5k: Ready To Run: 1989 Toyota MR2
The first generation Toyota MR2 (short for Mid-engine Run-about 2-seater) was a lightweight 2-seater built from 1984 to 1989, powered by a small inline-4 engine. You can pickup a used MR2 for next to nothing, but it might wiser to pickup the best example you can find because when these appreciate, the nicest ones will see the biggest gains. Find this 1989 Toyota MR2 offered for $7,500 in Lynn, MA.
This MR2 has only 32,367 miles on the odometer according to the seller, and is probably the nicest first generation MR2 you will find for sale. The seller describes it as in “amazingly excellent condition.”
Inside you will see a 5 speed “manuel” shifter mated to a mid-mounted 4A-GE 1.6 liter inline-4 borrowed from the Toyota Corolla.
See another clean and low mile late model? tips@dailyturismo.com
The car comes with a guy named Manuel who does the shifting for you.
You: "First gear, Manuel."
Manuel: "Si, senior."
You: 'Second gear, Manuel."
Manuel: "Si, senior."
Are we back to the bi subject again?!? Bi-lingual, I mean.
Anonynony posited in another post that a car with a MY production of 5K+ is rare. Well, whomever you are, how about this 89 MR2 with 2,537 sold in the US? Not to mention the MY 1995 MR2, of which they sold just 93 in the US. That last one, the '95, is what I would consider rare.
I'm telling Stan!
I miss bloody Stan.
Lynn, Lynn, the city of sin. You never come out, the way you came in….
– AverageBear
Okay, back in the day I'd have said 'hold out for a Supercharged' but these days, since everyone's eventually gonna want to put a 20V 4A-GE and helical limited-slip in it, you might as well get the best body you can and NO T-TOPS.
These things are bulletproof if taken care of, and unlike so many other little 2-seaters they're suitable for 95% percentile adult males.
Happy British Car Week, by the way! Here's one of my favorites.
[img] i.imgur.com/43glXGB.png?1[/img]
It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that this car is 26 years old.
I sold Toyota's in the early 90's. Let me clarify; I was supposed to sell Toyota's but mainly I threashed all the interesting used cars, had an ongoing grudge match with the spiral fed vending machine in the break room, and entertained my fellow salesmen by doing my demonstration walk-arounds in a Japanese accent.
Anyway, we had a few of these Gen 1 Mr.s 2's on the used lot and they were my favorite joy ride car, "No that's OK I'll pick up lunch!". The driving position is just right for my 6'2" frame, they revved eagerly and were a joy to toss around; large sodas in poorly designed cup trays beware.
The best one we had was a base model with not spoiler, no T-tops, and steel wheels with those smooth Toyota wheel covers. If I could find one of those I'd be on it like leg hair on a farm girl.