1987 Toyota MR2 5-speed with a rebuilt engine and new clutch, priced under high-mile driver sales

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: the first-generation MR2 is a mid-engine, 5-speed car with the 4A-GE twin-cam four from the AE86, and good ones keep getting more expensive. This gray 1987 is listed by Classic Car Deals at $6,995 with 174,836 miles. The seller says it has a rebuilt engine, a new clutch, a rust-free body and a presentable interior.

The seller also says it needs paint to be finished, so plan on that cost. Even so, high-mile manual MR2s in driver condition have been selling for about $9,900 in the middle of the range, and this one already has the expensive mechanical work done.

The value check

When we found it, the seller was asking $6,995. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $7,700–$12,100, so the middle of the market is about $9,900. That put this car 29% under.

Manual AW11 MR2s with 137,000 to 184,000 miles have sold from $7,700 to $12,100 in the last year (one very clean 174,000-mile car brought $18,000), so the middle is about $9,900. At $6,995 this car is about 29% below that, and it has a fresh engine and clutch.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1987 MR2, 184k mi, sold $7,700 (Mecum, Oct 2025)
• 1987 MR2, 156k mi, sold $9,900 (Cars & Bids, Apr 2026)
• 1986 MR2 5-speed, 150k mi, sold $12,100 (Cars & Bids, Jun 2026)
• 1985 MR2, 137k mi, sold $11,550 (BaT, May 2026)

What to check

• The VIN field on the listing reads 000000000AMS45033, which looks like a placeholder. Get the real VIN and check it against the title before you send money.
• Title status is not stated. Confirm it is a clean title in the seller's or client's name.
• The car is at a client's home, not at the Cadillac, MI lot. Arrange an inspection where it actually is.
• Rust: check the rear wheel arches, the rocker panels, the floor near the shifter cables and the front trunk floor, even though the seller says it is rust-free.
• Ask who rebuilt the engine and for receipts. Check the cooling lines under the car, the shift cables and the T-top seals if it has a T-top.

Making it drive like new

With the engine and clutch done, put the money into paint, then fresh bushings, coilovers, bigger front brakes and modern 15 or 16 inch tires. A later 4A-GZE supercharged swap or a 3SGTE swap is a common next step for more power.

How it ended

The listing ended on Oct 23, 2026. We don't know yet whether it sold.