What are common problems with 91-95 n/a's

[xxtcr87]

Hey everyone...I'm new to the forums but not new to toyotas. I had a 92 corolla for a year that got totaled by a souped up 240sx. Right now I'm driving an 86 hachi-roku, but i'm looking at getting a 91-95 mr2. I found one that is in pristine shape, 73K miles, black leather interior, t-tops,N/A and the only downside is that its auto. I'm going to talk to the guy about buying the car tomorrow. It's in such good shape that the only thing I can use to talk the guy down is that it's timing belt wasn't changed at 60K. I was wondering what some of you guys could suggest to use to talk the guy down. Like what are some common other parts like cv boots, strut boots, or whatever, that I could point out to the guy that I will need to spend money on to fix.? Also, how much would I be looking at paying for a timing belt, water pump, and other associated seal change at a dealer? Sorry about the long question, but I figure you guys can help me. Thanks in advance.

Anthony

[JekylandHyde]

The timing belt is $$$ at the dealer.
It's not a quick job on the MR2.

Common things that go bad are the power antenna and the shifter cables ... cables seem to be an issue after 150K miles though.

The only "big thing" that is common on the MKII NAs, is leaky valve seals.
You will ONLY see this during a cold start up ... it will puff blue smoke. It will only do it once (usually in the morning).
Anyone who has gone through this would know they could easily hide it to a prospective buyer having the car turned on before you get there.

It puffs one huge cloud of blue smoke and that is it.

[xxtcr87]

Thanks for the reply man. I figured that its pretty pricey to put a timing belt on an mr2. How much would you say it would cost to get that done? And the thing about the leaky valve seals, if the car is running when I get there, then I'm pointing that out to the guy that I think he's trying to hide bad valve seals from me. Also, if its off when I get there, I can always feel the engine to see if it's warm. I'm going to look at it tonight. I gotta find out how much a timing belt/water pump change will aproximately cost.

Anthony

[JekylandHyde]

You can call a dealer and ask for a quote on timing belt ...

.. as for the seals, the car needs to be off and sitting for a good while to have enough oil drip into the cylinders to see the blue smoke.

...You usually only see it on the first start up on any given day.

[xxtcr87]

LOL...I know man. That was the point I was trying to get at. I know how to tell if a seller is trying to hide bad valve seals. I called up a dealer and it's only $265 w/ all accesory belts and labor to get a timing belt changed. That's alot less than I expected!!