2003 Toyota Spyder MR2
Car was stored a few months new battery. Showing charged when tested. Turn the ignition and it just knocks knocks knocks. What could be the issue
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2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2003 MR2 Spyder saw a number of changes from the previous year. The sequential manual transmission went from a five-speed to a six-speed, fog lights were standard, and the gauges were redesigned. The exterior also got a facelift, including a new front end, new head and taillights, and color-keyed intake vents.
The 2003 MR2 Spyder came in one trim level, with very few available options. The handful of choices included leather seating, the SMT, and cruise control. The engine, which was mounted in the middle of the car, was a 1.8-liter, 138 horsepower four-cylinder. The transmission was a five-speed manual, and it had rear-wheel drive. The top is designed to sit flush with the body of the car when down, so no cover is required. Fuel economy is about 25/32.
Drivers of the 2003 MR2 Spyder readily admit that it is a for-fun car only. Owners say the trunk is practically nonexistent, the space behind the seat can only hold a briefcase or two, the seats can get uncomfortable during a long drive, and it can be downright dangerous in the snow. Still, Spyder owners love their cars because it is fun to drive, handles well, looks good, and comes with typical Toyota reliability.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
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by Andre R
May 14, 2024
Very fun car to drive, handling is so stable. Consider one prices are going up.May 14, 2024
by Robert L
Oct 06, 2022
Tremendous fun to drive. Very stylish. Rare. Not practical in cold or snowy climates. Low mileage cars are pricey. Oct 06, 2022
by Anonymous
May 14, 2022
This one was such a find. It only had about 25K miles on the odometer, and was pampered by the two previous owners. Its very fun to drive. Not a high-powered supercar, but an enjoyable fair-weather drive.May 14, 2022
User rating:
by Andre R
May 14, 2024
Very fun car to drive, handling is so stable. Consider one prices are going up.May 14, 2024
by Robert L
Oct 06, 2022
Tremendous fun to drive. Very stylish. Rare. Not practical in cold or snowy climates. Low mileage cars are pricey. Oct 06, 2022
by Anonymous
May 14, 2022
This one was such a find. It only had about 25K miles on the odometer, and was pampered by the two previous owners. Its very fun to drive. Not a high-powered supercar, but an enjoyable fair-weather drive.May 14, 2022
by Randy S
Mar 14, 2022
I like its low sleek look. Plus it a Manuel 5 spread is what Im looking for. Its a Toyota and they have always been dependable. This particular car was already sold so whats missing with this car? The car itself, it was sold. Next to the MR 2 Spyder, I like the Honda 2000.Mar 14, 2022
by Rob B
Sep 29, 2021
Nice TOYOTA MR2 Spyder excellent condition 5 speeds Metallic green with beige interior and topSep 29, 2021
by Robert M
Sep 01, 2021
Very few mid engine cars any more. Then it’s a Toyota so it runs foreverSep 01, 2021
by B E
May 15, 2021
Hard to find, fun to drive. The top is a little hard to get snapped on right in mine. Very nice condition with low miles and a fair price. May 15, 2021
by Chris H
Aug 04, 2012
This is a great, fun car if you don't need any more than one person beside you
in the vehicle. Handling is incredible, it gets 29-33 mpg even the way I drive it,
and for only having 145hp the 1980lb weight helps it move very well. Upkeep
on it is extremely cheap and I am going to the 2ZZ engine from the lotus Elise
which is easily swapped into the engine bay for a 60hp boost over stock. I have
owned the car for 2 years now and other than oil changes and routine
maintenance have not had to change anything. It takes about 40 dollars to fill
up with premium here in Tennessee.Aug 04, 2012
by Anonymous
Dec 30, 2011
I purchased my 2003 Spyder in 2006, finding one spec'd out exactly how I wanted and with only 6,800 miles covered at that point. I had wanted one since 2001 when myself and 4 friends each rented one and took them to a track day and had a blast all day long running nose-to-tail trying to shake each other or get past.
This car has served me well - it now has just over 50,000 miles and a lot of that has been fun trips through the canyons around Malibu, CA. It is an easy car to drive fast and deceptively quick because you can carry so much speed through turns and brake so late. It changes direction with the precision of a go-kart.
A lot of people complain the car lacks space for luggage and packages. I've not had too much trouble fitting nearly everything I needed to into the car. There are compartments behind the seats that hold more than you might expect. Above that with the top up you will find a parcel shelf. Then if you don't have a passenger you have all that room, plus there is a compartment in the front of the car as well which you can expand by removing the spare tire.
All in all, if you are looking for a fun and sporty car that is also fairly affordable you should at least give this little car a chance unless you just can't stomach the looks. Dec 30, 2011
by Anonymous
Apr 27, 2011
Not a fast car, but a blast to drive. Love the mid-engine handling! People think it's some exoticar. They are surprised that it's a Toyota. Good build quality. Nice, simple, well thought out interior. I would like to buy another.Apr 27, 2011
by Dimitris A
Apr 30, 2010
Amazing acceleration,. handling , steering,. hasn't needed any particular repairs,.
gas consumption isn't that bad,... and it is very fun to drive,.! Everyone who has
ever come with me for a ride,. has loved it,. It has been quite an experience,. :)))
Apr 30, 2010
by Anonymous
Aug 25, 2008
Real nice handling, good on turns and fast. Top acceleration is incredible!! No words to explain but truly amazing. Fun to drive. Its in my garage of fear of scratching it. Breaking is sensitive. Handle with care!!. Looks really nice too. I would definatly reccoment this car to a friend.Aug 25, 2008
by Adam C
Aug 09, 2008
insane handling, can take a right hand turn at 50mph without letting loose
good pickup, 14 QM stock
great gas milage, 32 miles per galon
Designed partly by Lotus with a tuned down elise engine, a 1ZZ
very comfortable
shifts nicely and smoothly
not much trunk space though...
Mid-Engined Rear Wheel Drive
Aug 09, 2008
by Nic F
Aug 03, 2008
Performance - Health in standard form, grea fun to handle aroun the roads. Now modified with morepowr on tap and even finer hndling.
Build Quaity - pretty good and far better than the VW, Vauxhalls, and Fords i had before.
Appearance - Love it, great looking inside and out
Cost of ownership - Can you put a price on this fun car? When i can squeeze 48mpg when i want to, and it's a sporty car - that's astonishing. Never been serviced at a dealer, like all dealers i've ever used they're a rip off.
Fun factor - That's what this car is all about, huge grin factor, very happy.Aug 03, 2008
by Lynzi G
Jun 20, 2008
CuriserJun 20, 2008
by Lynzi G
Jun 20, 2008
Good looking cruiserJun 20, 2008
by Aaron P
Jun 14, 2008
Love the handling, not too bad acceleration. Basically a total package. Don't like the limited space and the difficulty with a mid engine car.Jun 14, 2008
by Joe A
Apr 04, 2008
Bought in Sept 06' as an economy commuter car. Wound up completely building the motor and fabricating a turbo kit putting 320hp to the wheels. Took 2 years to build and now i plan on taking it auto crossing.Apr 04, 2008
by Michael K
Mar 28, 2008
FIVE STARZZ this car is by far the best thing I have ever driven.Mar 28, 2008
by Kyle W
Feb 06, 2008
I liked it a lot. Being rear-engined, it handled amazingly, and was pretty fast for a 4cyl (I am more of a V8 person...) it was just too small for me. Feb 06, 2008
by Louise B
Dec 26, 2007
Great runner, great driveDec 26, 2007
What users have asked
CarGurus arrange shipping or delivery?
CarGurus arrange shipping or delivery?
31 views
Can this car ever run again??
I have a 2003 MR2 Spyder with SMT transmission. I need some advice and/or information to rectify the problems I am having with it. The car is in great shape and only done 43,000 miles and I love it The car has had regular fluid checks/oil changes/maintenance/etc. I bought this car in March 2014 and was checked out by 2 mechanics that advised me it was running well and in good working order. As I only used it during the weekend,I have on put about 300 miles since buying it. About 3-4 weeks after having the car, I wanted to improve the sound choices. I took it to have it fitted with a blue tooth device using the cigarette lighter port in the cabin.After testing it out I decided not to go for it. The seller removed it from the cigarette port and as he pulled(Tight) it came out with the port.He pushed it back .I started the car and put it in gear and nothing happened.I tried reversed and was the same.I turned off the car and called my mechanic who services other car.He had no answers.I tried again and when I revved the car it moved but sluggishly.I droved it home slowly about 8 miles with it beeping most of the way using all the gears, about 10mins later the beeping stopped. I parked the car and left it for about 3 weeks .I got different mechanic(mine was away) to go for a drive with me started the car and drove 1 mile with the beeping and I came to my house i put the reverse and the car came to a stop.So got the code read but can not remember the codes, I think it was the sensors.He advise me to change the clutch, reluctantly I said yes and a Toyota clutch was changed. After the clutch change, we started the car to test it but nothing just N showing, not moving but if you put it in any other gear just beep..beep. Left the car for another few weeks until my mechanic came back.He put his car compute on Toyota and read the codes. X431 DIAG Report LAUNCH SMARTBOX: 980244449600 Total codes 5 P0808 Clutch position sensor circuit high P0810 Clutch Position sensor circuit error P0917 Gear shift position circuit high P0934 Hydraulic pressure sensor circuit low input P0942 Hydraulic pressure unit C1553 Processing when reset occurs during running. So my mechanic said he was going to check the wiring, he said after checking he thought it could be the computer transmission control. There is no body that can definitely say , so I am not spending anymore money until I get an expert to advise.I paid $9000 for this car and had 8 drives in 3-4 weeks! Please can you advise me? Any help would be appreciated ,Should I get it scanned again?Do you have to reprogram me after a clutch change?What is a relearn?.Do my mechanic have the right scanner?I do not want to take it to dealership as they are saying I need more part replaced with unbelievable costs associated to do it. My mechanic this week looking at the sensors and actuator assembly, what he found was there are 3 same sensors in the assembly,one was broken, the other had weak signals and the other was fine.Each cost about US 250, should I replace them with new ones or should I go for the option :monkey wrench racing is selling a secondhand complete actuator assembly with the sensors that was taken out of a working car for about US700.What should I do??? I am searching for help and advice on either selling it , help on fixing it with advise/expertise IF ANYONE HAS IDEAS OR HAS HAD SIMILAR ISSUES WITH SMT - Please let me know. I NEED HELP!
2083 views
2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder w/ SMT trans trouble starting sometimes
When I open the drivers door I can hear the hydraulic pump priming noise as I should. When I turn the key forward all of the dash lights come on, the doors lock automatically, the neutral light is indicated. My foot is pressing on the break. Once I turn the key all of the way nothing happens. No noise, no engine turning over, nothing. The other times the car starts just as it should. There is no rhyme or reason. Nothing that I can see is out of place or different. I checked the battery and it is good. Any diagnostic suggestions?
727 views
Are hard tops available?
Does anyone know where to obtain a hard top for this model?
7925 views
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2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder Pricing
Original MSRP
$25,130 to $25,130Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent