Learn me sw20 mr2

Hi guys,

I decided to surf CL and ended up finding a pretty clean nonturbo mr2 that caught my eye. It is a 91 with 188k and appears to be on pretty good condition. Assuming the seller gets back to me,what do I need to look for? Is it worth $3200?

fun car, the camry engine isn't really powerful but it's pretty torquey so feels quicker than it is check out mr2oc.com for lots of good info

If it's worth the money - it depends. Good and clean ones are becoming harder to find so from that perspective it's probably worth it.

Check for maintenance records, they are a bit of a PITA to work on and thus don't necessarily always get all the attention they need. Parts are getting harder to find at least compared to something like a Miata, so I would make sure it's nice and unmolested.

The non-turbo isn't quite as slow as Internet lore would have it (it's about on par with an AW11) but it's a momentum car.

I have a 91 NA hardtop--the hardtops are rare, so the value goes up if that's what it is. Sunroof and T-top cars are each way more common, though.

The 5SFE is indestructable. Mine has 182k or so on it, and it smokes a bit on startup--they all do--but other than that, it runs like a champ. It had an ignition stutter a few weeks after I got it, so I replaced the plugs, wires, rotor, distributor cap, and coil, and that fixed the problem. The transmission would grind on high-rpm 1-2 shifts, so I replaced the ATF in there with Redline MT90 and the grinding went away. Oh, and the spring popped off the gas filler door, so I have to press on it by hand to open it as I pull the lever.

Yeah, it's slow, but it's still a fun little car. It makes a nice DD, gets around 30 mpg, and parts are cheap.

Obligatory picture:

I had a serious problem closing a deal on good condition turbo cars when i was trying to buy them. It frustrated me so much I decided to import.

The problem for me was they are going up in price so if you think it's a good deal and it's in good condition grab it.

IMO non-turbo W20 isn't worth it when i've seen W30s go for $5k. They are a much better car basically equal to a supercharged AW11 except lighter, better suspension, common parts, common aftermarket, etc. You also get a much newer car with far less miles in much better condition

Where are you finding w30 spyders for that cheap? I am having a hard time finding one in decent condition under $8k. I would jump at one if I had the chance (and it was not yellow). Still waiting back to hear from this guy, I hope it isn't another flake. I emailed the last MR2 guy and he flaked on me before I could check out the car.

5SFE can show good returns from PROPER port work(and overall machine work), and there are a few mild cams available that will boost performance without hurting economy or durability. A good header is also recommended

I see a LOT... just in the chamber... that can be massaged to improve flow

oldeskewltoy wrote: 5SFE can show good returns from PROPER port work

http://www.meisners.net/Camry/WebSite/Head%20Port%20&%20Fuel%20Mods/Toyota%205S-FE%20cylinder%20head%20flow%20test%20-%20P&P.htm

My friend is selling this white '91 N/A. Its on coilovers, very nice blue leather Interior, TRD rear x brace, header short throw shifter... way to much to list!!! I dunno where you are, but if your looking for an sw20, this car is a great example, located in Weston, WV

I'm in MD. How much is he looking for? mileage?

sanman wrote: Where are you finding w30 spyders for that cheap? I am having a hard time finding one in decent condition under $8k. I would jump at one if I had the chance (and it was not yellow). Still waiting back to hear from this guy, I hope it isn't another flake. I emailed the last MR2 guy and he flaked on me before I could check out the car.

SoCal and Spyderchat. $5000 i've seen a few go for. I've seen $6000 2ZZ swapped cars though $7000 is more common.

http://www.spyderchat.com/forums/showthread.php?65521-VA-2001-with-2zz-swap-Apex-i-Power-FC-6spd-new-top-good-condition-6500-obo!! heres a 2ZZ swapped car for $6500 OBO.

sold, nvm

http://www.spyderchat.com/forums/showthread.php?65777-01-blue-2zz-5speed-for-sale-in-NC-7250-obo

Heres one for 6950

Heres a 1zz for $5000 in Penn http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/4493260689.html

all these I got from spyderchat.

Thanks Kanaric. Right after I said I couldn't find a decent one a fairly clean 2003 popped up near me for $5400. I am still leaning towards the sw20 because I have always wanted one and I am bigger guy, but I am willing to take a spyder for a drive and let the go kart-like handling change my mind. I currently have two guys now flaking on me about checking out their cars the spyder and the sw20 were supposed to get back to me about a time to see them today and no luck. I hate CL.

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there!

The two cars I am looking at:

2003

1991

With the first one, make sure you have it checked for the disintegrating pre-cat issue.

In reply to BoxheadTim: Definitely planned on it. Though, I thought that is wasnt as much of an issue on 2003+ cars.

Just an update, the zzw30 guy never called me back to confirm the time to meet, so no go. The guy with the sw20 spoke to me. The car needed new paint, had a little rust, t-tops leak, rips in the interior, and mostly stock suspension. Looking around, super clean cars are selling for 4-5k with significantly fewer miles. The search continues for a clean one.

In other news, I found this while searching around the interwebs and am in love:

Sweet!

seriously call my friend... He's looking for $4500 for his, and may go slightly lower ;-) if my car weren't swapped and such a low production # I'd have it in a second!!!

Dan I pm'd you a couple of days ago. Let me know to get in touch. Thanks.

Will wrote:

I owned the twin to this car. I had another car up for sale, and a friend of the guy that was looking at it asked if he could check it out. He was a pretty tall guy and was having issues finding a suitable sports car for his size. After taking it for a spin, he made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I still wish I had kept it. At the time I had a new Miata and a 944 Turbo, so it seemed like an OK idea to let it go.

Anyway, they're great cars! I've owned both the turbo and NA version, neither are a bad choice, but are different in what they offer. I still have a set of stock wheels that I used for autocrossing on my '91 Turbo. They're free to a good home is you pickup in North Alabama.

If you're buying it for performance the 3rd gen is the best. Although every generation of MR2 is exponentially cooler than its successor

In reply to sanman:

Text me at 681-208-0119. I'll put you in touch with him. How far are you from Morgantown, WV?

Update, I bought an n/a 1991 SW20! Much thanks to Dan for the info on the white car, but I ended up deciding to go another way. The great news is that the t-tops don't leak.

Is it red? Seems to be that 80% of all SW20s are red 91s with T-tops.

It is super red, same as racer dave's car, but the t-tops don't leak because it is a slicktop!

I couldn't pass up a good deal on an unmolested slick top car with 138k. It does need some work (clutch is due for replacement, small crack in the windshield, worn seat fabric). But, it is all stock, zero mods and I will be the third owner (not counting the dealership that had it before the last owner).

Now, does anyone know how I can change a clutch without the proper tools, living in an apt complex that will not let me work on the car and never having changed a clutch...I may have gotten myself in over my head .