Snapshot: The MR2 Spyder is a two-seater convertible roadster from Toyota. As the M in its name implies, the engine is behind the driver (mid-engine) and ahead of the drive wheels. Coming in only one trim level your options are pretty limited (think of it as less time choosing and more time to driving) so picking a color is going to take the most time.
How Much?: Price for a 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder in the US ranges from $25,410 to $26,410.
The Inside Story: Small. Oh, brother, it's small. Specs show under 2 cubic feet of storage. That means it's tight even for two people on just a weekend trip. We'll also find antilock brakes and front airbags, but that's it. There's no: side airbags, traction or stability control. On the other hand, this is a sports car, not a touring car.
Under the Hood: This Spyder comes with a 1.8 liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and returns 26 city/32 highway.
Transmissions: Perhaps the best feature of this car is the optional SMT, a sequential manual transmission. You still have to shift with the SMT (it's not an automatic) but Toyota's managed to eliminate the clutch. The clutch is computer-controlled so there's no chance of driver-shifting error (you can't shift and damage the engine). This is THE option to get.
Warranty: Bumper-to-bumper: 3 years/36,000 miles. Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles.
Should you Buy a 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder?: The MR2 Spyder is an unexciting-looking car with a cramped interior. Its small engine and totally-manual top make driving this car a little more of a chore than it should be and there are better roadsters out there (Honda S2000). But the SMT (see above) changes everything if you plan on driving where there's traffic. Once the top is dropped and you are out of traffic and downshifting without a clutch, you might forget these complaints (for now).
