It was a couple inches shorter than the NB, but has a wheelbase more than seven inches longer, its wheels pushed as far the corners as possible. Though the MR2 had less horsepower from its naturally aspirated inline-four (138 hp compared to the Miata’s 140), it was around 150 pounds lighter, proving an even better power-to-weight ratio than the golden standard for small sports cars. Let’s consider the MR2 Spyder next to is contemporary from the time, the NB Miata. Before you do, though, here’s everything you should know. There’s a good chance more people will catch on to that fact, so it’s worth considering buying one now while you can still get it dirt cheap. Modern safety regulations would never really allow for that. There wasn’t another small, affordable mid-engine sports car that came after it and there probably never will be. Moreso, we have yet to become truly nostalgic for the Spyder’s era, not in the way we have for sports cars of the ’80s and ’90s.īut the MR2 Spyder was the end of an era. There was no artificially aspirated version, either, unlike the first gen that was made available with a supercharger and the second gen that got a turbo. It forewent the iconic pop-up headlights for big, sort of frog-like headlamps and the roof was done away with completely (no t-tops here). The Spyder is the unloved son of the bunch and there are probably a few reasons for that.

No, I’m talking about the MR2 Spyder, the oft-forgotten third generation MR2 produced from 2000 to 2007. You’re close, but both aren’t as reliable as you’d think and they’re increasingly becoming expensive collector’s items. You might think I’m talking about the first or second generation MR2. What if I told you that you could buy a reliable, mid-engine sports car for just a few thousand dollars? You might think I’m talking about the Pontiac Fiero (and point and laugh).

Toyota mr2 spyder hardtop roof for sale