How much is an '86 MR2 worth?

An '86 got traded in at work. This would be for my brother, and I could get it for about $1800. The paint kinda sucks, it's really dirty, but it's solid. Odometer says 80k, but the title is not actual mileage. Supposedly when the lady went to get her title she said it had "80 thousand something on it", so the DMV made her check the "NOT ACTUAL MILEAGE" box. Not sure if I believe that story or not. It's stock except for a Trust front strut bar, a replacement muffler (looks like Pacesetter), and some whiteface gauges. Oh, and there's a Tom's logo on the rear decklid--not sure why. Interior is clean and solid except for the center "console". What are these going for these days? What in particular should I look for (problem areas)? Thanks guys!

Photo dump:

1800 is about right where I usually see them for.

They usually will only go higher if they are absolutely pristine or how some kind of swap or are an SC.

Kind of odd because i've seen this exact car appearance wise, white and similar condition, for the exact same price in Socal except with aftermarket wheels.

I was going to buy one of these but then saw that MK3s were going for $6k or less. MR2s of any generation are great deals right now.

If you go to MR2OC, mr2.com or another enthusiast site you can see MK1s around this price but with aftermarket suspension, bushings, wheels, and setup for autocross and well taken care of with history. Before you buy this I suggest you look there and see if there is anything like that in your area. I've seen ridiculous deals on these as of late

If it's as rust-free as it looks from the pictures you might get your $1800. Looks like it sat for awhile from the greenish trunk lid and leaves in the front.

Clean it up a bit, make sure it has no mechanical problems and go for it.

I paid $2k for mine. Big selling point was rust-free from FL. I'd offer $1500 and see what happens. EDIT- curious what condition the front lower spoiler is in?

Pressure washer, a good buffer and a few beers and I'll bet you would get more than your $1800 back.

What's it worth? If you like it, does what you want and you have the money, it doesn't matter what we or KBB says.

BTW: In New York any car over 10 years old or over 100,000 miles gets a similar note on the Title.

Dan

Make sure you look for rust in the trunks and in front of the rear wheels. I looked at an 85 with 52000 original miles not driven in winter that had rust under the plastic wheel arches in front of rear wheels. Leaves and dirt packed in there rusted it out. His 2k was too Much.

The front lower spoiler is intact...I knew that was a good thing when I saw it. I can't offer any less...my work has a formula for employee pricing, and it's take it or leave it.

The car has definitely been sitting, and under a tree for sure. All of the plastic guards underneath the car are full of leaves too. The VA State Inspection was from 5/12.

Anyone have any info on the strut bar or Tom's logo? Either of these things stock? Also, I don't remember these things have dual exhaust outlets, but all of the hangars on here look factory. Did they come this way? My brother and I are going to drive it today, so we'll see how it is. Thanks for the info guys!

Is there any rust around the rear wheel arches?

Headlight switch is either broken or mounted incorrectly. Probably not a big deal, but I'd check it out.

My biggest problem with rust is behind the rear wheel arches. The taillight seals can leak water into the trunk, filling the pockets behind the rear wheels.

The didn't come with a dual exhaust from the factory, but most mufflers have been replaced with something by this point, so as long as it has some life left in it I wouldn't worry about it.

Strut bar looks decent, consider it icing on the cake. Unless the rear deck lid is some sort of aftermarket fiberglass (read: not metal), I'm guessing some kid put just slapped Tom's logo on it.

Overall not bad for the price, especially if everything works. There might be some better deals out there, farther away, or in the future. However, I wouldn't let that keep you from a nice rust free example right now if you're really interested. Bird in the hand and all. That said, definitely check mr2oc.com for any other possibilities.

No rust around the arches that I recall, but I'll look closer today when I look at it again.

The headlight switch is messed up. It spins around and doesn't work unless you push on it and and spin. Will need fixing or replacement. Also not sure if the pop up lights work...I can only get the lights to turn off and on with the switch...maybe some pliers will help me turn it to every position.

I've had a couple of MKIs and 1800 seems high for that car just going by the pictures and description. Those come up often around here for under 2k without all the mystery surrounding that one.

sethmeister4 wrote: Anyone have any info on the strut bar or Tom's logo? Either of these things stock?

neither is original. The strut bar appears to be a Cusco AS unit. Adequate and costs about $125. The TOM'S logo is for Toyota motorsports... and no this wasn't a special TOM'S edition... at least I've never heard of one.

The engine is a 4AGE... 112hp (when new) power production tends to go flat @ about 6600 rpm, although redline is 7500.

That exhaust is not factory... your first assumption was correct it looks to be a Pacesetter.

1986 is a semi transition year the MR2 guys refer to this as Mk1a, or Mk1b, and 1986 may have a mix of both

Bad headlights switches were a common problem on these. If your issue is just the knob, let me know, I have one for you.

I wonder if it is a TOMS edition or just a sticker...

Yeah my '87 has a factory looking strut bar of sorts, at least I assumed it's factory. And looks nothing like this.

Am I weird for thinking a mk1 MR2 with t-tops or sunroof would be an all-around better car than my kind of wonky '95 Mustang GT convertible?

pres589 wrote: Am I weird for thinking a mk1 MR2 with t-tops or sunroof would be an all-around better car than my kind of wonky '95 Mustang GT convertible?

No... It's probably true.

In reply to Swank Force One:

I wonder how much I could sell wonky Mustang for... I should throw the Cobra front control arms I have on, along with the wheel bearings, and maybe some new outer tie rod ends (which I may have, can't remember) to tighten up the steering. Hrm. Hrm hrm. I really like the way Jerry's done his up in his avatar, white car with a bit of graphics going and red wheels like these;

http://www.rotawheels.com/images/products/thumbs/trackr_4.jpg

The strut bar is a Trust...looks pretty new. I figured some kid just put the TOM'S logo on there, I see no other performance parts or anything. I saw a K&N sticker on the engine lid, so maybe a drop in filter. Didn't get a chance to mess with it today, hopefully my brother and I can check it out and drive it tomorrow before work. Thanks for all the info guys!

pres589 wrote: Am I weird for thinking a mk1 MR2 with t-tops or sunroof would be an all-around better car than my kind of wonky '95 Mustang GT convertible?

These cars are awesome, buy one.

Relevant to my interests. Subscribing for future info. 8)

In reply to kanaric:

Which one, the MR2 or convertible 'stang? Please say MR2 or I might cry...

That doesn't look bad. I love these cars, but at 1800, you won't be making much money on it if you decide to sell. That said, if there's no rust behind the side skirts, frunk floor, or rear wheel arches, I'd get it. Looking at how clean it is, I might believe that it only has 80kish on it.

sethmeister4 wrote: In reply to kanaric: Which one, the MR2 or convertible 'stang? Please say MR2 or I might cry...

MR2 without a doubt.

I think everyone should own one once. Like the Top Gear Alfa rule.