4,500-Mile 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Five-Speed

Description

The first sign that Toyota was taking a different approach with the third generation of its popular Miata rival, the MR2, came when the MR-S concept was unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. The two-seater roadster was on sale in North America as the MR2 Spyder by 2000 and retained the mid-engined layout of its predecessors while accommodating space for a manually folding top and wearing fresh new styling. Despite measuring 2.3 inches shorter than the Miata, the new Spyder’s wheelbase stretched 96.5 inches – 7.3 longer than the Mazda’s. With a 1.8-liter twin-cam four-cylinder engine mounted amidships, the Spyder’s excellent packaging resulted in superb driving dynamics while also providing a spacious interior for occupants even with the top up. The Spyder’s low weight of just over a ton paired with an engaging five-speed manual transmission made it a refreshing throwback to the nimble roadsters of the past, and in recent years, it has seen a rise in collectability among those seeking a charming, analog roadster.

Highlights 

• Showing just 4,540 miles at the time of listing 

• Held by the original owner until 2022 

• 1.8-liter “1ZZ-FED" inline-four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque 

• Five-speed manual transmission 

• Refinished in its original color of Absolutely Red under current ownership 

• Fitted with a replacement with a Black convertible top under current ownership 

• Malibu (black cloth) upholstery 

• Features an optional “Carbon Fiber Dash” by Acculaser and carpet floor mats 

• 15 inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels mounted with Bridgestone Potenza tires 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features 

• Aerodynamic multi-reflector halogen headlamps with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) 

• Color-keyed bumpers and door handles 

• Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers 

• High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass 

• Dual color-keyed power outside mirrors 

• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) 

• Manual folding convertible top with glass rear window and electric defroster 

• Wind deflector 

• Functional side air intake ducts 

• Instrument cluster with analog speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge; LCD odometer with twin tripmeters; and seatbelt disconnect, air bag, door ajar, battery, oil pressure, brake, check engine and low-fuel level warning lights 

• Digital quartz clock 

• Defroster-linked CFC-free air conditioning 

• Dual sun visors 

• Covered dashboard storage compartment 

• Map light 

• Drilled aluminum sport pedals 

• Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel and gear shift lever 

• Driver and passenger front air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)1 

• with passenger-side air bag cutoff switch 

• Fabric-trimmed four-way adjustable sport seats 

• Fabric-trimmed doors with integrated speakers and map pockets 

• Power windows with retained-power and driver’s auto-down feature 

• Power door locks with anti-lockout feature 

• Center console 

• Dual cup holder 

• Dual lockable storage compartments behind the seats 

• Remote hood, engine cover and fuel-filler door releases 

• Deluxe three-in-one AM/FM ETR/Cassette/CD with four speakers 

Known Imperfections 

• Tires are original and show 2000 date codes 

Included 

• Spare wheel and tire 

• Window sticker 

Ownership History

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows that this 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder was registered to its original owner in Texas from 2001 until 2022, when it was acquired by the consigning dealer.