USED Toyota MR2 - Common problems and should you buy one? | ReDriven used car review

'90s Japanese performance car prices are constantly going through the roof. The Toyota MR2 starts at $13,000 and tops up around $40k. So is this an investment classic or an overhyped supercar? Find out.
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Skip ahead:
00:00​​​​​​​ - Intro
00:20 - What is it?
03:48 - How's the interior?
05:26 - Tech, features & safety?
07:50 - What's it like to drive?
10:12 - What goes wrong?
15:29 - Should you buy it?
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[@fatboyivan5618]

As an 21 year old whose been owning one since 18. I’ll would say BUY IT!!!! AWESOME CAR!!!

[@davidarter6271]

Remember, snap oversteer in the 90’s was simply nature’s way of eliminating Volvo drivers

[@Tuckermen]

Understandable why your Channel is so popular. You just do this stuff so well. Variety, presentation. Keep it up.

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much!

[@kenc1932]

I used to own a '91 MR2 Turbo and it is the car I regret selling the most. Was definitely the most fun car I ever owned and was super reliable. Drive like a normal person and fuel economy was amazing as well. The handling was superb...I really miss that car....*sigh*

[@SirDeejayCamo]

This review is spot on. Last year I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to buy a stock Rev 5 NA. There is something so special about the 3SGE. While not nearly as fast as the 3SGTE and most modern sport engines, it has so much character and the driving experience with a good set of tyres is second to none. Better yet, 250,000kms and counting and the engine’s never skipped a beat. Also a great community of owners here in Australia.

[@Ian_Franklin]

I used to own a JDM rev5 with the beams motor in it - that was the best car I've ever had and I regret selling it!

[@Shadow1986]

I've owned a 91 na and a 93 turbo at the and the same time. I liked the 91 better in terms of pure joy

[@danmccarthy4700]

6:08 is DOMO-KUN!!

[@midnightjazzgroup]

Owner of an aw11 na t-top for about 3 years driven 5k miles overall the car feels pretty stabel. Only modifications ive done are a k&n drop in filter, bigger rear tires, and a cusco rear strut bar. Other mods I would recommend are some hella fog lights. This is an awesome point A-B car to own if you're not worried about passengers or hauling furniture. You get fuel economy of a 4cyl and throttle/steering response of a super car. In real world street driving this thing can fly pass those yellow lights before turning red no problem. Having t tops and being able to sit back inside in an all around glass space pod looking interior is also fantastic. No matter where you are you feel like its outer space 🚀

[@fullboost]

Nice video guys.

[@bafg182]

The little stuffed toy’s name is Domo, who is the mascot for Japan’s national broadcaster, NHK.

[@lancegraham7722]

The best cars, in terms of design, fit and finish and looks clearly belong from cars from 1996 to about 2006...after that...things go down hill due to profits that companies want. Sure, they have more gimmicks, however, simple is best.

[@xsct878]

People in the 90's were saying that about cars from the 70's, same shit different day.

[@craigvadeikis3898]

Owned one in the late 90’s. Brilliant fun. Most direct steering feel of any car I’ve driven.

[@s0m3cunt91]

I owned one of these 15 years ago, they aren't your average Toyota. They are tiny, and ride harsh (don't soak up the bumps well), and the engine is loud due to being close to your ears. But they are really damn fun to drive, and the manual gearbox's feel great. It feels like 2 seater go-kart with the engine behind you.

[@NinjaExcessive.]

Man it feels like you're reading my mind! My friend was looking into getting one of these as a more exciting second car (Current car is a pretty base spec Lancer). I was trying to do some research about them and this pops into my notifications just as I'm digging through owners groups. Getting real close to that 200k mark, and the quality of these reviews just keeps getting better.

[@CRUMB.]

Was a pleasure meeting you today Adam, top bloke 👍🏻

[@podcaststudionetwork]

Been driving my ‘91NA since 1997! It’s now a turbo with 217k miles. Fantastico!!!!

[@VernNorrgard]

I sold my 74 911 Targa, and I bought an MR2 a couple of years ago, a 92 GT Turbo with 80k kms, and I could not be happier. I absolutely love my car and can confidently say this is my forever car.

[@bcm70]

Congratulations, yes you should buy one. That made me laugh out loud. Great channel guys. I normally skip in video ads, but you deserve the revenue!

[@michaelnelson7240]

Storage bins behind both seats , you can store ttops and sunroof in frunk

[@AP13P]

Behind the seats is t-top storage.

[@ReDriven]

💰Need finance for your next car? Get personalised deals and pre-approval in MINUTES! PLUS, get a $150 fuel voucher when you settle your loan 👉 bit.ly/3EX7yh7

[@Sandy-oy2lr]

One thing not mentioned for possible mechanical failure is rain tends to get through the rear engine cover vents and drains onto the alternator. I don't know if this is for all years. But, it's something to watch out for. Back in when the cars were being made, a new alternator back then was about $450 USD. Otherwise, a fantastic and super fun little car.

[@murrieteacher]

Oh Jim, well done, you worked that statement in well. These are fun cars, I run a MGTF 160 2002 at the Mt Cotton hillclimb and they and the MX5 are my direct competitors in my class. So are MGB's, Lotus Elise, and the BRZ 86 twins. Except for the Elise, we are within a few seconds and they all drive to and drive home from the events. Most of us change to R spec rubber and it comes down to home much you want to spend on rubber that gets you the better times. As usual, another great video guys. (oh, and we ALL use Wipertech blades).

[@TwistedDonners]

It's funny that this car was today's review car as I was actually thinking about the one I saw on a TV show that got restored for a deserving owner and the ECU in the one they were restoring was affected by water leaking into the car but they were able to be repair it. I see a black one of these go past me at work quite often and I think it's the T top version but either way it's still a nice sounding car. It's definitely a car I wouldn't complain about having in my garage/car port if I had one as most of what goes wrong with it sounds like just age related and caused by general wear and tear. Great video guys and as always have a good week and I look forward to next week's videos as per usual 👍.

[@purplemonstertv]

I’ve had MR2s for about 15 years now. Started with a N/A. Now a turbo. I can’t think of any car that will beat this for value for money. It’s so much fun. They are very reliable. Not to much to fix stuff and it’s worth giving it ago yourself sometimes. But with any old car. Things are 20 years old etc. so expect to have to replace stupid little things in your ownership. Plus it’s worth every penny. Cos when you get in it and drive it you just have one big smile. This video was very spot on. Great video.

[@governorairsoft4150]

I finished covering my MR2 for the week and open KZbin to see you guys finally got around to this little guy! Yes, the prices are going up, ESPECIALLY in the USA since we only got up to 95, and that year is incredibly rare. I've owned mines for 11yrs, and as I've grown older, I've gone back to fix dodgey mods and overall learned buy once, cry once. If you're thinking about getting one, do it now because every year the prices go up & up. Good luck and don't let off throttle in corners.

[@aogfx13]

Great car! I now have 3 in my collection. They've been through mechanical refresh mainly on their engines, gearboxes, for improved reliability for long distance drives. Few things don't work, but the car drives well. LIke any other 30+ year old cars, soft materials (plastic, rubber, fluids) will naturally deteriorate, metal will oxidise, electronics will fail and it will leak. It just needs a lot of care and looking after.

[@pablojones5613]

I would love to see you guys do a review on a grey import Toyota Crown. There's a few getting around now, and I think you guys do a great job.

[@LacheanApostate]

You're damn right about the T Tops leaks, mine got really bad.

[@michaelhart5886]

The 3sge is a great engine. The celica st162 in SX form with the 3sge is also a forgotten underrated classic

[@zhila5958]

Dear Redriven. i would appreciate it if you folks do a review on a 4th gen Mazda 3! Thanks for the constant quality content!

[@henrykamau9289]

Watching from Kenya 👍

[@BigCarKilla]

The Gen2 SW20 had longer rear trailing arms that reduced the rear bump steer issue (toe-out under suspension compression), so one of those, or a first gen with later model rear subframe conversion is the safer bet.

[@SmithLord117]

This was my first car - a 1992 turbo which i bought back in 2010. I truly loved that car, and I've never had as much fun in a car since. I currently own an RS3, but if I didn't need something a bit more sensible now that i have young kids I'd buy one of these again in a heartbeat.

[@dylan4972]

Just buy one and keep it in the garage for the weekend. I have a young kid and a 2GR turbo SW20. Love to get out and diving it... I have a few "fast euros" but they just don't compare to the speed and feeling.

[@MrBFit-xl5ft]

I am on the central coast and have a 200sx 1994. After the paint gets fixed and a few previously dodgy mods from past owners gets fixed (in new year) more than welcome to use it for a video.

[@GODS-PUNISHER]

AT NEARLY 60 I HAVE BEEN STREET RACING SINCE THE 80'S, A FORD BLOKE AND HAD MANY 351 POWERED CARS, EVEN WENT TO THE DARK SIDE AND OWNED A FEW CHEV POWERED HOLDEN'S, EVEN A VERY RARE 64 BIG BLOCK CHEVELLE, 500HP + ANIMAL, BUT THE FASTEST STREET CAR I BUILT WAS MY 92 MR2 TURBO, YELLOW WITH 19'' AND ENGINE WAS BUILT BY A TURBO SHOP IN PRESTON, I WAS NEVER BEATEN ON THE STREET, BEING LIGHT, ENGINE IN THE BACK, IT WAS PERFECT! I LOST COUNT OF ALL THE WRX'S I BEAT, GTR'S WERE SOMEWHAT HARDER AS THEY WOULD GET ME ON TAKE OFF, BUT WHEN THAT TDO6 SPOOLED UP HIT SECOND GEAR AND I WOULD COME FROM BEHIND AND EMBARRASS THEM LOL. V8'S, AND I STILL DRIVE ONE STOOD NO CHANCE, WAY TO MUCH WHEELSPIN, AND I WAS GONE. SADLY MY MR2 AND FALCON GT AND MY CHOPPER ALL WENT WHEN THE PLANNED GFC OF 08/09 HIT, BUT I HAVE LIFETIME MEMORIES SUCKING ALL THEM HEADLIGHTS OUT WITH THAT MIGHTY MR2 TURBO! IF YOU OWN ANYTHING TURBO, GO TO PRESTON, THE 2 BROTHERS THAT OWN THEIR SHOP WILL MAKE YOUR CAR FASTER THAN MOST.

[@user-yx3ih7so6d]

The steering is only left of centre because that is not a stock seat. every modded seat I've seen outside of proper narrow buckets get mounted too far right due to the bolsters rubbing on the centre of the cabin. The owner has ruined their own car. they take a front or rear crash well, side impact is really poor! they even do well with a rollover.

[@Anthatz]

Ah the old reverse Celica! Forgot to mention dead steering feel! I remember going to work in my t top on rainy days with a wet shoulder, classy.

[@chrisleech333]

I love the MR2 especially a white rev 5 T bar turbo. I've been looking for one for years

[@whitegr86]

Do one of these videos on a 200sx/s14 or s13. Would love to see that.

[@TooMuchTimeOnMyHand]

I had a Porsche 944S2 and a Nissan 300zx Z32 twin turbo back in my days. Would love to hopefully one day see them reviewed here.

[@92Godzilla]

I’ve had a soft spot for these since watching High Octane in the early 2000s and seeing Ketzel’s MR2

[@jamesbthejoke5614]

DUDE SAME! Fly3n! I bought one purely because of ketzal’s car! 😂😂😂

[@Rik_B_]

Commonsense must prevail. Well done mate on another next level video.

[@thesamuraigoldfish]

it's refreshing to hear someone not state the car is the problem when it is ALWAYS the driver that was the issue for snap oversteer. I have owned many mr2s and snap has never been a problem. kids just don't respect the car for what it is.

[@whatwoulddarrendo1325]

I've owned 2 previously and although I'm looking at a GR Yaris I'm close to getting a 3rd instead.

[@RotaryNate]

More sneaky shots of the esky please

[@vikasgnan4022]

Hi Adam!! Can you please review a Suzuki Kizashi? I need to decide if I should buy one

[@rodneygrossman5057]

I own two Mr2 hardtops one is late 1992 cross over. Has Gen 3 brakes suspension etc. Has 250rwkw 18psi 189rwkw 12psi on 98ron with no turbo lag. Owned it for 17 years 113000kms on it. It makes the perfect drivers car and the other one is my stock Hardtop Gen 3 1994 GTS Turbo, Just Enkei pr01s 17 inch. I can not find a modern car to upgrade to unless I want to spend 150k or more. With a mid engine I would be happy with Ps Own 7 Gen Celica too and one of the most under rated car out there do a review on one.

[@koffeeblack]

I’ve had a few SW20 and AW11s I enjoyed the aw11 more.

[@RandomAero]

you really called me out at the end 😂

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

That "evil" lift off oversteer is what made these things so good, not bad, you just had to know how to manage it. The VW Beetle, before it, had exactly the same disposition, even worse in the swing axle models. Earlier Mercs, too, but to a far lesser extent. You steer these things as much with your right foot as you do the steering wheel. Yes, you can say that about anything, but in these, the effect of throttle input on steering is set to eleven. A little less pedal will tighten up the turn and little more opens it. Too much of either at the wrong time and you will become part of the scenery and probably die on a gurney shortly afterwards. I had the luxury of taking one of these for a spin when it was nearly new. Sorry, I don't know which model. Honestly, to this day, it's about as much fun as I've ever had in a car. Through tight turns, going around round abouts, day to day left and right turns in normal city streets, these things can really dance, and they can do so safely. But if you break the golden rule and suddenly decelerate when you're turning and unload those back tyres, it's good night Irene. They don't suffer fools nor take prisoners. What a car! Great review, thanks for the content and bringing back a memory.

[@iankeith763]

I have owned an NA for the last 5 years, I plan to never sell, I love it. Sure, had issues, bur its 30 years old. Recently changed water pump and timing belt with a friend. Level of difficulty on a scake of 1 to 10, probably 11. Its not easy to work on, but its worth it, 3rd gear seems to be a common problem, and mine no exception, that will be a future task, its still easily drivable, just take my time into third, its the synchro.

[@stevenloynds3691]

Just love how the Japanese master timeless looks with there nuggets.

[@virumzzgaming]

Simply. Yes, you should very much buy one.

[@comieodor]

Editing on this one is a bit much guys.. Content amazing as always.

[@mattdebyl8806]

Yep, was going to say the same.

[@margay34]

Ive owned two, best cars I have ever owned

[@saairgunner5925]

Can you please do a video on the 3rd gen MR2 Spyder?

[@afx001]

6:12 That my man is a 'Domo Bread Monster'... I'll just go back to saving the world now :)

[@skeelo69]

Great car to own. Drive respectfully. My MR2 was all original...was also sadly stolen in 2003....a sought after car even then😢😢😢

[@halidaymichael2899]

I’ve had AW11’s and SW20’s inc a turbo. The “snap” oversteer is bull - it’s the driver lifting off and transferring weight abruptly. No mid or rear engined car will tolerate that. You can drive them sideways on the gas pedal with no issue, but you can’t be hamfisted with it. I prefer the AW11, I had so much fun in my youth a few decades ago.

[@vltruane]

I don't go for just aesthetics so I purchased a Spyder. It’s the best MR2 as far as overall performance. It’s not best the looking, but you can make them look just as good if you have good taste.

[@glennsheppard3320]

Would br interested in your views on a nissan 350z, they appear to be cheap at the moment and potentially a future sought after model? Shouldn't have too many rust issues thus far?

[@Shadow1986]

I'm so glad this stupid snap oversteer myth exists. It's kept the car affordable for me

[@beexiong2995]

Check ball joints, tie rods, bushings, coolant lines especially the hose from hell and hell on earth, distributor wire and harnesses, leaky ttops, transmission grinds, wheel speed sensors that can fail causing abs issues, speedo cable issues, oil leaks, broken loose exhaust studs, and boost leaks.

[@stevewood2326]

Changed my 1988 XR3i for a 1990 MR2 tried to enter the M1 at the same speed as the XR3i and spun 360 degrees, waved to the onlookers and carried on ..... I was shaking like shitting dog! Had a 1997 MR2 for 15 years. Not as good as the mk. 1, which is without doubt my favourite car, but not far off. I can say not all T roofs leak, but I'm sure every rear quarter-light does. Took the grommets out of the floor so the water runs out.

[@tahustvedt]

The SW20 looks bad in most photos and videos, except from the side. It's a completely different car in real life and looks awesome. It's weird.

[@paul--b]

You missed out on covering the storage bin (or bins depending on if it has a sub or not) behind rhe seats, and the shelf’s above the bins

[@ultimatedonar]

That would explain the bin chickens in the background. 👍🏻

[@johnknight9150]

I went with the original '80s model (go Voyager!), but I always wondered what it would've been like if I went with the '90s model instead.

[@f1knight]

I had a stock 2nd generation red 91 MR2 in the late 90´s - Sold it a few years later after owning a two seater became an inconvenience. I dorve the wheels off it though, best fun I've ever had on 4 tyres. Would I buy another one? Hell yeah!

[@ikimus]

The little white soft toy was Domo-kun and this looks like it was filmed at Chipping Norton Lake haha.

[@paulklp8262]

Post a video of N Fest!

[@DominusAnno]

Spoiled this week another Vid on a Sundy?! Noice!

[@connoreaton4565]

Having owned one for a while now. Apart from only having 2 seats I can’t really fault the little car

[@jeremyjb87]

This was a tough watch. I nearly shed a tear for my white V6 swapped SW20... Why did I sell? WHY?

[@the20v]

Review my DC5 Integra Type R in Sydney

[@rodneygrossman5057]

The Turbo Mr2 was not sold in Australia, You could import them up to 1992. After that date it was banned by REVS until the 25 year rule applied. That why you did not see 1993 and above Mr2 on the market for years, unless it was personal a import from living overseas. Why? At a guess the GT4 Celica was Toyota hero car hence it had the Turbo 3stge motor in it.

[@scottpeck5851]

Bought a '91 turbo new back in the day... Windows leaked like crazy and there was some bizarre structural issue that caused dents in the rear part of the roof on both sides. Only had it 6 months due to issues. Huge disappointment at the time since I traded in an '89 supercharged MR2 for that POS.

[@Jamestb0060]

If you know how to drive, and you make your decision before the corner either to stick it or back off you'll be fine. Just don't make that decision mid corner, the you will snap.

[@Armored_Ariete]

I neeed an 80s car to keep living

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

I don't understand the negativity nor the hype with the MR2. It's a unique thing just like all small mid engine cars. The Gen 2 GT seems the pick. Current prices for a very old car are not for the faint hearted tho.

[@surfman0115]

I have a 2004 Forester xt manual if you're interested.

[@bespincustompropsbombarta8300]

Brilliant cars, had 2 turbo rev1's buy rev 3 onwards for more power, better turbo, better suspension and bigger brakes. ABS feels shit so disconnecting the abs plug gives way better braking if track days are your thing. 2 bad parts on the engine are, rotor arms and dizzy caps which they chew through and you'll lose about 20hp in about a 1000 miles once they wear, convert to coil on plugs. The other bad part is an impossible to get coolant hose at the back of the engine that gets heat damage and fails because of turbo and exhaust heat, as far as I know there is still no aftermarket replacement for it and toyota don't have it as a spare part. Front suspension will knock out anti roll bar drop links which can be replaced with bigger stiffer ones that don't flex, if there's a rattle from the front then, likely it those. Strut braces are a must to stiffen the chassis and make a massive difference to cornering ability, recommend Cusco front and rear if you can still get them. Also on stock suspension you can go bigger than 16 inch wheels without spacers which will cause bump steer when fitted. Get coilovers to go bigger but it will effect the cars 0-60 time badly and make it's 4 and 5th gears very poor at high speed and they are very long geared. 300hp will see you easily to 170mph if you don't go bigger than a 16 inch wheels. Oh and no the seats are not comfy at all do a 2 hour drive and you know about when you get out the car, they are fine around town but not on long drives. Only use high octane fuel too as the engines were tuned for the higher octane japanese fuels their lowest being 98. With rev 1 and 2 model if you stall it and then the car runs lumpy you'll need to disconnect the battery to reset the ecu, same goes if you put bad fuel in it, for whatever crazy reason the ecu can't increase timing but it can reduce it so, low octane will retard the ignition and will not advance once good fuel has been put back in, again because japanese fuel is so good. Both of mine did this and one of my friends too. 3 onwards this is not an issue. If you get a rev 1 or 2 import they are restricted and get boost cut at 10 psi a zenna diode fitted to the factory boost sensor stops that and fitting a MPH speedo converter to the gearbox stops the speed limiter as that work from the speedo so, once converted there's no speed cut unless you hit 180mph which would be 180kph before hand. 180kph being 112mph factory speed limiter for all cars in Japan. Think I covered most of what I remember 😂 thinking about getting another one so anyone in the UK want to swap their turbo for my Monaro CV8 holla at me 😁

[@IsaacSturdee]

Sigh, I'll always want an SW20

[@ABL973]

I loved mine and miss it still after all these years. Yes, that 'snap oversteer' is real and so are leaky t-tops but I'd really like another or mine back.

[@nftminter7922]

You forgot storage bins behind each seat.

[@ethanacton408]

I hope they are cheaper over in Australia since its usually 15 to 25K USD or about 22k AUD to 38k AUD (turbo models obviously on the higher end) and to me that's a terrible price for an almost 30 year old car when i can get a new used gt 86 or new generation mr2 for a lot cheaper

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Would I buy a decent Mk I, obviously red with black interior??? Hell yes! Where do I sign? Or even a Mk III would be nice. These are gorgeous, but I'll leave them for others.

[@adelucas5472]

I had a 94 turbo tbar I had no leaks and nothing went wrong ……though I did spin off into a fence!!

[@kenrichards5699]

Tragic. Gen3 turbo, is a sought after spec now 😢

[@adelucas5472]

@@kenrichards5699 don’t worry Ken it survived but I had to let it go when my second son arrived! And yes it feels like the “one that got away” 😞

[@spinnetti]

It can bite you for sure, especially in the wet it goes from huge understeer to snap oversteer, and snow? forget about it! I did love them though (had 2). Got a chance to autocross a Ferrari, and it was Meh indeed. Slow speed handling was no fun at all, and that's where the MR2 excels. Used, virtually 100% of them have sketchy mods.

[@dealman3312]

You’d be lucky to even find one, with rust or without. Grab yourself a 6spd e46 m3 instead and have some fun.

[@jeremyjb87]

So I guess Doug DeMuro is turning to this channel for video inspiration these days 😂

[@pro1wear]

best drift cars if you know....

[@passerby3186]

06 wrx plzzzzz

[@dawso2o2]

Any midfield car needs a engineer certification in NSW

[@steveharding8965]

His name is Albo after the voice vote.

[@CAM-lh5mx]

I learn two things 1.modding can be a great way to increase the performance of your vehicle 2. Don’t ever buy a modded vehicle

[@timbirch6788]

Had an AW11 for a while, tastefully modified Silvertop 4AGE that loved the redline and weighed 4/5ths of f*** all. What a weapon. Would leave my A45 AMG for dead. The engine behind you meant it was in your ear and begging you for more. Still miss that thing, can’t believe I sold it for $6500 a few years ago! Wild car.

[@the_kevitron_9000]

6:08 Domo Kun

[@michaelnelson7240]

This car came in hardtop t-top convertible and removable sunroof wow I should have made video

[@johnparr9797]

There will be always rust on these cars; underside. It's not a show stopper if it's surface only.

[@A861967]

Snap oversteer is easy to do, ones you know how it happened.. your cool, provided you learn how the car handles ❤

[@jamesmcgowen1769]

How about a series of classic cars? Not everyone is looking for a Japanese/European car. I’ve got a Holden older than you…