Trading 1988 Mr2 with a S13 92 Hatchback LE

[XxDriverxX]

Hey everyone..

I have a 1992 240sx LE (Auto, leather, fully loaded, HICAS) it has 220,000KM on the engine.  It's a nice clean car iin good condition.  I got it 3 months ago for only $CA2000 and I love it.

My brother has a 1986 MK1 MR2 in Mint condition (only 80,000KM on it).  His friend has a 1988 MK1 MR2 N/A in very good condition inside and out, has only 115,000KM on the engine (thats almost half my milage).  Has a K&N filter on a custom intake, has custom Dual exauhst, has rimbs and an OK-condition body kit.  My brother gave it a test drive and loved it.

Now this friend of his wants to trade his car for mine.  I'm REALLy tempted allthough I love my 240sx.

Here are the list of pro's/cons:

Pros:
1) His car is VERY fast, I'm sure it would rape my 240sx
2) Very nice shape, way better than the shape my car is in
3) 5-Speed! I ALWAYS WANTED A 5 Speed!
4) VERY LOW MILAGE! Almost half of my engine!
5) Already well moded - Intake, exauhst..
6) Worth way more than my 240sx

Cons:
1) I love my 240sx <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>
2) Very bad in winter/snow (here in Canada winter is 9 months)
3) Old? 1988, not loaded or leather vs mine which is, and is 1992
4) More expensive parts?

Thats all I can think of. &nbsp;Can you all please give me any Advice? &nbsp;I really need it! &nbsp;My brother being an Mr2 owner tells me GO for it, other 240sx owners are telling me not to. &nbsp;I need some unbiased opinions.

Thanks

[Bomix]

Stay with the &nbsp;92 hatch, &nbsp;$4000 later you'll have a sweet ride..

Even if you don't have that kind of $$ and you never mod your car.. if you keep it clean and do regular oil changes, tune ups, and keep it hella clean looking.

You'll still have one sweet looking ride.. &nbsp; Dts13 has a 89 240, and after one day of waxing and hard labor on the outside, it looked showroom.. &nbsp;I think that's what bodykits and rims can never take away from the 240sx look.

Lots of ppl are looking for a 240sx hatch, Be blessed cause you own one now. &nbsp;

I came across the same thing with wanting a Mirage and making it a fake EVO IV.. But i'm soo glad i stayed with the 240sx.

[basemies]

mid engined cars have very tricky handling. &nbsp;the tolerance of the car is pretty high, but once you cross that line, the back end is gone, and there's no saving it [usually].

[blink0r]

My friend owns an '88 mr2. I love the car. By the sounds of things, you should trade. Lower mileage is the main thing to think about. Doesn't matter if it doesn't have hicas or leather. Mr2's still handle like a dream due to their 50/50 weight distribution and low center of gravitiy.

[thewholefnshow]

I would trade. Worst case you sell the MR2 for more than you could get for the 240, buy another 240, and mod it with the extra $$$... but you will like the mr2. And they are easily modded engines, plus that toyota engine will take tons of abuse.

[luey02]

personally I stick with the 240. &nbsp;I hate how small mr2 looks, with the driver looking all crimped up inside every time I see one. &nbsp;Old milage isn't an issue cuz you could swap the engine. &nbsp; Performance can be altered, but basic cabin size and appearance can't..

[roast]

Did you do any research as to how much the MR2 is worth? &nbsp;Maybe it's worth 4000-5000cdn... I know i almost bought a 89 S/C MR2 for 6000cdn, in A1 condition...

If i were you, I'd consider trading get really excited, then back out because it'd be too much hassle for me... (I'm lazy)

Dude, just do what you feel is going to be right for you. &nbsp;If you like your 240 mroe then his car, dont be pressured into doing something that you dont want too.. that is the key. &nbsp;You call the shots, its your life, your car, you decision.

[XxDriverxX]

ahhh this is hard!

It would be cool though, see here in ottawa there is no more than 10 Mr2s in Total. &nbsp;With me and my bro ending up with an Mr2 each, that would be click <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> Same colour, same kit..

I'm gonna take a few days to think about it. &nbsp;It really depends on the mechanic and what he has to say about the Mr2..

Thankyou all.

Keep em coming

[Jeff240sx]

Older MR2's look like go-carts with a body kit. &nbsp;Or a wedge of cheese. &nbsp;And they sound like a scooter. &nbsp;I really am not impressed with what Toyota did to them. &nbsp;If it was a later model, they are gorgeous.
The back end swings alot due to the momentum, from weight in the back due to the engine. &nbsp;They are tricky, as someone else put it.
I have never traded cars, and have one word of advice. &nbsp;Someone always gets screwed in ANY deal. &nbsp;And if he is proposing the deal, you're probably getting screwed somehow. &nbsp;He wouldn't bring up a deal just to get F'd on it.
I'd assume that there could be something seriosly wrong. &nbsp;Bent frame, leaking gaskets, yada yada.
If you're gonna do it, have a mechanic check it. &nbsp;And things are really expensive, because its an import. &nbsp;And not only that, it is a 14 year old import, and factories stop making parts for old cars. &nbsp;
If you're worried about mileage, buy an engine for your 240. &nbsp;I am gonna be selling mine, and many other people are selling theirs. &nbsp;$5-600 for a manual engine and tranny, with low miles. &nbsp;The swap shouldn't be that hard.
Just stuff to think about.
-Jeff

[KiDyNomiTe]

I hate the old MR2 look, but thats just me. I am sort of in the same situation except I don't have either car and I need to raise money for the car. Depending on the generosity of my parents and how much I can raise in a couple of months will determine wether I get an MR2 (MKII Turbo) or an S13 Fastback. One thing you can try to do is layout how much you like both cars in some sort of a point system.
In my debate I am pretty much even. The MR2 is turbo but expensive, but the S13 is cheap and for about the same price as the MR2 I can get a swap (including the car).

[SR20Fastback]

Oh the old MR2 huh? Not to be too judgemental but they're ugly. Id stick with the 240 even if it is auto and high mileage. Theres always room for an SR in your car, then you could un-doubtably rape him <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

[mbmbmb23]

I hate to beat a dead horse within this thread, but IMO the older MR2's are butt ugly, and leave NO room for cargo. &nbsp;I know one of the "cons" was the 240SX in winter....but.....the Toyota's faster speed wont be much good in the snowy Canadian weather either. &nbsp;The best part of the 240SX is the availability of upgrades (since the 180SX and Silvia are so popular in Japan). &nbsp;If you really wanted to wheel and deal, just trade then resell the MR2 for a nicer 91+ 240SX.



m

[XxDriverxX]

Thanks guys..

Yeah whats what I was thinking, trade it in and buy another 240sx after I sell the Mr2.

But If I keep my car, and I get an engine swap, my car body is still gonna have 220,000KM on it, other parts are gonna start dying on me and giving me problems isnt it? &nbsp;I'm gonnna have to spend lots of money maintaining right? &nbsp;As apposed to buying a lower milage Mr2?

[twofortysx]

I think you want to be careful when looking in to an MR2. &nbsp;Due to their engine placement, labor can be rather intensive, and from experiences with my friends 93 n/a I think you'll find a far more expensive aftermarket. &nbsp;In addition, if you hit snow in the MR2, you are toast. &nbsp;I was riding with my friend one day and we hit some slush (we were on an mr2 drive) and the whole group spun out and slid down the road. &nbsp;One guy, unfortunately went in to the tree's and totaled his 91 Turbo. &nbsp;

Good luck in whatever you do. &nbsp;I would like a MK1 S/C T-Top for the handling, speed and t-top action, but when it comes to which car you want it's really your choice.

[nrcooled]

Keep your 240 at all costs! &nbsp;What you are missing is the fact that replacing that engine is dirt cheap. &nbsp;hell I got one to sell you myself w/ a 5spd. &nbsp;Anyway keep the 240 drop in an SR if you really want the speed and you have a GOOD LOOKING and fast ride instead of the "Wisconsin Cheese Festival Mascot" <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[ledzep]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (XxDriverxX @ April 25 2002,11:38)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Hey everyone..

I have a 1992 240sx LE (Auto, leather, fully loaded, HICAS) it has 220,000KM on the engine. It's a nice clean car iin good condition. I got it 3 months ago for only $CA2000 and I love it.

My brother has a 1986 MK1 MR2 in Mint condition (only 80,000KM on it). His friend has a 1988 MK1 MR2 N/A in very good condition inside and out, has only 115,000KM on the engine (thats almost half my milage). Has a K&N filter on a custom intake, has custom Dual exauhst, has rimbs and an OK-condition body kit. My brother gave it a test drive and loved it.

Now this friend of his wants to trade his car for mine. I'm REALLy tempted allthough I love my 240sx.

Here are the list of pro's/cons:

Pros:
1) His car is VERY fast, I'm sure it would rape my 240sx
2) Very nice shape, way better than the shape my car is in
3) 5-Speed! I ALWAYS WANTED A 5 Speed!
4) VERY LOW MILAGE! Almost half of my engine!
5) Already well moded - Intake, exauhst..
6) Worth way more than my 240sx

Cons:
1) I love my 240sx <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>
2) Very bad in winter/snow (here in Canada winter is 9 months)
3) Old? 1988, not loaded or leather vs mine which is, and is 1992
4) More expensive parts?

Thats all I can think of. Can you all please give me any Advice? I really need it! My brother being an Mr2 owner tells me GO for it, other 240sx owners are telling me not to. I need some unbiased opinions.

Thanks</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
God those old MR2's are ugly though.

[JEdubz]

I don't understand what you guys keep bashing the MR2 for. It's pretty fast and for this guy it's a great deal. Hmm... Trade One Apple with No stem for Two apples with stems... (The MR2 is worth quite a bit, and has a 5 speed) You said you have always wanted a 5 speed ...can you drive one?Here's my advice... Trade, get the MR2. Learn to drive the stick if you don't know how, do a bit o' rallying or messin with the car (have some fun, but keep the miles down); and then go trade it in. Get another 240 only a 5 speed and you're in buisness and have gained experience!

[toddnappi]

I have a 86 MR2 5sp and a 94 240 Vert (soon to be 5sp). I love both cars, and I had the 240 first, but the MR2 has a certain allure to it and with the benefits you listed, I would switch for the MR2. They are rare, parts are cheaper than you'd think, and 5sp is just so much better. You'll love the car as much as your 240 in a week.

[ridebmx]

okay first off...the mr2 will handle pretty damn good in the snow, i have a 85 mr2 and a 87 mr2, the 85 was for parts, which i never needed, just sold stuff off of...i put 30,000 hard miles on the 87 and it still runs fine, it has 130,000 on it, i was suprised it lasted that long...and i never thought they looked ugly, i also didnt think that it was tricky to control i had it sideways at 60 around a corner, and got it back <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'> i was shitting my pants, but i lived to tell about it, it wasnt pretty or anything, went back and forth 3 or 4 times, but i got it straight, all in all i would say its up to you, i personally love my mr2s, but i just sold the motor out of my 87 so i guess ill just be driving my 97 240 when its done, if you get the car and need any parts let me know, i live in upper michigan, so shipping probably wouldnt be horrible, also a good site for used parts is http://mr2.xcars.com and http://www.mr2.com has alot of useful infomation...hope this helped alittle...

[240sig]

OK, I almost bought an MR2 when I was shoping for a car (insurance on a two seater is a BITCH), so I know a little about them. &nbsp;With the MKI make sure you get it out on the highway and check it out, the car has a tendency when it reaches the milage as described to have fifth gear pop out. &nbsp;When this happens you will need a tranny overhaul which is not fun. &nbsp;Make sure the timing belt has been changed recently, as it is supposed to be every 60,000 miles, timing belts are never a cheep thing. &nbsp;Maintenence for those cars is not fun either. &nbsp;Due to the nature of the engine layout it needs to be pulled for any major repairs. &nbsp;All the internals, however, should be great on that car, as toyota makes excellent cars. &nbsp;If the car checks out I would go for it. &nbsp;Don't get me wrong, I love my 240, but getting a car with half the mileage that is worth more is just a better deal. &nbsp;Pay some money and bring it into a GOOD mechanic, who will do a really thorough inspection and check for everyhting from tranny wear to engine compression. &nbsp;If you do trade though, just make sure you have little or no need to haul about anything around, and get a really good feel for the car in the snow, else you will end up with a wrecked MKI. &nbsp;Just my 3.5cents.

[240sig]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Jeff240sx @ April 26 2002,1:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"> And things are really expensive, because its an import </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

yes, you are right, because no one else on this board drives an import, hehe. Sorry, just saw that and had to reply.