Portland, OR | USA
Description
Got it as a project car but never got around to really working on it, drove it as a daily for 2 and a half years, has been sitting with the occasional driving for the past year and a half. Engine has been swapped and has ~102k, pops out of 5th, has some cosmetic damage in the rear left quarter panel, and some rust near the mudflaps, but a fun car to drive. It does run but I would recommend bringing a trailer as the tabs are expired ...
Our Take:
- Mid-Engine Marvel: The 1986 Toyota MR2 was one of the first affordable mid-engine sports cars, a design trait more commonly reserved for high-end European exotics. This clever layout contributed to excellent weight distribution, making it a darling for handling enthusiasts who appreciate the razor-sharp steering and go-kart-like feel.
- Rarity in Simplicity: While the MR2 is not exactly rare, finding one in fairly robust condition given its age and mileage is becoming a challenge. The car's simplicity and relatively light weight made it a track day favorite; therefore, many have been modified beyond recognition or driven into the ground.
- Driving Engagement: Equipped with a manual transmission, this MR2 offers a visceral driving experience that's becoming increasingly scarce in modern cars. The fact that it pops out of 5th gear might be seen as a mechanical quirk, but it also speaks to the need for TLC from someone who appreciates the analog feel of an '80s sports car.
- Engine Swap Intrigue: The engine swap presents both a challenge and an opportunity for enthusiasts. With the swapped engine having approximately 102,000 miles, it suggests a longer life ahead, but verifying the swap's quality and understanding what's under the hood could be part of the fun—like piecing together a vintage jigsaw puzzle.
Related Listings
More Obscure Toyota MR2 Listings:
$21,000
/USD
- Manual transmission
Enola, PA | USA
$6,500
/USD
- Manual transmission
sold
Las Vegas, NV | USA
$7,000
/USD
- Manual transmission
project
sold
Oak Bay, BC | Canada