buying questions

Re: buying questions (Treay81)

Sat, 29 Aug 2015 19:59:17 GMT

S-Dubs of all years handle great, you just need to warm up to their handling. Mid engine will never handle like a SS Bombadore or a S15. Plus there is a HUGE amount of aftermarket parts to bring them right up to speed in terms of handling.

a stock MR2 will hold up to the years of use MUCH better than anything i have come across. I have had 3 now and they just blow me away with how well they hold up to the test of time.

Theres a REAL good buy on eBay at present for a hardtop import with a built motor going cheap:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1990-SW20-MR2-Turbo-GT-Hardtop-/181849286214?hash=item2a570fe646

I hear the seller is a real nice bloke too... haha

Re: buying questions (Reddtarga)

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 17:46:04 GMT

NBB
To the above post.. Naturaly as any car. I guess i was more asking if they were a dud setup compared to the later 90's model. Trevwood my budjet wont stretch there tho I'm sure its a weapon

Definitely not a 'dud' setup and some people actually prefer the early model suspension.
But ...... it is generally agreed that the post '92 (actually 11/91) models are a little more forgiving when driving on the limit than than the pre '92 models.
With the post '92 models Toyota made other handling improvements such as wider tyres, bigger brakes, and lower springs, but the main difference would be a different rear X member that had longer track rods.

But, as has already been mentioned, with a 25 YO car the main thing that is going affect handling is how well the suspension components have been maintained.

Re: buying questions (NBB)

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:27:45 GMT

Any Sydney mechanics or gurus want to checkout a car for me.. I'll pay what you think is fair for your time

Re: buying questions (NBB)

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:16:31 GMT

Thanks mate this is the info im chasing. Above i wrote "what should i be dodgy on, i think this was was misunderstood, what i mean is what should i be suspicious of or look out for on the car eg spots prone to rust or fatigued chassis spots ect.

Re: buying questions (maj)

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 10:59:44 GMT

Reviews on handling for this revision are so old that they are no longer accurate. The dynamics of how to set up a car have changed so much that you shouldn't hinge this on whether you buy a particular year model or not.

True the newer the better, but think now a 92 model SW20 is pushing 25 years old. In that time the cars wearable suspension components are going to be worn to a state of replacement, or have already been replaced. You need to factor this into your purchase rather than whether it was good at handling or not.

To simplify, a 92 with refreshed suspension components is going to feel nicer and better to drive than a later year model with original worn components. I'm not just talking shocks and springs, they are good but useless unless all bushings are replaced as well. Bushings can make or break a cars handling.

Stock is fine because it gives you a base to learn the car as it is, then decide to modify it how you see fit. Sadly most modified cars you are buying someone else's purchasing mistakes, where they might have put too much power into it and not concentrated on aspects like practicality or handling, or just sheer enjoyment; no use having 300rwkw if the clutch is heavy and bites too hard too quickly. For some people that's what they like but for your first MR2 that's the last thing you'll want.

Re: buying questions (NBB)

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 09:18:52 GMT

To the above post.. Naturaly as any car. I guess i was more asking if they were a dud setup compared to the later 90's model. Trevwood my budjet wont stretch there tho I'm sure its a weapon

Re: buying questions (Reddtarga)

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 08:17:26 GMT

NBB
1. I have read the early 90 92 models handle like a ****box and i have also read they are better because they are predictable, what's the go.

Thanks

I have a '90 model and have had no handling problems, but I took the trouble to learn how to drive it.
If you are buying your first MR2, I would recommend you do the same before you push it too hard.

Re: buying questions (Dudeman)

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 19:23:03 GMT

NBB

3. What should i be dodgy on?

Try not to be dodgy on anything...

Re: (Trevwood)

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 18:21:06 GMT

Where are you?
I'm selling mine as soon as I get the rwc.
1990, 12 months reg and rwc. $7000

Re: (NBB)

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 17:47:35 GMT

I was looking towards one of the import models with the standard setup. I'm looking for a fun ride through the ranges not a drag car as such.

Re: (Trevwood)

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 15:00:30 GMT

I have no experience with these cars except that I bought a 1990 n/a model with a blown motor. When I got it going I went for a drive and it was a great handling car with plenty of power, had me smiling for quite a while.
I can understand the turbo guys that want more power but if you've never had a turbo you don't know what your missing, and that's fine with me.

buying questions (NBB)

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 09:53:06 GMT

Ok so im new here and want to buy a sw20. i have a few questions about them.
1. I have read the early 90 92 models handle like a ****box and i have also read they are better because they are predictable, what's the go.
2. I know most guys on here have probably nodded cars but would you buy stock?
3. What should i be dodgy on?
4. Would you buy a car that has been off the road for an extended time?

Thanks