looking for info\knowledge\tips regarding MK1 MR2s

[A-Rex]

I know this isn't a Ford - but there are some generally knowledgable guys on this site and would like your thoughts.....

Here is a far fetched story. In 1994, my brother moves into his first house. His neighbor on the 1 side is an elderly lady (prob mid-60s or so). She has an MK1 MR2 in her garage that has less than 1,000 miles on it. Her husband ordered it brand new - and died before taking delivery. She still bought it when it came in - but never drove it - just left it in her garage. She bought it cause she didn't want to regret NOT buying it.

Fast forward to today...the lady has been put in a home and her kids are starting to unload her stuff...and they want to get rid of the car. My brother says he hasn't seen that car in years (she use to pull it out into her driveway every once and a while - but never really drove it).

Here are some of my questions:

1. What would something like this be worth? I recognize a premium would need to be paid for the low miles (likely still under 1,000 - but easily no more than 1,500). But I don't see the car being a "collector car".

2. What would I need to do to get this thing sorted out and road worthy? I am thinking at a minimum --> new tires, belts, flush/change the engine oil and engine coolant, battery

3. Inspect other areas where rubber is involved (CV boots, etc)

4. What are some of the problem areas of MR2s? I realize that these usually materialize with miles rather than time - but would like to know some of the pitfalls up front.

5. Does anyone know any good forums for these type of cars? I've found a few - but they seem to all be originating out of the UK. Nothing wrong with that - but looking for a domestic website too.

6. At this point - people who mod these cars seem to do engine swaps - mid 90s Camry V6 engines - getting you 190 HP/190 TQ.....something called a 20V Black or 20V Silver - getting you around 165 HP. Can anyone shed more light on these or other popular engine swaps?

If I was fortunate enough to get this ride - I would make it road worthy and drive it for a year or 2...and then see if I want to mod it - or get out of it.

What would you do if you got a car like this? Looking for all opinions....from mild to wild.

And if you think I should run from this car as it is a bad idea - I like to know that too - and reasoning behind it.

Thanks!

[6SPD04COBRA]

I owned a 93 turbo MR2 for about 4 years. They have a pretty big following for a car with fairly low production numbers. I was actually an administrator on mr2.com so check that forum out. I couldn't tell you what the car is worth but i'd say you could find a buyer at $20k +


my old car...

[Mark Aubele]

If it has been sitting for years, it probably needs EVERYTHING replaced (belts, hoses, brake lines, etc.), plus the MK1 cars pretty much suck. MK2 MR2s like pictured above are still very desirable, I doubt anyone in the country cares about a MK1, but with that low of miles it would be cool to just have it.

[6SPD04COBRA]

If it has been sitting for years, it probably needs EVERYTHING replaced (belts, hoses, brake lines, etc.), plus the MK1 cars pretty much suck. MK2 MR2s like pictured above are still very desirable, I doubt anyone in the country cares about a MK1, but with that low of miles it would be cool to just have it.

I know a guy who paid $21k for a low mile bone stock MK1 about 3 years ago. There is a market for them but yeah not as desireable as the SW20.

[6SPD04COBRA]

Is the mk1 supercharged or NA? they came in both

[PaxtonShelby]

$21k for a Mk I is nuts. Nice Mk2's can be had for $5-8k. Later Mk2's have upgrades - maybe bigger brakes or ? Can't remember - a neighbor down the street has one and gave me the rundown once.