$4000 to spend.. but what to buy?

[Timmo]

1uz is definately better than the 1jz

Nah disagree....the 1J Soarers I test drove before settling on mine all seemed more powerful, torquey and smoother than the V8 models I drove...and they use less gas (when new at least)

....but to the original poster- A Soarer is not what you want when you are a student. Apart from fuel costs, parts and insurance will bankrupt you....

[Timmo]

(I replied to your PM but thought I may as well post for any future searches)

Hey mate- Yeah I have owned a Soarer (91 JZZ30 so it was the twin turbo version) as well as a NA MR2 and currently a turbo MR2

In terms of 'driving pleasure' the MR2 wins hands down- It is a more involved car- better steering and handling, better seats and a more 'snug' cockpit.

The Soarer is very different but still a great car.....it is superb for longer journeys and for cruising- lots of power, luxurious interior and a bit more space etc.

My non turbo MR2 never felt 'slow' but you did have to work the engine a bit harder compared to my turbo MR2 which you can just use the torque- There isn't much point going up to the redline as the compressor is a bit overwhelmed and the 3S aint no B16 in terms of reviness .

In terms of work costs on the MR2s- Labour is usually what becomes expensive because they can be hard to work on. The soarer is pretty easy to work on comparibly- everything is in easy reach but parts are probably more expensive (although I had a good run with mine- Just normal 5k oil changes etc). A 4G Soarer will probably need a lot of fixing up though....

So it depends what you want- I would suggest, in your situation, that a non turbo MR2 will still give you the thrills and use a bit less gass etc but check insurance because it WILL be expensive for any of these cars. If possible, the NZ new N/A Mr2s are the pick of the bunch if going for the early nineties ones as they have no power steering and probably a better service history (later ones are usually above 4g)

[Mr.Phreak]

...and they use less gas (when new at least)

Don't buy a Soarer if you're a student, it will destroy you

[Willdat?]

for $4k as a student I'd say keep your Ae101, or buy a newer Ae111.

At 17 you won't get insurance for anything quicker, you may not have had a crash yet...but it will happen sooner or later judging from your enthusiasm for speed and magz...

[Mad Murphy]

You've posted enough on the MR2 forums, just buy an MR2. SWs are dirt cheap, you'll pick one up for ~3 grand in good condition and have money left over to tidy all the small things up. Sure its not the fastest car in the world but it'll still be fun enough and good for daily commuting.

[Mr Revhead]

this is true

[FXGTV]

And insurance on mr2's are not that bad. I got my turbo sw20 insured through state for 340 per year, and that was for full insurance! I was 21 at the time and had an accident on my record

[B1NZ]

And insurance on mr2's are not that bad. I got my turbo sw20 insured through state for 340 per year, and that was for full insurance! I was 21 at the time and had an accident on my record

its because they get a hairdressers discount

[CelicaGT8]

GETA PERM

[CelicaGT8]

NAC give almost anyone insurance for anything

[Adamal]

NZ new N/A Mr2s are the pick of the bunch if going for the early nineties ones as they have no power steering and probably a better service history (later ones are usually above 4g)

They also have a 260kph speedo

But they're hard to come by. $80,000 new for one of those? They only came N/A. Hardly think so

[kim0663]

I can definately say, that when ever i drive the soarer every now and then, my wallet becomes so light.

But i'd have to add that driving my sw20 is also, not the most economical vehicle in the world.

Shoulda just kept the ae101, but as you've already sold it...

Get a sw20 n/a. My old n/a was alot more economical than my ae101 s/s. (not alot, but a noticable difference). You'd be surprised at how well they go, They arn't something thats like hugely fast, but for a 2L n/a, they have torque.

[FXGTV]

Get a Honda

[dnalunchie]

Get a Honda

not a silly idea actually. 4g will get you a nice 1990 sir or maybe a newer 1994 shape.

they go very well and use stuff all gas

[snwtoy]

Charade GTti... it's effectively a toyota. Quick, rare, and cheap on gas.

[Leon]

Get a Honda

not a silly idea actually. 4g will get you a nice 1990 sir or maybe a newer 1994 shape.

they go very well and use stuff all gas

Personally I reckon they're too much the same as the AE, but far more expensive to buy (and get parts for). Certainly not very different for somebody who just sold a 20 valve, and is looking at Soarers.

I've had an SiR Crx and Civic (1990). To be honest, I didn't like either of them, and both were a bloody nightmare to get parts for. They were no faster or more economical than a Corolla that cost way less.

However, each to their own, and I gather some people have had better experiences with their Honda's. However, in my experience, grossly over rated, and this is coming from somebody who has bought two of them.

[CelicaGT8]

Get a Honda

Yea you could get your balls removed at the same time

[GTTpower]

Get a Honda

Yea you could get your balls removed at the same time

Nothing wrong with hondas, they have better n/a engines than toyota imo.

[Bling]

They are still hondas though

[GTTpower]

Meh, one eyedness ftl