MR2 1.8 VVTi
10-21-2008, 03:54 AM
#13
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I totally agree with Nickrg3, I also had a Black with Red leather. Tail happy due to light weight, had the rear end out all the time *no jokes please* I do have much experience of these due to working in technical and owning one.
Check every panel for the chassis stamp, they should obviously all match, if different or missing then it has been replaced.
They suffer terribly with Lambda failure causing the pre-cat to break up, which is where it gets worse... it is known for particals of ceramic get into the combustion chambers, score the bores and make the car use as much oil as petrol!!
Strong advice - take a Lambda socket, remove each top Lambda (Left + Right on manifold) look into hole with a torch and check for cracking monolith (catalyst honeycombe) if cracked walk away if solid then you are safe but when owning the car do not use if ever the EML comes on, if its Lambda (not much else goes wrong) then stop the car asap.
Most MR2 1.8s have had the pre-cat gutted now so don't be suprised if when Lambda removed you just see darkness.
The car will pass an MOT without the pre-cat as they were only fitted for stricter emmisions countries.
All in all I say great car, handle great in the dry, not too bad in wet, if snowing WALK!
Also watch out for roof, lazy people fold these down from inside the car without performing the roof-tuck, this splits the sides of the hood material.
Another point, as I once read in a write up on the roadster - There is only enough luggage space to take a family of mice on holiday but then if you want space buy a Volvo estate!
If I think of anything else I will post
Maybe worth going on www.MR2ROC.??? sure you will get loads of info there.
Lloyd
Check every panel for the chassis stamp, they should obviously all match, if different or missing then it has been replaced.
They suffer terribly with Lambda failure causing the pre-cat to break up, which is where it gets worse... it is known for particals of ceramic get into the combustion chambers, score the bores and make the car use as much oil as petrol!!
Strong advice - take a Lambda socket, remove each top Lambda (Left + Right on manifold) look into hole with a torch and check for cracking monolith (catalyst honeycombe) if cracked walk away if solid then you are safe but when owning the car do not use if ever the EML comes on, if its Lambda (not much else goes wrong) then stop the car asap.
Most MR2 1.8s have had the pre-cat gutted now so don't be suprised if when Lambda removed you just see darkness.
The car will pass an MOT without the pre-cat as they were only fitted for stricter emmisions countries.
All in all I say great car, handle great in the dry, not too bad in wet, if snowing WALK!
Also watch out for roof, lazy people fold these down from inside the car without performing the roof-tuck, this splits the sides of the hood material.
Another point, as I once read in a write up on the roadster - There is only enough luggage space to take a family of mice on holiday but then if you want space buy a Volvo estate!
If I think of anything else I will post
Maybe worth going on www.MR2ROC.??? sure you will get loads of info there.
Lloyd
10-21-2008, 05:38 AM
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Missus had one of the UKs first ones, a W reg, infact W236 LNA if you ever see it.
She spent 20k on it
back in 2000 I think 
It was flat as fook, shit accel, but good handling. She did spin it.
I would have thought a good car for the missus if it is top down fun she wants.
Not my cup of tea though
She spent 20k on it
back in 2000 I think It was flat as fook, shit accel, but good handling. She did spin it.
I would have thought a good car for the missus if it is top down fun she wants.
Not my cup of tea though
10-21-2008, 07:29 AM
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I bought a Celica T-Sport a few years back on the basis that it would be ultra-reliable and would be a relatively long-term keep.It ended up in the garage no fewer than 13 times in the 14 months I had it and I was pretty disgusted with the level of customer service from the dealerships I visited.
Resolved never to buy a Toyota again after that experience!!
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