The MR2 was Japan’s first rear-drive, mid-engine production car, built from 1984 to 2007 over three generations. Its name is said to stand for either “mid-ship run-about 2-seater” or “mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater”. Or something else entirely. This 1986 example is one of two cars found when the seller’s friend bought several storage units (sounds like the TV show, Storage Wars). Since the keys and title are not to be found, the seller doesn’t know the running condition of the little sports car. Located in Jefferson, Wisconsin, the MR2 is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $1,840. Our thanks to Dawson H for the tip on this one.
Toyota conceived the MR2 as a small, economical, sporty car using straightforward design elements, including fully-independent MacPherson strut front and rear suspensions, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a transverse-mounted inline-4 engine. The first generation of the car was built between 1984-89 and used a 1.5-liter engine borrowed from the Corolla, although we understand a 1.6-liter motor was available later. These were light cars, weighing under 2,400 lbs., so the handling characteristics were good with the 5-speed manual transmission. It won “Car of the Year” awards on its home soil the very first year.
There is no indication how long this Toyota has been in storage, but at least it’s been inside. The red paint will need redoing and it’s hard to tell about the condition of the interior from the photos. It comes with a sunroof and an odometer reading of more than 136,000 miles, suggesting a well-used machine. A duplicate title could be ordered for the MR2 (if you determine there are no liens on it) and the dealer could change out the ignition so you could try starting it up.
These cars were popular, especially in the U.S. and Canada where sales of the first generation totaled more than 96,000 units. Because they were never on anyone’s radar screen as a future collectible, you don’t see many of them nowadays. The last photo is one of what the car may have looked like back in its prime.
Probably not worth the effort to rekey, chase title, and get back on the road. But if you need some parts…..
O what fun these were when they first came out. ‘Convinced’ Dad to give sis his Corolla Liftback SR5 and buy one of these toys. Was mom’s DD for years. Was even great in snow (as long as the roads were plowed…otherwise it WAS the plow).
I was heading back to college and took a blue Corolla Liftback SR5 in partial trade for my white 85 MR2 in upstate New York. Similar cars and story… MR2 was a blast. Like driving a go-kart.
In ohio, to put a vehicle in a storage yard you need to give them the the title and they put a lien on, therefore they have a copy of the title…
Long as it’s not a stolen vehicle getting the title will be easy you just take the storage unit auctions paperwork to the license place getting a key made is $100+/- easy enough if it’s stolen then the insurance company gets first dibs.
Even in California its not that hard to get a new title. Make a good little daily driver to me. That engine will run forever if you don’t fast and furious it. Tires are like 20 buck apeice.