Anyone driven an MR2 SPyder and how does it compare to the S? Looks like 2002's and up can be had for CHEAP and my girlfriend is looking to purchase a new car.

 

rear engine vs front, ghey 140hp vs 240hp..... you should be comparing it to a Miata (closer in weight) or 914 porsche (rear engine) i think.

I doubt anyone here has switched from an S2000 to a MR Spyder..... unless they were going through a bankruptcy.

I am sure they are fine cars, but not very comparable to a S2000 (imho that is).

 

I would think they are great little cars compared to the Miata. Good reliability, good Porsche-esque looks (subjective), mid-engine layout with RWD.

If I were on a budget and wanted an inexpensive little roadster, I would definitely consider it. I don't think comparing to the S2000 is fair.

 

If I weren't on a budget, I would not have gotten the S, that's for sure.
JK, I know what you meant...

My cousin (girl) just bought one and loves it. But they're right-it's more like a miata that the S I think. Not quite as performance oriented, but great for someone who wants a fun roadster. Not saying it's a chick car, but many times girls care less about the outright speed of their cars, rather than the cuteness/fun factor. Nothing wrong with that. I can certainly understand speed ot being a top priority.
And I guess it's not for me, or I would've gotten something faster than an S2000.

That being said, it has even less storage room than the S. It's got no real trunk, just some storage behind the seats (enough for an overnight bag for two probably) and a little bit of storage in under the hood.

But personally, I think it looks like it's trying (and failing) to be a Boxster knock-off. But that's subjective, of course.

 

I like the appearance of the MR-S, with the exception of the headlights which look cheap. If it had projectors of some sort, it would look enormously better. I never considered owning one because the tiny volume of storage space makes it almost unusable. What good is a roadster if you can't even carry one person's luggage? Forget about taking a weekend trip with a passenger.

 

i was looking at one because the S was out of my range at the time and i just wanted a roadster bad, i had my 240 for 5 years and wanted a change. it was nice to drive but i loved the S so decided to wait 8 months and saved like crazy, didn't go out, you'd be surprised how much money you save when you don't go clubbing. So i got a used S, so happy with it.

but the mr-s is nice, trying to get my sis to get one.

 

It's a fun, nimble little thing because the suspension can take everything the engine can throw at it and then some. It feels like it could have really been something special were it more powerful and so I've always wondered why Toyota didn't offer an option with more *oomph*

 

i really like MR2's, but they are a little anemic in the power department.....i'd love to build a 200HP 2000 lb MR2

 

Thats called a Lotus Elise

 

Yup...that's the comparison I was trying to make...

If people are going to (presumably) pay $40k+ for an Elise, why wouldn't they have paid $30k for a cet-par MR-S w/180 HP?