Hello everyone, I have the possibility to purchase a fully restored 2003 MR2 Roadster. I was wondering if it could be a good daily driver or not. Probably isn’t the most fuel efficent vehicle, but if it can match the one that I currently own, 15 Km/l | 35 MPG, I’m okay with that. I’m more concerned about reliability, since I do 70 Km a day, most of which on the highway. What do you guys think?

  • randomFrenchDeadbeat@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    First, what does “fully restored” cover ?

    Engine rebuild by a known professionnal ? Or quick rattle can spray here and there ?

    Those cars are not good daily drivers. They are 2 seaters without a trunk. The engine just overheats whatever you do. They arent really good cars either. Good luck finding parts, too. The PAS pump that always break ? Well, it was 300 new. And you cant find one anywhere.

    Heck even toyota knew it, thats litterally in the car name. They had to change it here XD (mr2 is pronounced “shit” in France, so it was renamed MRS ).

    Honestly though, they are nice looking and handle quite well, but thats it. 2 seaters, no trunk, thats not a good daily.

    • Yeyo117@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I need the car only for myself so the space doesn’t concern me more than other factors, like reliability and safety, but I get your point. The engine will be rebuilt by a professional, I know him personally and I saw him rebuilding motors and fixing cars. The body shop in charge of restoring the interior and exterior is owned by a friend of mine and has a 4.9☆ rating.

      I think the problem is the car itself, like you said, replacements are hard to find and the overheating may be a problem, altough they will install better then stock parts.

  • schleepercell@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I think its funny we are talking about a “fully restored” 20 year old car. Like, what happened to it / what was wrong with it that it needed enough work to be called “fully restored”

    • Yeyo117@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      The car will be repainted, will have new interiors, new capote, new exaust, the engine will be rebuilt and tuned. Every damaged fender will be replaced, also new and better filters and radiator.

  • noahbrooksofficial@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I would say that the tiny trunk and 2 seats only is a no for me from a practical point of view.

    The fact that it’s a 20yo soft top is another no.

    However, I have toyed with this idea as well so I say go for it.