1997 TOYOTA MR2 GT 16V SILVER/BLACK 96K Miles

Sadly loosing my storage space means I have to get rid of my toys. I've hardly even driven this one :(
Anyway, Rev 4 (If I'm correct?) SW20 3SGE MR2 non turbo, 1997. The renowned 3SGE engine which they are using in Formula 2 racing now I believe?
Not immacuate but a fantastic car, much better car than my other MR2, I would sell the other and keep this but I've spent too much time and money on my other one. This one on the other hand is closer to standard and absolutely lovely.
It's silver and black, the roof has a gentle sparkle to it. I'm not a car seller so I'll just list what I think are good and bad points and your welcome to view.
Previous owner spent over £2000 including an engine from a Japanese MR2, 3SGE. It was a well renowned MR2 specialist company so I wouldn't worry about the quality of work! I happen to know that they compression test everything they have and are particular, so this must have passed their standards.
If you are new to MR2's you need to know that the four weak points of these cars are: Rev 1 handle badly and have poor brakes, this is a Rev 4 with bigger brakes, the clutches wear quickly and head gaskets are prone to go.
This car has had the engine replaced, by a specialist which is a surprise as these engines go for silly miles! Look at some others and they have covered silly miles! This car has 96k on the clock which is really low for an SW20! Before fitting it had a new head gasket (no need to worry!) and cam belt which is an expensive bugger of a job to replace when engine is in the car, so again one less thing to need to worry about! The clutch is the other achilles heal of the car but it made sense to fit a new one when fitting the engine and you can really tell that it is strong. My other MR2 slips a little which will cost me in the future, but this one is really strong. You can tell it has been done properley because the antifreeze fluid is the wierd long life pink stuff that Toyota recommend. Always good to see.
It has a very recent back box and looks brand new down and attaching pipes of exhaust.
Four very good tyres and alloys haven't a scratch on them, not even the rims from kerbs.
The steering is perfect, not even the slightest wobble at any speed from the wheel. Feels nice and confident.
Electric mirrors, windows, locks etc.
It has the huge sunroof, much better than my T-Bar model as it doesn't leak, ever! Unless you leave it open! The T-Bar is fun but it does get tedious when you have to keep adjusting the rubbers or wearing a towel! The sunroof comes out easily too so it's best of both worlds! None of the structural rigidity probems suggested of a T-Bar system either.
It is amazing on fuel, these are great engines and have a variable valve system which means loads of power (feels turbo'd at high revs!) and great fuel economy. They dont weigh much either which I am sure helps.
Brakes are brilliant, very good pads, MR2's are prone to sticky calipers but these are fine and one recently reconditioned. Brakes fantastically well.
Seats are non leather but very comfortable and because of the mileage, barely worn at all. Leather is nice, but NOT in the heat and NOT in the cold, so these are perfect. Fully adjustable too.
Gearbox is the later short shift variety and is effortless to drive. It does slightly crunch in third gear if shifted quickly when cold, but that is me being picky. I have been advised it's because the car has been stood for a year in third gear so as noth to have brakes stick on, the cable is likely to be stretched. These can be adjusted so I will have a go at fixing this before sale, but it's not really a problem. I can drive it without any problem. Just being picky as I'd like to be honest about the condition.
It has the airbag steering wheel.
It has after market side skirts fitted which make it look lowered.
It is apparently a Cat C by insurance, but you can see why, the front wing in the photo has been replaced and bubbled slightly. It has been DVLA VIC checked and is fine. They declare Cat C for the silliest of things these days. Like I say, it isn't immaculate but then it isn't over priced.
I will polish it up and take some better pictures asap.
I would be happy to keep this car, in fact I was looking forward to doing so, but am loosing my parking space so has to go :( These are getting rare and many people absolutely love them, me too which is why I choose to defy my neighbours by parking my other outside my home alongside the family car! MR2's are rubbish if you have kids!! I can't see it depreciating further than it has, they don't make them any more and they're awesome to be sat in and driven. Anyway, I will polish it up and take more pics but posted this for now because it's not taxed and I dont want to get evicted. 12 Months (ish) MOT and loads of money spent. Fantastic car I'd be sad to see go. I've blanked the reg so that it isn't "ringed" or whatever happens in car world. Feel free to come and take a look and test drive. I recently took it out, gave it a really good test drive and didn't want to get out of it. Engine sounds lovely, didn't over heat when taking the dual carriage ways at high speed. Doesn't use a drop of oil, dry underneath too. This one is smooth as silk over all the speed bumps and pot holes no noises or anything from worn components. Unlike my other one, this feels like a new car to drive, to me.
A true bargain MR2 that I wish I could keep. You're welcome to come and see for yourself. Thanks for reading.

Also published at eBay.co.uk