2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder

The 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder is a compact, two-seater sports car with a mid-mounted engine. It is powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

People who like the MR2 Spyder praise its handling, performance, and affordability. However, some people find the car to be too cramped and impractical for everyday use.

Engine

1.8L 4-Cylinder

• Excessive oil consumption: The engine may consume excessive amounts of oil, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the piston rings and valve stem seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Timing chain failure: The timing chain may stretch or break over time, causing the engine to lose power or fail completely.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Head gasket failure: The head gasket may fail, causing coolant to leak into the engine oil or exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• CEL code P0420: The MR2 Spyder can trigger a CEL code P0420, which indicates a problem with the catalytic converter.
  • Solution: Replace the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000+

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Difficulty shifting gears: The transmission may become difficult to shift gears, especially when cold.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid and shift linkage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Grinding noises when shifting: Grinding noises may occur when shifting gears.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the synchronizers in the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip gears or fail to engage.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Leaking fluid: The transmission may leak fluid, causing low fluid levels and potential transmission damage.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission seals or gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Suspension

• Rear suspension creaks: The rear suspension may creak or groan over bumps or uneven surfaces.
  • Solution: Replace the rear suspension bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Front strut mount bearing failure: The front strut mount bearing may fail, causing a clunking or rattling noise when turning or driving over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mount bearings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Electrical

• Battery drain: The battery may drain prematurely, even when the car is turned off.
  • Solution: Test and replace the alternator or battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Faulty ignition switch: The ignition switch may fail, preventing the car from starting.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Power window failure: The power windows may fail to operate or become stuck.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motors or switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+

Exterior

• Sunroof leaks: The sunroof may leak water into the cabin during heavy rain or car washes.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof seals or adjust the sunroof alignment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Targa top latch failure: The targa top latches may fail, causing the top to become loose or detach from the car.
  • Solution: Replace the targa top latches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Interior

• Door lock actuators fail: The door lock actuators may fail, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Dashboard cracking: The dashboard may crack or develop cracks over time.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or have it repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Summary

The 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder is a fun and affordable sports car, but it is not without its issues. Some of the more common problems include excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, difficulty shifting gears, and transmission slipping. The MR2 Spyder also has some issues with its suspension, electrical system, and interior.

The severity and cost of the issues with the MR2 Spyder can vary depending on the specific problem and the extent of the damage. Some issues, such as door lock actuator failure or dashboard cracking, are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. However, other issues, such as engine or transmission failure, can be more severe and costly to repair.