Black Beauty: 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder – SOLD!

December 10, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Some would argue the third and final generation of Toyota’s mid-engine MR2 was the last affordable sports car that offered competition to Mazda’s Miata. It’s a pity, as the only real downside to these brilliantly handling sports cars is the complete lack of storage space for anything more than a briefcase. Owners of these cars tend to hang on to them as playthings and as such we don’t come across very many.

However, our latest all-black 2000 Toyota MR2 originally listed in December 2021 on Craigslist in Westport, Connecticut (New Haven) bucks that trend on two fronts. Specifically, despite being a three-owner car, it sports only 34K original miles. Unfortunately, the current owner is working with the Connecticut DMV to correct a data input error on the true mileage of this car.  He is transparent about the issue in his description and the condition of the car is proof it’s actually much lower mileage.

Currently offered for $13,000, a check of the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool reveals this private seller has their MR2 priced between the #3 “Good” estimate of $7,600 and the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $14,900.

When it came time to develop a replacement for the “Poor Man’s Ferrari” second-generation W20 MR2, Toyota hoped to capitalize on Porsche’s recent success by offering a more affordable mid-engine roadster than the entry-level Boxster. MR2 Spyder engineers at the time set out to achieve true driver enjoyment by blending good performance with low inertia and lightweight. Engineers developed a relatively long wheelbase that pushed the car’s wheels close to the corners to achieve high stability and fresh new styling.  They also developed the body structure to be as simple as possible to allow for easy customizing and low replacement cost.

The only engine available for the ZZW30 was the all-aluminum alloy 1ZZ-FED, a 1.8 Liter Inline-four engine. Like its predecessors, it used double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. The intake camshaft timing relied on Toyota’s proven VVT-i system. Unlike its predecessors, however, the engine was placed onto the car the other way round, with the exhaust manifold towards the rear of the car instead of towards the front. The maximum power of 138 brake horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 126 foot-pounds of torque at 4,400 rpm was a substantial decrease from the previous generation, however, the new car’s lightness kept acceleration under seven seconds in manual-equipped versions.

The Utah-Based Everyday Driver YouTube Channel recently posted a modern review of a 2000 Toyota MR2 as an affordable, back-to-basics sports car:

If you’re looking for a summer fun car with no storage space to just have fun driving, this MR2 may be the car you as long as your in-person and pre-purchase inspection confirm everything works as described.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“New to market! This 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder has just 3 owners from new and roughly 34K miles. It has always been garage kept and well maintained. The mid-engine MR2 is lightweight, well balanced, and corners like a top.

The car has never been in any accidents and all paint is entirely original. A Carfax report is available upon request. The OEM 5-spoke alloy wheels are free of curb rash and currently wear Toyo Proxes T1R tires with very low miles on them.

The sport bucket seats, dashboard, and convertible top are free of any cracks, rips, or tears. The interior is trimmed with a leather 3-spoke steering wheel, leather shift knob, A/C, and an aftermarket pioneer head unit. The original radio is included with the sale.

In full transparency, the car had a transcription error printed on the title in 2002 when an extra zero was added during a title transfer. The car at that time had 15K miles and was titled with 150K miles, this is currently under review with the CT DMV title department. This was a clerical error and the digital odometer has never been tampered with. I would be happy to coordinate a PPI with any shop of your choice.

The car shows like new and needs nothing but a driver! All reasonable offers and trades are always considered, feel free to reach out with any questions!

Specifications:
– 1.8L Inline-4 Cylinder
– 5-Speed Manual
– 25 City / 30 MPG Highway
– Pioneer Head Unit
– 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels
– Toyo Proxes T1R Tires
– Air Conditioning“

Show or go: what would you do with this 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder?  Comment below and let us know!