It's funny. I started looking for a 2nd gen MR2 waaaay back in 2006 when I was looking to replace my Miata with a new toy. I even went as far as registering on MR2.com and started asking questions about the car. I remember not being impressed with how heavy it was for a relatively weak n/a engine and I didn't really want to deal with a turbo.

Then I found out how hard it was to find one...I stopped looking.

Fast forward to May 2012 and I start itching for a new toy and I started seriously looking on Craigslist again for 240Z (I actually never stop looking for Zs). For kicks, I started searching for MR2s again and noticed how much they've come down in price. Although the Turbos were still commanding healthy prices.

The main goal was to find a hardtop. Again, all I found were targas or automatics.

About a month into the search, I saw this ad while I was vacationing in Banff.

Factory JDM 3rd 3SGTE engine setup (Ceramic Turbo), JDM 5spd w/TRD LSD, and TRD mounts, no coolant/oil leaks, doesn't burn oil/coolant, manual everything (except side mirrors), and extremely light hardtop model. Electronic Boost Controller, Exhaust Temp Gauge, and Boost Gauge, Cross-Drilled/Slotted Rotors, Ceramic Brakes (90% life on them), Adjustable KYB's and Eibach ProSport Springs. This was intended as a project/road course car that ended up being a daily driver until recent new car purchase. Needs paint and some TLC. No major engine issues. No A/C but I have most of the lines if needed, all interior is in place, headlight motors function correctly, and no seals leak in car. Original JDM cluster that came with engine but converted electronically to mph. Asking 4k OBO.







I wasn't completely sure I would even look at it, thinking I wanted to blow more money on a trip to Rio or Iceland.

On a whim, I answered the ad and arranged a test drive...

The good:
- No leaks
- hardtop
- manual rack, manual windows
- Turbo!!!
- LSD
- 5 way KYBs & Eibach springs

The bad:
- Exhaust leak
- needed tires, bodywork
- Horn is inop
- E-brake is inop
- Diff is loud

Then I drove it...It felt really good. I was hooked, but I wasn't sure I'd buy this one. So, I kept looking and test drove a few n/a models. Each car had a few issues and the n/a ones weren't significantly cheaper.

So, I dug into the history of the car and found the owner previous to the one selling it. Turns out that he is a well respected MR2 specialist and this was his track car, although it sat more than it did any racing. In the end, he sold it to fund a RHD example.

I originally wanted him to check out the car before making an offer, but Tropical Storm Debbie prevented that. I couldn't wait any longer during the storms and threw out an offer.

If he turned it down, no big deal. A day later, he came back with a counter offer only $200 higher than what I offered him. I tentatively agreed...