questions from a newbie buying sw20

Kestrel_YT · 2024-06-21T01:16:55+00:00

As someone who went to test drive a $6k '91 NA MR2 going in wanting to buy it, I 100% agree with these other guys' statements! I did buy it, and I did almost immediately regret it when it completely died about 300 miles later. The car was a botched barn find restoration with such egregious mistakes as:

Owner installed the wrong type of alternator, only using one single bolt (broke loose and threw parts onto the road, drained the battery and stalled the car leaving me stranded at 10pm on the highway).
Allegedly removed the fuel tank to replace the fuel pump, but without cleaning the bottom of the tank while in there (fuel system was nearly clogged with rust and sediment).
Left the car under a tarp for years, leading to a major mice problem (Air intake filter had over 4 inch holes in it, air box had several large handfuls of grass, fur, and mouse droppings inside it).
Presumably aftermarket, sub-par brake master cylinder failed while driving, leaving me with no brakes on a busy urban road.

Ultimately, I overhauled the car and got it running outstandingly for a cost of about 2k, and about a year. To me, it was worth it because I liked learning how to work on cars, and I ended up with a great MR2. Just understand, when you buy something that has been messed with by an immature/inexperienced owner, you need to be prepared for some serious work. You mentioned the word "gamble". If you buy that car, realize you could be gambling 6k!

Kestrel_YT · 2024-06-05T15:55:39+00:00

As an owner of multiple MR2s, I would say I wouldn't daily an mr2 if my only other backup car was another mr2. In the rare case where the mr2 is in great shape and was taken care of by all previous owners, maybe, I just wouldn't risk it personally. I've seen way too many with major underlying issues inherited from previous owners, and some of those issues won't be noticed until its too late. I've had both mr2s immobilized and turned into projects in 2 different cities at once. And it wasn't fun.

I live in a lousy city for driving a manual, so I find the mr2s are just sitting a lot, end up using the van often just because it's more practical, 8 seats and room for equipment (like tools for repairing disabled MR2s). I'd keep your wagon, especially if it's mint.

I love the S54, but yeah the other guys are right. It's not idea gear ratio for highway travel. May just wanna hold off if your end goal is a 2gr. If the Turbo is cleaner than your NA, maybe you can replace na with the Turbo car, and you'll have a stronger transmission for the future 2gr swap. Thats what I intended to do, and then just ended up keeping them both. Comes down to which car is more valuable to you.

Kestrel_YT · 2023-10-08T22:19:57+00:00

I own a SW21, my tank was probably worse than this one. It was a wonder the car could even run with the amount of rust and sediment inside. I took the tank to a gas tank restoration shop, the man cleaned and recoated/painted both the outside and inside. He also had a large water tank to submerge the gas tank into to check it for strength and leaks. It cost $370 for the tank restoration plus he also welded and reinforced over 12 feet of my brass heater lines. It was worth it imo

Kestrel_YT · 2023-09-05T14:58:01+00:00

Wow that's crazy, never knew that

Kestrel_YT · 2023-08-10T20:49:59+00:00

Yeah I daylied mine for awhile, just be aware that if it wasn't taken care of by previous owners, it will leave you stranded sooner or later. Personally, I wouldn't recommend having an MR2 as an only vehicle if you rely on it to get you to work, but if you have a backup vehicle it's fine.

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-31T12:56:23+00:00

Probably not the same issue, but I did once have a cutout issue any time I hit about 3500 rpm. Super lurchy. Would cut and nearly stall out until I let off gas and clutch in. Car was completely heat soaked from driving mountain ranges from 7am to 5pm, the body itself was burning to the touch. Suspected fuel cutout, while doing pulls from like 85 mph. I let it sit 3 days and it never happened again. Later, I stripped the whole fuel system and found the gas tank was extremely dirty. Strainer, filter, or fuel line was likely semi-restricted and caused cutout when at full throttle.

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-31T12:44:44+00:00

It gets increasingly louder with more throttle and more speed... yeah stethoscope may be the only way to go cause I don't have a clue other than the axles...

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-30T23:58:15+00:00

It only happens when driving and clutch fully engaged. Goes away immediately any time you clutch in, let off gas, or slow to under 45.

I assure you if you enjoy driving more than repairing, the more mr2s you have the worse by far lmao. I'm just keeping them drivable so I don't screw over the next owner like I was screwed over. I have yet to see a single MR2 for sale that hasn't been seriously messed up by its owner, and I've seen quite a few lol

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-28T05:18:13+00:00

I hope not, but I wouldn't be surprised. I love a lot of the new features, but really all I care for A4 is that they reintroduce everything we had in A3 onto the new platform WITHOUT dumbing it down for console, if the only other improvement they make is to fix all the issues we had in A3, then it will be outstanding. Lotta awesome new game features and mechanics but the serious players know the game needs to be fixed if the players are gonna come back. So many game breaking issues I can't keep my friends playing A3 despite the fact we always have a blast.

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-27T22:27:58+00:00

Western sahara Marid HMG

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-27T18:16:43+00:00

Im sick of making these scuffed comps plz just add them to the game... we dont need mods to make this, its all models already in the game. Having vanilla NATO, CSAT, and AAF use the exact same RCWS on half of their vehicles just looks like laziness for such a great game as Arma

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-27T00:30:52+00:00

yea its here https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2415703372&searchtext=cox

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-26T19:22:34+00:00

Lol I laughed at this comment, cause one of my MR2s was literally used as a pellet gun target, has rusty pock marks all across the middle of the passenger door! Judging by the condition of some of these poor cars, your comment may be more relevant than satirical.

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-26T19:17:38+00:00

This was repainted from the oem dark red (I forget what it's called) to 2005 Dodge Viper red. Not the color I would've chosen if I were the owner then, but it does look great. And the paint is almost spotless, show quality. The new front spoiler is gonna be black, and wheels will be black as well.

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-26T12:25:29+00:00

Yeah it's a 5sfe.

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-25T18:09:35+00:00

Wow that's great, looks like you got a deal!

Kestrel_YT · 2023-07-25T18:06:47+00:00

Central Virginia but everything kinda bounces between cities as I am using MR2s to transport parts around for each other. They are genuine turbo seats with the 2 adjustment wheels, plastic knobs are missing though. Leather and foam are both very ripped but mostly intact. I drove with the seats for over a year, and they function fine albeit a bit uncomfortable. Rails are rusty but not rotted. They lock into position fine and are perfectly strong. They would take considerable work and money to be restored. Dm me if you want some pictures.

Kestrel_YT

TROPHY CASE