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View Full Version : decisions... S13 or MR2 turbo?


Filmidget
22-09-2002, 16:54
A mate stayed over this weekend and left me with a bit of a dilema...

As I have mentioned a time or two :rolleyes: I was intending to either buy a cheap S13 and spend some money on tuning, or but a nice late lowish miles facelift S13.

But mate has said he is going to sell his J-reg MR2 Turbo (his Mrs has given him permission 'cos she don't like it!) and buy something more practical for site work/high mileages. It'll have about 85k miles, but the last 30k were done sitting on motorways, well serviced and a few nice HKS bits - all for maybe £3000 to me.

Should I buy a 200SX, or buy some scissors and hairdryer and go for the MR2!?!

Would you lot still be friendly? (this is one of best boards I have come across)

Biased opinions welcome :)

Cheers, Phil
Paul_S13
22-09-2002, 17:12
The MR2 turbo as standard is quite quick if I remember correctly, and it has that cheeky mid-engine handling :cool:
RichSeal
22-09-2002, 17:27
I've owned both. Had 2 S13's and 1 MR2 Turbo.

I think the MR2 was a great car. Handling was fun, although scary at times. And it was very fast. A lot faster than a std S13. If I had one gripe about it, it was that it was an import. Parts tended to be a lot more expensive than an S13, and would sometimes take longer to come. Engine wise it was pretty sound, it takes about the same looking after as the S13, but if something goes wrong its a bitch to work on as there is no room around the engine. My big ends went and it cost over £1500 to have the engine rebuilt.
The interior and overall appearance in my opinion are nicer than the S13, but beaty is in the eye of the beholder.

Currently my S13 has cost me about 2/3'rds of what I sold the MR2 for (Was a G, 1990 and went for £4k 5 months ago, got my L, 93 S13 for £2300) and is faster and more fun to drive. Its more forgiving than the MR2 so I feel a bit more confident in it. If you fun the MR2's limits you tend to spin in a big way.

So I prefer the S13, because I think you get more fun to your £'s, but the MR2 is still a great car and if you don't want to mod, will be a lot faster.

HTH
davidra
22-09-2002, 17:38
I would go for MR2 if you can get a nice turbo for 3K. Not that I've ever owned one... but when I looked, they were £5-6K. S13 2-2.5K. Maybe S14?
Filmidget
22-09-2002, 17:49
Couple of points for information... :)

Who says I would keep the MR2 standard tune? :D

Not worried about repairs really 'cos FinL is a mechainc, and I have double+ garage, engine crane etc...

I am a bit worried about is the notorious handling :eek:

It's a rev 1 which are meant to have most... interesting... handling, but at least this one has the optional LSD. Mate has never had any moments in it, then then he is a more conservative driver than me ;)

Wouldn't really want an S14. I prefer the S13 and it's more my budget (getting married soon) but would stretch to the MR2 cos it could be a bargain with known history.

Keep those opinions coming please.

Cheers, Phil
Squares
22-09-2002, 18:31
Not worried about repairs really 'cos FinL is a mechainc, and I have double+ garage, engine crane etc...


Be VERY worried about the repairs. When you have an import every single bl**dy part is deifferent to a UK model.

I have not had a MR2 but I have owned another import (cracking CRX) and the very few parts I needed I had to buy from Honda.

That ment 6 week lead times, constant phone calls, and prices like £98 for a track rod end!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I will never have another import, apart from an R33 Gtr of course!;)
PazzaAE86
22-09-2002, 19:11
Originally posted by Screeeeeech
Not worried about repairs really 'cos FinL is a mechainc, and I have double+ garage, engine crane etc...


Be VERY worried about the repairs. When you have an import every single bl**dy part is deifferent to a UK model.

I have not had a MR2 but I have owned another import (cracking CRX) and the very few parts I needed I had to buy from Honda.

That ment 6 week lead times, constant phone calls, and prices like £98 for a track rod end!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I will never have another import, apart from an R33 Gtr of course!;)

You got the bad end of the stick with a Honda. They hate imports with a passion and wont service them, tell you lies about parts being differant and are generally out to stich you up. basically, with all imports, the parts are the same.

We've had imported Toyota's (Starlet GT Turbo, Supra Twin Turbo) and as obscure as the Starlet was, i never struggled for parts. Toyota gave me full support, as did Fensport (never served me wrong in over 2 years). I mean, its an MR2, they are just as common as any other car and parts are plentyfull. I friend of mine has an NA MR2 and hes had a few troublesome area's on the car for the MOT, but the regular Car Accessory stores had all the parts he needed.

Dont worry too much about parts.. They may be a touch more costly due to shipping if needed, but from my view, Imports are fine... Do some research with the local places and see what they say about them.

Paz
Funb0b
22-09-2002, 19:53
My 2p's worth, IMHO

From what I hear the MR2 Turbo engine is the same unit as found in the Celica turbo GT4 so parts should'nt not be a problem, and I can't see that there would be anything different from the UK supplied one's in the running gear side either.

Sounds like you've got the abilitys to get it sorted if theres a problem anyhow.

The handling on the other hand should be stunning, but be warned if you find the limits it will bite you in the ass. In the same way that if you have ever driven mini's specialy tuned one's they are awesome handlers but because of there short wheel base setup it won't give you any time to correct any mistake's.

What ever floats your boat.

I'd have one.
Paul_S13
22-09-2002, 20:13
Originally posted by caleini_350
I'd have one.

I tried to get one..........but no-one would insure me coz there all imports. :(
Funb0b
22-09-2002, 20:21
Originally posted by paul_s13


I tried to get one..........but no-one would insure me coz there all imports. :(

OH Bugger :(
Paul_S13
22-09-2002, 20:25
Originally posted by caleini_350


OH Bugger :(

Yup i'm Paul_S13_by_default :rolleyes: :D :D
Funb0b
22-09-2002, 20:27
Originally posted by paul_s13


Yup i'm Paul_S13_by_default :rolleyes: :D :D

But dude your not a hairdresser type anyway:D :D
Paul_S13
22-09-2002, 20:30
Originally posted by caleini_350


But dude your not a hairdresser type anyway:D :D

Yeah! lucky escape! :D :D
Funb0b
22-09-2002, 20:30
Originally posted by caleini_350


But dude your not a hairdresser type anyway:D :D

Your more the Hasslehoff Type :D :D
Funb0b
22-09-2002, 20:32
Originally posted by caleini_350


Your more the Hasslehoff Type :D :D

Its true Marlbro man would drive an S13 and a black one i'd wager.:cool: :cool:
Paul_S13
22-09-2002, 20:38
Originally posted by caleini_350


Your more the Hasslehoff Type :D :D


Git :D
Filmidget
22-09-2002, 21:06
Originally posted by caleini_350
My 2p's worth, IMHO

The handling on the other hand should be stunning, but be warned if you find the limits it will bite you in the ass. In the same way that if you have ever driven mini's specialy tuned one's they are awesome handlers but because of there short wheel base setup it won't give you any time to correct any mistake's.



Had mainly Mk2 Escort/MG Midget, and only standard Mini.

The Midget has been well 'tinkered' and is set up for oversteer... but pretty forgiving. Once pulled over for a nice opposite lock affair in Nottingham city centre :eek: :o

Older and wis.. well, older now.

Sounds like a few people have owned MR2s on here - anybody *actually* got themselves in a mess, or is it all reputation? My mate never had a problem...

Cheers for the responses (apart from the hasselhoff gags :) ), Phil
Squares
22-09-2002, 22:41
Your right Honda are very against imports. I did all the work myself but every single part, no matter what it was, was not the same.

Front pads: 2.2 Prelude.
Front Disks: Mk3 CRX for a Mk2 and so on:confused: :confused:

I tried UK parts and they were almost the same but would not quite fit/work for some reason.

You are also right about Toyota, apparently they are fine about imports. I would just make sure before you but that 's all.;)
JamesK
22-09-2002, 22:53
I've had a couple of MR2's, including a modified '93 turbo, which I had until the start of this year when it was stolen. I would get another one in an instant if I could afford the insurance. I absolutely loved my MR2, it was very fast, and handled well - I never got into trouble on the road. You have to make sure you put decent tyres on them though, and they do go through them very quickly. It was very reliable, the only problem I had with it was when I knackered a wheel bearing by spinning it into the grass on a track day! :D It was my fault though - I was trying to provoke the back end, and was running on worn slick falken tyres!

James
davidra
23-09-2002, 09:43
I tried to get one..........but no-one would insure me coz there all imports. :( [/B]

So they wouldn't insure you on a 200BHP ? import, but they're happy for you to make your own 300 hp monster?
SteveCarter200
23-09-2002, 10:10
If the car can be had for £3K and its really worth, what, £4K, then go buy it, see what you think and then if you dont like it sell it and make a nice tidy profit.

Arthur Daley rules.:D
dave_s13
23-09-2002, 10:53
I've got black rev 3 '94 GT-Tbar.

Its loverly and faster than a greased ferret down slippery drainpipe (thats very fast BTW).

The interior is much nicer than my old S13 and its got climate control and all that stuff. The front foglights even steer when you turn the wheel (worth having just for that).

I not gonna be modding mine, its spot on as it is; 226hp at the wheels and the handling is superb.
My only criticism is the harsh ride, its fine on a good road but all these fukin speed bumps that keep popping up are a bit of a chore, you learn to live with that though.

Oh, and theres nothing like 125mph with no roof, its like being back on my old GSXR 750.

I would'nt let the tales of dangerouse handling put you off, if its got an LSD and you put good tyres on it should be fine. Obviously, drive it like a luny and you might end up in bother but from experience I reckon you'd have to be doing something seriously daft to get yourself in bother.

And as for the parts thing, there's no problem at all with an imported MR2 everything is the same as the UK model excluding the engine, which is identical to the GT4 just mounted the other way round. AND you get 10% off any parts bought from Toyota if you join the MR2 drivers club see here

www.mr2dc.com

They also have a very good insurance scheme.

£3000 for a sorted MR2 Turbo that you know a bit about is a bargain, mine was nearly 7.5 grand, its bloomin nice though.
RichSeal
23-09-2002, 12:14
Originally posted by dave_s13
And as for the parts thing, there's no problem at all with an imported MR2 everything is the same as the UK model excluding the engine, which is identical to the GT4 just mounted the other way round. AND you get 10% off any parts bought from Toyota if you join the MR2 drivers club see here


Not quite identical, GT4 only has bout 200bhp, MR2's have more :D also try fensport for parts, were pretty good when I had mine. www.fensport.co.uk
dunc
23-09-2002, 13:05
Yeah, I'd jump at that one Filmidget. When a bunch of folk ask for a lift.... You can just tell them to naff off! - Cause there's only room you and a lovely lady friend :cool:
Filmidget
23-09-2002, 13:22
Originally posted by dunc
- Cause there's only room you and a lovely lady friend :cool:

Yeah, but what will my fiancee say to that? ;)

Thanks for the responses. Surprised how all pro-hairdresser-car you all are :)

Talked to mate about an hour ago and I expressed a strong interest - OK, I didn't play it at all cool, and just said I wanted it :rolleyes:

He is going to give me first refusal later in the year (waiting for a payout from an uninsured driver totalling his previous car :mad: ). Sounds like pretty much accepted the 3 grand i mentioned as well.

Added incentive to finish and sell the Midget.

Cheers all, Phil
dunc
23-09-2002, 13:33
Originally posted by Filmidget



Thanks for the responses. Surprised how all pro-hairdresser-car you all are :)



The rules to branding a car "a hairdressers car", clearly state that cars with over 200bhp and RWD are excluded. A N/A one would certainly be parked outside the barbers though :D
dave_s13
23-09-2002, 13:34
here's mine BTW (just checkin if this imahe hosting works OK).

http://dave.gixxer.com/pics/mr2.jpg
dave_s13
23-09-2002, 13:36
CAN U SEE THESE????


http://dave.gixxer.com/pics/mr21.jpg
http://dave.gixxer.com/pics/mr22.jpg
dave_s13
23-09-2002, 13:47
what about now??

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/pubimage.asp?id_=742208

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/pubimage.asp?id_=742207

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/pubimage.asp?id_=742206
Filmidget
23-09-2002, 13:48
Dammit don't post piccies like that 'cos I am getting excited enough already!

Now getting that feeling you get when you have paid a deposit and just waiting to pick up a car... and it could be months away :(

Thinking on, should have offered less, 'cos he seemed to accept 3 grand too quick as well :confused: :)

Think it's cos he knows I will bugger about tuning it (he sort of wanted too but daren't) and let him have a go.

Anyway i will shut up about it now :)

Cheers, Phil
dave_s13
23-09-2002, 13:48
http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/extern/742206.jpg
RichSeal
23-09-2002, 13:50
Originally posted by dave_s13
http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/extern/742206.jpg

:( I miss my old MR2. Still mod the 200 is fun toooo :D
dunc
23-09-2002, 14:22
Just out of interest, any of the guys that had an MR2 and have now got a 200sx. Why did you change? I think there's a few people here that would swap the other way (200 to a mr2 T). I would consider it.
Filmidget
24-09-2002, 11:40
I know I said I would shut up about this non-200SX MR2 but I am even more excited...

Been digging around on the 'net as to what's already fitted on the car... so far identified:

SARD: Aero mirrors, vent ducts and adjustable (large!) rear wing

HKS: Power Flow 'mushroom' filter, SQV dump valve, pillowball top damper mounts, and possibly a Hiper Muffler system.

Just those bits add up to 300,000 Yen :eek:

It's also got Rays Volk Racing 16" split rims, front and rear strut braces (make unknown), adjustable dampers (poss. KYB not sure) along with lower/uprated springs. Plus there is a turbo timer.

Dammit I want it now!!! <stamping foot>

:D

Cheers, Phil
RichSeal
24-09-2002, 12:18
Originally posted by dunc
Just out of interest, any of the guys that had an MR2 and have now got a 200sx. Why did you change? I think there's a few people here that would swap the other way (200 to a mr2 T). I would consider it.

Cos I got offered £4k for my 1990 and by chance had heard of a 93 sx going for £2300 at the same time. That and the fact the MR2 was costing a ridiculous amount of cash sealed the deal. I would defo have another one if I could afford it though.
Filmidget
24-09-2002, 12:28
Errrr why was the MR2 costing ridiculous amouts of cash?

Don't piss on my bonfire now! :)

Cheers, Phil
RichSeal
24-09-2002, 13:53
My ins was high, I did a lot of miles and my MR2 was more thirsty than the 200. Plus I had a few things go wrong with mine, although I think I was just unlucky. My big ends went, the bonet catch broke causing the bonnet to fly up while doing about 60+, and a few other niggly things that needed repairing. As I say if I could afford another one, I'd be very tempted. But I'm having too much fun modding my sx right now :D I think they are quite reliable normally, it was just that mine wasn't :rolleyes:

Even with all that went wrong, I still loved the car and it could always put a grin on my face. (and in the wet sometimes a brown patch in my pants :D:D)
dunc
24-09-2002, 14:35
Originally posted by RichSeal

Even with all that went wrong, I still loved the car and it could always put a grin on my face. (and in the wet sometimes a brown patch in my pants :D:D)

:D :D

Thats what you buy cars like that for ;)

They must be great fun on roundabouts etc in the rain when you want the backend out, its just when it oversteers when you don't expect it that it scares me :eek: I still enjoy such situations though :D ... but only after I'm pointing in the right direction again :rolleyes:
AshT_200
24-09-2002, 15:52
My 2pence worth.

Haven't driven an MR2, but if the "Mid Engined" Handling is anything like an F355, you learn to adapt your driving style pretty quickly. What I found most, was that if you lift off, you can feel the back end go light, but applying throttle, causes it to step back in line. Fantastic Fun. :)