Year: | 1990 |
Make: | Toyota |
Model: | MR2 TURBO SW20 |
Mileage: | 84,404km |
Transmission: | 5-Speed Manual |
Fuel Type: | Gasoline |
Drivetrain: | RWD |
Engine: | Turbocharged 2.0L Straight Four |
Exterior Color: | Yellow |
VIN Number: | SW20-0020*** |
I’m crying. I’m crying over this nice, clean, beautiful MR2 GT Turbo with T-bar roof (SW20 type chassis) that we recently shipped from Japan to a customer in the USA. Now, I’m not crying sad tears because I don’t get to have this mid-ship sports car myself. O.K., maybe I’m moaning a bit about that, too. But I’m mostly crying happy tears because I’m happy that I had an MR2 myself for many years. I’m happy that I had that car, that well-built affordable super car that is perhaps Toyota’s greatest contribution to the world of pure sports cars.
When the MR2 SW20 came out in late 1989, it marked a new quality standard for reasonably priced sporting machinery; and when I picked up my 1990 MR2 in 2003, it was definitely a cheap second hand car. In fact, when I compared it with what a used SW20 cost back in the UK, I thought that my secondhand MR2 was a positive steal, especially considering the good condition and low miles on the car. (89,000 kilometers on the clock when I bought it.)
What was true back then about the quality of secondhand MR2s from Japan is still true about these cars here today: They are well cared for and in good shape. (Mostly. There are some units out there that have had a hard life, and so, as with all used high-performance and sporting machinery, here at Japan Car Direct we strongly recommend an engineer’s pre-purchase inspection. We’ll arrange this inspection for you.) But these days I would not say that MR2s are cheap, cheap, dirt cheap. No. Prices are beginning to go up as sports car buyers and mid-ship enthusiasts around the world (especially in some of the countries we ship Japanese performance cars to, like the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, and France) have figured out that the best place to buy a good used MR2, “Japan’s Ferrari,” is directly in Japan itself, whether from the Japanese used car auctions or from private dealers. (And we source from both for the cars that we export from Japan.)
But for what you are getting, prices for a used MR2 SW20 are still very reasonable. Being so well built, these are long lasting cars. They have a high long term survival rate. I’ve never seen a crappy looking MR2 on the roads here in Japan. Although there is a red one in my neighbourhood that I often see driving in the opposite direction to me as I go to work, and the paint on that one is fading. This is a known problem with red paint due to the different molecular chemistry required to make the red colour. You do not find this problem so much with the yellow ones, like this beauty here that we shipped recently, or with that gorgeous white one Japan Car Direct also sent to the USA a few months back. I have not written about that SW20 turbo yet, but I’ll put it up here on our site so all you guys wanting to buy an MR2 Turbo direct from Japan can just look at our photos of that lovely machine and weep tears of joy.
Because under the rules for secondhand cars imported to the USA or to Australia, it’s no problem to buy an MR2 SW20 yourself and ship it directly from Japan. And, of course, it’s straightforward to ship one of these dream machines to the UK.
And since we at Japan Car Direct are a Japan based used car exporter, we will guide you every step of the way, sourcing and exporting your Toyota MR2. I had one for five years. I drove all over Japan in it, from Honshu to Hokkaido, and from Hokkaido to Kyushu and Shikoku. I loved every minute with that car. You’ll love every minute with yours.
Turn that frown upside down!
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I had an excellent experience working with Matthew at Japan Car Direct. I was a first time auction buyer and importer to the United States. Mathew walked me through... read moreI had an excellent experience working with Matthew at Japan Car Direct. I was a first time auction buyer and importer to the United States. Mathew walked me through every step and pointed me to all the right resources both online and here in the United States to complete the import process successfully. Communication wise prompt and helpful, as well as convenient. his insight into the auction process including the vehicle inspection was especially helpful. I ultimately ended up with exactly what I was looking for within budget. I would work with Japan Car Direct again and recommend them to anyone. read less
Matthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections,... read moreMatthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections, expert opinions on bidding, arranging quick turn shipping, and handling of docs. I have no reservations sending more tens of thousands of dollars for future imports. At the end of the day, they really wanted to make me a happy customer. read less
I highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great... read moreI highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great to work with. Highly recommend the team at JCD. read less
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Before this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the... read moreBefore this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the country in the midst of the oil price hikes.
The process is painless end to end and I was well looked after by Mike. Definitely recommend Japan Car Direct for the auction and shipping service. read less
Great experience. Extremely easy process and Kept me well informed. Highly recommend them if looking to purchase a vehicle from Japan.
It's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness.... read moreIt's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness. He was very quick to respond, and very informative on all my questions. He helped my sort through options until landing a 1kz-te Land Cruiser Prado. It ended up being in better condition than I was anticipating, and was able to drive it 5 hours home from port without a single issue. Cannot recommend Japan Car Direct enough! read less
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I used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The... read moreI used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The detailed videos where Mike would translate and explain the Japanese auction sheets and inspections provided great clarification so I knew exactly what I was getting with my car. I have to also commend Mike's swiftness when it came to replying to emails and phone calls, he would always reply near on instantly and even outside of normal business hours just to ensure I was never left in the dark through the bidding and shipping preparation processes.
I could not recommend JCD enough for any potential self importers! read less
Just picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my... read moreJust picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my hand and help me through the process. It seems pretty daunting at first but if I can do it anybody can. Highly recommend JCD! read less
I worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go... read moreI worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go with japancardirect. Being able to see the auction trucks that are coming out and getting a detailed translation of the auction sheet is awesome. At first, I was a little hesitant sending money for a car overseas that I haven't actually seen in person, but Mathew stayed with me even at times when I was less patient. Thanks for all the help you and your team provide. read less
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Taylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism,... read moreTaylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism, promptness, clarity of communication has been amazing. He's helped answer a miultitude of questions, and everything went without incident (aside from impacts from Ukraine).f
Thank you, Taylor! read less
After seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be... read moreAfter seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be a better way. Sure enough, that way is Japan Car Direct. Yoshi and team are knowledgeable, professional and responsive. They do what they say they are going to do before, during and after the transaction, they are in it for the long haul. The result of reviewing the auction listings and acquiring/importing yourself (with help from JCD) is substantial savings and the satisfaction of paying a fair price. It's also fun if you enjoy searching for and identifying great automotive values. Would not hesitate to recommend their services to others and I will be back for more vehicles in the near future. read less
Can't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient... read moreCan't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient with me and ensured that I only bid on cars worth having. The car I have bought far exceeds expectations in every way and the whole process of purchase and shipping was all taken care of - top marks and thank you read less
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Japan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions.... read moreJapan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions. They made navigating the import process a breeze. This is a reputable company. I highly recommend them if you’re interested in importing your very own JDM. read less
So pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import... read moreSo pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import will be even smoother. Looking forward to the next experience. read less
MARKNADEN Studio
4/08/2022
Great dependable business! Highly recommended! Thank you Mathew for all your hard work!
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