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.
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
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!!
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.
"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.
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.
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'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).
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.
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 .
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!!!!
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.
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'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.
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 👍
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!
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 still remember the first time I saw one of those in the wild. In the early '80s I had not seen many little 2 seater sports cars apart from your regular MGs, etc. It was a breath of fresh air.
My boss bought a brand new one in 1986. It was white with gold pinstripes. I used to park it for him. It felt very special inside and looked stunning from the outside. In 1986 it was a dream car and I remember how badly I wanted one.
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 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 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....
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!
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!
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.
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.
I had one in ‘89, used to think I was Don Johnson driving around London in it, even had a car phone fitted with a curly cable but it was 50p a minute to use it so hardly ever did! Great memories, great car
A dream car of mine... the 1980's encapsulated in a sports car and boy do I miss those times. This is definately a bucket list future classic car purchase for me. Mine would be red without that bordering on obscene exaust.
I owned an 88 T-bar back in 2000 when I was a 19 year old naive petrolhead student. It was a rust bucket but it was absolutely glorious to drive. I also had the Janspeed exhaust and at that time it was the coolest thing ever. First car I learned to slide the back end in and back in 2000 it was a damn quick car, 0-60 in 7.6 secs was the book figure. Shame they had no rust protection. Still miss it to this day.
I had an 1986 MR2, drove for 100k miles. And I still judge every auto purchase against it.... Such a joy to drive. You really could enjoy ALL of it ! Best time was a curvey section of roadway and leaving in 3rd giving it the Beans. The interior was most excellent and loved how the sunroof stored in the bonnet. Such memories. Incidentally, have had jags, beemers, Audi's, mercs, mustangs, and only my MK3 TT has come close to those days in my Yota - enjoyed the video CHEERS
I really enjoy it when you do an introduction to the car as you have on this video, James. (I liked your idea of doing this, and putting a time on the screen for those who dislike it to fast-forward to.)
My next door neighbour bought one of these in red. I remember as a youth being stunned by it, as every other adult on the street had normal saloon cars and hatchbacks. He bought it in 1988 and kept it until replacing it with a Ford Cougar 2.5 V6 in 2000. Lovely thing.
I had one of these for five years. I absolutely loved it. You could throw it around to a point but you had to be careful with the breaks. I remember practicing going faster and faster on a turn in to a street close to home until i went straight into a ditch instead of the slightest turn. Would have been a perfect sized car for English lanes.
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
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 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.
so glad you've done a video on this. talked my other half into buying one last year to go along with my Mk1 Mx5 and honestly a lovely car to drive and she has been in love with it ever since, 1 thing to point out to anyone considering one is rust, they like to rust a lot! even if they look clean you still want to give them a good look over. there also isnt a massive aftermarket for these in the UK, but that being said, i would 10/10 recommend to anyone looking for a fun, reliable, and quirky 80s sports car
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.
When you say MR2, that’s exactly the version I think of. Used to be one parked outside my flat when I was at Law School in 89. Unobtainable to me, used to just gaze in awe.
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.
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
Used to love these cars as a kid, and they were always my MR2 model I thought of! Great seeing one up close after all these years, but yeah, that exhaust is a little spicy! Great Vid!
I had an 88 F MR2 Mk1b in Mica Blue. Totally reliable and huge fun to drive. Choice of rubber it important as the rear can step out very easily - I nearly crashed mine twice as I drove it home from the seller due to bad tyres. A taxi T-boned me tearing a gash from front to rear arch, writing it off.
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 had one of these back in 2016, same colour, T-bar, but then I had to give up driving for medical reasons. The temptation to buy another one even though I wouldn't be able to drive it (on the roads at least) is honestly really strong (no idea what I would even do with it), that's how much I loved this car.
You mentioned long drives... I drove mine for 7 hours from Bristol to Scotland when I bought it! Not the most relaxing engine noise on the motorway, and my stereo wasn't working, so that's all I had to listen to... but it remained very comfortable all the way back through the torrential rain of "Storm Hannah" with not a hiccup.
I had one of these in the early nineties (facelift mark 1) and absolutely loved it so this is very nostalgic for me. The original exhaust didn’t need changing. It was quiet and refined at low revs (I even tried to start once while idling....) but it really opened up as the revs built, the change in character at c5k revs was intoxicating. And I could fit my golf clubs in the boot. Dark blue (mica pearlescent?)......thanks for the video!
Loved this when I was a kid Had twin cam written on the back. I didn't have a clue. But I knew it had cams. And two of them..... I thought it was amazing.
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.
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
One of my favourite cars ever ever! Would love to own one, but since I can only drive automatic, I fear it might be a case of "never meet your hero". Great review, and well done to the owner for keeping it alive!
I owned the non supercharged Mr2 and now the supercharged version. The supercharged engine transforms the car, especially with the overboost pulley kit. I went the next step and fitted a haltech and coil pack on mine. They also respond very well to suspension mods, particularly with sway bar upgrades and rear strut brace etc. Upgraded shocks do spoil the ride a bit however. I do hope Jay you get to drive a supercharged version. I have owned Alfas and I find this car quite unique in the amount of feedback you get from it. If you had the car longer you would be surprised the turn of speed you can get out of when you get more confident, its car you can drive close to the limit because you can feel what its doing. Thanks for sharing this video Jay as its a classic car that more people can get to know about. If you make it to Australia you can have a drive of mine!. The next plan is to replace the factory inter cooler and add a better throttle body. I am in my 60s yet when I drive the Mr2 I am 20 again..
i have an 89. in the exact color combo of this car. i can attest the car is so fun its insane. the hood slopes down so you see no hood through the windshield, its like an aircraft feel to it. a poor mans NSX for sure.
I always wanted a cool engine when i had mine, i also learned and really wanted to change the suspension around because few club racers cracked how to make them handle like a dream. These days the suspension stuff is even better known, more hands have been through their own trials, and theres a 2GR swap kit for 300hp reliable action. I never totally got my MR2 when i had it, i was blown away for what it taught me but not how it felt, but these days i think the lack of engine noise, the demanding stock handling can just vibe with all the things that it did do right like overall driver feedback. What i realized after i had the car and after having thoughts above many times is that although i love it for being a Toyota, i don't care that its like a Lotus, what i like about it is that its like a Stratos, but liveable, and reliable, and attainable. But that is just me, stock or carefully crafted state of tune these things are among a breed that feels more like it dates back to the 1950s, there just isn't anything livable but raw like them anymore. Miatas handling dynamics are nicer but the razor sharp feedback, instantly, sadly its something that has just become too rare. Sorry but had to add, no offense but that janspeed exhaust or whatever it is does not do the 4age justice at low revs
Actually this is exactly what I think of when somebody says MR2. I absolutely love this car. Almost bought it for my first car but ended up with a Honda CRX Si. Soooooooooo cool the original MR2 was.
one of my ALL TIME FAV cars ever ever ever ! i really do adore the first gen. design . it was love at first sight for me when it arrived on the scene . Cheers&Thanks
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.
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 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!!
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.
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.
"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 one that comes to my mind, because of the engine and the marvelous shape.
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 ;)
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!!!!
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!
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).
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)
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.
This car has the coolest interior i have ever seen on an 80's car.
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 .
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!!!!
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.
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'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.
Fantastic looking car. Both the MK1 and MK2 were masterpieces.
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 👍
MR2, Celica, Supra ... a visit to a Toyota dealer in the late 80's / early 90's was just wonderful as a kid.
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!
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’ve had my AW11 about a year now and I absolutely love it. Glad to see someone else grinning from ear to ear from driving one.
I remember this car when I was a kid. Loved it and always wanted one.
I still remember the first time I saw one of those in the wild. In the early '80s I had not seen many little 2 seater sports cars apart from your regular MGs, etc. It was a breath of fresh air.
My boss bought a brand new one in 1986. It was white with gold pinstripes.
I used to park it for him. It felt very special inside and looked stunning from the outside.
In 1986 it was a dream car and I remember how badly I wanted one.
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
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 drive an ‘86 MR2. Dad bought it new. I still drive it today. Just over 200k miles. I love that car.
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!
Loved my 1988 T-Bar MR2. It was like driving a go-kart.
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 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....
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!
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!
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.
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.
I had one in ‘89, used to think I was Don Johnson driving around London in it, even had a car phone fitted with a curly cable but it was 50p a minute to use it so hardly ever did! Great memories, great car
A dream car of mine... the 1980's encapsulated in a sports car and boy do I miss those times. This is definately a bucket list future classic car purchase for me. Mine would be red without that bordering on obscene exaust.
I owned an 88 T-bar back in 2000 when I was a 19 year old naive petrolhead student. It was a rust bucket but it was absolutely glorious to drive. I also had the Janspeed exhaust and at that time it was the coolest thing ever. First car I learned to slide the back end in and back in 2000 it was a damn quick car, 0-60 in 7.6 secs was the book figure. Shame they had no rust protection. Still miss it to this day.
I had an 1986 MR2, drove for 100k miles. And I still judge every auto purchase against it.... Such a joy to drive. You really could enjoy ALL of it ! Best time was a curvey section of roadway and leaving in 3rd giving it the Beans. The interior was most excellent and loved how the sunroof stored in the bonnet. Such memories. Incidentally, have had jags, beemers, Audi's, mercs, mustangs, and only my MK3 TT has come close to those days in my Yota - enjoyed the video CHEERS
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 really enjoy it when you do an introduction to the car as you have on this video, James. (I liked your idea of doing this, and putting a time on the screen for those who dislike it to fast-forward to.)
My next door neighbour bought one of these in red. I remember as a youth being stunned by it, as every other adult on the street had normal saloon cars and hatchbacks. He bought it in 1988 and kept it until replacing it with a Ford Cougar 2.5 V6 in 2000. Lovely thing.
I had one of these for five years. I absolutely loved it. You could throw it around to a point but you had to be careful with the breaks. I remember practicing going faster and faster on a turn in to a street close to home until i went straight into a ditch instead of the slightest turn. Would have been a perfect sized car for English lanes.
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’ve loved these since they came out when I was a kid
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.
My dad had one when nearly new in silver, and about 15 years later,my mate bought the identical example to the test vehicle. Fantastic cars.
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.
so glad you've done a video on this. talked my other half into buying one last year to go along with my Mk1 Mx5 and honestly a lovely car to drive and she has been in love with it ever since, 1 thing to point out to anyone considering one is rust, they like to rust a lot! even if they look clean you still want to give them a good look over. there also isnt a massive aftermarket for these in the UK, but that being said, i would 10/10 recommend to anyone looking for a fun, reliable, and quirky 80s sports car
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.
When you say MR2, that’s exactly the version I think of. Used to be one parked outside my flat when I was at Law School in 89. Unobtainable to me, used to just gaze in awe.
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.
A friend of mine just purchased an 87. Fun car! Very responsive steering and awesome looks.
Beautiful car inside and out. Love the 80s interior
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
Used to love these cars as a kid, and they were always my MR2 model I thought of! Great seeing one up close after all these years, but yeah, that exhaust is a little spicy! Great Vid!
My favourite car I've ever owned, pocket rocket, T Bar roof
That exhaust would drive me nuts 🥜
I had an 88 F MR2 Mk1b in Mica Blue. Totally reliable and huge fun to drive. Choice of rubber it important as the rear can step out very easily - I nearly crashed mine twice as I drove it home from the seller due to bad tyres. A taxi T-boned me tearing a gash from front to rear arch, writing it off.
i’ve searched up mr2 reviews almost every week. so happy to see this video come out
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?
Love the wedge shapes of the 80s!
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.
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!
The colour isn't silver its Ice Blue. I had one in the 90s. Great car.
Loved them back then and still look great today Janspeed the exhaust of the 80's Had them on all my hot hatches back then 👍
I remember the original MR2 with pop up headlights. That’s a rare survivor.
I drove one when they were new. Stellar driving experience that begged for more horsepower.
I had an AW11 for nine years and I loved it. Put well over 100,000 miles on it. The only car I've had since that was better was my Boxster.
I had one of these back in 2016, same colour, T-bar, but then I had to give up driving for medical reasons. The temptation to buy another one even though I wouldn't be able to drive it (on the roads at least) is honestly really strong (no idea what I would even do with it), that's how much I loved this car.
I once owned a 1988 Supercharged version. It’s the only car I’ve owned that I wish I still had. Always fun to drive.
You mentioned long drives... I drove mine for 7 hours from Bristol to Scotland when I bought it! Not the most relaxing engine noise on the motorway, and my stereo wasn't working, so that's all I had to listen to... but it remained very comfortable all the way back through the torrential rain of "Storm Hannah" with not a hiccup.
I have one of these in dark metallic blue, all original with black leather interior. When driving it, it’s like going back in time to the 1980’s 😎
I had one of these in the early nineties (facelift mark 1) and absolutely loved it so this is very nostalgic for me. The original exhaust didn’t need changing. It was quiet and refined at low revs (I even tried to start once while idling....) but it really opened up as the revs built, the change in character at c5k revs was intoxicating. And I could fit my golf clubs in the boot. Dark blue (mica pearlescent?)......thanks for the video!
Loved this when I was a kid
Had twin cam written on the back. I didn't have a clue. But I knew it had cams. And two of them..... I thought it was amazing.
Haha yep exactly the same. No idea at all what it was but sounded immensely fast regardless
Gorgeous car, theres something about boxy 80s japanese cars...
That silver color is beautiful, it has something of blue shimmering
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.
The audio tape selection is top notch
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
That cassette collection... brilliant! Sweet little car, leave it stock
One of my favourite cars ever ever! Would love to own one, but since I can only drive automatic, I fear it might be a case of "never meet your hero".
Great review, and well done to the owner for keeping it alive!
I owned the non supercharged Mr2 and now the supercharged version. The supercharged engine transforms the car, especially with the overboost pulley kit. I went the next step and fitted a haltech and coil pack on mine. They also respond very well to suspension mods, particularly with sway bar upgrades and rear strut brace etc. Upgraded shocks do spoil the ride a bit however. I do hope Jay you get to drive a supercharged version. I have owned Alfas and I find this car quite unique in the amount of feedback you get from it. If you had the car longer you would be surprised the turn of speed you can get out of when you get more confident, its car you can drive close to the limit because you can feel what its doing. Thanks for sharing this video Jay as its a classic car that more people can get to know about. If you make it to Australia you can have a drive of mine!. The next plan is to replace the factory inter cooler and add a better throttle body. I am in my 60s yet when I drive the Mr2 I am 20 again..
Love your video, I miss my AW11 1985 Canada version, had it for over 250,000 km and drove all year around.
i have an 89. in the exact color combo of this car. i can attest the car is so fun its insane. the hood slopes down so you see no hood through the windshield, its like an aircraft feel to it. a poor mans NSX for sure.
I love that you still review some lovely piece of motoring like these, you get a new Subscriber :)
I had one of these in my early 20's. Brilliant little car.
I always wanted a cool engine when i had mine, i also learned and really wanted to change the suspension around because few club racers cracked how to make them handle like a dream. These days the suspension stuff is even better known, more hands have been through their own trials, and theres a 2GR swap kit for 300hp reliable action.
I never totally got my MR2 when i had it, i was blown away for what it taught me but not how it felt, but these days i think the lack of engine noise, the demanding stock handling can just vibe with all the things that it did do right like overall driver feedback.
What i realized after i had the car and after having thoughts above many times is that although i love it for being a Toyota, i don't care that its like a Lotus, what i like about it is that its like a Stratos, but liveable, and reliable, and attainable. But that is just me, stock or carefully crafted state of tune these things are among a breed that feels more like it dates back to the 1950s, there just isn't anything livable but raw like them anymore. Miatas handling dynamics are nicer but the razor sharp feedback, instantly, sadly its something that has just become too rare.
Sorry but had to add, no offense but that janspeed exhaust or whatever it is does not do the 4age justice at low revs
Actually this is exactly what I think of when somebody says MR2. I absolutely love this car. Almost bought it for my first car but ended up with a Honda CRX Si. Soooooooooo cool the original MR2 was.
I owned a 1988 Mk1 many moons ago, one of the many cars I've owned I was actually sad to let go.
one of my ALL TIME FAV cars ever ever ever ! i really do adore the first gen. design . it was love at first sight for me when it arrived on the scene . Cheers&Thanks
My favourite MR2. Friend had one, we never went anywhere in it as it had no engine and just sat on his drive for 5 years lol.
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
I've had 2 of these, absolutely loved them. I'm going to buy another for a classic/weekend car.