Looking for a DD/Comuter

[Devil Frog]

I got my Ducati sold. Now I need something to replace it as a commuter. My Taco gets 16MPGs, and is not very fun to drive, my FJ40 will get 15MPGs (if I am lucky), and it will likley still be pieces for another 5 years, and I dont think it will be very fun to drive on the pavement either.

My requirements are:
>= 30 highway mpgs
<= $4000
bullet proof reliable
fun to drive

An AW11 MR2 is at the top of my list, any other suggestions?

 

[Daisy 53]

Isaac,
I just went through the same journey...
I ended up with an 04 Accord. There are plenty of them out there, you just need to weed through the usual trash to find a good one. Civic or Corolla are also a good choices.
Good luck

Daisy

 

[SteveLCetc]

I'm with Daisy on that. Drive a few and you will be able to tell the like new drivers from the trash. My Corolla has 190k on it and still gets 40 mpg at 75 mph.

 

[slimbuddha]

I recently went on a trip, and was given a Kia Soul as a rental. Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed driving it.

 

[Devil Frog]

Isaac,
weed through the usual trash to find a good one.

Daisy

I cant believe how many Del Sol's, CRXs, MR2s, Celicas, and Preludes have been "riced out". So many young punks believe florescent spark plug wires, a fake hood scoop, and big muffler will add 100 hp. It is sad how many good cars have been molested. It really makes me appreciate the skills and knowledge in the toyota 4x4 enthusiast community.

 

[SteveLCetc]

I cant believe how many Del Sol's, CRXs, MR2s, Celicas, and Preludes have been "riced out". So many young punks believe florescent spark plug wires, a fake hood scoop, and big muffler will add 100 hp. It is sad how many good cars have been molested. It really makes me appreciate the skills and knowledge in the toyota 4x4 enthusiast community.

Yep - and the chances are that they messed them up while doing all the mods so are not likely a good buy...

 

[marcfj60]

I owned a Del Sol for 3 years. It was our pre-kids 2-seater. Absolutely fantastic car. Mine had the 1.6L Si motor. It was plenty fast for me, fun to drive and got 32 mpg in the city and 36 on the country highway between my house and Savannah River Site. It would push 40 mpg on the interstate. Good luck finding one that hasn't been fart-mufflered out.

 

[Devil Frog]

This is what I ended up with.

Beno is your discount good for non-LC Toyota parts?

 

[OGBeno]

This is what I ended up with.

Beno is your discount good for non-LC Toyota parts?

Sure is Isaac.



Nice ride.

 

[marcfj60]

Aw, isn't that cute. I'll be interested to hear your comments after having to work on that engine.

 

[alia176]

I can see it now "I'd love to pick the kid but where am I gonna put him? Guess you'll have to do it..."

Nice score.

 

[Devil Frog]

Aw, isn't that cute. I'll be interested to hear your comments after having to work on that engine.

I did the oil and spark plugs, way easier than a Tacoma or F engine LC. The tacoma requires the intake to come off to get to the plugs. Plus this thing only has 4! The timing belt looks impossible with out dropping the engine.

The speedo was out of order I was hoping the cable just came loose. Onur, I will be calling you on a replacement.

 

[OGBeno]

I did the oil and spark plugs, way easier than a Tacoma or F engine LC. The tacoma requires the intake to come off to get to the plugs. Plus this thing only has 4! The timing belt looks impossible with out dropping the engine.

The speedo was out of order I was hoping the cable just came loose. Onur, I will be calling you on a replacement.

Sure thing Isaac.

IIRC, the FSM does call for dropping the rear main frame sub assy to do the belt/pump etc. Ill check with a couple of techs I know who are MR2 geeks. They probably have shortcuts for the job. Will advise.

 

[Devil Frog]

Struck out at LHM with discontinued parts, but scored at pull n pay!

 

[OGBeno]

Struck out at LHM with discontinued parts, but scored at pull n pay!

Nice score Isaac. Parts are gonna be tough for the MR2 just like they are for the early Celicas/2nd/3rd Gwn Supras. Just not enough made and they were not Global platforms, whereas the LC was a world-wide platform.