Toyota Spyder MR2 Anyone own one?

[ROBsS4R]

I have become soft over the years and I am tired of riding in the rain, wind, cold weather full time.
I noticed the Spyders and Miata's are reasonably priced and since its going to be the garage more
often than my motorcycle I decided against buying a more expensive car not that I can afford it right
now anyways

A lotus elise seems to be a over kill for a daily driver with some fun in the twisties every once in a while

Anyone have experience with these cars. As you can tell handling is my first concern =)

[DarkStaR]

Wait?  Didn't you have an s2000 only to get rid of it just a couple of months later?  

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=15511.msg276593#msg276593

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3717.msg54338#msg54338

[Randimus Maximus]

They handle well.  You can find some aftermarket/JDM parts to make it handle even better.  Downside to the car is that it is underpowered.  The stock 1.8L only has 140 ponies.

The later years had a 6-spd SMT that was quite fun to drive.

[ROBsS4R]

Wait?  Didn't you have an s2000 only to get rid of it just a couple of months later?  

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=15511.msg276593#msg276593

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3717.msg54338#msg54338

Yup that's me

It sat in the garage and I road my motorcycle most of the time. That's why this time around I am looking for a much less expensive car that will still give me a smile to drive on the days the motorcycle is kept inside =)

[DarkStaR]

Power will be the problem with both.

Just keep in mind that it's not about flat out speed with either or, but gaining time in the corners.

A LSD and a 6sp will make either more fun.

Also, you'll have to be comfortable with your manhood, because people will question/challenge you.  Trust me, I know:

[Popeye the Sailor]

Also, you'll have to be comfortable with your manhood, because people will question/challenge you.  Trust me, I know:

Well, of course they'd have to question you. I mean, if you can't actually get a compact parked between the lines......

[NFG]

I used to own an MR-S in Japan.  Great fun little car, especially with a noisy exhaust on it.  We ran into immediate problems with it though, when it came to cargo space.  As a bike rider you probably won't mind, but I got sick of having to wedge groceries behind the seats where, after three bags, the car was full and the wife was holding everything else on her lap.  We couldn't go anywhere or do anything with it.  Sold it after two months of irritation.  Great fun to drive if you're just driving, but totally useless if you want to DO something.

For my money there's not much better than my current car, a RenaultSport Megane 225.  Not much good if you're in the States, but if you're in PAL territory the 225HP and handling are pretty spectacular for a full-featured, comfortable car.

[He Man]

if you are a guy who rides moto for almost everything, youve found a solution to many problems...such as

a)riding when its brick as shit
b) riding when its wet as shit
c) riding when you need to carry mad shit.

I think the main point of having a car when you cannot afford a nice one is to not have to deal with all that shit.

MR2 doenst look like an answer to that problem.  What if 2 hot broads came up to you. you cant even bring 2 girls home. How ridiculous is that?

[ROBsS4R]

MR2 doenst look like an answer to that problem.  What if 2 hot broads came up to you. you cant even bring 2 girls home. How ridiculous is that?

nonsense... One of them sits in your lap 

I am done being a foul weather rider. I am fine with the cold but I am taking added risk which is not worth it nor is it
enjoyable to ride when its Wet and raining out.

[Bun-bun]

What iteration of the MR-2 are you looking at/what are you willing to spend?

I've always liked the look of the 2nd gen MR-2, which was available in a turbo version as well. I see them up for sale occasionally for under $10k, problem is finding one that's not used up.

[DRKWNG]

Dude, buy my S2000.  Problem solved.   

[triangleforge]

Have you sat in a Mini, or does it need to be a wind-in-your-hair kind of deal?  I've driven one once and it was a ton of fun, and probably would have been two tons with the "S" motor. All of the folks I know who've owned them rave about 'em.

And if you DO want wind in your hair, you could wait for them to build the Mini Beachcomber (which, alas, they almost certainly won't):

http://jalopnik.com/5427365/mini-beachcomber-concept-previews-mini-crossman-suv

Or buy DRKWNG's S2000. And move to Hawaii. Sounds like a win-win.

[Pip]

I've got a simple, Brilliant Black 1995 Miata. I adore this car, man. It's my daily driver. Light, handles like a dream, and has a brilliant 5-Speed manual transmission. Maintenance is rare, and usually cheap, or VERY easily done by yourself. Torsen limited slip (STOCK), 2300 lbs. 1.8L with 128hp. Like has been said earlier, it's not about horsepower, it's carrying speed through corners. Visit Miata.net to tap into the HUGE resources there... lots of knowledgeable people.

I love mine so much I'm looking for a 2nd Miata. LOL

[ROBsS4R]

Its a 2001 MR2 so the last and most recent body style.

I was also looking at a early 90s Miata. They are all over the place here and you can buy them for 2 to 3k.

[Porsche Monkey]

nonsense... One of them sits in your lap 

I am done being a foul weather rider. I am fine with the cold but I am taking added risk which is not worth it nor is it
enjoyable to ride when its Wet and raining out.

Ive had two hot chicks in my 914 before.  It was crowded but I didn't mind.