Thank you for your reply Jim. I've been a lurker on this website for several years, and the wife is allowing me to get 2 cars. An MR2 for warm weather and a Nissan R35 GTR for winter driving.
If I had it my way, I'd be an owner of all 3 Gen of MR2s. I just don't have a garage big enough. I originally wanted a SW20, but after test driving the ZZW30 and SW20, I prefer the lighter weight, better handling, and newer car. Maybe I'll own more than one MR2 in the future. The Toyota MR2 is the only model car where I loved each generation that was produced.
I know that the SMT 6 speeds aren't reliable, and I prefer the 5 speed MT option. I never knew the difference between early 00-02 models vs later 03-05 models. I've only read that the later models had a stiffer chassis.
As far as price, yes this has become the most difficult aspect of purchasing this vehicle! Some dealerships are definitely asking for ridiculous prices. A certain model from one place will charge $13k and another will charge $8k for the exact same car with the same miles/wear/tear. I've questioned a certain dealership in Virginia about their car being ~$3k more than average, and the salesman gave me an excuse that the "Chip" shortage was causing higher prices overall for used cars. I questioned the salesman if he knew what a "Chip" is, and he then confessed to me that he is a newbie at selling cars and knows little about them. The high prices by some are ridiculous!
I am willing to travel about ~5 hours or 300ish miles away from my house as the maximum distance. So I'll go as far west as Cincinnati, OH, as far south as Charleston,WV or Richmond, VA, as far north as Toronto Canada, and as far east as Philadelphia.
I guess that I should not be concerned about the color of it, as much as other aspects. I'd eventually like to put either a wide body TRD body kit or a La Gemballa body kit on the car. I would also love to swap out the 1ZZ engine for a 2AR-FE with a 105mm 1AR crankshaft, and maybe put a Whipple 100AX or 140AX on there as well. Ive driven high comp/hp NA, turbocharged, and supercharged sports cars. The only one I have never driven was a nitrous car. I tend to value maximum torque, as I don't like revving above 7k RPM. So the NA or turbo 2ZZ is out for me. I love the 7AGZE but they are getting older and more $$$, and output is a little weak on torque. The other option is a stroked 3SGTE, but they are getting older too. After reading about Gouky's 2AR swap, I believe that this is the best engine that'll fit my driving style. I'm not a fan of turbo cars at all with the sudden acceleration after the laggy delay, and I hate the compressor surge/ Turkey Gobble sound associated with them. I know of the modern turbos that spool quickly, but I am not after big hp that high boost turbos provide. I am looking to stay under 400hp. I know that a small sized turbo will get me there with little lag. I also know that a long stroked + supercharger will get me there with slightly better response, much wider powerband, and better results. So it's either high compression NA with ITBs + velo stacks or twin Screw SC. I know that 99% of the FI aftermarket prefers turbos, as it's easier esp with all the kits out there. I'd prefer to have all my power between 1500 to 7000 RPM. I am really baffled as to why people want to rev to 9k or 10k RPM. I guess that it all comes down to if you like Pepsi vs Coca Cola vs Royal Crown vs Faygo, or water. IMO...
RPM = Ruins People's Motors!
Is the Limited Slip Differential a feature on ALL 04-05 models or only an aftermarket mod by previous owner? I probably shouldn't be too concerned about the color of the car right since it's hard to get everything else that's more important right? Should I inquire about the pre-cat and oiling issues when looking at 00-02 models with the seller? I admit that I know a little bit, and still have much to learn. However, most of these young salesmen only know the name of the model of the car. Are there other places where I should be looking for a car? Many dealerships will ship the car across the country without you having to be present at the time of transaction, but is this trustworthy? Is eBay that reliable and honest?