The MR2 is arguably the S2000's equal or even better in the handling department, and you can feel the benefit of the MR2's 600 lb. lighter curb weight when you're behind the wheel. The catch is that it doesn't have enough power to really pull itself out of corners with authority, and there's the whole practicality aspect as well.

I considered one, but ultimately opted for the S2000, primarily due to its greater power. The MR2's lots of fun in its own right, though, and they're getting pretty cheap on the secondhand market.

Steve

 

I like the way they look, but a poster here a few months ago wrote something funny:


"It looks like a frog taking a sh*t!"






It's cool, I test drove one before I bought my S. Shifter is not nearly as smooth. Engine is weaker.

Even at $7000 more, the S is a better deal.



-geekd

 

I thought the "frog taking a s___" statement was referring to the 350Z. I like the MR Spyder, it's reliable, good on gas and looks nice especially with the TRD body kit IMHO. It was one of the cars I considered when buying my Honda.

 

You may be right. Years of alcohol abuse has reduced my mental capacity considerably.

 

It was very fun to drive when I test drove it. Steering response was lightning quick, better than the S. As others have mentioned, power is low, but it is decently torquey in the low and mid-range. Storage is virtually non-existant, so if it's going to be the only car, that may be a big concern. Otherwise, if speed and cargo room isn't a big concern, it's a very fun and reliable roadster. And I love the way the widebody versions (APR and original Monocraft) look.

 

In the power department, aftermarket has turbos for it. someone mentioned projector headlights, I think the MY02 got those with the manumatic transmission.

If i had a $15K roadster budget used, i'd take it over a miata anyday.

 

I really like 'em. It's fun and very responsive. To me the steering is better than the S2000 and the chassis a bit more progressive at the limits. Like the Miata it is bulletproof and resale is in the toilet so a used one is a great deal.

Even though the S2000 is in a different league of power compared to the Spyder/Miata, it's a mistake to think the MR2 is as slow as a Miata. I've driven both, and despite similar ratings the Toyota 1.8 outperforms the Mazda in *all* parts of the rev range, especially down low. As mentioned areas where it loses to the S2000 are interior refinement, practicality, and power- but in turn the entry fee is much less.

I think the MR2 is a great sports car for people who understand that a light, minimalist roadster can still be fun even if it doesn't have tire smoking power.

Peter

 

It's a great little car. Fun to drive, easy to own. Good handling and Toyota reliability. It's not an S2000 but it doesn't pretend to be. For what it is, it is very hard to beat.

Before I bought my S, the MR-2 was one of the cars that I was considering. I very quickly eliminated it because I need more trunk space, but, had it not been for that and the S2000 I very well might've bought one.

 

MY2000 S2000's are going for damn near $15k these days

 

I wanted to get one, since they don't cost that much. But, decided to get a Tacoma for practicality.

BTW, since they are the same engine as the 190 hp Elise, could one do some minor tuning to up it back up to 180 hp (Celica stock hp)? On the Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota unveiled a 180hp turbocharged MR-S, which I thought was weird, since I thought one could tune it N/A to 180hp, and THEN turbo it to some crazy number.