Potential MR2 buyer: questions!

Not so many turbo SW rev3+ around ('Gen' refers to 'Gen1 AW', 'Gen2 SW', 'Gen3 ZZ' (Generation)) SW had rev1,2,3,4,5 (Revisions). Please correct if i'm wrong again...
 
I have a rev1 turbo import and a rev3 ADM non turbo. Insurance cost is the same for me (oldish fart) but some insurers refuse the import, I went with Shannons for it.
 
I get the timing belts done by Toyota at Camden NSW, can't remember the exact figure but it wasn't too bad, less than $400 with full service I think. 

$400 is a bargain Dudeman. I might have to take my car down your way the next time I need that done! I'd say you're more likely to find places want $1000 for the job than $400.

Actually Dudeman, a question for you since you have driven both the turbo and non-turbo: do you feel the lack of turbo while driving the non-turbo MR2, or not really?
I have seen some sweet non-turbo MR2 around, but I feel like I may end up regretting not getting the turbo'd one.
But then again, I am currently driving a 96 Mustang Cobra and I can never really step on it as it gets up to the legal speed very quickly making me feel like I don't really need the extra power (but the exhaust sounds wonderful)...

alexv
Actually Dudeman, a question for you since you have driven both the turbo and non-turbo: do you feel the lack of turbo while driving the non-turbo MR2, or not really?
I have seen some sweet non-turbo MR2 around, but I feel like I may end up regretting not getting the turbo'd one.
But then again, I am currently driving a 96 Mustang Cobra and I can never really step on it as it gets up to the legal speed very quickly making me feel like I don't really need the extra power (but the exhaust sounds wonderful)...

 
The n/a is a very nice car and is cool to drive, i've had a lot of enjoyment out of it, but the basic answer is that they are totally different cars power wise.
From a standing start the turbo is good thumping acceleration fun, tight bends on uphills you can give the n/a just about 100% (not through the corner...) and it gets up there - the turbo needs more care.
 
I used the n/a as a commuter for nearly eight years, the turbo is now the preferred car for fun.

Reddtarga
Timing belt replacement.
Dudeman, what exactly did you get for $400?
 
To do the job properly many people also recommend changing other stuff at the same time, including:
Quality HSN belt 
New tensioner 
New genuine Toyota full water pump
New belt rollers 
Cam seals etc.
That's perhaps a total of $400+ for parts alone.
 

 
Toyota timing belt, major service, none of the other parts you mentioned.
Done at 100,000 and 200,000. 
Touch wood - 275,000 k's no dramas.
 
That's for the n/a. Haven't had timing belt done on the turbo, but Camden Toyota were happy to service it as well.

I have to say its different fun with an NA vs a Turbo.
 
The AW11 NA i can drive really hard and you get the enjoyment from really taking the car to its limits (thrashing it all the way to 3rd gear and its still under 80km/h lol)
 
The tubby is an entirely different feeling. On the street, you just can't use its full potential without falling a fair way foul of the law. On a track however, there's no comparison.

Yep, so I ended up buying a 91 turbo from a member here from SA
Already thinking of doing a few upgrades :)