51 replies to this topic

[yukonphil]

Hopefully I'm not asking something that has been covered in another thread, apologies if so. What's the general view on the cost of running a VX? I know it won't be cheap but what about general serviceable parts like ball joints or wheel bearings, the day-to-day sort of stuff? How easy is it to get hold of them? I keep talking myself out of and then back into taking the plunge, the other option has an R,2 and M in it and is made by Toyota 😕!

[mbes2]

[fezzasus]

http://www.vx220.org...-running-costs/

http://www.vx220.org...-running-costs/

http://www.vx220.org...tential-newbie/

http://www.vx220.org...-costly-to-run/

[mbes2]

Also have a flick over

 

http://www.courtenay...ing/info_5.html

 

http://backontrackmotorsport.co.uk/

 

http://www.eliseparts.com/

 

http://www.plansperformance.com/

 

Keeping it std is the cheapest option

 

 

[fezzasus]

 

 

Keeping it std is the cheapest option

 

 

 

 

Possibly wheels being an exception, as front tyres are expensive and difficult to source.

[yukonphil]

Thanks for that, very helpful, as always.

[Harry Hornet]

 

 

 

Keeping it std is the cheapest option

 

 

 

 

Possibly wheels being an exception, as front tyres are expensive and difficult to source.

 

 

..expensive??....£100 a time...sourcing...noooooo problems......that is if you stay standard on Bridgestones....  

[GaryK]

 

 

 

 

Keeping it std is the cheapest option

 

 

 

 

Possibly wheels being an exception, as front tyres are expensive and difficult to source.

 

 

..expensive??....£100 a time...sourcing...noooooo problems......that is if you stay standard on Bridgestones....  

 

 

Agreed. You'd have to get through a lot of tyre changes before breaking even on a new set of wheels!

Edited by GaryK, 12 October 2015 - 03:35 PM.

[Ali87]

Depends on use. My main cost is fuel, not because its over thirsty just because I still keep finding excuses to use it as much as possible despite being a second car

[Baron Von Scubadaddy]

new wheels look nicer thou .....

 

[gaffer1986]

I've owned both and this is my experience so far:

 

MR2 Roadster

Rear sub frame corrosion and subsequent replacement on all models

Rear brake calipers sticking, replacement is best

Pre-cats breaking up and destroying your engine - best get removed

Absolutely no roll over protection (my main gripe)

 

Make sure you get a post 2004 model so you get the 6 speed box, limited slip differential, stiffened chassis and improved exhaust. If you put TTE springs and bigger wheels it will out handle a standard VX220 in the wet easily but with less steering feel and slightly more flex in the chassis. I could easily pull over 1G in braking with 205 40 17 budget B rated tyres. Running this car did not break the bank.

 

Standard VX220 NA - silver

Windows require adjustment

Radiators are a pain to replace

Front tow eyes brackets corrode to dust and may destroy the front of your car when used

Fiberglass draws through moisture in a process known as osmosis which leads to bubbling paint

Cam chain should be done every  8-10 years

Your friends may break the sill when getting in and out

ABS is very bad

Heater is also bad

Be careful not to brake the bonnet lever when opening as it's a sideways action, stupid!

Lack of tyre choice on standard front wheels which are 175 55 17 standard which gives great steering feel but lack of wet grip.

Not much faster than an MR2 above 70mph

 

 

The VX220 is more due to certain parts being expensive (body parts and lights) and if you want better wet grip you have to buy 16/17 inch wheels which are expensive. But there is a great community on here which helps keep the costs in line with an MR2 as long as you're willing to do a bit of DIY yourself. Getting in the VX220 feels more special.

[mbes2]

"[color=rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;]Not much faster than an MR2 above 70mph"   you need a pax ride in a SC or tubby[/color]

[steve-m-uk]

I've had both, i even fitted a 2zz engine to my roadster, the vx is a much quicker better handling car . Each year many of us 'ex' mr2 owners still go on the runs with the club, the vx and lotus ( another ex mk3 owner ) leave the mk3s easily. If you want a cheap sports car that is fun then mr2 is great but for something special then get the vx. Just my 2p worth.

[rhoran00]

If the OP is looking at MR2's I'd guess they are also looking at entry level VX's , hence the 2.2 na. Intrigued to find out why an S2000 isn't in the consideration though? It was between one of those, a VX & a Chimeara when we were looking to buy 3 years ago. The S2000 was too mainstream for us as a weekend toy and the TVRs available for our price point seemed like they could be a money pit.

[gaffer1986]

"[color=rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;]Not much faster than an MR2 above 70mph"   you need a pax ride in a SC or tubby[/color]

 

I am referring to a VX220 NA, I'm fairly certain the OP is referring to an NA and is not wanting to supercharge it because he is talking about running costs.

 

To be fair to the little Toyota, there are engine conversions available for silly power and speed.

 

http://www.woodsport...ine-conversions

Edited by gaffer1986, 12 October 2015 - 04:39 PM.

[steve-m-uk]

I don't find much difference in fuel economy, my vx is sc and i get about 190miles to a tank of v power, only got 200 when it was N/A. I also find the VX easier to work on than the mk3 mr2 was.

[gaffer1986]

I don't find much difference in fuel economy, my vx is sc and i get about 190miles to a tank of v power, only got 200 when it was N/A. I also find the VX easier to work on than the mk3 mr2 was.

 

 

Good point, but if someone cares about running costs they probably care more about spending £4000 on supercharging it.

[steve-m-uk]

very true. Another thing to take into account is depreciation, the vx is only going up in value, the mr2 unless a tf300 in exceptional condition ,will soon be worth peanuts. A vx is the better car to put money into.

[rhoran00]

Just to add - My standard turbo gets 30mpg round town, 40mpg on a motorway run, and can get 45 pottering along at 60 .

[gaffer1986]

Yeah my NA gets 40 on the motorway. The MR2 could get 48 though. The VX220 is appreciating and one of the reasons I got it and would recommend it.