Sell the MR2?

So I've been driving the MR2 Terrarium around for a week or so now. It's a really great car but I really wanted something I could rallycross then eventually build into a stage rally car. I bought the MR2 because it was a serious deal and I thought, although not ideal, it could certainly pass as a rallycross car. Well, I'm beginning to think it wouldn't do very well.

I need something that I can haul some parts, tools, or rally wheels/tires in or at least put a hitch on it to pull these things.

So I'm thinking this: In true Carson car ADD style, I'm thinking of selling it and getting something more suitable for what I want to do. I already have a two seater sports car, the Miata, so, I don't really have a use for another one.

What should I ask for it? It is a completely original 134k car with a brand new clutch, fluid change, and tune up. I'm not looking to make a lot of money off the deal but I am looking to get into something that will suit my future needs as a rally car pretty even or with a few dollars left over for tires or safety equipment.

I see these on CL in a range of conditions from very little cash to quite big bills.

I want to do something different, I like being different and I want 2WD. That said I don't really want a VW. Also, I know it's way cheaper to buy a prepped rally car than it would be to build one myself. Could I trade out pretty even for something?

Whatcha think GRM? Should I just keep the thing? Do you know that a MK2 MR2 berkeleying dominates rallycross and it's the sports best kept secret? I know Jeremy Brown has had success with his in Group 2 but I doubt his is a 5SFE T-Bar car.

These are just thoughts in my head right now, so add the thoughts in your head on the topic.

Yeah, 1st-gen MR2s are fail for rallycross, especially when you start getting on interesting (read: not flat ground) courses.

I'll trade you for my Camry AllTrac. It was my rally car until I blew a hole in the side of the block (non-turbo S blocks have oiling issues). I was gonna drop a 3S-GTE in it, but life got in the way.

DON'T SELL IT!!! I can fit all of my tools plus AutoX tires, helmet, and a small cooler in my MR2. One of the guys I race with even has a tow hitch on his, he pulls a small trailer to events with it. Also, it would make a great Rallycross car: if you want some inspiration, look at this. Then this.

If that doesn't convince you, then I give up.

RevDexter, mine is a MK2 not a MK1, I'd love the Camry but I want something I can just run without major work since I just put in a lot of major work on this car.

NONACK, I already acknowledged Jeremy Brown's car in my original post, it's incredibly cool, no doubt, but I'm still not convinced. I'll give it more time

I don't know, I just feel like this car doesn't suit me.

Oh, it's a Mk2?

Nevermind then... hahahaha.

A buddy of mine just came over to barrow my engine hoist and I took him for a spin in it since he hasn't seen it yet.

I think what bugs me about the MR2 is driving in stop and go traffic. The manual steering is heavy at a crawl, etc. I've only driven the car in traffic. Just now all the roads are empty and the car is much more enjoyable when it's allowed to stretch it's legs.

The car is pretty quick and torquey but feels sluggish and numb. I have been driving a Miata everyday for the past two years and I'm sure this is why it feels that way. If I stop trying to compare it to the Miata I think I could really enjoy it in motorsports, maybe not rally or rallycross though. Then it becomes a redundant car the Miata is my choice car for autocrossing.

I don't know, just putting more rambling thoughts to this thread.

What I really want to here is someone say, "I have a __ rallycross/stage rally car and I'd love to trade you for that MR2!" I'd like that blank to be a SAAB 99, Per... haha.

trade for my soul? But seriously, I could scroung up $1.5k, but I'm sure it would cost more than that.

Isnt a stock Mk2 MR2 a more competitive autocross car than a stock miata?

Carson, with good struts and alignment the MR2 is an excellent rallycross/snowcross/autocross/mofocross car.

I regret selling mine daily. Alas there is no room for two car seats.

neon4891 wrote: trade for my soul? But seriously, I could scroung up $1.5k, but I'm sure it would cost more than that.

Seconded.

93celicaGT2 wrote:

neon4891 wrote: trade for my soul? But seriously, I could scroung up $1.5k, but I'm sure it would cost more than that.

Seconded.

Put me 3rd in line. I'm itching for a mid engine to add to my project stable...

Plus it would be a great excuse to visit my brother when I came to pick it up

I'll trade you for a diesel Mercedes wagon, you could rallyx and haul whatever you want.

Travis_K wrote: Isnt a stock Mk2 MR2 a more competitive autocross car than a stock miata?

I think you're right but the Miata is so nimble it feels so much quicker. I'm all about adding lightness.

Alright, you guys are starting to convincing me. What is a good alignment spec for these and what is the preferred strut?

Keep the trade offers coming though! I'm not convinced yet!

Carson wrote:

Travis_K wrote: Isnt a stock Mk2 MR2 a more competitive autocross car than a stock miata?

I think you're right but the Miata is so nimble it feels so much quicker. I'm all about adding lightness. Alright, you guys are starting to convincing me. What is a good alignment spec for these and what is the preferred strut? Keep the trade offers coming though! I'm not convinced yet!

I'd trade my Escort for it.... It's pretty much a set of sticky tires away from being an HS demon.

I'd entertain trading the Celica, but i don't think you'd want it. With what it has, it gets bumped into STX, where it's horribly uncompetitive. And it's the exact opposite setup you'd want if you're looking for a Rallycross car.

Carson wrote: What I really want to here is someone say, "I have a ________ rallycross/stage rally car and I'd love to trade you for that MR2!" I'd like that blank to be a SAAB 99, Per... haha.

I think the number on the 99 starts with a 9. It's not 9, 99 or 999.

Per

Per, speaking of the SAAB rally car, are you going to Sandblast this year? I'll be there bright and early tomorrow helping out a buddy with his Celica Alltrac.

tangent:

Unfortunately, no, I'm not going to be doing much rallying this year..Frankly, having a baby makes motorsports tough—I'll be sticking with autocross for the foreseeable future. That's why the 99 will probably be up for sale soon, for $9999.

Per

Not best offer but I have a thousand towards purchase of said car. I was trying to hold out for a miata but mr2 will do.

Carson wrote: Per, speaking of the SAAB rally car, are you going to Sandblast this year? I'll be there bright and early tomorrow helping out a buddy with his Celica Alltrac.

Pics of said ALLTRAC!!!!

Here's a picture from Sandblast last year. Photo credit goes to Kevin Allen who is really quick at the local rallycrosses.

^Oh yeah.... i've seen that car.

Rare headlight conversion. Me likey!

Ok, so I've thought about it long and hard and, probably to the disappointment of some of you, I've decide it sell the MR2.

Only, I don't know what to ask for it. It's a 1991, all original 5SFE with a brand new clutch, everything works and 134k miles. The paint is shiny now but I'm sure the oxidized paint will show through soon.

I've tried looking at eBay auctions and craigslist adverts to get an idea for price but everything is either "m4d tyT3 m0dd3d YO!" or has a million miles on it.

So what do you think I should ask for it?

Edmunds says $850

I'll give you a 50% premium on that

But then I think you had higher offers already in this thread!

Really $850? KBB says $2750.

I don't know if you can get a good idea off those though. These cars are enthusiast cars like the Miata, KBB on NA Miatas are around $1200-$1500 but they go for sometimes ore than double that.

It depends on the area, they dont really sell for under $4k here, but it may be different there.