1246]

Foreal? I wanted the smt model. Im tired of the clutch.

[@Blayney1989]

Viewing one tomorrow. Interesting on how to check the pre cats. I've got a face lift to look at later in the week which is the one I'm more interested in. Good vid.

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

I hope you get one, they're tons a fun.

[@Blayney1989]

Dimly Lit Garage sadly the face lift sold before I could make the journey! The search continues!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Unfortunate, but im sure you'll find another one.

[@Blayney1989]

Dimly Lit Garage hey just remembered to let you know... the facelift I missed out on came back up for sale. I now own it!!

[@JoshSauceda]

@@Blayney1989 How has she treated you? Thinking of picking one up! Are you dailying it?

[@jeffcheatham5560]

This vid is fairly old so not sure you'll get or see my question... but I love the sound of your mr2. I just got a 2001 all stock base. No mods at all. Would you care to share any specifics how you got yours to sound so good. Would appreciate it. And thanks for making video.

[@retrodog63]

Great video. These are great cars that people just weren't really smart enough to appreciate for what they really were. Too bad they didn't last longer, production-wise.

[@euricoleitao9329]

Just thankyo bro. That was just a must now. Like 100 times.

[@edwardschmitt5710]

Going to look at one tomorrow! Very helpful thanks!!!!

[@therealslimshady4555]

Good video mate bought a really mint low mileage 2002 mr2 in silver I love it ❤

[@MK-lq6gt]

I'm also considering moving from 350z HR to MR2 Spyder. Might keep both for the right price

[@aguiloco23]

I bought mine for cheap with 200K kilometres on the odometer and sucking oil, now it has 360K and still sucking oil but the engine doesn't give up.

[@blade5054]

You say to parts market is sparse do you mean for mods or for repairs? Gonna be my daily driver if I get one.... I don't want to be stuck with a car I have scrounge and pay high prices for.

[@amanwithafakename]

Looking to buy one of these pretty soon. Great vid.

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Thanks!

[@nycnismo]

Thanks for making this video!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

No problem!

[@evan937]

Hmmm I wonder if these burn oil due to just the pre cat failure. Because the early model 1ZZ FE Corollas and Celicas burn oil due to clogged piston drain holes which cause bad oil rings. Of course as long as people change the oil and filter regularily it shouldn't happen. My 2000 Corolla with 225k still burns none.

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

That's what i've always thought but i'm not completely sure

[@supers0nic77]

I just bought one for 1k usd. I'm really excited. But I'm going to have to change the motor. The passenger door wouldn't close but i fixed that. Woop woop. Then i found a low mileage motor with apexi power fc for 360usd. Now i want that hardtop. Which will cost more than the car.

[@isaacvl95]

Do you think the price will drop more Next year?

[@robmccauley4692]

They are so overpriced right now compared to back then

[@zappatx]

Only use AMSOIL!! You will notice the seat of the pants performance difference over Mobil 1 because AMSOIL is a true 100% synthetic. Saw the Mobile 1 on your shelf.. Easy mod!

[@alessio4936]

adorable car great video and advices.

[@shahab_shawn_siahpoosh]

That is a very nice and clean specimen Mk3 MR2

[@Joe-eg7ml]

Looking to buy a 2003 at 90k miles. What do i need to look for. I hear some years are better than others.

[@helendamuro5854]

My car and your car are twins! I am considering selling mine.

[@stevenjames1138]

I have heard that you should avoid the (quasi-automatic) sequential manual transmission. I guess it is more likely to have problems. Would you agree with that?

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Steven James DeBlasi I’m not sure, i don’t have any experience with the sequential transmission

[@ronindebeatrice]

Steven James DeBlasi It's just garbage. It's dreadfully slow.

[@md95065]

Yes, avoid the SMT at all costs - see my comment above.

[@Portmacquarieonlinemarketing]

I've got a 2001 with SMT and love it! Nearly 180K on the SMT is still fine, and only slightly slower changing than a manual transmission model.

[@ataorkunoguz5451]

Awesome video man!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Thanks!

[@officialpennsyjoe]

I am looking at 2004 models, do they still have the same issue with the cat failure?

[@Mytwistedvoices]

Thank you!!! Great video. No one shows the trunk area. I am working with my son to get one. I am curious, what about the timing belt? Or does it have a chain? What is the expected replacement

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Mytwistedvoices Thanks! The spyders have a timing chain and I believe they will usually last the life of the engine.

[@vanvideo9]

Good video! I'm looking ta a 2001 Spyder for purchase. The dealership mechanic inspected the pre-cats and said they're good. I've also heard you can do another visual inspection by placing a black cloth or t-shirt underneath the exhaust pipe end and revving the engine a few times and check for white particles that have settled on the black cloth. Is this a good test? Can you see the white particles inside the exhaust when it's sitting?

[@ParadoxTheWrapper]

Hey great guide! What kind of exhaust do you have one yours? It sounds amazing and I want to get one for mine. Can you post a link to where to buy it?

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Thanks! It's a Team Moon exhaust, these are the guys who make them. www.mazcare.com/contact.php

[@kevinparker461]

One going around local to me in the UK with a 2GR-FE in, 3.5 V6 i have heard he has upset a few Porsche owners!.

[@RobOrtiz22]

I have a 03 with 74k miles:) also, exhaust set up do you have? it sounds nice!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Skycat_22 Thanks! I have the Team Moon single exit exhaust

[@soapynop]

Thanks for the info on the MR2 Spyder!

[@zahemi914]

TQ for the concised info. I bought a 2nd-hand MRS (yr 2000) with the same color of yours. Just wanna know, is it common for MRS to fail to start up if we dont drive it for a week or so? And,I've had few experiences where sometimes when i make a quick stop after a long drive at the highway, the car just suddenly fail to start. Luckily i always keep a set of jumper in the cabin to jump start. TQ in advance

[@zahemi914]

I rarely drive my MR2, probably once or twice a week ( year 2000, and same color as yours) sometimes, it wont get start if i hvnt driven it for a week (hv to jump start it) , even some times, it wont restart after a short drive (after few days not starting it). Some say I hv to drive it more often or it could be because of the starter (which Im so zero- knowledge of). TQVM in advance. Btw, my mileage is already pass 204,000 km (126,760miles), & it has already been converted to manual transm. when i bought it

[@jokinggianna]

Hey great video what exhaust do you run on the mr2 spyder?

[@k62346]

Video showcasing the practicality of the car boot space etc? I tend to travel a lot with my misses and was wondering if her massive handbag will fit in a mr2?

[@JB-uv4hm]

No.

[@島袋誠-z6k]

Nice video! By the way, do mr2 spyder has LSD!?

[@sej4323]

good job. Very detail presentation.

[@zooks3894]

What a beautiful car. Love it.

[@xyzebruh1083]

as long as everything but the engine is good then buy it and k swap :)

[@SnapCrakleD3ath]

Cannot wait to get this car

[@daddyylera]

I don’t know much about cars but it’s cool

[@brucelee9941]

Just bought a 2002 124k $2700 Oxygen sensors bank2 sensor1 code and Bank1 sensor2 light is on and the owner told me it burns little oil, your right man what should I do? Thanks any input would be appreciated

[@danogle9927]

Thank you , very informative

[@MrMalzers]

Nice vid dude, thanks.

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

manuel luz I appreciate it!

[@mathewostovich6941]

Milage is t just an engine trans wear rating it also rates the wear on the chassis body and suspension

[@EliInk]

Thank for the video brother!

[@alberto6200]

What car is the center console? Its so beautiful!!!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Alberto Daniel it's the CL center console. I picked it up from midshipgarage.com

[@lorenzolacampagne8565]

Love the channel btw

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

I appreciate it!

[@billhaney]

so funny, i went from a nissan 350z to an MR2 spyder too!

[@XxTeAmDaRkxX]

Weird as a 350z owner I find my self looking at mr2's recently as well of all chassis types. Weird huh.

[@su.racing]

Just bought one. Is it worth buying headers to get rid of the pre cats all together? I have 100,000 miles

[@roadster9000]

can you elaborate on where the aftermarket parts are? the forums dont have much FS as far as parts.

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

roadster9000 some websites that have lots of mr2 stuff include: midshipgarage.com monkeywrenchracing.com Twosrus.com

[@Redlegnav]

I am in the market for a MR2 currently looking at one that is 1500 miles away at a dealership. I have a friend who lives there that will test drive it for me. BUT is it out of line for me to ask the dealership to pull the 02 censors off and check if the pre cats are intact? Also this particular Spyder has had 8 previous owners and under 80,000 miles. Help!!

[@galestar6481]

great guide! thank you!

[@fbiagent2848]

Monkey wrench racing has every after market power train part you can ask for

[@gajiraanorimaki]

in past i had a Silvia and driven Alfa Romeo GTV-spider : surprised for his very good handling(multilinks at rear suspensions)

[@gajiraanorimaki]

instead this MR (same as last Celica) is a very economic car, how his interior show so much

[@erickquinteros4399]

I know this is an old video so i dont expect an answer but wouldnt just slapping on some headers fix that flaw with the Pre cats?

[@MARK-sf4ms]

Question: I just bought an MR2 and on the dash it has a soft top button... on or off. What is it supposed to do? I press and nothing happens. I put the top up and down manually. Just wondered what button is for... Thanks, Mark

[@andbkk]

How ro bring tennis rackets there?? Need advise 😃

[@spilner959]

Hello! Just a quick question. What's the brand of your gear knob? I've just bought a MR roadster and the gear knob is in bad condition. Thanks!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Its a mishimoto teardrop shift knob

[@sophisticated]

Great guide.

[@jeremyluder494]

What exhaust setup does this midship have? Sounds nice.

[@prithiharilal7321]

Looking For Left Door My Mr2 Is Cool

[@DailyDoseOfFingerboarding]

I met Mr Che the other day!

[@npxmnpxm]

What if I find one without a precat problem, would any preventive maintenance be recommended to keep it that way? Were some precats just lemons or do they all fail eventually?

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

I would just remove them as soon as you get it. Its easy to do and wont hurt anything.