Another day, another Toyota MR2! This time, we’re looking at a 1986 model that has just under 125,000 miles on the clock and is said to run and drive well. The AW11 MR2s are the first generation models that are generally considered one of the best entry points into classic JDM car ownership, and as we discussed with another car recently, you can still buy a very decent example for reasonably short money. Find this MR2 here on eBay with bids to $5,200 and the reserve unmet.
This MR2 has been in Missouri since new, which has likely helped to preserve its vulnerable sheetmetal from the onslaught of rust. The paint is tired in places, but if it’s original, that takes priority over hoping for a gleaming finish, in my opinion. The seller calls the finish “extremely nice” but I can see the rear bumper is fairly faded and the paint is also chipping off of the factory mudflaps and front chin spoiler. Not the end of the world, but I’d just want to make sure I was on the same page with the seller in terms of understanding the paint condition.
The interior is a nice surprise, as you can tell based on the mileage and some cosmetic flaws that this is a driver-quality example. The upholstery is in excellent condition, and interior plastics and trim are in very good condition. The fact that the cloth material and side bolsters still look as good as they do with over 120,000 miles on the clock suggests pride of ownership by a previous owner. The 5-speed manual is the preferred gearbox here, as a surprising number of these came with automatics. The seller notes the belt is missing from the A/C system.
The engine bay is tight, but given the MR2’s reputation for reliability, you hopefully won’t have to be in here too much. Still, belt services are important on these, and there’s no mention of when the timing belt was last done. The AW11 remains one of the more accessible sports cars from the last few decades and thankfully, it seems more than a few owners strove to take good care of their mid-engine marvels. This one looks like a truly decent car, but hopefully, the reserve price isn’t too much higher than the current bid.
If it was sold new in the US, then it is the opposite of JDM. (And the steering wheel on the left side is a good clue as well.)
Street legal go kart. Seriously. Funnest car I’ve ever owned, got a lot of tickets in my ’86…
Love these things, they are a blast to drive and a unique accessible mid engine sports car with Toyota quality. I made a choice between one of these and a first generation RX7 in about 1990 (both lightly used). The RX7 with the hatch and accessible space behind the rear seats won out as it was to be my daily driver, and I loved the RX, but wish I could have gotten a little more seat time in MR. 2 as well.
I drive a 2001 Spyder with over 200K. I never drove one of the previous generation MR2’s, but I can’t imagine them being any more fun. One of the amazing things about my 2001 is the the effectiveness of the little wind spoiler that pops up behind the seats. About 3” tall and less than 3’ wide and with the windows up and the top down, the cockpit is quiet, retains much of the heat from the excellent heater and no wind on the back of your neck.
BTW, I watch BF everyday and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a last generation MR2 posted here. Although they just did a Honda 2000.
M R baby ducks
M R not
M R 2
There.
I said it.