TOYOTA MR2 MkIII
Fancy Lotus Elise driving characteristics for less than you’d spend on a Mazda MX-5? Of course you do; which is why you should acquaint yourself with the third-generation MR2 before prices get silly
The original Toyota MR2 kick-started the affordable sports car segment, but a raft of alternatives followed, including the MGF/TF and Mazda MX-5. The MkII MR2 was bigger and more usable, but Toyota then went the other way with the MkIII, which focused pretty much exclusively on the driving experience; practicality went out of the window.
Patrick den Oudsten runs the MR2 Roadster Owners’ Club and says: ‘All three generations of the MR2 sold well in the UK, but a combination of rust, low values and crashed cars mean that the attrition rate has been severe. Even MkIIIs are still being broken in significant numbers because of low values. With a lot of heaps out there, you need to buy with care, but find a good one and you’ll have a brilliant driving machine – and all from just £1500.’
Official UK cars were built to one spec, although the detail differed throughout the six years of production. All MkIIIs have a naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre engine, though the Torsen limited-slip differential that was standard on
UK MR2s was optional on JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars. There was only one trim level, but options were available. All models have alloy wheels, electric windows, remote central locking and electrically-adjustable door mirrors. Air-con, leather trim and a colourcoded hard-top were extras; climate control was standard on JDM cars. A hard-top is worth having if you plan to use your MR2 all year round; an official cover and stand were also available. If you buy a hard-top separately, make sure it comes with a fitting kit or you won’t be able to use it; a kit on its own costs £460. Pre-facelift MR2s (up to November 2002) are a delight to drive, but later cars have extra bracing to stiffen the bodyshell and improve the handling, and six gears instead of five. Toyota also offered a sequential manual transmission (SMT) with steering wheel-mounted gear shift buttons. There are precious few of these around and although they’re not particularly sought-after (many buyers are wary of the perceived additional complexity), they’re not much cheaper than an equivalent manual-gearbox car. They do come with cruise control, however.
‘The MR2 MkIII focuses exclusively on the driving experience’