Toyota MR2 Spyder Review - How is this Cheaper than a Miata?

Although less than 28,000 3rd gen "ZZW30" MR2s were produced in the US, prices have remained shockingly low, even compared to NA/NB Miatas. Oleg purchased this 2001 MR2 Spyder with ~130k miles for $2,000 and spent $4,000 to make it look and handle to his taste. It's his daily driver and canyon carver, but was it worth the investment?
Mods:
OEM hardtop
Koni Yellow Sport adjustable shocks
Tein springs
EBC Yellow brake pads and Goodridge SS brake lines
15x7 +41 Enkei RPF1
195/205 Yokohama S.Drives
TRD front and rear strut bars
Shifter cage bushings and shift linkage bushings
TRD replica shift knob
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[@oyurcha1]

Same car at Thunderhill East Race track a day after. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5nCpquNYqiXpbc

[@davianrohan6769]

i guess Im randomly asking but does any of you know a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the account password. I appreciate any tips you can give me

[@brodybrysen9773]

@Davian Rohan instablaster ;)

[@davianrohan6769]

@Brody Brysen I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im trying it out atm. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@davianrohan6769]

@Brody Brysen it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account :D

[@brodybrysen9773]

@Davian Rohan Happy to help :D

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

This guy has good taste in mods and styling. Nice and subtle oem plus

[@rosesandwoodgrain]

This Chassis is actually the best candidate for a k20 y’all don’t be fooled.

[@oyurcha1]

Correction @ 2:10: Variable TIMING, not LIFT. 2ZZ has both variable valve timing and lift. 1ZZ has just variable valve timing.

[@neuronaut8030]

I was just about to post that, then I figured someone had already noted it. NO lift on the 1ZZ, the only advantage the 1ZZ has is steel sleeved cylinders whereas the 2ZZ uses MMC (metalic matrix ceramic compound) lined cylinders which is fine but it doesn't stand up to the turbo abuse that many of us want out of our engines. But VVTL is the shiz, I'll risk it until I go 400+ HP then maybe sleeve it.

[@fondajames]

Toyota needs to make a new one of these just as much as Honda needs to make a new s2000 or equivalent. Reliable, light, fun and cheap cars with little complications are just too rare. Miata and brz/gt86 is about all I know of and idk if brz is staying around

[@evan937]

As much as I agree, it probably will never happen. Crash safety standards make it pretty much not possible.

[@fatboy19831]

Not only that . It is like owning a motorcycle. No storage space at all. They never sold very well other than the original MR2.

[@Ehal256]

The space behind the seats is around the same size as the trunk on the AW11. Not a ton of space, but I've fit two duffle bags and two backpacks in the car in the cubbyholes and frunk, without removing the spare tire. It's usable.

[@gatoradeee]

While I agree, the market for a roadster is already small and dominated by miatas and boxsters.

[@andrewyork8513]

James Fonda that’s all you can name!?!? Also... 2020 😁😁 MR2 and Supra

[@joelor7810]

No way. He just got a really good deal. Mr2 spyders average about 4-5k with over 150k miles. Under 100k and you're looking at 7-8k. Less than 50k and probably up to 10k.

[@oyurcha1]

I did get a pretty good deal on it. That's partially why I end up getting it in the first place. But one of the reasons why it was so cheap is because it needed a lot of maintenance and some gasket repair, brake system rebuild.... Bottom line, If you are not afraid to do your own work, those cars can be had for a good price.

[@evan937]

Hey man I just want to say awesome Spyder! I am also a Toyota fan. The third Gen MR2 gets hated on too much. Such a good drivers car with better power to weight ratio than a miata. People also really hate on the 1ZZ. The Pistons only had 4 oil channel holes which can get clogged easily. Toyota also didn't address and fix this till about 5-6 years later. I have had a 1ZZ 2000 Corolla with 250k for 5 years now and haven't had a single engine or trans issue. Any oil burning I believe is caused more due to poor owner maitenence, not a factory flaw as most blame.

[@oyurcha1]

Thanks! Yes, I've seen people talking about oil burning issues. I personally haven't experienced it yet. I have a conspiracy theory that cat failure caused by a leaky injector causes more backpressure that, in turn, with more fuel, clogs up the rings.

[@joelor7810]

oyurcha1 I understand. I'm just saying because the title of the video is misleading.

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

There's an '01 near me with 80k and a ripped soft top for $7k and a '02 with 100k for $5.3k so it really depends on where you live. The one I'm REALLY looking at is an '03 with 30k and he's asking $12k but I know I can talk him down to $9k or $10k. The question is do I want to spend that much for an MR2? It would be my daily driver except on snow days. The salt my town loves to go nuts with is what scares me from having anything nice.

[@mdcohen]

Great owner, great car. 130 horse in a light car like this seems so fun because you can really push it hard. We talk a lot about comparing things to the S2000. I love mine but power wise it’s can sometimes be in no man's land. It’s not really fast straight line and on a tight canyon road you can go flat out much. Great review. Now off to Craigslist to look at prices.

[@Brian02447]

Great video. The third gen MR2 isn't everyone's favorite, but its still pretty awesome.

[@tonyfreegard2232]

Two silly old grey headed old blokes just spent the last two days on twisty mountain roads having the time of their lives in a Spyder, equipped with brand new super sticky low profile tyres, so much fun. They didn't need anymore than 138 Bhp in such a light car? Apart from, a generous amount of sunscreen and hats! Especially, in the Australian summer. Drive on.

[@saviorstyles9148]

I pray you get more subscribers, you deserve it this content is unmatched imo

[@SleeperHonda]

Nice intro man. Great review, I always wondered about that generation MR2. Those are cool!

[@itwontdie]

It is my understanding that the terms of previous Lotus deal (suspension on this car was by Lotus) was that they could not put the 2ZZ in this car because of the Elise.

[@SnowWhiteMR2]

Nice review. I have to say you seem a lot more positive about the MRS than most people.

[@ankle8868]

IMO one of the most underrated sports cars.

[@GeekTherapyRadio]

Bought mine in March 2016 for $3,300. The bang for the buck is mind boggling. You can't get this kind of fun without spending 10s of thousands more. If you see an SW30 under $5K...buy it. No matter the mileage. If it runs, buy it. I also own a 1983 Delorean. The MR2 turns less heads...but still turns plenty. Car people know what it is and double-take. In the Delorean, if someone approaches, I get ready to answer a million myths and hear 100 flux capacitor jokes. In the MR2, I know we're about to have a good conversation because I know THEY already know and have a keen eye.

[@MR2SpyerJournal]

There is no variable lift on a 1ZZ. It's variable timing only. Variable lift is on the more powerful 2ZZ-GE 1.8L motor.

[@MirageTactics]

They definitely aren’t cheaper than miatas. They’re actually appreciating right now.

[@mr.queasy2280]

An mr2 spyder is about 1-2k more than an nb miata if the millage is about the same

[@gregorp8406]

Do a 2zz w/a light flywheel swap and a short/balanced shifter and you'll be amazed! I recently drove one with stage 2 cams, stock engine, full exhaust and light flywheel with an aem ecu.. And it was pretty fast! I mean usable fast, great transition speeds and a 0-60 on about 4.4 sec

[@darthtrader1027]

Just picked up a 2001 on monday. Lets just say i got plans on turning it into an overkill is underrated track toy that i plan on driving daily.

[@kpraz]

this definitely sways me to go lowering springs and oems shocks route

[@BMWe-oz9wk]

These mr2s aren’t that appealing to me, but they are solid cars and it’s a Toyota so you know you’re getting pretty good quality shit. Also what he did with his was pretty nice, this review has definitely changed my opinion on these.

[@dinono10]

Got mine in the UK last May. Lowered it, new headlights as preferred the earlier model but kept the fogs, new remus exhaust and a spoiler. Looks a lot less feminine and more aggressive now. Much prefer the look because before although it was fun to drive. It didn't look as good as it could IMO.

[@alansmilealot]

You got any ig pics I can see of it??

[@verdict1163]

Best vids.

[@rockenracing1996]

Now we need to get you to try the k24 one i helped build :D... and still my Blacktop mk1 (found a 6 speed for it too!)

[@Zygrene]

Where is said K24 MR2 located? :)

[@rockenracing1996]

Zygrene out here in Denver

[@solcasared]

My wife has a yellow on here in the UK she,s had mx5/ slk / but loves here mr2

[@Joe-eg7ml]

Thinking about picking up one...a 03 with 90k miles. What should i look for?

[@dobbiesmith8314]

How does this car drive and handle compared to Prelude SH ?

[@earnestbunbury2103]

2001 for sale near me with 88k and a Black Label Turbo system already installed... me want!

[@SpyderLEE]

They can be bought in the UK for peanuts.. then made into an awesome car with a bit of money. 😁

[@reneneron2971]

I have similar car sans the hard top. Smart mods (Koni yellows); also benefits from a quality front strut bar (similar to the TRD that you added to the back) and under bracing, particularly the earlier models (pre refresh). The 1ZZ is the weakest link; broad power and, but not nearly as fun as the 4AGE in the first generation. 2ZZ is the smart swap. For the money, a 2ZZ Spyder will outperform most sports cars (except the Elise) while still being comfortable as a daily and delivering 30+ mpg. Reliably. Hard to beat that.

[@mr2spyderchronicles287]

The miata is hyped. Thats why this is cheaper. The miata is good. Overall more useable. But as driver focused car the mr2 is superior and its just a shame that it didnt came with the 2zz from factory because the added power completely transforms this car

[@superdude7459]

Vroom Vroom Vroom 👍🏼😎 Miss My MR2 Spyder 🤢

[@WTFNoNamesLeft2]

The only down-sides are struts and almost zero storage, like not even a small trunk. I have always been interested in them anyway though...

[@markprettyman3133]

There's a fair amount of storage behind the seats and who needs a spare wheel. :)

[@fatboy19831]

If you are going to put an 2zz in you are going to need the six speed and an sorter final drive.

[@artax3967]

Man, where did you get the Oem hardtop? Probably paid more for that than the car. Dreading the moment when I have to redo my soft top.

[@joesimpson5689]

I just bought a hardtop for mine back in Sept 2017. I've had the car for quite some time and always wanted a hardtop for it. Bought one for $2,250 from this guy: www.tuner-deals.com/ He is located in New Jersey. Top actually came from the UK. Price included shipping (via DHL - fully insured). It was as described when I received it. Great condition. I did have it resprayed as my car is not a factory Toyota color. Price was reasonable from what I've seen other people selling them for. Even with the respray, I was at $2,750 which is more in line with what I have seen other sellers asking.

[@OfLefty]

The 1ZZ has absolutely no "Lift"..

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Mine is worse and I paid more....but it isn't 2017 anymore. I got in late, lol.

[@kpraz]

are these 15s?

[@calebwoods9358]

Does Oleg have an IG?

[@123PSPs]

It's best to swap in a 2zz from a Celica GTS/ lotus into it. The 1zz it has is underwhelming .

[@TheGabe92]

If you compare it to a Mazda Miata engine (which is what you should compare it to) it doesn't look too bad.

[@myxgliderboy08]

Corolla XRS/ 1st gen Matrix XRS or 1st gen Vibe GT are other source for 2zz

[@Speedwelltuning]

I quite like them but I like driving around the best roads in the world in the Scottish Highlands and wild camping, they have zero luggage space so the MK1 MX5 is better (and weighs the same as the MK3 MR2)

[@heilong79]

With these light weight cars I never get why they do reviews with a passenger, it changes the nature of the car completely.

[@pacrat90]

The only serious downside to this car that I experienced was that the inside is just so damn small. In my SW20 I fit perfectly fine, in this my knees are hitting the steering wheel and I think that would apply to most people over at least 6 foot

[@zappatx]

This MR2 would complement my 65 Corvair. But MR2 or RX-7 if you had to pick one?? Yeah RX7 is legendary and a real machine but thrill for the $$ and uniqueness the MR2 seems like a winner.

[@Zygrene]

If I was going to drive the car a lot, especially on track, I would do a 2ZZ MR2. Bulletproof Toyota. FD RX7 is too finicky and unreliable. More collectible though.

[@zahemi914]

And to maintain the RX7 Rotary Engine...would be really......dreadful

[@Kylo_Ren_2033]

Everyone puts mods on their Miatas so maybe a bone stock one is more special.

[@kevinparker461]

Better when you put a 2GR-FE in it, there are a couple round where i live, upset Porsche owners i have heard!

[@siachang3454]

2zz swap update happening?

[@Zygrene]

Happened last year! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5mudouDbNF0oMk

[@taekwondotime]

It isn't cheaper than the Miata lol. A used MR2 Spyder sells for a lot more than a used Miata. Research prices in Canada!

[@beanburnham01]

If I could fit in that I'd be all over it. Damn it being 6'6" and loving small cars

[@milli2385]

I'm 6'5 and I love tiny cars. I feel your pain brother

[@axeliclemente8973]

I feel u bro... 6'5 and I Love my e21

[@BurnedAura68]

Things like this make me feel thankful that im 5'6 sometimes but being short does have its cons too

[@markprettyman3133]

Have you tried sitting in one ? I'm 6'1 don't have the seat fully back and have plenty of headroom.

[@denisminigarage2030]

I'm 5"3 :P and I love small cars too (I'm actually thinking of buying a ZZW30 MR2 as a first car when I get my license)

[@TYLERVUESJJ]

No way 2k.... the hard top is already 2.5k

[@byrontucker3296]

Il take an mrs with widebody and k20 over a stock s2000 any day

[@jimbo6612]

3:07 he decided to keep the car for Kenyans? I don't get it - he has lots of Kenyan immigrants in his neighborhood or something?

[@RichardsMUP]

LOL. Canyons bro.

[@jimbo6612]

@@RichardsMUP You don't say, captain obvious!? 🤣

[@jayc9347]

Checked the marketplace and it is more expensive by 2000 usd vs a miata. 🤔

[@technosworld2]

I owned a 2001 Spyder in Black. Very fun car, just wish the front styling was more aggressive/less cute and the interior is very cheap. Other than that, fun car, but I'll take a second gen MR2.

[@joesimpson5689]

I have a 2002 (my second one - totalled out the first). I felt the same about the styling. My current Sypder has an APR wide body: aprperformance.com/portfolio-item/apr-s-gt-toyota-mr-2-spyder/ (without the rear wing). Like the way it looks now.

[@cybertron1000s]

boxter knockoff?

[@ErikSeastead]

"it's asian so it's obviously a knock off hurr durr, asians have no original ideas they are just good copiers"

[@ksikka]

anyone else think the road noise is pretty bad? the sound when it crashes over bumps makes me cringe

[@zeguowang5730]

Does mr2 have lsd？

[@heilong79]

In Europe it was standard, in the USA it was an option afaik.

[@dabeast1246]

U bought it 4 2gs. Thats a deal

[@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove]

Wanting anything other than a 2ZZ motor swap, perhaps with induction, means you need to just buy another car. Wanting to swap in a Honda engine means you just need to buy a Honda. If you want a Toyota 2GR or AR, just buy a car with that in it. Anything that requires major modifications to the MR-S makes absolutely no sense to me. I guess if you got a FREE roller MR-S, and had a free Honda or bigger Toyota engine and transmission then go for it. Make a Frankenstein car if you have the skill to do it. But BUYING a perfectly good MR-S and then turning it into a Frankenstein car is expensive. You might as well just put that money and effort into a car that has the set-up you want.

[@MrJonezy020]

A spyder cheaper than a miata??? Where the hell u live. Spyders in nc are running about 8500 to 12k depending on miles. Miatas u can pick up for 3 to 5k all day long

[@TotoGeenen]

Jonezy1983 in europe both are about the same price

[@dsx5036]

*was

[@carloscrod_]

I have a feeling I saw this same car on sale on Craigslist for 17k..

[@carloscrod_]

sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/san-jose-2001-toyota-mr2-spyder/6951270541.html

[@Zygrene]

@@carloscrod_ lol that's the one. Oleg is trying to consolidate since he has a track S2000, Evo and this.

[@dewknow1315]

K20 or nothing for me . It can't cost that much nowdays .

[@dikbuttbutt]

this guy spoke too soon. theyre getting dumb expensive for ones that arent completely fucked.

[@FronkG]

2zz swap it!

[@paolosolcruz]

Nobody's gonna put a 2zz in an integra because its gonna more of a downgrade. lol

[@alextrygg4670]

Short answer is, for a good one, its not

[@04dram04]

I think the way to go is buy a clean one, with a common blown motor, then 2zz swap it. You could probably have it for $5k in total

[@04dram04]

Miatas are cheaper

[@DeShawnaldTrump]

Delete this video. You’re gonna give it the race tax

[@dirkdiggler5647]

These things are auto cross weapons

[@cuongtran-ty1te]

K20 k20 k20

[@doylemcpoyle839]

those kinda make me think of a frog

[@Speedwelltuning]

Except they burn oil and eat their cats

[@aaronjackson4497]

It's a good thing the 2zz is such an easy swap for it, then.

[@christuem2086]

I think they are cheaper since to most people the Miata is the better looking car 😅

[@StevennAlexanderr]

It’s the complicated engine that makes them soooo cheap

[@SnowWhiteMR2]

Steven Salazar I don't really think it's complicated at all. It's in a Corolla lol.