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While the idea of purchasing a brand-new mid-engine, rear-wheel drive car is something reserved for those in a much higher tax bracket than the majority of us, less than 20 years ago you could scoop one up for about $36,000 in today’s money.
We’re referencing, of course, the Toyota MR2. Originally debuting in 1984, the Midship Runabout 2-seater remains the last affordable mid-engine sports car ever produced. But with the modern classic car prices skyrocketing since the pandemic in 2020, it may soon be more feasible to buy a 986 Porsche Boxster — something no one could have predicted when the two were the mid-engine sports cars of choice.
However, it’s no surprise that all three generations of MR2 are experiencing their biggest surge in value since they were available for purchase off the car lot. After all, its stunning designs, classic Toyota reliability, and raucous driver experience formulate one of the most popular mid-engine sports cars of all time. This is the Toyota MR2: 10 reasons it’s still a desirable sports car.
10 The Toyota MR2’s Mid-Engine Layout
Its most desirable trait, of course, also happens to be its most unique: the mid-engine layout. According to Toyota UK Magazine, the MR2 came about when reminiscing on the affordable, yet interesting experience the European mid-engine cars of the ’60s provided.
Although the exact reasons leading Toyota to the mid-engine layout aren’t public information, especially since it’s more expensive to produce than front-wheel drive cars, the positive factors out weight any negative. With the engine placed between the front and rear axle, the MR2 is able to achieve perfect 50/50 weight distribution — a major contributing factor to its legendary handling ability. Not to mention the ability to develop a more aerodynamic car without having to account for an engine under the hood.
|
Engine Code |
4A-GZE |
3S-GTE |
1ZZ-FED |
|
Production Years |
1987-1995 |
1986-2007 |
1997-2008 |
|
Configuration |
Supercharged I4 |
Turbocharged I4 |
Naturally Aspirated I4 |
|
Displacement |
1.6L |
2.0L |
1.8L |
|
Power |
143 Horsepower |
200 Horsepower |
140 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
140 LB-FT |
200 LB-FT |
127 LB-FT |
|
Fuel |
Gasoline |
Gasoline |
Gasoline |
|
Noteworthy Applications |
MR2 Supercharged, AE92 Corolla |
MR2 Turbo, Celica GT-Four |
MR2 Spyder, Celica GT |
9 Classic Toyota Reliability
Another major contributing factor to the desirability of the MR2 is the fact that at the end of the day, it’s still just a Toyota. Known for their legendary durability and reliability, the MR2 is no different, enjoying the quintessential over-engineered quality Toyota developed in the ’80s and ’90s.
Granted, maintenance costs are slightly higher than your average Toyota due to the placement of the engine, along with some major components in hard-to-reach locations. But when it’s all said and done, servicing a mid-engine Toyota will cost significantly less, and save you trips to the mechanic — unlike that mid-engine Porsche we mentioned earlier.
Maintenance Costs AW10
-
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$186 (Repairpal) -
Highest Reported Mileage:
260,000 (Carsurvey) -
Problems Owners Report:
Rust and gasket failure
Maintenance Costs SW20
-
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$439 (Repairpal) -
Highest Reported Mileage:
230,000 (Carsurvey) -
Problems Owners Report:
Oversteer and failed emissions
Maintenance Costs W30
-
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$186 (Repairpal) -
Highest Reported Mileage:
345,000 (Carsurvey) -
Problems Owners Report:
Pre-cat failure and excessive oil consumption
8 The Toyota MR2’s Power-To-Weight Ratio
No matter how you cut it, 200 horsepower as a relative figure seems hilariously slow in today’s day and age. But when you look deeper and realize the heaviest the MR2 came from the factory is around 2,700 pounds, 200 horsepower and a symphony of turbo noises start to feel like double the power figure.
Because for those who haven’t been lucky enough to experience the “slow car, driven fast” firsthand, are missing out on a religious-like experience. Just imagine for a moment rowing through the gears of your mid-engine Toyota, revving out its plucky little engine to 6,000 RPM, turbos whooshing underneath the hood — only to suddenly realize you’re going about 45 MPH without any threat of a speeding ticket. What could be better?
7 The Toyota MR2 Has A Driver-Focused Design
If it’s one thing Toyota excelled at with their sports cars, is the layout and design of the cockpit. From the A80 Supra to the SW20 MR2 and XE10 IS 300, the driver-centric mapping of the dash, dials, and knobs provide a minimalistic view, to not distract the driver from the main attraction: driving.
Extending past the dashboard, its low-seating arrangement, short reach to the shifter, and motorsport-like driving position allow its driver to feel every bit of the road, encouraging them not to lose focus of the task at hand — because lift-off oversteer can happen at low-speed too.
6 The Toyota MR2 Had An Affordable Price Point
As mentioned briefly earlier in this list, the original draw to the MR2, and a major factor to this day, is the MR2’s entry fee. Although the forced inducted models like the supercharged and turbocharged versions are climbing well past their original MSRP in the mid-$20,000s (still a bargain when compared to other forced induction, mid-engine classics), their naturally-aspirated siblings are still acquired for less than $10,000 in the right market.
However, we can’t imagine the NA models will remain under five figures for much longer. With the introduction of social media in recent years, the relatively unknown excellence of the MR2 quickly became popular with the younger generation of gearheads inspired by JDM icons.
|
Generation |
Avg. Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
AW10 |
$4,500-$17,000 |
$2,640-$4,070 |
|
SW20 |
$7,000-$25,000 |
$17,600-$21,300 |
|
W30 |
$5,000-$12,000 |
$25,145-$26,145 |
5 The Toyota MR2 Offers Massive Aftermarket Support
With the resurgence of modern-classic from the ’80s and ’90s this past decade, one major issue most gearheads run into is a lack of aftermarket support for their vehicles. From plastic grommets to metal clamps and beyond, having the ability to access ready-made parts is something of a godsend when restoring a vehicle.
Fortunately for the MR2 owners, thanks to an abundance of production units, not to mention a major cult following, the majority of MR2 parts are just a click away. And for the rare chance you need a TRD competition ECU for your SW20, the answer is always found in an old forum.
4 The Toyota MR2 Has Huge Tuning Potential
It’s well-documented across the internet the tuning potential of each generation of MR2. While the forced induction models have more success than the NA counterparts, thanks to Toyota’s penchant for overengineering its engine block, the various MR2s can achieve unfathomable amounts of power. Price of course is dependent on the application you start with. For instance, the turbocharged SW20 can bump its 200 horsepower figure up to 350 with the right ECU and tune.
On the flip side, turbo kits or engine swaps are the go-to solution for the W30’s rather anemic 1ZZ engine. Which if properly sourced, can cost as little as $3,000-$4,000 — still considered a bargain with W30 value hovering around $5,000-$6,000. But at the end of the day, depending on budget, between the purchase of the car and tuning upgrades the low-end commands just under $10,000 for the W30 to around $30,000 for prime, tuned examples of the SW20.
3 The Toyota MR2 Has A Unique, Yet Familiar Design
The MR2 managed to create a spectacle every time it debuted at its respective auto show. From the boxy, wedge of the AW10, to the Italian-esque curves of the SW20 and the European-like shape of the W30, the MR2 managed to set itself apart while remaining vaguely familiar. The secret was all but released when the SW20 became known as the “poor man’s Ferrari” for its strong resemblance to the F355.
Since then, the borrowed design cues of the MR2, both old and new, became much clear. With the AW10 drawing many comparisons to the Series 1 Lotus Espirit and the eerily-similar side-paneling of the W30 and 986 Porsche Boxster, Toyota managed to create a line of cars that allowed the common man to feel as though they were enjoying the finest performance sports cars Europe has to offer.
2 The Toyota MR2’s Capability As A Daily Driver
Similar to its never-ending reliability as a sports car, the MR2 is also widely considered one of the last true daily driveable mid-engine cars. Even though any car is technically able to drive every day, the cost to keep it on the road often plays a major role in becoming a capable everyday car.
If compared to other mid-engine sports cars of the same era, like the AW10 and Pontiac Fiero, SW20 and Series 1 Lotus Elise, and the W30 MR2 and 986 Boxster, it’s hard to imagine not picking the Toyota when it comes to everyday driveability. Because the argument can be made that the MR2 alternatives are rarer or more valuable, but if an enthusiast wants to enjoy their commute, then the MR2 is the obvious answer.
1 The Toyota MR2’s Legacy As A Modern Classic
Finally, the last reason the MR2 is still a desirable sports car is the legacy it continues to endure. With each generation harboring its own unique fan base, the MR2 is one of the rare marques that stayed true to the original formula throughout its entire lifespan.
Never deviating from the affordable, mid-engine sports car it debuted as in 1984, until the last MR2 built in 2007, the Midship Runabout 2-seater will continue to transcend generation after generation of sports car enthusiasts. Let’s just hope Toyota remains true to the MR2 when the latest generation debuts.
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