From: ekdug@b56vxg.kodak.com (Linda Stustman)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: about to buy '85 MR2.  Good or bad move?
Date: 14 Oct 92 16:55:00 GMT
Organization: Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester NY
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

In article <1992Oct12.164838.938@noao.edu>, groves@noao.edu (Lee Groves ) writes...
> 
>Greetings.
> 
>I am considering buying an 85 MR2 from my fiancee's uncle.
> 
>He is religious about how he cares for his cars, so I know it
>has been maintained.  Car and Driver loved this car.  Consumer
>reports says that it is very reliable and includes it on their
>list of recommended used cars.  I've wanted one for years...
> 
>Is there some dark evil waiting to get me if I buy it?  I'd
>appreciate all advice/info including anticdotal stories.  
>Do those of you who own one enjoy it as much as you thought you
>would?

I bought mine a year ago with 58Kmi on it. It was smacked in the nose
(actually driven over a mail box, I was told). That brought a serious
overheating problem (radiator is up front). Radiator got bent, not allowing
enough circulation, causing rust and junk to accumulate inside, cutting flow
even more. It overheated a few times pretty bad. I had radiator "boiled",
coolant changed, radiator cap replaced. Also when I bought the car, it needed
new muffler and "flex pipe" - pre-catalitic pipe running under the engine.
it flexes with rpm increase, kinda hard to describe. This 10" pipe is $150
item from Toyota. Don't buy it there. In fact, don't go to Toyota dealer if 
you life depends on it :-(
I got entire muffler plus this flex pipe from Cole muffler for $170.
Couple more things were wrong when I bought the car. The lower engine mount
was broken (HOW???) and emergency brake cables were frozen. A $100 total, parts
and labor. Another problem that drove me bananas was a bad oxigen sensor.
The car was stalling. Toyota could not diagnose this in 6 tries (3 different 
dealers). We're talking safety hazard here, stalling at stoplights! Sensor
is $95 from Toyota, $46 from Bosch, guess which I choose :-)
The front brakes are slightly warped (common), needs new rotors, warpage is
due to the assholes with impact wranches doing the tires (keep lug nuts at
76 lb-ft). I had all 4 struts changed (yep 4 McPhearsons all around in MR2)
Not cheap, $300 for mediocre Monroe struts. (they're OK for street, but they're
no Koni's). And finally, the car burns a bit of oil (1qt/1000mi), and lifters
are very loud, even with 93.5 octane gas used.
Now, really finally:-) Mr2's are known for bizzare front end shimmy, uncurable
by any tire balance or anything of this Universe. Annoying, but I live with it.

Now, if you're still reading, don't get scared. I listed all this to show you 
what to look at. I LOVE the car. I had '84 RX7 before, I like MR2 better.
I drive it as an everyday car, plus a few auto-X's this year. Once you educate
yourself on the term "lift throttle oversteer" (why am I pointing forward with
my taillights on the exit ramp?) you'll like the handling of this thing.
You'll enjoy it even more if you put some descent struts and tires on it, I'm
told. The only thing, be prepared for high level of engine noise right behind
your ears (i like that) and loud wind noise around door frames(don't care for
that). Keep it above 4000 rpm, you'll be happy.
Oh, BTW, '85 is the best-handling year of the bunch, due to rear anti-sway bar
and also seems to be best-equipped.


>  I've probably got about six more child-less years before
>I need more room and have to buy a mini-van... ;)
> 

I know, I know, it's hard to make love in a 2-seater, when you seats do not
even recline. At least mine RX-7 had a loooong hood, MR2 does not :-)
So, see, you get the best of both worlds :-)

>Thanks,
> 
>Lee
> 
> 
> 
> 
>-- 
>Lee J. Groves, National Optical Astronomy Observatories, Tucson, AZ
>Usenet:   {arizona,decvax,ncar}!noao!lgroves or  uunet!noao.edu!lgroves
>Internet: lgroves@noao.edu         SPAN/HEPNET:  draco::lgroves
>Phonenet: 602-325-9357


If you interested in further info or details, email me at
 mns6569@ritvax.isc.rit.edu, do not auto-reply!!!
Mike.S
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.audio,rec.video