Toyota first introduced its sports cars in 1962, with the Toyota Sports 800. Ever since their sports cars have proven to be popular and some, even highly appraisable. The 1999 Toyota MR2 Spyder is a car that had a lot of initial praise for its fuel economy, reliability, and affordability. Yet, it soon hit the news that it is among one of the most dangerous cars in the world. Hence, the popularity soon saw a huge hit.
However, the 1999 Toyota MR2 Spyder is still road-worthy, believe it or not. Therefore, there are still some original models swinging around the market. Even though it isn't the safest car to own, it can still be fuel-efficient and affordable.
On that note, let's take a look at how much the 1999 Toyota MR2 Spyder costs today.
The Specification Rundown Of The 1999 Toyota MR2 Spyder
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The 1999 Toyota MK2 Spyder features an inline-four 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE engine, which offers a maximum power output of 138-hp and 126 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant drop from the previous model. However, it proves to be much quicker, and quicker than most would expect, as it shed almost 700 lbs from one of the previous MKII iterations.
More changes to the 1999 model of the MR2 include clear fender mounted turn signals, new 15-inch wheels featuring narrower spokes, adjustable rear spoiler, revised from the earlier versions, and red rings around gauges. These subtle changes certainly made the appearance of the MR2 more appealing. The previous models were once pretty boxy and lacked the features other sports cars at the time were using, such as rounded bodywork.
In terms of design, of the 1999 Toyota MR2 Spyder wasn't too bad. Although, opinions were split. Its bubble shaped headlights and tail lights made the MR2 Spyder look reminiscent of a mini Porsche Boxster. It featured a far less aggressive shape and took a different turn from the previous generation.
Today's Price
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At the time of release, the 1999 Toyota MR2 Spyder was a pretty affordable ride. It was considered highly reliable and economic, which took the customers interest.
In the current market, the price of the Toyota MR2 Spyder is still pretty reasonable. You would be able to find a half-decent Spyder, with decent mileage and in good condition, for around $6,500. Any models that have seen better days might be available for a lot less. But, if you want to purchase a model that is drivable then you will likely be looking around $6,000 to $7,000.
Why Are They Dangerous?
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The 1999 Toyota MR2 Spyder might have been an ideal ride for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable sports car. However, as soon as people realized that the ride had multiple steering issues, it wasn't quite as popular. The main issue is the under steer, which the 1999 model allows none of. Likewise, it is vulnerable to snap when a driver over steers. Hence, there is very little ability to steer and be in control, which makes it highly vulnerable to cause accidents.
Moreover, the location of the engine, being in the middle, was first a good idea. It made more room for technology and also gave the car the ability to move faster. Yet, this positioning means that if a driver comes off the road in an accident and loses control, the engine combusting could be fatal. It sits right underneath the seats and therefore, makes the car highly unsafe and impractical if an accident was to happen.
What's more, is that the 1999 Toyota MR2 Spyder is incredibly sharp and fast, which might not be ideal for new drivers. The nimbleness of the ride makes it fun but also very dangerous. It can offer a lot of power, which is impressive and a great selling point. However, a lot of power combined with a lightweight car is an issue. The ride really needs expert control skills behind the wheel so that the car doesn't topple over when hitting high speeds or pushing the power to the limits. It would also make it challenging to control in wet and slippery conditions, which doesn't make it ideal for anyone who loses confidence in extreme weather conditions.
There are also very little safety controls in the Toyota MR2 Spyder. Although it was pre-2000's, you would expect to see at least auto emergency braking or lane keep assist. However, there was none of that. The car poses very little in terms of safety, which doesn't make it a great all-round car, even if it is affordable.
Overall, the 1999 Toyota MR2 Spyder might look the part, perform well, and be affordable in today's market. Yet, it isn't the safest car to own, so you would really need to consider your safety before making a decision.