Jeff forbes
14th February 2012, 09:21 PM
Taxed until June 2012
MOT’d until 14th April 2012. Last MOT passed with no advisories.
132,457 miles.
Full service history
3 owners from new - The original owner (MR2 drivers club founder), previous owner (MR2 Mk1 Club member) and me.
Located in Walthamstow East London, close to the A406 North Circular Road and various train and tube connections.
Asking price: £1650
My email: jeff@jeffforbes.co.uk
This car is now for sale following a great 18 months or so in my ownership. I bought it from a forum member who, when he advertised, extensively detailed the work undertaken in his ownership. I won’t cover this all now, I’ve concentrated on the new stuff, but it’s worth reviewing the old advert to find out more about the history of the car. I can provide the old advert by email, just let me know.
Since purchase, I’ve had useful work undertaken (approx £1150 spent on maintenance) including replacing the gearbox and clutch, which should see these components through for a good while longer now. It’s not mint, and there are a few defects... but these are relatively minor things to fix and probably not to difficult for a mechanically minded driver.
My experience with the car has been brilliant. I knew when I test drove it that it was streets ahead condition-wise from my previous MR2, and it was clear the previous owner had cared for and respected it, and improved it too. All his work still benefits the car. It is a lovely car to drive, and it’s reliability has just made it even more of a pleasure! All of the paperwork that was handed over to me is still with the car and included in the sale.
Also included in the sale is a Toyota MR2 roof-rack, specifically designed for this car. I picked it up on ebay for £80, it’s not in great condition but it is very rare. There are no screws included (missing under my house floorboards somewhere!) but I have used normal screws from a hardware shop with no problems. I am sending photos of the rack and in use.
Below is a comprehensive summary of work undertaken on the car in my ownership:
1. Suspension. The suspension had previously been lowered - this was a problem for me, as I live in London - lots of speed bumps! The exhaust got a few scrapes - so I arranged for an MR2 Mk1 specialist garage to source replacement springs off one of their spare MR2s and raise the car back to it’s original height. The old springs are included in the sale.
2. Gearbox. The gearbox has been replaced using the spare gearbox the previous owner had supplied with the car when I bought it. The gearbox had 80,000 on it and runs smoothly.
3. Clutch. While they had the gearbox out they said I thought I might as well change the clutch - so I did.
4. At the time of these repairs I was advised that a bit of welding underneath would need to be done for the next MOT.
5. MOT April 2011 - it was confirmed the welding was required and this was done. The car then passed without advisories.
6. Exhaust. As I mentioned, the exhaust took a few scrapes too far, and required a new section to be welded in.
6. Rear passenger wheel - Rear wheel bearings have been replaced along with brake pads and discs for both rear wheels
8. The distributor cap, rotor arm and spark plugs were replaced very recently.
Approx 8000 miles has been put on the car since purchase, including a fantastic 2000 mile trip to France over a two week period, where no problems were experienced.
Generally the car has been fantastic, however there are some reasonably minor flaws that have come to my attention which I had not yet got round to addressing:
A. There appears to be a problem with the electrics for the passenger door. The garage mentioned it could be a solanoid. It results in the central locking on that side not always working. Also the electric window on that side goes up more slowly, so you just have to take care to keep your finger on the button a little longer to make sure it is shut.
B. The T-Bar seals are not entirely leak-proof in heavy rain. I have been meaning to do the old cling film/sealant trick for a while but haven’t got round to it.
C. There are three keys. Not all of them seem to open the boot but one of them definitely does!
D. The jack needs a lot of WD40 on it, it has got a bit stuck.
E. The wheel rims have general where and tear from a couple of years of use since the previous owner had them reconditioned, but they are generally still in a good condition. One cap is missing from the centre of one of the alloys. Easy to replace.
F. There are a couple of areas of surface rust in the wheel storage area under the front bonnet.
G. The car never has problems starting, but when it is very cold it jumps a little in the low part of the gear. I’m having the garage look at this at the moment to at least diagnose what might be the problem. After a warming up there are no problems and the drive is very smooth.
E. The spare tyre is now not a Goodyear Eagle F1
F. The areas of rust detailed in the previous owners advert still remain but have not got worse. These are:
- small area at top of driver front wheel arch. Has been treated and has not moved or got worse in 18 months
- bubbling at bottom of driver front wheel arch - again, not shifted or developed in last 18 months
- small area close near on passenger door hinge
- lower rear grill
So there we go, I’ve tried to be as accurate as possible, but always best to come and have a look. I have more photos that I can send to those interested.
Best time for viewing is in the next few days, I’m going abroad on Sunday for a while. But if you are interested while I am away please let me know and we can arrange for viewings when I get back.
Thanks,
Jeff
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/IMG_0141-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0801-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0055-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0039-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0038-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0023-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0021-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0018-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0022-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0030-1.jpg
MOT’d until 14th April 2012. Last MOT passed with no advisories.
132,457 miles.
Full service history
3 owners from new - The original owner (MR2 drivers club founder), previous owner (MR2 Mk1 Club member) and me.
Located in Walthamstow East London, close to the A406 North Circular Road and various train and tube connections.
Asking price: £1650
My email: jeff@jeffforbes.co.uk
This car is now for sale following a great 18 months or so in my ownership. I bought it from a forum member who, when he advertised, extensively detailed the work undertaken in his ownership. I won’t cover this all now, I’ve concentrated on the new stuff, but it’s worth reviewing the old advert to find out more about the history of the car. I can provide the old advert by email, just let me know.
Since purchase, I’ve had useful work undertaken (approx £1150 spent on maintenance) including replacing the gearbox and clutch, which should see these components through for a good while longer now. It’s not mint, and there are a few defects... but these are relatively minor things to fix and probably not to difficult for a mechanically minded driver.
My experience with the car has been brilliant. I knew when I test drove it that it was streets ahead condition-wise from my previous MR2, and it was clear the previous owner had cared for and respected it, and improved it too. All his work still benefits the car. It is a lovely car to drive, and it’s reliability has just made it even more of a pleasure! All of the paperwork that was handed over to me is still with the car and included in the sale.
Also included in the sale is a Toyota MR2 roof-rack, specifically designed for this car. I picked it up on ebay for £80, it’s not in great condition but it is very rare. There are no screws included (missing under my house floorboards somewhere!) but I have used normal screws from a hardware shop with no problems. I am sending photos of the rack and in use.
Below is a comprehensive summary of work undertaken on the car in my ownership:
1. Suspension. The suspension had previously been lowered - this was a problem for me, as I live in London - lots of speed bumps! The exhaust got a few scrapes - so I arranged for an MR2 Mk1 specialist garage to source replacement springs off one of their spare MR2s and raise the car back to it’s original height. The old springs are included in the sale.
2. Gearbox. The gearbox has been replaced using the spare gearbox the previous owner had supplied with the car when I bought it. The gearbox had 80,000 on it and runs smoothly.
3. Clutch. While they had the gearbox out they said I thought I might as well change the clutch - so I did.
4. At the time of these repairs I was advised that a bit of welding underneath would need to be done for the next MOT.
5. MOT April 2011 - it was confirmed the welding was required and this was done. The car then passed without advisories.
6. Exhaust. As I mentioned, the exhaust took a few scrapes too far, and required a new section to be welded in.
6. Rear passenger wheel - Rear wheel bearings have been replaced along with brake pads and discs for both rear wheels
8. The distributor cap, rotor arm and spark plugs were replaced very recently.
Approx 8000 miles has been put on the car since purchase, including a fantastic 2000 mile trip to France over a two week period, where no problems were experienced.
Generally the car has been fantastic, however there are some reasonably minor flaws that have come to my attention which I had not yet got round to addressing:
A. There appears to be a problem with the electrics for the passenger door. The garage mentioned it could be a solanoid. It results in the central locking on that side not always working. Also the electric window on that side goes up more slowly, so you just have to take care to keep your finger on the button a little longer to make sure it is shut.
B. The T-Bar seals are not entirely leak-proof in heavy rain. I have been meaning to do the old cling film/sealant trick for a while but haven’t got round to it.
C. There are three keys. Not all of them seem to open the boot but one of them definitely does!
D. The jack needs a lot of WD40 on it, it has got a bit stuck.
E. The wheel rims have general where and tear from a couple of years of use since the previous owner had them reconditioned, but they are generally still in a good condition. One cap is missing from the centre of one of the alloys. Easy to replace.
F. There are a couple of areas of surface rust in the wheel storage area under the front bonnet.
G. The car never has problems starting, but when it is very cold it jumps a little in the low part of the gear. I’m having the garage look at this at the moment to at least diagnose what might be the problem. After a warming up there are no problems and the drive is very smooth.
E. The spare tyre is now not a Goodyear Eagle F1
F. The areas of rust detailed in the previous owners advert still remain but have not got worse. These are:
- small area at top of driver front wheel arch. Has been treated and has not moved or got worse in 18 months
- bubbling at bottom of driver front wheel arch - again, not shifted or developed in last 18 months
- small area close near on passenger door hinge
- lower rear grill
So there we go, I’ve tried to be as accurate as possible, but always best to come and have a look. I have more photos that I can send to those interested.
Best time for viewing is in the next few days, I’m going abroad on Sunday for a while. But if you are interested while I am away please let me know and we can arrange for viewings when I get back.
Thanks,
Jeff
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/IMG_0141-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0801-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0055-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0039-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0038-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0023-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0021-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0018-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0022-1.jpg
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2012/02/DSC_0030-1.jpg