looking into mr2's

hey everyone, i am in the process of looking for a new car, one that is reliable, and a performance car. how are the mr2's? what are there specs and everything, i was looking at the 2nd generations. i have about 7,000 i am willing to spend, would this get me a decent 2nd gen mr2? and how does this car compare to a ford probe gt(my current car) thanks everyone
-tom
p.s. how is insurance for these cars?

hey i've been doing some research, and insurance isn't too bad, it's got more stock hp then my probe, but then again it has a turbo in it already. i was thinking about putting a turbo in my probe, after i got a new engine w/ forged internals. one of the main questions is about reliability. is this the type of car that is going to end up becoming a money pit, like the probes? thanks
-tom

I know this is going to sound like a completely ignorant response to your question, but the second generation MR2 turbo owns the probe in every aspect i can think of, besides trunkspace. Well, maybe not even that if you take out the plastic in the front.

-They accelerate faster
-They have WAY more potential
-They handle better
-They look better
-They get better gas milage

Then you got the goodies like it being a 2 seater, it having t-tops.. the motor sits in the middle of the car behind your head, and in front of your trunk.. And is a chick magnet in general.

Unlike a probe lol.

yea, but then again a probe is like 1/2 the price of a mr2. but i guess i diddn't ask the right question... how reliable are these cars? and so they beat the probe, how do they compare to a 3000gt vr4? how do they have WAY more potential then a probe? are there lots of aftermarket parts for these vehicles? and i am not dissagring with you that stock probes suck, but what about a probe w/ 7-10k invested in it? thanks
-tom

3000gt vr4 = overweight, and made into a TT to copensate. this means poor handling in comparison.

mr2s are as reliable as any other japanese car, as long as you take care of it, it will take care of you.

yes, they have WAY more potential than a probe. engine modification and suspension geometry just work better. and a MR car will always be a top performer.

yes, there are a LOT of aftermarket parts available.

if i put 7-10k into my mr2 i could have an 11 second car that is set up for autocrossing, and able to be driven every day on the street.

it comes down to what you like better. go find a mr2 turbo, test drive it and go from there.

i doubt youll be able to pick up a vr4 for 7000

Hes right.

VR4 = Breakage.

10k invested in an MR2? Well.. Crap man lol. Hes right, youre talking low 11's, maybe 10's. Driven daily, with AC.

hey here is that vr4 for 7k
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4524004758&fromMakeTrack=true
and the guy was going to be cool with me taking it out for a test drive and all, but then i checked the insurance... and OUCH! they wanted like 5k a year just for liability. but anyway, ok cool mr2's sound pretty cool, what are there stock 1/4 mile times, and their stock 0-60 and top speed? thanks everyone, oh there are not to many mr2's out here, but im planning on visiting/working in nj during the summer, so hopefully there will be some there.
-tom

im in no rush, considering i only have 1k saved up! plus my probe!!! any one want to do a clean swap 1994 probe gt for mr2? come on it's a good deal i promise! lol.

ok anybody know the 1/4 mile times/ 0-60 times for a stock 1994 turbo? thanks
tom

not off the top of my head, they are easy to google though... unless someone else here has a good link

hmm i've been looking it seems somewhere beetween 13-14 stock, hmm... does the mr2 have a top speed limiter? also, are the 94-95 the best of the second gen's? thanks
tom