Debating whether to buy a mk3

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CorkMR2
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Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by CorkMR2 »

Hey,


I haven't posted here in quite a few years. I used to own a mk2 but sold it about six years ago (worst decision ever) but am looking at getting back in an MR2.

A mk3 has popped up for sale near me in Ireland and I was just looking for some advice/opinions on it.

This is the car in question:

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2 ... 0/28829610


The car above probably seems quite expensive but it seems to be well sorted mechanically at least. Are there many issues I should be aware of when buying a mk3?

The big difference between now and when I had my mk2 is that I would not be using it as my daily (I have a diesel Volvo for that) but as a weekend/summer car.

Are there any Irish members left on here? There used to be quite an active MR2 club in Ireland but it has gone totally dead in recent years.


David



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Re: Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by MRHAPPY62 »

Hi David, Welcome back, You may be better off asking on the roc , But imho having 2 mk2's and briefly owning a mk3 , I think it is expensive for the year but not sure what prices are like where you are, things to look out for rear subframe rust , steering uj's , and oil burning which should have been cured by the engine rebuild . over here you could by one at least 4 years newer for that price .
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Re: Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by carolineasb »

Got to say I think that's far too expensive for the age of the car, the mileage (or rather kilometres) and the fact it's an MR-S may cost more for insurance. It also depends on whether you are happy to accept that someone else has done all that work correctly (if you are at all mechanically minded yourself)?

Is it too difficult to buy on the UK mainland and take back over?

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Re: Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by nick »

Also worth looking at MX5's
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Re: Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by jimi »

nick wrote: 20/08/21 9:45 Also worth looking at MX5's
:confused1:
Why ?
I haven't posted here in quite a few years. I used to own a mk2 but sold it about six years ago (worst decision ever) but am looking at getting back in an MR2.
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Re: Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by MR2DI4 »

jimi wrote: 20/08/21 10:31
nick wrote: 20/08/21 9:45 Also worth looking at MX5's
:confused1:
Why ?
I haven't posted here in quite a few years. I used to own a mk2 but sold it about six years ago (worst decision ever) but am looking at getting back in an MR2.
Because the MK3 is a turd. You wouldn't even look at one now, get a newer Toyota GT86 if you can find one.

I remember looking at a MK3 brand new on display at Auckland's waterfront in the early 2000's . From Memory it was priced at NZD$56,000 which will be more than the brand new version of the 2022 BRZ/GT86 over here. Simply no comparison.

Even the MX5 is a better choice, Toyota bought out the MK3 to try and compete with the MX5 but they dropped the ball it has the worst engine ever built. Totally tragic way to kill off the MR2 legacy.

If you cannot find a decent MK1 or a MK2 then move on, thats my advice.
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Re: Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by jimi »

:rolleyes:
Thats your opinion, just like my opinion the new BRZ is that its a TURD. The point being the OP wants to buy a MK3 and asked about things to be aware of, not MX5's or some inaccurate opinion of MK3's from a Subaru fanboy. It's like going into a bar and asking for a beer and the barman telling you thats "censored" buy a wine instead ....... If you want a beer you want a beer not wine ! :)

Here's some else's opinion of the MK3 Linky
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Re: Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by jimi »

Oh and the price was £18,000, 10 grand cheaper than the BRZ !
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Re: Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by MR2DI4 »

Depends on whether you want to drink that beer if you knew someone "censored" in it while they were making it, In which case I will take the wine option.

The OP cannot turn around and say he was not warned if he buys one. His choice.
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Re: Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by jimi »

I'm quite sure he'll appreciate your "warning" as you rightly put it "its his choice" :th:
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Re: Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by nick »

My simple point was that the Mk3 is more of an MX5 competitor than a follow up to the Mk2. Once you understand the known issues the Mk3 is fine car.

As outlined above a GT86 offers little over a Mk2, I accept the larger engined new version may be different.
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Re: Debating whether to buy a mk3

Post by jimi »

nick wrote: 21/08/21 11:45 My simple point was that the Mk3 is more of an MX5 competitor than a follow up to the Mk2. Once you understand the known issues the Mk3 is fine car.
Fair point, I'd also suggest it was also a more modern iteration of the MK1, it's handling/performance characteristic's are certainty more in line with the MK1 than the MK2
:th:
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