Hi guys and girls, I'm a sixteen year old L Plater and I'm after an MR2 AW20 for my second car. I understand the snap oversteer and the difference in the handling. In your opinion would it be best just to wait and buy an AW2O when I'm more experienced or would it be a good car for a young driver? Thanks

Hi Epsilon,
Welcome to the SA MR2 community.
If you really ant an MR2, i'd say go for it. The later models don't suffer as badly with snap oversteer, and it's not a problem if you aren't being silly on the road. The best way to learn the handling characteristics of any car is on the track. A few of us go to Mallala several times a year to drive our cars to the limit (and beyond in some cases lol). A practice day only costs around $150 including the day licence and allows you to learn to drive your car fast in a (relatively) safe environment. There are large run off areas if you overdo it (unlike tree lined public roads) and no oncoming traffic or pushbike riders to worry about. You'd be amazed at how fast you can actually drive your car when you have a racetrack to learn the cars limit. The other drivers at the track seem very respectful and i've never had a problem. 
I'm planning on going to Mallala on April 30 if you want to catch up.
 
Cheers
Rick

Hey Epsilon,
Good to see someone else joining the MR2 community! We are still too few.
What rick says is 100% correct. If you choose to get an MR2 (I'll assume you meant SW20), the track is the bets place to go! There's a huge difference between the Mk 1, 2 and 3 MR2's in terms of power, weight and handling, and they do need to be taken into account.
I've owned 2 SW20's myself and have driven a few Spyders so I can tell you a bit about them, but the AW11's are still a dead area.
 
Whatever you decide, take it to the track first and learn how to handle it before trying to drive much on public roads :)
Looking forward to seeing you out there!

My lad's a 17 year old L-plater and just bought 1990 SW20. Still finding his feet with it but might see if we can get to Mallala Saturday and see what people are doing there. Cheers

Hi Fraserv, welcome to the small but dedicated group of SA MR2 Enthusiasts. Unfortunately it looks like i may be the only MR2 at Mallala on Saturday as the others are either away or have other issues atm. It would be great to meet you and your son though. Having a drive on the track is a great way to learn your abilities and your car. Its much safer than public roads and not as daunting as you may think. The other drivers on the track are very respectful. You can drive at your own pace and get a feel for the car. Ive only been driving at the track for 18 months and I've only had my MR2 for 2 years. You should have a drive of your sons car too, you'd be amazed st how much fun they are.

Hi Everyone Dave here.
I bought my MR2 1991 in December i was concerned about it having 290 thousand ks on the clock but inside and out was in pristine condition although now i have a noticeable mark on it from someone opening a door onto it.There were a few problems when i took it for a test drive but they have now been fixed and cost me very little the car is down on horsepower but starts and runs beautiful it is straight as a die but some paintwork needs touching up as mentioned.This is a car which grew on me rather than immediately loving it as i did my last car i love the seats the handling and i am sure the power when i get around to recon or buy another motor and i absolutely love the look of the car to me it has character unlike the cars of today.There is only one thing i do not like and that is it is my everyday drive but that cannot be helped i might be biased but so far i cannot fault anything about this car.

Hi Dave,
Welcome to the joys of MR2 ownership.
The MR2 Nationals are on in Adelaide over the October long weekend which would be a great way for you to meet a lot of other enthusiasts and check out their cars.
A few of us SA guys attend Mallala a couple of times a year if you're interested in hitting the track. There is also the MR2 Wakefield Park Challenge in November which is a great event.
If you need any help, you'll find plenty of knowledgeable people on this forum.
 
Cheers
Rick

Hi new to the mr2 ownership but loving it enough to want to become more of an enthusiast

Hi Dan,
 
You'll find the SA guys are a great bunch.  You should come to the Nationals in a couple of weeks.  
The forum is a great wealth of knowledge & help too.
 
Cheers
 
 

Welcome to the joys of MR2 ownership.
As Sharon mentioned, the Nationals are on in Adelaide over the October long weekend. Details can be found on this forum. A few of us will be doing a track day at Mallala on Thursday 28th Sept if you're interested in coming along (either spectate or join in the fun).