Hi guys,
 
Been looking into buying an MR2 (SW20) for a while now, found this recently and wanted some more experienced opinions.
 
1992 SW20R NA manual 72000KM for $6000 with 12month warranty.

There's a bit of rust on a few pillers around the car (should've taken pictures!), not sure how serious/hard to fix this is.

They say they'll do a roadworthy before I would pick it up, so roof won't leek, oil won't leek etc.
Biggest issues are the rust, and no service history :/
I'm going to call the previous owner for any info, but what do you guys think? 
 
also, do the flip up headlights open when the lights are on, or only with high beams? (first one i've actually looked at) they didn't seem to pop up until i put the lights all the way on (high beams). also are the foglights a separate switch? couldn't get these on either.
 
sorry for the uber novice questions, just don't want to impulse buy a car with a million problems down the track.
this'll be my daily btw, though not getting rid of my old car (1990 Pulsar), good reliable car.
 
looks like the interior got wet at some point:

 
looks like rust?? on the engine:


crack on the rear right indicator and scratch on the bumper (probably a small knock):


Scuff on front bumper:







 

 
cheers.

Rust and no service history. One word for you my friend: RUN

First thing. The rust on the engine appears to only be coming from the exhaust cover. This always corrodes, so don't worry about that. A better check is to view the coolant colour to make sure there is no rust in the coolant!
 
Fog lights operate off a separate switch located on the dash on the right hand side of the steering wheel. Fogs will not operate without the headlights on first.
 
For $6,000 I wouldn't be complaining about the scuff on the bodywork personally.
 
The rear light crack can be replaced by buying a new tail light really cheap as most people upgrade to the newer revision.
 
I can't see the other rust you mention so hard to really say if its a problem or not. Remember its a 16 odd year old car now, you have to expect some level of rust in places.
 
Otherwise the pics look tidy. I've seen some in much worse condition!

for the lights to pop up you need to turn the switch all the way, thats not high beam either, high beam is when you push the light stock towards the front or pull towards you.
 
tailights are easy, lots of the older model ones available cheap.
make sure the gearbox is in good condition.
and also the cooling system.
cheers

Hello again! You want it in Spanish?

La Herrumbre y ninguna historia de servicio. Debería ejecutar

Rust and No service history? Run.

Seriously dude, take it from someone who has done what you are about to do. Walk away from this car. No service history is the biggest thing here, plus the money you are going to pay plus rego costs you can get a decent Mr2.
Just chill out and take your time. Rather than buying a car from joe habibs used car lot, wait for a good one to come up on this forum, talk to the owner get as much information about the car as you can and I promise you it will work out 100 times better.

Sorry if I am coming off as rude, that's not my intention. These cars (MR2s) are great, so much fun. I don't want to see anyone buy a sh*t one and struggle to get the thing running properly, blow assloads of cash and have a negative opinion on the car(my past experience) .

Rizo is right. ANY sign of RUST run, it'll cost you more in the long term. Mine unfortunately had rust on the roof in three places, that I didn't really notice and I spent the last 2 years trying to get rid of it not to mention the $$$. It is often much worse underneath all the paint too. Although at least I was fortunate enough to buy one with a solid motor etc.
MR2 cancer: http://www.mr2australia.com/mr2play/tm.aspx?m=53250&mpage=1

Is that rust on just the heatshield? If thats it I woulldnt worry about it.
 
If you are worried, get a pre-purchase inspection. I would even suggest it.
 
It is getting increasingly difficult to find unmolested examples like that.
 
I bought my SW20, not testdriven, unseen and without any history and its been a great daily (only thing that it needed was a new alternator)
 
I think if you wait to find a car in that condition, with that milage AND service history you will be waiting a very long time and possibly be expecting a purchase price double to that of this one.
 
I would try and show those flaws, negotiate with seller if you can and the money you save get a major service done on it...and ENJOY
 
Edit: Maybe other people are seeing different pics to me?
Is there rust on body or just that heat shield? If its just the heat shield you can pick them up for next to nothing.
If its on the body I would be very weary about it as rust repairs are costly.
 
Body looks very straight, still has factory stereo!

Rust on an Aussie car, something is wrong . Shouldnt have any and 70,000 ?
 
I would leave it along , find another one

from OP: "There's a bit of rust on a few pillers around the car (should've taken pictures!), not sure how serious/hard to fix this is."