Buyer's checklist: 1st gen Toyota MR2 1985–1989

This checklist comes from a draft dossier that has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Inspection sheet Mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.

Walk away if 1

Any one of these is reason enough to leave the car where it is.

Rust in the trunk and side bucketsAll yearsLift the rear trunk carpet and look into the side buckets and under the spare tire. Check the T-top seals and look for rust and mould around the seats.^1,2,3

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Engine mounts torn from rusted bossesAll yearsLook at the engine mount bosses on the chassis for rust and cracks.¹
Rear damage and replica bodyworkAll yearsLook for bent, stretched or repaired metal at the rear, and for cheap replica body kits or modifications.^1,2
Worn strut tops and bushingsAll yearsListen for thunks over bumps, and check the bushings on a high-mileage car.¹

The boxes are for you: nothing you tick is sent or kept.