1990 TOYOTA MR2 MkI
ENGINE 1587cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 122bhp@6600rpm TORQUE 104lb ft@5000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 124mph 0-60MPH 8.4 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-39mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT August 2020 ODOMETER 78,144 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This Toyota starts first time, comes up to temperature efficiently and has a good idle. Oil pressure is healthy, likewise water temperature. What strikes you most about this particular car is how predictable the handling is. It is go-kart-like in its precision and controllability and the road-holding is fantastic, with no body roll or lack of grip in the corners. The engine is eager to perform and is free-revving with no flat spots or hesitation – and it sounds great to boot. The clutch is strong and the gearbox feels fresh, with fluid yet positive gear selection. The brakes work well and pull the car up effectively in a straight line with no vibrations or squealing.
BODYWORK CHECK
The paint and bodywork are holding up extremely well. There are no scratches or chips and all the panel gaps and shut lines are straight. The only blemish we could find was a slightly weathered Toyotastickered emblem on the front bumper. There is no rust, the sills and wheel arches are clean and tidy and it all looks
good underneath. The spotless original wheels are wearing a mixture of Hero HR668 and Falken Ziex 919s tyres. They all appear to be wearing well, but it would be prudent to change them out so that all four corners are identical.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The black leather trim looks great next to the white exterior. The seats are a little cracked in places and so would benefit from some leather care treatment, but they are not damaged or sagging and remain comfortable. The main problem concerns the windscreen – there is a rather large crack in it, as well as a chip that will need to be addressed. The top exterior trim piece is also loose,
but it just requires sticking back down or replacing and doesn’t appear to be letting water in. The dashboard, door cards, and removable glass roof are all in good shape and the carpets are clean and dry, but the gear stick gaiter is loose.
UNDER THE BONNET
The 2.0-litre engine is a peach and operates perfectly. There are no unpleasant noises, no smoke from the exhaust and no fluid leaks. The engine bay is clean and rust-free and although some ancillary engine components are beginning to look a little grubby there is no damage and nothing is missing. Brake discs and pads appear to have plenty of life left in them and the exhaust and suspension components are unimpaired. The car also comes with a folder of receipts and old MoT certificates.
THE CCW VIEW
This MR2 comes alive on tight, twisty B-roads with its surefooted handling and cracking engine. Replace the windscreen, stick some decent tyres on it and get out there and have a blast!