Mid-engined cars, in which the motor is placed behind the driver, are primarily exotic sports cars like Ferraris - opens in new window or tab. and McLarens - opens in new window or tab.. This wasn’t always the case. In the late 20th century, several automakers dared to build affordable midship-layout sports cars for the masses.
Enthusiasts had choices, from the Pontiac Fiero - opens in new window or tab. to the Fiat X1/9 - opens in new window or tab.. The most successful of them was the Toyota MR2, which lasted for three generations. An excellent example of the second-generation MR2 recently sold on eBay Motors in Succasunna, N.J.
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Sleek Styling
The Toyota MR2, or Midship Runabout 2-seater, debuted in 1984. The first-generation AW11 MR2 embodied the flat surfaces and sharp angles that defined ’80s design aesthetics. When the second-generation SW20 debuted in 1991, the styling couldn’t have been more different. It captured the ’90s aesthetic of sleek, river-rock smoothness paired with functional cooling vents and a large, three-piece rear spoiler. The MR2 has the air of a supercar.
Toyota added a supercharger to the first-generation MR2 for its final two years. The SW20 came right out of the gate with an optional turbocharger. The base model’s naturally aspirated 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine makes 130 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. It mates to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
Forced induction bumps the MR2 Turbo’s 2.0-liter engine to 200 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. It’s available only with the stick shift.
The MR2 Turbo immediately caught on with driving enthusiasts. Toyota claimed the 2,900-pound car ran from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds (though magazine tests - opens in new window or tab. clocked times in the low six-second range). Its layout makes for scalpel-sharp handling, as long as drivers are conscious of the lift-off oversteer midship cars are known for.
Facelift and Upgrades
Revised suspension geometry in the 1993-and-up cars remedied that tendency a bit. Toyota also upgraded the wheels and tires, brakes, transmission, and styling, and offered a limited-slip differential, which makes the facelifted cars more desirable.
The car for sale is a stunning 1992 Turbo model in rare Signal Yellow paint that still gleams. The odometer shows just 26,749 miles, an incredibly low reading indicating the car has been garaged most of its life. The interior, engine bay, frunk, and undercarriage appear to be naturally clean without looking like they’ve been detailed.
Toyota offered the MR2 in three roof styles: solid, sunroof, and T-top. Most MR2 Turbos were T-tops, which can be prone to leaks as weather stripping hardens over the decades. That makes the sunroof cars like this one a bit more desirable (and the solid roof more desirable still).
But who are we kidding? This MR2 Turbo will probably never see rain again. The $27,500 Buy-It-Now price is more than fair for this car’s condition and mileage. It has plenty of life left, yet the miles aren’t so low that you would worry about risking the value by taking it out on a spirited weekend drive.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.