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2003 Toyota MR2 Roadster – Reserve Met

Sold Price

£5,512

  • Mileage~44,000
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.8L
  • LocationBristol

SOLD

2003 Toyota MR2 Roadster – Reserve Met

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Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

Back featuring a new lightweight body, quick engine, and low-slung driving position — the new MR2 was a perfect car for weekend drives.

The Toyota MR2 is a mid-engined, two-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports car manufactured between '84 and '07. This is the third incarnation 'W30', marketed as the MR-S in Japan, Spyder in the US, and Roadster in Europe. The first W30 debuted in '97 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Harunori Shiratori, chief engineer, stated "First, we wanted true driver enjoyment, blending good movement, low inertia, and lightweight. Then, a long wheelbase to achieve high stability and fresh new styling; a mid-engine design to create excellent handling and steering without the weight of the engine upfront; a body structure as simple as possible to allow for easy customising, and low cost to the consumer".

This MR2 is coming to market after ~20 years of ownership with only 1 previous keeper being the garage who sold it. It has only covered ~44,500 miles since 2003, and comes with main dealer history that details servicing and maintenance. Presented in an attractive red over black colourway, it's a lovely specification that gives this MR2 W30 that extra appeal.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Roger the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my ~20 years of ownership with this sports car; it’s always a special occasion when it comes out from the garage.

Roger has thoroughly enjoyed ownership of this MR2 over the previous ~20 years, he's had the car in his dry garage, reserved for sunny weekends only which the low mileage and condition clearly reflects.

He was hoping to keep this example to enjoy for many years over his retirement; however, due to a recent hip operation, he finds climbing inside this low sports car quite the effort. Therefore, he is looking for something a little more practical to drive on weekends. Roger will be on hand to answer any questions about the car in the comments below.

Roger
Vehicle Owner

Roger saved £0,900* when they
sold their Toyota with us.

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Exterior

The lightweight, sporty exterior styling combined with the bright red paintwork gives this MR2 a striking look.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15" wheels, finished in silver, look great on this example and give the car a sporty appeal. During our visit, the wheels appear well cared for, with no sign of any obvious damage to any of the spokes, but there are slight signs of surface corrosion around the wheel centres.

The wheels are fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tyres, and these also appear to be in great condition, with a good amount of tread remaining and no visible cracking or signs of age on the sidewalls.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this MR2 looks in great condition, with all the panel gaps around the car appearing to align very well. During our visit, we didn't spot any obvious dings or dents around the bodywork.

We've provided more detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos. Please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in red, the paint is applied with even coverage and colour across each panel. While we did notice the occasional very small and minor stone chip at the front of the car, you'll have to get really close to notice these. Additionally, we observed some very minor wear in the door jams, and you can see these small defects in the photos and video below, and swirl makes in the paint that come with age.

Once again, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this MR2 Roadster example looks great and is in line with the low mileage. During our visit, we didn't notice any chips, cracks, or discoloration. The window seals also look good and align with the overall condition of the car.

The bumpers, door handles, and window surrounds are all in great condition as well. You can see in the exterior photos that the convertible top is in great condition with no tears or rips. Roger rarely drives the car with the top up, as he drives the car only in dry weather.

Interior

The interior of the car is very much sports focused for a Toyota, white backed dials and leather wrapped steering wheel.

Seats and Carpets

The black leather seats with embossed 'MR2 Roadster' have held their shape very well over the years, as you would expect with cherished and careful ownership.

A similar story is told with the door cards and black carpets. For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

Dashboard

The dashboard is covered in a black vinyl finish and presents three dials in front of the driver.

The dashboard in this MR2 shows no signs of any major damage or scuffs, and with no warning lights displayed. The odometer showed a reading of ~44,614 miles during our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A leather wrapped Toyota steering wheel is fitted. The original steering wheel is in great condition, aligning with the mileage of this car, and the black leather gearstick looks good too. For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.

Mechanics

The 1.8L VVTi engine, borrowed from the new Celica, is a great match to this lightweight car and provides ample power.

Engine and Gearbox

The 1.8L VVTi engine from Toyota is regarded as a reliable unit, borrowed from its larger brother, the Celica. On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold, and it performed well on the road, the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran without fault.

Roger reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well with its smooth manual six-speed gearbox powering the rear wheels. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look underneath the MR2 and the smart engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension appears to be in good condition, providing a smooth journey on the sweeping Bristol roads.

During our short drive in the car, it felt just as you'd expect for a sports car from this era, coming to a stop without a fuss too.

The Drive

An extremely fun and enjoyable drive is offered with the roof down on this Toyota MR2. Roger has loved using the car for road trips around his hometown on sunny weekends.

The MR2 fired up the first time with no issues to report. On the road with Roger's friend, Graham, the car felt tight, exhibiting plenty of power to navigate the road. We didn’t notice any unusual noises coming from the engine or suspension either.

Electrics and Other

We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but Roger reports that, to his knowledge, all of the electrics are functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car. The car has its original stereo unit fitted along with specified air-con from the factory.

History and Paperwork

With 16 main dealer service stamps, 1 previous owner, and coming to market from ~20 year ownership, this is one very lovely example ready to be cherished further.

The car is coming out of a ~20 year ownership with Roger. The car has bags of originality and with the 1.8L VVTi and 6-speed manual gearbox, has that little bit more oomph to it than the earlier cars. The car comes with a black convertible hood, 15" wheels, chrome roll bar and air-con from factory. Take a look at this history and paperwork media to see the previous MOT reports, servicing and parts this MR2 Roadster has received over its life. The MR2 comes with a current MOT valid until 21.11.2024.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
07.11.2023 MOT 44,588
14.11.2022 Service + MOT 44,440
14.12.2021 Service (MD) 44,228
30.10.2021 MOT 44,208
28.10.2020 Service (MD) + MOT 43,670
18.11.2019 Service (MD) + MOT 42,696
23.10.2018 Service (MD) + MOT 41,112
13.11.2017 Service (MD) + MOT 40,149
09.11.2016 Service (MD) + MOT 38,916
18.11.2015 Service (MD) + MOT 37,722
04.11.2014 Service (MD) + MOT 35,921
31.10.2013 Service (MD) + MOT 33,914
13.11.2012 Service (MD) + MOT 31,646
18.11.2011 Service (MD) + MOT 29,424
22.11.2010 Service (MD) + MOT 26,416
24.08.2009 Service (MD) + MOT 23,763
15.08.2008 Service (MD) + MOT 21,214
17.09.2007 Service (MD) 18,605
04.09.2007 MOT 18,232
07.08.2006 MOT 14,137
20.09.2005 Service (MD) 10,859
20.09.2004 Service (MD) 7,572
Key Details
  • ModelMR2 Roadster (W30)
  • Transmission6-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date01.09.2003
  • CC1,794
  • Mileage~44,000
  • HistoryGreat
  • ColourRed
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #JTDFR320700062509
  • Engine #11ZZ1495781
  • Last Service14.11.2022
  • RestoredNo
  • Engine RebuildNo
  • MOTYes. Exp - 21.11.2024
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers1
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandBridgestone
  • Security SysYes
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~20 Years
  • Key FeatureLong Ownership & Lovely Condition
  • Auction ID1769







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Ask Questions
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9 Comments
Kulraj Salh
Admin
11 months ago

Auction Update – The reserve on this auction has been met, it will sell to the highest bid this evening. Good luck if you’re involved in the bidding. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

AndrewJenkins
AndrewJenkins
11 months ago

Hi Roger,
With reference to the rear spoiler and chrome roll bar, were these factory installed or after market additions?
Does the A/C work? When was it last re-gassed/serviced?
With reference to a previous question, could you identify, if any, which parts of the body work have been repaired and repainted.
kindest regards
Andrew Jenkins

Graeme
Graeme
11 months ago

There was a reference earlier about a repaint. This wasn’t the whole car was it?

AndrewJenkins
AndrewJenkins
11 months ago

Hi Roger,
Firstly, great looking MR2. Looks well looked after.

1. Is there a hard-top available with the car? A/C was provided for new customers opting for a hard-top.
2. The rear engine undertray (affectionately known as the nappy) appears to have been painted at some point. It should be black plastic. Are you able to explain this?
3. Has the car ever been painted?
4. There appear to some scratches to the leather on the passenger side. Are they scratches or are they photographic blemishes?

I may have more questions to follow.

Thanks.
Andrew Jenkins

roders
roders
11 months ago

Hi, the care and condition of your MR2 is testament to you as an owner.
So has the Cat been replaced, &/or any performance/handling upgrades been made?

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Vehicle Location

Bristol

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