I used to work for Toyota when these were brand new and drove these all the time,they were great fun,nice and revvy.Still remember pulling the wax paper covers off the disc brakes when they were new off the truck from Japan.
I did,they were called Corolla gt in the uk,that was the best as you could get the back out and I loved the looks.We had many that people had modded for more power and bigger wheels,racing seats etc..There was also a small hatchback with front wheel drive that was lovely and all the old supras and the celica gt4 we had a few of those souped up.Those were Toyotas golden years for sure.
@@michaelpegasiou4531 Amazing! Good days working for toyota back then. I own an '85 AE82 fwd corolla hatch. I love it! Imagine it turning up brand new at a showroom.
"Midrange she does not have, but I could feel there about four and a half thousand RPM the engine really does pick up and want to go." 4500 RPM is literally the midrange on a 4AG one just needs to recalibrate what they're used to for engine revs. 4500RPM is also right around where TVIS kicks in (yo). It's not variable LENGTH induction, there are two parallel intake runners to each cylinder. Below around 4500 RPM a valve closes off one of those runners to help increase air velocity through the single (and therefore smaller) runner. Above 4500 RPM a vacuum solenoid opens the valves in the other half of the runners to get more airflow to pull up strong to that 7500 RPM redline.
I have dreamed of owning this nack in the 80s, now I only fortunate to own 2001 MRS Spyder, it is fun car to car, still I would love if I could drive this 1st gen MR2 just for once
There is a TH-cam channel called Overtake Films who have already done a video on one of these and rhe quality of their productions is second to none. Honestly, they are just as good as James and deserve to have much more Subs than they do. Definitely check them out if you can!
I know im asking randomly but does someone know a way to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly lost my login password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me.
Thanks for reviewing the car James! To everyone’s relief the exhaust is going back to stock. It is even louder in real life and in my opinion takes over all the fun of the car.
Loved my old 6 speed LSD MK3 MR2 Roadster, definitely one of the best cars I've had overall, the main problem was a real lack of luggage space. But comfy, great on the road and great on track with an engine that loves to be revved. It's a real shame there is no business case for Toyota to build a roadster anymore.
That exhaust! Just get rid now. Otherwise, very nice. I remember them very well but can't recall the last one I saw. At the time I would have gone for a Honda CRX myself but that's just me.
I _did_ go for a CRX over one of these after the Toyota dealer told me I needed a co-signer for my loan despite my full time job & reasonable down payment (screw u Acadia Toyota). Best decision ever made for me- CRX was a great little beginner's car, though the Integra that came next was way better. Similar thing happened many years later when I chose a Mazdaspeed 3 over a Civic Si because the Honda dealer wouldn't drop the price at all & had no reasonable financing offer.
I put a motorcycle muffler on mine, but the key is using an exhaust with a baffle. The baffle takes all the rasp out of the tone because you’re not getting the straight shot through the can. You basically trade the gains that a better can would give you but it’s worth it imo - Jacob
Plus you shave a good bit of weight. I used an adapter to my TRD headers, a 15 degree bend, then the muffler. Not counting the headers the exhaust is about 2 feet long. The muffler’s tip is bent about 15 degrees downward and slightly to the right (when oriented how it’s intended on a motorcycle) so with the bend clocked slightly upward and to the right the tip sticks straight out the back of the car and perfectly lines up with the exhaust hanger on the right side. Disclaimer; I had the muffler laying around and my stock muffler was falling apart so I figured I’d make something from nothing lol
There's one for sale in my area in good condition... I'm waiting for the seller to let me know if the other interested party follows through or if it's gone.... :P
I have owned one of these before. Most fun car I ever drove. Feels like a toy, the kid me dreamed of driving. Driving one at night, with synth wave music blasting, is the best.
I owned Mk1 back in the early 90s, it was beautiful Mica blue with black leather and the glass T top. It was not new, but it looked and drove like new. I loved driving that car, and I’d love one again now. It’s so hard to describe how nice it was to be In. Later I drove a Mk2 and it was nothing compared to the MK1, not that the Mk2 is a bad car it’s just not as magical as the Mk1.
Yeah very true , the Mk1 is the best MR2 for me , I too owned one in 1998 , Loved the car , Bloody almost killed me though , I'd Just bought it and there was a problem with a calliper , well I was doing about 55 and approaching a roundabout , touched the brakes and nothing there , the calliper had bled out , Yikes! I let go of the gas , so slight pulls on hand brake and eventually manage to slow down . Car went to garage and fixed , Then I had no problems for the rest of my ownership , still love that today , I loved the styling , Loved the twin cam . Mid engine , Great handling , I also owned a Mk 3 , was fun but not a patch on the mk1 . Hard to find a decent one these days that's not got rusty wheel arches. I might buy a Mk2 some day , though I'm considering a BRZ 86 . Toyota make some great cars. I wish Toyota bring a new mr2 , But would still have the same appeal as the mk1 .
I just bought my 15year old Son a 1987…silver. The owner garage kept it and it’s in amazing condition. My Son is an 80’s car fanatic and the MR2 is his favorite. The previous comment about just riding in it puts a smile on your face is so true…My 42 year old self could not stop grinning ear to ear when we picked it up and drove it home. Just the coolest car ever!!
Arguably the best looking MR2 of all. Had a chance to drive one alongside the later generations and loved it more than the others. The later generations just felt odd for me. To be fair i'm also the guy who still punts around in a Golf Mk I. Old, raw cars are just my type. Not a fan of "huge power", and most modern cars feel either like boats or just dead to me. So take it as an opinion of someone HEAVILY BIASED.
Good review of a magnificent car. I've owned mine for a decade, even daily drove it for a few years. Will never sell it. Mine has 2 mods: short shifter and a free flow air filter. The induction sound with this filter is really nice, no need for tinny exhausts to cover it. Also, you can go fast(ish) keeping the revs from 4600 to 7600 rpm or economically changing up before 4600, not both. Also, even if doesnt look like it, it is surprisingly practical, easy to get in and out, comfy for 2 and with adequate boot space.
I've had my '87 AW11 MR2 for 3 years now. It is hands down my favourite car I've ever owned, even ever driven. The smile you and your passengers get when you drive it is just unlike anything else for me. My particular car has been in my family since '89 and was a daily driver for my aunt all through the 90s, (as well as being her local racing competition car on the weekends ahah). She was parked for around 15 years I believe and rotted away in my uncles yard. When the time finally came to pull her out and start driving it again, she fired right up without skipping a beat. A testament to the simple reliability of these old Toyota's. Since then I have had the rust repaired, done some routine maintenance and some replacements on then engine and driveline and she's given me nothing but good times since. I highly recommend these cars to anyone thinking about pulling the trigger on one. They get lots of attention, great mileage, are very reliable, and are just so freaking fun to drive. Yes the mid engine setup takes a little getting used to when you push the car. But when you figure it out, you'll be leaving even modern sports cars in the dust in the corners, (not so much in the straights though ahah).
Great review I drove an AE86 engined corolla twin cam RWD (not this car but the one in all the drift films, however a UK car with fixed headlights) in the 1987 HK - Beijing rally (and finished!) the engine in these is absolutely superb
Lovely example and a credit to whoever restored it. Such a great, fun car which will tick a lot of boxes for people - RWD, Revvy engine, reasonably economical, reasonably practical, not terrible to work on or modify if that's your bag and being a classic Toyota, they're just inherantly cool but then, I would say that. Great video as always, haven't seen anyone else reviewing an AW11 like this, really enjoy your mix of the old, the new, the cool anf the quirky 👍
My dad had this car. This video was a nice nostalgia trip. Many road trips in the 90s, just him and I. Great memories. Would be interested in getting an updated model for myself. Always loved the sharp boxy angles and pop up lights.
I had a new 1985. That's not the exhaust, that's a vibrating heat shield. The problem with the car was 90 ft-lbs of torque needed a 7500 RPM highway cruise to maintain 85 mph. The engine simply ate itself alive. I sold mine for scrap at 85K miles with no compression and several major oil leaks.
Thank you for doing this particular review. My late Aunt Rose, the proverbial 'cool aunt,' had one of these in red. I was on holiday break from Ohio State and visiting with my family when I saw her MR2 in the garage. I half jokingly asked if I could give it a drive. She told me, "The keys are on the hook." With a big grin on my face, I grabbed the keys and headed for the garage. My dad, her little brother, followed me out with a look of grave concern on his face. I told him not to worry then proceeded to tear out the driveway and haul ass around my aunt's neighborhood. A fun car and a great memory. Thanks Jay!!!!
I’ve had my MK1 for 20 years. Love it. Can def get the exhaust to sound better. A 4age on full song is my fav 4 cylinder sound. I have cams, a bit more compression, intake, headers and exhaust on mine. About 150hp now probably. Some suspension upgrades and wider tires and she corners on rails. Definitely a fun car!
Great vid Jay I turn 50 today and had one of these in black when I was 21 for a few years and loved it! Really brought back memories, not least of all loosing the back end in front of the Police (who were very generous). Keep up the great work!
Great video. Point to note: T-VIS isn't a variable length intake system. It has 8 intake runners to the 4 intake ports. It has valves in 4 of the runners (1 per port) that remain closed until around 4200rpm. This asymmetric flow creates a swirl into the cylinders that helps mix the fuel and make more torque lower down. Above 4200rpm, you want as much flow as you can get so opens up the valves. The reason it needed this was because the early 4A-GEs had huge intake ports and without the T-VIS, it would run like crap at low RPM.
Thanks for your review and the hard work you put in. I loved my MKII MR2. It could be snappy but still handled nicely. If you have quick reactions and are used to oversteer it's good fun. I had the first gen MKII as well. The seats in this model reminded me of the seats I had in my MKII, which were also very comfy indeed. I saw an MKIII while out today on a cycle ride. They do not seem to get much love for some reason, have to be a bargain. As a long term watcher of your channel - I wonder if Lawrie got to drive this model. He must have been drooling?
I've always loved those cars but holy heck the exhaust on the one sounds absolutely horrific! I hope he changes that because that could be a REALLY nice car!
Dump that exhaust! Second gear was a bit weak on this engine - I had the Corolla GT twin cam hatch in 98 (same engine and gearbox) and it had the same problem.
I've owned both AW11 and SW20, but it was the AW11 that stole my heart. Bought it when it was less than 2 years old/20k miles and I loved it, kept it for 5 years. The rear exhaust box eventually went rotten and replaced it with a Mongoose and this sounded deep and loud only at higher revs. I remember doing DIY rust repairs on the rear wheel arches back in 1995, thats why you don't see them anymore.
The best part is, if you live in the south of the US and throw your groceries in the frunk it breaks the average person’s mind. Also, don’t break that rear roof spoiler, it’s about the only unicorn part on the car
Aw10's in base spec were that low. AW11's with skirts, spoiler, AC, sunroof or T Top are closer to 1025-1050. Supercharged variants 1100+. Hes about right with his estimated weight for a typical fitout 87-88 models.
I was in High School in the 80's and can't disagree more on the 80's origami aesthetic, they are some of my favorite cars ever. I have had an '82 Celica GT-S (before they called it that), an '85 GT-S coupe, an '85 Supra, an '87 Cressida with factory 5-speed, an '88 Nissan Maxima SE (SE came with 5-speed), and an '88 S12 200SX SE-V6, a car that was never sold in the UK. I currently have an '89 MR2 Supercharged. The S/C was slagged by the motoring press in the US, but so was the 'Mk.1.5' in general as the handling was softened (the rear sway bar was removed). They put it back on the '89 S/C. I love this car, I don't find it twitchy, and the right-now boost from the blower leaves me never wanting any car with a wait-for-it hair dryer. And with legendary Toyota reliability of the time, my car does not drive like it's got 180k. And I am no Japanese car lapdog, I also have an MGB GT, A Rover P6 (no one but ex-pat Brits and Aussies know what it is), and picked up a series one XJ6 project last year.
was on my dads shopping list in the 80's but chose something more practical unfortunately. always loved these more than the later models...an update on the Fiat X1/9
I thoroughly enjoyed this video, a nice balance in and out of the car. An ongoing and specific feature around 80/90s vehicles that you rarely see these days would be great.
I owned one. Loved it. Looked like a transformer when all doors, hoods, trunk were opened. Always wanted a supercharged one but they were too expensive at the time for a teenager back in the day.
The 4500 RPM is where the TVIS opens.it’s basically a plate that closes off one of the intake runners to each cylinder. The point was that both runners air flows too slowly if they were unrestricted. When the RPM hits 4500 , the ECM opens the butterflies in the closed runners. You can feel it,and the engine gets at that instant a throatier sound. ( you can’t hear it because of the stupid exhaust). This engine seems weak today, but you have to understand, it was cutting edge then. The 4A-GE was the first mass produced 16 valve engine… Cams right on the valves using shims to set the valve clearances . Little rotational mass( no rocker arms), made this one tough high revving engine. I red lined mine often. Never burned one drop of oil. Engine never twitched.. 112 hp seems low, but in 1985, most of this displacement were getting about 75
All mr2's are great and I'm lucky to have owned all three of them and still own a mk3. In my humble opinion: Most character: MK1 AW11 Best looking: MK2 SW20 Best handeling: MK3 ZZW30
Excellent cars, but never quite loved it as much as my SW's, of which ive had several. I take issue with the people who say it has better handling than the sw20. That's simply not true. Yes, its lighter, and you feel that. But the aw11 is also very soft and wallowy. Lots of roll. Great fun to drive. But a Mk2 also handles well, far less roll, more sticky, more direct. The mk3 is a decent compromise between the 1st and 2 mks if you don't need storage space. Just my 2p.
This is what Lotus should build today to replace the Elise. A pretty 250bhp sports car with superb visibility a reasonable interior set up for 2 adults AND DOORS THAT YOU CAN GET IN AND OUT OF WITHOUT DISLOCATING ONES SPINAL COLUMN OR HIP JOINTS.
Funny That You Said This is Not the MR2 you Would Think Of. This is Exactly The one I Do Think Of. Had a Girlfriend That Had That Very Same One,Color as Well. She Was 24 Blonde and Absolutely Gorgeous She Just Fit With This Car Perfectly!!!😂😂😂😍😍😍
Really, your first question? I have dined with the designers of all 3 versions. I had a SW20 and also drove a twin turbo quite a lot. It was genious. Best handling thing (aside from my 1275GT) I ever have driven. PS, indicators on the right is British, on the left came from the Common Market). If you are going to make wide ranging statements, get them right. It is Yanspeed, as the manufacturer is from Northern Europe (their UK HQ was Salisbury). The SW20 was only "snappy" if you don't know how to drive. Learn before you comment
Wow. This takes me back. Had a 1986 metallic ocean blue. Drove it for 9 years including several trips to Panama City Beach, Fla. Thought I was a Miami Vice Sonny Crockett knock off. Driving the north Ga mountains was a treat. It handled like a gocart. Would carve the hell out of curves. Gave my ex wife heart palpitations. Me and my buddies bought sea doos and I pulled mine with this car. Hilarious but we do what we must do to enjoy our youth. Wish I had this car again. Memories!
Wow! This brings back memories. I previously owned an 88' MR2 in white with the t-top, a/c and power everything when I was single. I upgraded the exterior by having the mirrors painted white, purchasing the 89' supercharged MR2 smooth door handles (having them painted white) and purchasing the 89' MR2 supercharged rear spoiler with the LEDs (having it painted white with the factory silver stripe), because I'm my opinion, they looked better than the black door handles and the single light under the rear spoiler. I really enjoyed it the time I had it. Everything changed after I married my wife and had daughters. I went from driving awesome 3 pedal 5 speed manual transmission sports cars to driving a 2 pedal 8 passenger minivan. I did not see that coming.
Back in the day, I sold my Fiat X1/9 to a mate which he ran about in for a couple of years. Then of course he upgraded to the Mk1 MR2 when it appeared... and believe me, it was many a lad’s dream car at the time. I had some poke (well compared to the Fiat) lots of style and definitely a bump up in quality and , erm, reliability, rust-proofing, sounds, space and just about everything else. Of course a Mk2 Golf GTi would tear it apart and I had likewise upgraded to the Pug GTI 1.9 which was a beast for its time. So, I’ve long thought of this as the natural successor to the X1/9. Nice...
Toyota ripped the idea off the Fiat X1/9. Yes it's better executed, but arguably they both rust equally well! That exhaust is writing cheques the engine can't cash...
Toyota's Baby Honda NSX. Loved mine and was in the same ice blue colour as this example. Bloody good fun in the snow too. The turn in is amazing, even with worn and knackered bushes!. You can just keep your foot in and chuck them. My dream when i get more garage space would be one of these, Lose a bit of weight to 900kgs, decent coilovers, Whiteline anti roll bars, Polybushed and with the 2ZZ supercharged engine from the Lotus Exige , 6 speed box And a plated LSD. Enjoyed the video, shame it was a bit cold and you didn't have time to learn it's limit. When the back end lets go, it's not a hard thing to wrestle, they actually make quite fun drift cars! with a mk3 MR2 lsd.
No mid range? Haha the 4AGE revs to 9,000 rpm so the 'mid-range' is actually 4500rpm. It was Toyota's version of the VTEC motor. 5,000 rpm is the start of 'mid-range'power, not the end of it. 8000 rpm gives the Toyota 'yo'.
I often wonder why I didn't shop this car, and in 1989 you could get a 5.0L Mustang LX or a Probe GT for substantially less money; the MR2 was priced in Mazda RX-7 GTU territory.
I owned an early Mk1b coupe in white during the late 1990's, it was totally standard and one of the best cars I've ever driven. For the last seven years I've owned a late Mk1b T-bar, also in white. The only non standard equipment are 16" x 7" alloy wheels shod with 195/45 tyres (I may try going to 205/45 at a later date), and it handles like a go-kart without much loss of comfort. About three years ago I fitted all new standard road springs, dampers, drop links, and uprated the brakes to cross drilled, grooved and vented discs, all of which have made a big improvement.
I have a Supercharged '89 MR2 and I'll NEVER sell her. It's my fourth and my last. My absolute favourite car of all time,,,well,,,except for the F40. LOL
That particular car is Light Mica Blue not Silver. I owned the same model in the Dark Mica Blue. After having years of Fiat X1/9 ownership, it was a much more refined (but less stylish) alternative. I did quite a lot of miles in the MR2 but ended up trading for an Esprit S3
Hey Jay, love the videos, been watching for about a year now. A small bit of feedback: Whenever you mention another variant or car, flash a picture of it on the screen! Really gives the audience a ton more context.
As an 80s kid, this is the only MR2 i think of when you say 'MR2'. I only knew one rich kid whose daddy bought her one when they came out. They're not crazy rare here in Australia. Popular track and AutoX car.
I had a MK1 MR2 - red, T bar, black leather seats - top spec. I saw an advert for it in Car magazine, a mini Ferrari to my eyes at the time. I pinned the ad above my layout desk (us designers didn't have computers then) and drooled over it. A couple of years later I bought one. I can honestly say out of all the cars I've owned, I love it above all others. It was plenty fast enough for me at the time - you could chuck it about and feel like a superstar driver. My mates had front wheel drives SRi's and XR2i's etc - and they used to tease me about it - but the MR2 was streets ahead of their Vauxhall / Ford Essex buckets. A great car, great fun and, at the time, jolly sexy too. Now I'll watch the video....
Back in September 1987 I bought the first MR2 for sale (“Super Red with charcoal interior) in Canberra, Australia. Best handling car I have ever owned - a supreme cornering machine
I always measured this against its Corolla sister with the same engine. The Corolla was lighter, quicker, less expensive and more practical, so I could never see the relative appeal of the MR2...but I was (and still am) just a pleb and certainly not in the market for a car like this, made for the junior-grade City yuppies of the late '80s (those who hadn't yet reaped enough trading wealth to get into a Porsche 944 or been promoted to a 911).
Good for a long drive you say. We jumped into mine in '92 after getting married and drove to Athens in it, from North London. Bit cramped, and we had a case on the specially designed roof-rack but it was amazing. Sold it about 3 years later and always missed it. Tail was wayward though - in the wet particularly. Did one accidental 360 in it but luckily it was so small I didn't hit anything.
Great review... that's a beautiful Mk1, I only wish mine was in the same condition. But that exhaust is bloody terrible though, lol. Put an original exhaust back on and rip out the intake piping to fit a racing muffler and the 4AGE sounds 10s better, quite on low revs but screams when being run out.
Owned one years ago, fun car, £5k plus for a nice example now so you may as well just buy an imported factory supercharged version for about £9k and you get Aircon as a bonus 👍
Back in the day---I was looking for a car that would excite me as a driver--I test drove 2 used MR2 supercharged because I did like the look. I had never driven a mid-engined car before. They were lovely and quick but common sense prevailed and I never bought one. Now that I'm older,wiser and wealthier I still love them but I'm leaning towards a Lotus or the 4C. I must say you really do your research for each car you review and present it very well. You even acknowledge your prejudices and dislikes in an upfront manner.
Watching this was ruined by that horrible exhaust. I remember these cars sounding rather pleasant, but this exhaust gets a big fat nope from me. The many exhaust sound clips got really annoying, really fast. The MK1 MR2 is the first car i think of when you say MR2, and the one i'd most like to own. The MK2 being the only alternative. This car looks to be in fantastic shape. Much kudos for the work that's gone into fixing it up. THAT part of it i absolutely love.
I used to work for Toyota when these were brand new and drove these all the time,they were great fun,nice and revvy.Still remember pulling the wax paper covers off the disc brakes when they were new off the truck from Japan.
Did you get to drive the AE86 Corolla GTS of the time? I'm curious how they were thought of at the time as I owned one for a while
I did,they were called Corolla gt in the uk,that was the best as you could get the back out and I loved the looks.We had many that people had modded for more power and bigger wheels,racing seats etc..There was also a small hatchback with front wheel drive that was lovely and all the old supras and the celica gt4 we had a few of those souped up.Those were Toyotas golden years for sure.
@@michaelpegasiou4531 Amazing! Good days working for toyota back then. I own an '85 AE82 fwd corolla hatch. I love it! Imagine it turning up brand new at a showroom.
That exhaust sounds like something an 18-year-old would stick on his clapped out Honda
Someone local has one of these with a 'zorst. I can confirm it sounds terrible.
Kevin you beat me to it. Or even a clapped out Vauxhall corsa 👍🏻💀💀💀💀
@@Yorkshiremadmick I am from the United States; so we don't have any of those.
It's a damed crime, that exhaust
Kevin
Still a very relevant and honest comment. We have thousands of those sorts here amongst us.
"Midrange she does not have, but I could feel there about four and a half thousand RPM the engine really does pick up and want to go." 4500 RPM is literally the midrange on a 4AG one just needs to recalibrate what they're used to for engine revs. 4500RPM is also right around where TVIS kicks in (yo). It's not variable LENGTH induction, there are two parallel intake runners to each cylinder. Below around 4500 RPM a valve closes off one of those runners to help increase air velocity through the single (and therefore smaller) runner. Above 4500 RPM a vacuum solenoid opens the valves in the other half of the runners to get more airflow to pull up strong to that 7500 RPM redline.
This is the best looking MR2 IMO. 80’s personified.
I have dreamed of owning this nack in the 80s, now I only fortunate to own 2001 MRS Spyder, it is fun car to car, still I would love if I could drive this 1st gen MR2 just for once
there needs to be more concept art of the 80s featuring this car ngl.
I've never upgraded an exhaust and this reminds me why
Awful isn’t it.
in the beginning of the video i was thinking "i don't know what he's on about. it sounds fine."
then he revved it out...
Good when right but loud is not always better, need to go to a company that knows what they are doing. Car great however
They make all kinds of quiet exhaust
You've missed out. The first start up, the first full rev out, the first tunnel run.. all are great moments of car ownership you haven't experienced!
I'm glad you've done this video, not many have and considering how many cars you have driven your opinion means quite a lot to me.
There is a TH-cam channel called Overtake Films who have already done a video on one of these and rhe quality of their productions is second to none. Honestly, they are just as good as James and deserve to have much more Subs than they do. Definitely check them out if you can!
I know im asking randomly but does someone know a way to log back into an Instagram account?
I stupidly lost my login password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me.
@Alexander Yosef Instablaster ;)
That exhaust has ruined it.
fart can
Sounds horrible
I’m not a fan of the rear exhaust / sound on most of JayEmm’s videos
@@MrD79 The ULTIMATE hairdresser fart can.. I will hear that raspy shite in my nightmares. 😖😖
At least it's easy to unbolt and throw in the bin
Thanks for reviewing the car James!
To everyone’s relief the exhaust is going back to stock. It is even louder in real life and in my opinion takes over all the fun of the car.
Lovely car Michael, and with a stock exhaust will be perfect.
@@DjNikGnashers thanks Nik. It is a joy to drive and so comfortable too.
The exh hks made for these was perfect sound wise but not of the best quality
I have a scorpion backbox on mine and it isn't as raspy, maybe try that.
@@jacobbrown2159 not seen that one before. It’s a struggle to find anything anymore.
This is the one that comes to my mind, because of the engine and the marvelous shape.
Pop up lights = Cool.
Had a JDM supercharger AW11. Was good fun. Very cool retro cars these. Always thought a 1zz turbo would go nicely in one!
Loved my old 6 speed LSD MK3 MR2 Roadster, definitely one of the best cars I've had overall, the main problem was a real lack of luggage space. But comfy, great on the road and great on track with an engine that loves to be revved. It's a real shame there is no business case for Toyota to build a roadster anymore.
Rumors say they wanna revive the MR2 ;)
@@tempessst
The rumors point to a car at or above the Supra price point, which may as well be unobtainable for most everyone.
@@tempessst Was this comment before or after the new GR lineup?
@@shadid516 before B)
That exhaust! Just get rid now.
Otherwise, very nice. I remember them very well but can't recall the last one I saw. At the time I would have gone for a Honda CRX myself but that's just me.
I _did_ go for a CRX over one of these after the Toyota dealer told me I needed a co-signer for my loan despite my full time job & reasonable down payment (screw u Acadia Toyota). Best decision ever made for me- CRX was a great little beginner's car, though the Integra that came next was way better. Similar thing happened many years later when I chose a Mazdaspeed 3 over a Civic Si because the Honda dealer wouldn't drop the price at all & had no reasonable financing offer.
proud mk1 owner here! Love the review, but that exhaust does sound pretty strange, nothing like stock
Yeah the exhaust is a bit too Honda raspy
I put a motorcycle muffler on mine, but the key is using an exhaust with a baffle. The baffle takes all the rasp out of the tone because you’re not getting the straight shot through the can. You basically trade the gains that a better can would give you but it’s worth it imo - Jacob
Plus you shave a good bit of weight. I used an adapter to my TRD headers, a 15 degree bend, then the muffler. Not counting the headers the exhaust is about 2 feet long. The muffler’s tip is bent about 15 degrees downward and slightly to the right (when oriented how it’s intended on a motorcycle) so with the bend clocked slightly upward and to the right the tip sticks straight out the back of the car and perfectly lines up with the exhaust hanger on the right side. Disclaimer; I had the muffler laying around and my stock muffler was falling apart so I figured I’d make something from nothing lol
Sounds like it has an extra hole or it's not mounted properly.
There's one for sale in my area in good condition... I'm waiting for the seller to let me know if the other interested party follows through or if it's gone.... :P
I have owned one of these before. Most fun car I ever drove. Feels like a toy, the kid me dreamed of driving. Driving one at night, with synth wave music blasting, is the best.
I can imagine that!!!!
I owned Mk1 back in the early 90s, it was beautiful Mica blue with black leather and the glass T top. It was not new, but it looked and drove like new. I loved driving that car, and I’d love one again now. It’s so hard to describe how nice it was to be In. Later I drove a Mk2 and it was nothing compared to the MK1, not that the Mk2 is a bad car it’s just not as magical as the Mk1.
Yeah very true , the Mk1 is the best MR2 for me , I too owned one in 1998 , Loved the car , Bloody almost killed me though , I'd Just bought it and there was a problem with a calliper , well I was doing about 55 and approaching a roundabout , touched the brakes and nothing there , the calliper had bled out , Yikes! I let go of the gas , so slight pulls on hand brake and eventually manage to slow down . Car went to garage and fixed , Then I had no problems for the rest of my ownership , still love that today , I loved the styling , Loved the twin cam . Mid engine , Great handling , I also owned a Mk 3 , was fun but not a patch on the mk1 . Hard to find a decent one these days that's not got rusty wheel arches. I might buy a Mk2 some day , though I'm considering a BRZ 86 . Toyota make some great cars. I wish Toyota bring a new mr2 , But would still have the same appeal as the mk1 .
Fiat x19 very Similar in shape 💯👍
This car has the coolest interior i have ever seen on an 80's car.
I just bought my 15year old Son a 1987…silver. The owner garage kept it and it’s in amazing condition. My Son is an 80’s car fanatic and the MR2 is his favorite. The previous comment about just riding in it puts a smile on your face is so true…My 42 year old self could not stop grinning ear to ear when we picked it up and drove it home. Just the coolest car ever!!
They came out with the original MR2 when i was in High school...I lusted after it almost as much the cheerleaders.
The colour isn't silver its Ice Blue. I had one in the 90s. Great car.
Arguably the best looking MR2 of all. Had a chance to drive one alongside the later generations and loved it more than the others. The later generations just felt odd for me. To be fair i'm also the guy who still punts around in a Golf Mk I. Old, raw cars are just my type. Not a fan of "huge power", and most modern cars feel either like boats or just dead to me. So take it as an opinion of someone HEAVILY BIASED.
why stick a dumb ass exhaust on a car that has a 4A-GE engine. natural engine sound is best.
Fantastic looking car. Both the MK1 and MK2 were masterpieces.
Good review of a magnificent car. I've owned mine for a decade, even daily drove it for a few years. Will never sell it. Mine has 2 mods: short shifter and a free flow air filter. The induction sound with this filter is really nice, no need for tinny exhausts to cover it. Also, you can go fast(ish) keeping the revs from 4600 to 7600 rpm or economically changing up before 4600, not both. Also, even if doesnt look like it, it is surprisingly practical, easy to get in and out, comfy for 2 and with adequate boot space.
I've had my '87 AW11 MR2 for 3 years now. It is hands down my favourite car I've ever owned, even ever driven. The smile you and your passengers get when you drive it is just unlike anything else for me. My particular car has been in my family since '89 and was a daily driver for my aunt all through the 90s, (as well as being her local racing competition car on the weekends ahah). She was parked for around 15 years I believe and rotted away in my uncles yard. When the time finally came to pull her out and start driving it again, she fired right up without skipping a beat. A testament to the simple reliability of these old Toyota's. Since then I have had the rust repaired, done some routine maintenance and some replacements on then engine and driveline and she's given me nothing but good times since. I highly recommend these cars to anyone thinking about pulling the trigger on one. They get lots of attention, great mileage, are very reliable, and are just so freaking fun to drive. Yes the mid engine setup takes a little getting used to when you push the car. But when you figure it out, you'll be leaving even modern sports cars in the dust in the corners, (not so much in the straights though ahah).
James I’d love to see you review the Lotus Elan M100, I feel it’s a car overlooked due to it’s FWD, perhaps similarly to the Alfa GTV
Great review I drove an AE86 engined corolla twin cam RWD (not this car but the one in all the drift films, however a UK car with fixed headlights) in the 1987 HK - Beijing rally (and finished!) the engine in these is absolutely superb
Lovely example and a credit to whoever restored it. Such a great, fun car which will tick a lot of boxes for people - RWD, Revvy engine, reasonably economical, reasonably practical, not terrible to work on or modify if that's your bag and being a classic Toyota, they're just inherantly cool but then, I would say that.
Great video as always, haven't seen anyone else reviewing an AW11 like this, really enjoy your mix of the old, the new, the cool anf the quirky 👍
I had the same make of exhaust on my XR3i I thought it was great, though I was 21 at the time. Today it sound terrible. Ain't getting old rubbish.
My dad had this car. This video was a nice nostalgia trip. Many road trips in the 90s, just him and I. Great memories. Would be interested in getting an updated model for myself. Always loved the sharp boxy angles and pop up lights.
Used to have a 1985 MR2 AW11, so yes when I think of an MR2 I think of that car. Although I did have a MK3 as well with a semi auto gear box.
I had a new 1985. That's not the exhaust, that's a vibrating heat shield. The problem with the car was 90 ft-lbs of torque needed a 7500 RPM highway cruise to maintain 85 mph. The engine simply ate itself alive. I sold mine for scrap at 85K miles with no compression and several major oil leaks.
Thank you for doing this particular review. My late Aunt Rose, the proverbial 'cool aunt,' had one of these in red. I was on holiday break from Ohio State and visiting with my family when I saw her MR2 in the garage. I half jokingly asked if I could give it a drive. She told me, "The keys are on the hook." With a big grin on my face, I grabbed the keys and headed for the garage. My dad, her little brother, followed me out with a look of grave concern on his face. I told him not to worry then proceeded to tear out the driveway and haul ass around my aunt's neighborhood. A fun car and a great memory. Thanks Jay!!!!
I’ve had my MK1 for 20 years. Love it. Can def get the exhaust to sound better. A 4age on full song is my fav 4 cylinder sound. I have cams, a bit more compression, intake, headers and exhaust on mine. About 150hp now probably. Some suspension upgrades and wider tires and she corners on rails. Definitely a fun car!
Great vid Jay I turn 50 today and had one of these in black when I was 21 for a few years and loved it! Really brought back memories, not least of all loosing the back end in front of the Police (who were very generous). Keep up the great work!
Ha, sounds like a good pub story!
Gorgeous car, theres something about boxy 80s japanese cars...
Nice car, that exhaust is just awful
A mate used to have a mk1 import with the supercharger, it’s still one of the quickest cars I’ve been in, 0-60 was about 5 seconds.
must of had a lot of mods, they were 6.5s from factory
@@mikepowers572 Yeah it was over ten years ago so I can’t remember much other than the experience, but must have been tuned as you say.
My favourite car I've ever owned, pocket rocket, T Bar roof
Great video.
Point to note: T-VIS isn't a variable length intake system. It has 8 intake runners to the 4 intake ports. It has valves in 4 of the runners (1 per port) that remain closed until around 4200rpm. This asymmetric flow creates a swirl into the cylinders that helps mix the fuel and make more torque lower down. Above 4200rpm, you want as much flow as you can get so opens up the valves.
The reason it needed this was because the early 4A-GEs had huge intake ports and without the T-VIS, it would run like crap at low RPM.
Thanks for your review and the hard work you put in. I loved my MKII MR2. It could be snappy but still handled nicely. If you have quick reactions and are used to oversteer it's good fun. I had the first gen MKII as well. The seats in this model reminded me of the seats I had in my MKII, which were also very comfy indeed. I saw an MKIII while out today on a cycle ride. They do not seem to get much love for some reason, have to be a bargain. As a long term watcher of your channel - I wonder if Lawrie got to drive this model. He must have been drooling?
Loved my 1988 T-Bar MR2. It was like driving a go-kart.
I've always loved those cars but holy heck the exhaust on the one sounds absolutely horrific! I hope he changes that because that could be a REALLY nice car!
Dump that exhaust! Second gear was a bit weak on this engine - I had the Corolla GT twin cam hatch in 98 (same engine and gearbox) and it had the same problem.
What a horrible sounding chav exhaust. Ruins the car.
I've owned both AW11 and SW20, but it was the AW11 that stole my heart. Bought it when it was less than 2 years old/20k miles and I loved it, kept it for 5 years. The rear exhaust box eventually went rotten and replaced it with a Mongoose and this sounded deep and loud only at higher revs. I remember doing DIY rust repairs on the rear wheel arches back in 1995, thats why you don't see them anymore.
MR2, Celica, Supra ... a visit to a Toyota dealer in the late 80's / early 90's was just wonderful as a kid.
That exhaust would drive me nuts 🥜
I thought there has only ever been one MR2, the one you happen to be driving!
6:28 - fully restored ? The clocks don't work !
The best part is, if you live in the south of the US and throw your groceries in the frunk it breaks the average person’s mind. Also, don’t break that rear roof spoiler, it’s about the only unicorn part on the car
This is the only MR2 I think off not any other one.
James they where 977 kg my love not 1100kg petal..😇😇😇😊😉🙃
Aw10's in base spec were that low. AW11's with skirts, spoiler, AC, sunroof or T Top are closer to 1025-1050. Supercharged variants 1100+. Hes about right with his estimated weight for a typical fitout 87-88 models.
That cassette collection... brilliant! Sweet little car, leave it stock
I was in High School in the 80's and can't disagree more on the 80's origami aesthetic, they are some of my favorite cars ever. I have had an '82 Celica GT-S (before they called it that), an '85 GT-S coupe, an '85 Supra, an '87 Cressida with factory 5-speed, an '88 Nissan Maxima SE (SE came with 5-speed), and an '88 S12 200SX SE-V6, a car that was never sold in the UK. I currently have an '89 MR2 Supercharged. The S/C was slagged by the motoring press in the US, but so was the 'Mk.1.5' in general as the handling was softened (the rear sway bar was removed). They put it back on the '89 S/C. I love this car, I don't find it twitchy, and the right-now boost from the blower leaves me never wanting any car with a wait-for-it hair dryer. And with legendary Toyota reliability of the time, my car does not drive like it's got 180k. And I am no Japanese car lapdog, I also have an MGB GT, A Rover P6 (no one but ex-pat Brits and Aussies know what it is), and picked up a series one XJ6 project last year.
I had both the MK1 and MK3, absolutely cracking little car. Wow such a nostalgic feeling by watching this lovely content.
The MR2 to me has always been that one. So pure, so eighties!
Wait you said silver, this looks like the Light Blue Metallic to me!
Helios blue 👌 although on the factory stock ticket it says Light Blue Mica (8G2)
was on my dads shopping list in the 80's but chose something more practical unfortunately. always loved these more than the later models...an update on the Fiat X1/9
Miss such cars although weren't lucky to own or drive one
even the sedans now, are as big as old SUVs
I remember this car when I was a kid. Loved it and always wanted one.
Sad for me to admit. If anyone says MR2 this is the model that flashes to my mind. But I’m also old enough to be your Dad.
I remember a white one in the late 80s owned by a man who ran the 4 minute mile 60 years ago.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video, a nice balance in and out of the car.
An ongoing and specific feature around 80/90s vehicles that you rarely see these days would be great.
I'd love to see an AE86 review to compare against this 👍
I owned one. Loved it. Looked like a transformer when all doors, hoods, trunk were opened. Always wanted a supercharged one but they were too expensive at the time for a teenager back in the day.
Beautiful car inside and out. Love the 80s interior
The 4500 RPM is where the TVIS opens.it’s basically a plate that closes off one of the intake runners to each cylinder. The point was that both runners air flows too slowly if they were unrestricted. When the RPM hits 4500 , the ECM opens the butterflies in the closed runners. You can feel it,and the engine gets at that instant a throatier sound. ( you can’t hear it because of the stupid exhaust). This engine seems weak today, but you have to understand, it was cutting edge then. The 4A-GE was the first mass produced 16 valve engine… Cams right on the valves using shims to set the valve clearances . Little rotational mass( no rocker arms), made this one tough high revving engine. I red lined mine often. Never burned one drop of oil. Engine never twitched.. 112 hp seems low, but in 1985, most of this displacement were getting about 75
Loved hearing how an authentic AW11 drives and feels. Im working on a turbo megasquirt AW11 build on my channel right now. Trying to bring it to life!
All mr2's are great and I'm lucky to have owned all three of them and still own a mk3.
In my humble opinion:
Most character: MK1 AW11
Best looking: MK2 SW20
Best handeling: MK3 ZZW30
Excellent cars, but never quite loved it as much as my SW's, of which ive had several. I take issue with the people who say it has better handling than the sw20. That's simply not true. Yes, its lighter, and you feel that. But the aw11 is also very soft and wallowy. Lots of roll. Great fun to drive. But a Mk2 also handles well, far less roll, more sticky, more direct. The mk3 is a decent compromise between the 1st and 2 mks if you don't need storage space. Just my 2p.
This is what Lotus should build today to replace the Elise. A pretty 250bhp sports car with superb visibility a reasonable interior set up for 2 adults AND DOORS THAT YOU CAN GET IN AND OUT OF WITHOUT DISLOCATING ONES SPINAL COLUMN OR HIP JOINTS.
Funny That You Said This is Not the MR2 you Would Think Of. This is Exactly The one I Do Think Of. Had a Girlfriend That Had That Very Same One,Color as Well. She Was 24 Blonde and Absolutely Gorgeous She Just Fit With This Car Perfectly!!!😂😂😂😍😍😍
Really, your first question? I have dined with the designers of all 3 versions. I had a SW20 and also drove a twin turbo quite a lot. It was genious. Best handling thing (aside from my 1275GT) I ever have driven. PS, indicators on the right is British, on the left came from the Common Market). If you are going to make wide ranging statements, get them right. It is Yanspeed, as the manufacturer is from Northern Europe (their UK HQ was Salisbury). The SW20 was only "snappy" if you don't know how to drive. Learn before you comment
Wow. This takes me back. Had a 1986 metallic ocean blue. Drove it for 9 years including several trips to Panama City Beach, Fla. Thought I was a Miami Vice Sonny Crockett knock off.
Driving the north Ga mountains was a treat. It handled like a gocart. Would carve the hell out of curves. Gave my ex wife heart palpitations.
Me and my buddies bought sea doos and I pulled mine with this car. Hilarious but we do what we must do to enjoy our youth. Wish I had this car again. Memories!
Wow! This brings back memories. I previously owned an 88' MR2 in white with the t-top, a/c and power everything when I was single. I upgraded the exterior by having the mirrors painted white, purchasing the 89' supercharged MR2 smooth door handles (having them painted white) and purchasing the 89' MR2 supercharged rear spoiler with the LEDs (having it painted white with the factory silver stripe), because I'm my opinion, they looked better than the black door handles and the single light under the rear spoiler. I really enjoyed it the time I had it. Everything changed after I married my wife and had daughters. I went from driving awesome 3 pedal 5 speed manual transmission sports cars to driving a 2 pedal 8 passenger minivan. I did not see that coming.
Back in the day, I sold my Fiat X1/9 to a mate which he ran about in for a couple of years. Then of course he upgraded to the Mk1 MR2 when it appeared... and believe me, it was many a lad’s dream car at the time. I had some poke (well compared to the Fiat) lots of style and definitely a bump up in quality and , erm, reliability, rust-proofing, sounds, space and just about everything else. Of course a Mk2 Golf GTi would tear it apart and I had likewise upgraded to the Pug GTI 1.9 which was a beast for its time. So, I’ve long thought of this as the natural successor to the X1/9. Nice...
Toyota ripped the idea off the Fiat X1/9.
Yes it's better executed, but arguably they both rust equally well!
That exhaust is writing cheques the engine can't cash...
Toyota's Baby Honda NSX.
Loved mine and was in the same ice blue colour as this example. Bloody good fun in the snow too. The turn in is amazing, even with worn and knackered bushes!. You can just keep your foot in and chuck them. My dream when i get more garage space would be one of these, Lose a bit of weight to 900kgs, decent coilovers, Whiteline anti roll bars, Polybushed and with the 2ZZ supercharged engine from the Lotus Exige , 6 speed box And a plated LSD.
Enjoyed the video, shame it was a bit cold and you didn't have time to learn it's limit. When the back end lets go, it's not a hard thing to wrestle, they actually make quite fun drift cars! with a mk3 MR2 lsd.
I still own a 1987 AW11SC with upgraded Supercharger (more boost).... It's quick :)
No mid range? Haha the 4AGE revs to 9,000 rpm so the 'mid-range' is actually 4500rpm. It was Toyota's version of the VTEC motor. 5,000 rpm is the start of 'mid-range'power, not the end of it. 8000 rpm gives the Toyota 'yo'.
I often wonder why I didn't shop this car, and in 1989 you could get a 5.0L Mustang LX or a Probe GT for substantially less money; the MR2 was priced in Mazda RX-7 GTU territory.
I owned an early Mk1b coupe in white during the late 1990's, it was totally standard and one of the best cars I've ever driven. For the last seven years I've owned a late Mk1b T-bar, also in white. The only non standard equipment are 16" x 7" alloy wheels shod with 195/45 tyres (I may try going to 205/45 at a later date), and it handles like a go-kart without much loss of comfort. About three years ago I fitted all new standard road springs, dampers, drop links, and uprated the brakes to cross drilled, grooved and vented discs, all of which have made a big improvement.
Love the wedge shapes of the 80s!
When you start a video always check your surrounding, even on the floor.
Oh yes! I miss my MK1 MR2 to this day! Great little car, had so much fun in mine, I had a mongoose exhaust on mine and loved it. Great review!
I have a Supercharged '89 MR2 and I'll NEVER sell her. It's my fourth and my last. My absolute favourite car of all time,,,well,,,except for the F40. LOL
James I just passed a parked white MR2 AW11 out front of my local Audi Dealer 20 mins ago, Trade!!!!!
That particular car is Light Mica Blue not Silver. I owned the same model in the Dark Mica Blue. After having years of Fiat X1/9 ownership, it was a much more refined (but less stylish) alternative. I did quite a lot of miles in the MR2 but ended up trading for an Esprit S3
Hey Jay, love the videos, been watching for about a year now. A small bit of feedback: Whenever you mention another variant or car, flash a picture of it on the screen! Really gives the audience a ton more context.
As an 80s kid, this is the only MR2 i think of when you say 'MR2'. I only knew one rich kid whose daddy bought her one when they came out.
They're not crazy rare here in Australia. Popular track and AutoX car.
I had a MK1 MR2 - red, T bar, black leather seats - top spec. I saw an advert for it in Car magazine, a mini Ferrari to my eyes at the time. I pinned the ad above my layout desk (us designers didn't have computers then) and drooled over it. A couple of years later I bought one. I can honestly say out of all the cars I've owned, I love it above all others. It was plenty fast enough for me at the time - you could chuck it about and feel like a superstar driver. My mates had front wheel drives SRi's and XR2i's etc - and they used to tease me about it - but the MR2 was streets ahead of their Vauxhall / Ford Essex buckets. A great car, great fun and, at the time, jolly sexy too. Now I'll watch the video....
Back in September 1987 I bought the first MR2 for sale (“Super Red with charcoal interior) in Canberra, Australia. Best handling car I have ever owned - a supreme cornering machine
I always measured this against its Corolla sister with the same engine. The Corolla was lighter, quicker, less expensive and more practical, so I could never see the relative appeal of the MR2...but I was (and still am) just a pleb and certainly not in the market for a car like this, made for the junior-grade City yuppies of the late '80s (those who hadn't yet reaped enough trading wealth to get into a Porsche 944 or been promoted to a 911).
Good for a long drive you say. We jumped into mine in '92 after getting married and drove to Athens in it, from North London. Bit cramped, and we had a case on the specially designed roof-rack but it was amazing. Sold it about 3 years later and always missed it. Tail was wayward though - in the wet particularly. Did one accidental 360 in it but luckily it was so small I didn't hit anything.
I remember my local vicar having one of these in red
Great review... that's a beautiful Mk1, I only wish mine was in the same condition. But that exhaust is bloody terrible though, lol. Put an original exhaust back on and rip out the intake piping to fit a racing muffler and the 4AGE sounds 10s better, quite on low revs but screams when being run out.
Owned one years ago, fun car, £5k plus for a nice example now so you may as well just buy an imported factory supercharged version for about £9k and you get Aircon as a bonus 👍
Back in the day---I was looking for a car that would excite me as a driver--I test drove 2 used MR2 supercharged because I did like the look. I had never driven a mid-engined car before. They were lovely and quick but common sense prevailed and I never bought one. Now that I'm older,wiser and wealthier I still love them but I'm leaning towards a Lotus or the 4C.
I must say you really do your research for each car you review and present it very well. You even acknowledge your prejudices and dislikes in an upfront manner.
Watching this was ruined by that horrible exhaust. I remember these cars sounding rather pleasant, but this exhaust gets a big fat nope from me. The many exhaust sound clips got really annoying, really fast.
The MK1 MR2 is the first car i think of when you say MR2, and the one i'd most like to own. The MK2 being the only alternative. This car looks to be in fantastic shape. Much kudos for the work that's gone into fixing it up. THAT part of it i absolutely love.