What are problems on 2nd Gen MR2'S

[Lo Pro]

Just like the title says im wondering about any problems that people have encountered with there MR2'S.....are there any that are really common that i should know about.......a major is with the T-Top, does it tend to leak alot?....other than that if you could tell me some other problems i may run into that would be great....


thanks

[Redlyne_mr2]

ttop leaks are an easy fix, just replace the seals. The turbo will wear out around 160 000kms. The early MKII had weak synchros which an lead to tranmission failure. The cd players barely play cds after a while because they are so old and dirty. Thats about it.

[90awdwagovan.]

don't forget the HFH, hahaha.

[Redlyne_mr2]

Originally posted by 90awdwagovan.
don't forget the HFH, hahaha.

Sweet jesus dont remind me

[3S-GTE]

hmmmmmmmm lemme think for me the problem is not enough hp

[clem24]

Check www.mr2.com. Best resource for noobs with lots of FAQs and articles. Then check out www.mr2oc.com.

Hmm, the major things I've had to replace in my MR2 aside from regular maintenance items like brakes and struts:

Rear crossmember ($950)
Power window actuator ($200)
T-stat ($15)
T top inserts ($20)
Sticky starter (not yet replaced est. ~$225)
Worn syncs (not yet replaced est ~$2,000)

That's about it. Not too bad for such an old car. My baby will turn 200,000 in 3,000kms. It's still running on the original engine/turbo. Boosts to 9psi stock no problems, 13.5psi with boost control. Anything above that and I hit fuel cut (which is very scary might I add). I'd install an FCD, but I don't think I need anything above that. It's fairly quick, but no match for WRXes.

Definitely the most troublesome item is the synchros, as Ryan says. You won't notice them if you shift like a granny, but as soon as you try to do a quick 1-2 or (more commonly) 2-3 at about 4k rpms, you'll notice a crunch. I think just about every 91-92 has worn syncs unless it's been rebuilt.

Without going into details, I'd have to say the turbo doesn't usually go bad; it's usually *other* stuff the breaks in the engine that causes the ecu to limit boost. This makes it seem like your turbo is going bad.

clem..

[Ek9Max]

ym stupid alternator just pooched

[Lo Pro]

i have been reading some more on the mr2 and it said that steering becomes a little light after 200km because apparently the front end tends to lift up a bit, is this happened to anyone

[Ek9Max]

The whole car is a problem!!!! I'm ready to burn this POS. And every other mr2 I ever see.

[CanadianFC]

Let's see..

So far - Struts, new tires, t-stat, ball joints. Not too bad I guess.
Oh and lots of gas... But that's only within the last 2 months.

The biggest problem I find are all the creaks and rattles, even after pulling out all the panels off and replacing all the clips, screws, etc.

[clem24]

Hey you get that too hey? My MKII creaks like crazy. There aren't any rattles though. But just moving from a stand still, I can hear creaks. My 90 Celica doesn't even do that. Have you lowered your car? I just wonder if this is an after effect of lowering. I just wonder if the harsher struts and springs transfers more of the energy to the chassis, thus weakening it. Just need more chassis reinforcements I guess?

EK9: I don't know man, I'd have to say given the type of car, it is quite reliable. Just keep in mind you're dealing with an old car and things break. I think the MR2 is worth it. Maybe your problems aren't typical? DOn't burn it down man!! (or mine).

clem..

[Lo Pro]

ok well thanks for that info but no one really answered my question above......are the creaks really bad and are they all the time

[Lo Pro]

is parts and labor really that exspensive for this car...what does toyota charge an hour 95 bucks....do you guys not reccomend this car unless you have cash money

[thinmyster]

im poor and i drive one although not a daily driver and not in the winter... this should hopefully prolong the life of the car

[jvillain]

These cars are very reliable. Most big problems with these cars are self induced.

The speed problem was really only a factor on the 91/92. There are a number of things you can do to help keep the car down at speed. First swap to the 93+ nose or add a lip, lower the car, add the wind deflectors to the front tires, make sure the tops are in, put the spare back in the frunk, make sure you don't jack the rake with a goofy wheel combo, make sure your suspension componenents are in good shape.

I've had my 91 up to the speed limiter and it wasn't bad. It isn't as good as my 240SX-SE was on the speed limiter but it isn't bad. The 240 was stabler at 240kmh than it was 30.

[clem24]

Dude you're nuts. Where can you safely (and legally) go 240 in calgary?!? Sorry I just get pissed off if ppl have a complete disregard for public safety and do whatever they want. Kinda like drunk drivers that usually end up killing someone else, not themselves. Sorry man I am not attacking you personally or anything...

clem..

[Lo Pro]

okay this topic is getting off topic....who cares if he goes 240, dont tell me you havnt because i wont believe because everyone test the limits.....so does anyone have problems with creaks in there veichles like the guys above....have you guys replaced any of your interior parts yet like screws etc

[thinmyster]

ive almost completed my whole interior swap?

[Ek9Max]

Wel I find this car WAY more solid than any honda I ever owned.....

[jvillain]

Dude you're nuts. Where can you safely (and legally) go 240 in calgary?!? Sorry I just get pissed off if ppl have a complete disregard for public safety and do whatever they want. Kinda like drunk drivers that usually end up killing someone else, not themselves. Sorry man I am not attacking you personally or anything...

clem..

I also hate it when people jump to conclusions and then blast people from some supposed BS high ground.

No one is going to run that fast inside of Calgary with the exception of Race City where I can get close to but not quite up to the speed limiter on the front strait with a good run out of the carasel. My other runs were all done on closed roads.

I work hard to get racers off the street and into organized events because the street racers are destroying it with the insurance companies for us.