Hi,

Im thinking of getting an MR2 (2000 onward) and I have no idea what to look for, with regards to common issues, spotting any warning signs etc. Can anyone help?
Also, is it really worth finding the extra £1000 minimum to get a facelift 2003+ model?

I've read some issues about pre-cat's and I find it very hard to believe this is a serious problem that effects lots of cars - how could Toyota possibly ignore it if it was? I guess Im looking for re-assurance that you can turn a blind eye to alot of forum gossip and still find a reliable 50K mile early Mk3 without worrying yourself every time you take it on a short run.

Any advice / opinions much appreciated!

Thanks
Alan

Well, I saved the extra pennies and went for a face-lift model. If you go to evo.co.uk you can find what they thought of the differences.

I've only driven the pre-facelift version on a test drive but their comments seem OK.

As for pre-cats, I think it was actually a problem in the engine and the pre-cats are a symptom, but there seem to be many people who've got the older version and aren't having any problems.

interesting i think i might just do the same..
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The pre-cat problemis infact related to oval bore syndrome, the oil gets through and breaks up the pre-cats causing engine failure, although on the grand scale of things it is a minority of cars that were affected, it can still be an issue and should be checked as per the guide here...

[url="http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=70844"]http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=70844[/url]

Toyota have seemingly addressed this problem in the post facelift versions, but it is still recommended to keep a very close eye on oil consumption. Overall if you look after your car it should look after you for years to come.

More hints and tips can be found here...

[url="http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=65122"]http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=65122[/url]

hello everyone. Nice to meet you all.


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thanks for those tips really helpful!




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[quote name='thommo41' post='888620' date='May 11 2009, 08:44 PM']Also, is it really worth finding the extra £1000 minimum to get a facelift 2003+ model?[/quote]

Well personally I would say yes it is...
I had a W 2000 Reg MR2 and I had many problems including problems with the engine... there was a rattle (possibly piston slap) ant it was extremely heavy on oil and it only had 67,000 on the clock...
I now have a 52 Reg facelift mode and I think it was worth the extra money...