MR2 ....... Track Day car?

Martin F · 31st August 2011, 09:40 PM

After seeing how little these cars are changing hands for nowadays, and always having a soft spot for them, i'm seriously considering purchasing one as a track day car.

Much as I enjoy the Supra and would love to take it on a track, i'd always be worrying and probably not pushing it as hard as i'd like just in case it went Pete Tong!

Buying an MR2 for sub £1000 (the closer to £500 the better) is really appealing at the moment, because giving that some stick when you have so little invested in it sounds like it could be a real lot of fun.

Does anybody have any experience or pointers with these? Looking at MK2's and most likely a Rev3 upwards variant.

V · 1st September 2011, 12:27 PM

No idea I’m afraid, but only that I share your views of liking them and they great value with lots of potential.
I was the same on tracks but you soon settle to a level your comfortable with.
If I get something else the Supe would go though (I cant see me having 3 cars…).
I’m sure you’ll treat your Supe correctly

Plus I seem to be driving the Supe less for some unknown reason (I will have to change that!)
The point and squirt characteristic (compared to the Supe) is appealing but I’m liking the Atom still.

Gambit · 1st September 2011, 06:38 PM

Yeah go for it Martin. For £500 you can't go that wrong and if it does go all Pete Tong at least it's not your pride and joy.

Martin F · 1st September 2011, 07:20 PM

Thanks guys, I'll let you know what happens.

I'm potentially looking at one on Saturday, but more to get a gauge of what state the cars are in at this price point.

I'm sure i'll find it a bit underpowered (the turbo version is not really in this price range) compared to the Supe but it's more the ability to give it a hard ragging and sling it into corners to improve my skills that i'm looking at.

Now an Atom, would probably need to come with a clothing allowance for the change of pants

Martin F · 3rd September 2011, 08:33 PM

Well I made a mortal sin

Bought the first car I looked at.

It was fairly local and despite being a little cosmetically challenged and higher mileage the owner had spent a lot of money replacing things like suspension components, the radiator, etc. All things that ensured when I took it for a drive it was a very solid car. Also had quite new Toyo Proxi tyres which comes in handy when you want to take it on a track

Gambit · 3rd September 2011, 10:14 PM

Bought the first car you saw. Oh dear, you noob buyer. lol.

Martin F · 3rd September 2011, 10:27 PM

LOL, I know

V · 6th September 2011, 12:41 PM

whats first on the list then for it?

Martin F · 6th September 2011, 03:55 PM

Tidy up some of the bodywork in my best 'Wheeler Dealers' fashion with some rattle can's and a bit of a polish

Then a refresh of the brakes and try to see if I have chance to do at least one track day this year.

It's had refurbished rear calipers not so long ago, and as parts are cheap I may just fit some refurbished fronts, along with braided hoses and some new pads and fluid.

31st August 2011, 09:40 PM	#1
Martin F Administrator UK Spec - Manual Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Essex, UK Posts: 10,226	MR2 ....... Track Day car? After seeing how little these cars are changing hands for nowadays, and always having a soft spot for them, i'm seriously considering purchasing one as a track day car. Much as I enjoy the Supra and would love to take it on a track, i'd always be worrying and probably not pushing it as hard as i'd like just in case it went Pete Tong! Buying an MR2 for sub £1000 (the closer to £500 the better) is really appealing at the moment, because giving that some stick when you have so little invested in it sounds like it could be a real lot of fun. Does anybody have any experience or pointers with these? Looking at MK2's and most likely a Rev3 upwards variant. __________________ Martin UK6TT + Bits & Bobs 'Remember folks, the inside lane isn't just for Xmas' MSOC FAQ MSOC Members Discounts MSOC Resources

1st September 2011, 12:27 PM	#2
V Club Administrator Jap Spec RZ-S - Manual Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Suffolk Posts: 584	No idea I’m afraid, but only that I share your views of liking them and they great value with lots of potential. I was the same on tracks but you soon settle to a level your comfortable with. If I get something else the Supe would go though (I cant see me having 3 cars…). I’m sure you’ll treat your Supe correctly Plus I seem to be driving the Supe less for some unknown reason (I will have to change that!) The point and squirt characteristic (compared to the Supe) is appealing but I’m liking the Atom still. __________________ TT, VVTI, 6sp, HA's, SSQV, HIDS, K&N, N1 ExTi, AVS, Abflug, RMM, Defi, RPS, Turbo XS, ALC OS, DBA, Innovate. all wrapped in a blue shell.

1st September 2011, 06:38 PM	#3
Gambit Old Timer Jap Spec GZ - Auto Aerotop (TT) Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Worcester Posts: 2,089	Yeah go for it Martin. For £500 you can't go that wrong and if it does go all Pete Tong at least it's not your pride and joy. __________________ J-Spec Twin Turbo Aerotop 3G Brakes Blitz nur spec r Full Stainless DC Blitz Active Front Spoiler Controler Greddy Boost + EXT Gauges Running 1bar OZ Superleggera UK Spec Bonnet Scoop UK Glass Headlamps Mines ECU

1st September 2011, 07:20 PM	#4
Martin F Administrator UK Spec - Manual Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Essex, UK Posts: 10,226	Thanks guys, I'll let you know what happens. I'm potentially looking at one on Saturday, but more to get a gauge of what state the cars are in at this price point. I'm sure i'll find it a bit underpowered (the turbo version is not really in this price range) compared to the Supe but it's more the ability to give it a hard ragging and sling it into corners to improve my skills that i'm looking at. Now an Atom, would probably need to come with a clothing allowance for the change of pants __________________ Martin UK6TT + Bits & Bobs 'Remember folks, the inside lane isn't just for Xmas' MSOC FAQ MSOC Members Discounts MSOC Resources

3rd September 2011, 10:14 PM	#6
Gambit Old Timer Jap Spec GZ - Auto Aerotop (TT) Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Worcester Posts: 2,089	Bought the first car you saw. Oh dear, you noob buyer. lol. __________________ J-Spec Twin Turbo Aerotop 3G Brakes Blitz nur spec r Full Stainless DC Blitz Active Front Spoiler Controler Greddy Boost + EXT Gauges Running 1bar OZ Superleggera UK Spec Bonnet Scoop UK Glass Headlamps Mines ECU

3rd September 2011, 10:27 PM	#7
Martin F Administrator UK Spec - Manual Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Essex, UK Posts: 10,226	LOL, I know __________________ Martin UK6TT + Bits & Bobs 'Remember folks, the inside lane isn't just for Xmas' MSOC FAQ MSOC Members Discounts MSOC Resources

6th September 2011, 12:41 PM	#8
V Club Administrator Jap Spec RZ-S - Manual Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Suffolk Posts: 584	whats first on the list then for it? __________________ TT, VVTI, 6sp, HA's, SSQV, HIDS, K&N, N1 ExTi, AVS, Abflug, RMM, Defi, RPS, Turbo XS, ALC OS, DBA, Innovate. all wrapped in a blue shell.

6th September 2011, 03:55 PM	#9
Martin F Administrator UK Spec - Manual Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Essex, UK Posts: 10,226	Tidy up some of the bodywork in my best 'Wheeler Dealers' fashion with some rattle can's and a bit of a polish Then a refresh of the brakes and try to see if I have chance to do at least one track day this year. It's had refurbished rear calipers not so long ago, and as parts are cheap I may just fit some refurbished fronts, along with braided hoses and some new pads and fluid. __________________ Martin UK6TT + Bits & Bobs 'Remember folks, the inside lane isn't just for Xmas' MSOC FAQ MSOC Members Discounts MSOC Resources

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