1994 Toyota MR2 SW20 GT-S Turbo

ONE OF THE LAST JDM LEGENDS WITHIN REACH

We've all seen NSX, Supra, and GTR prices shoot to the moon in recent years. The truth of the matter is, no one makes cars like this anymore and the experience these 90's Japanese sportscars provide is truly unique. The current price for a gen 1 NSX averages $72,000 and for an Mk4 Supra you'd be lucky to part with only $61,000 to get a mediocre one. These are fantastic cars, no doubt, yet they have gone to another level when it comes to affordability and value. This is where the MR2 comes into play. The MR2 delivers an exhilarating experience, very similar to the two mentioned before, but at a much lower entry barrier when it comes to price.

Did you know that the MR2 GTS was just as fast or faster in the quarter mile than a stock Supra RZ or an NSX? Back in the 90s a 13 second quarter mile was quite impressive. The NSX achieved this distance in 13.2 seconds, the Supra did so in 13.1 seconds and the humble MR2 GTS did it in... 13.1 seconds. Quite amazing for a 4 cylinder twin scroll ("twin entry" as they called it back then) turbo from 1994. Check out this video on Youtube from the era!

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

When it comes to the MR2, there are many variations that popped up through the years. Within the SW20 (gen2) there were five revisions. This particular one is a REV3 (revision 3) made in 1994. In our personal opinion, this is the sweet spot for the SW20. It had received all the performance upgrades, including the sought after improved geometry and suspension, while staying slim without any of the additional safety features that came in later revisions. In 1994 the MR2 received the final iteration of the 3S-GTE which bumped power to 242hp! At 2,755 pounds for the hardtop coupled with the short throw 5-speed manual, this revision of the MR2 is a complete hoot to drive. Some visual appeal was added (rounded tail lights) as well and the car is quite exotic these days, bringing tons of looks, comments, and thumbs ups from people passing by.

Why did the MR2 not achieve NSX or Supra levels of hype? The initial 1990-1992 cars were a handful when it came to driving at the limit. You had to be a highly skilled driver to exploit the best of the SW20s potential. As the geometry and suspension modifications were revised through the generation, the MR2 had already been coined as somewhat of a widow maker which detracted many potential buyers who often opted for "safer" alternatives. By the time Toyota had figured out the quirks, the widow-maker moniker had done its job and the car never got the praise it truly deserved. This MR2 had already undergone suspension revisions and slight geometry changes, add the fact that modifications made it even better, and this REV3 is the car it was meant to be, an unforgettable mid-engine driving experience. Think of a reliable lotus...

You don't need to spend $50,000+ to get a great example of a JDM legend. The MR2 if living proof. Also, did you know that the famous TOM'S Supra from Gran Turismo had a 3S-GTE instead of a 2JZ? Look it up...

EXTERIOR

The SW20 MR2 in itself is already a great looking car. Often dubbed as the "poor man's" Ferrari 348, it had exotic flare without the exotic price tag. The look of the MR2 is quintessentially 90s. Rounded edges, pop-up headlights, and smooth curves made this car an instant classic. This MR2 takes all those good attributes to another level. This 1994 GT-S has what we like to call "period-correct" and "very-Japanese" modifications. It flaunts exterior modifications that enhance its original SW20 appeal. On the outside you will see a paint matched GReddy Body Kit including lip, side skirts, intake scoops, and rear bumper as well as a set of silver 5-spoke Tom's Wheels (think TOM's Supra). The result is a very OEM+ look that stays true to its roots. It's still a top-spec GT-S but meaner, sleeker, and sexier. The photos below will speak for themselves...

NOTE: Due to the lighter format to keep the website running smooth, photos don't work on Desktop and Laptop Safari Browsers. They do work on Safari iPhone and other browsers on iOS Desktop and Laptop.

INTERIOR

Toyota is known for making sturdy and functional interiors. The MR2 is no different. Everything is solid, firm, and oozes reliability. The seats are original, providing comfort as well as support for spirited driving. The radio has been slightly updated to a unit that can be plugged to your phone via USB. Works flawlessly and instantly upon connection. The Momo steering wheel is new and so is the TRD shift knob to ensure a clean contact with the car. The gas pedal has been upgraded for quick and seamless heel and toe downshifts. On the center console a short shifter that is direct and precise. To your right is a pod with Turbo metrics to ensure that your 3S-GTE is running in optimal condition. This car's interior is better than most 2 year old car interiors. Get in this comfortable and sporty cockpit and enjoy what is arguably the best part of this car, it's beautiful twin-scroll turbo noises... Whooosh...TSU TSU TSU!

MECHANICAL

We know that a car can look amazing, but it means nothing if it doesn't drive as good as it looks. Since January of this year we've been working on getting this car in tip top condition inside and out. Every time we performed maintenance, we drove it to make sure that it was executed properly, and proceeded to look for other areas where work was needed or could be improved upon. From replacing the clutch, to reattaching and organizing small components, attention to detail was of utmost importance. Below is a list of services or upgrades performed in 2025:

Recent services performed: 

• Drive belts done in 2022

• Denso Oil Filter

• Liqui Moly Gear Oil

• Denso Spark Plugs

• Bosch Brake Fluid

• Elring Oil Drain Plug

• Brake bleed

• Valvoline Oil

• Excedy TH02SD Clutch Kit ($1200)

• NSK Throwout bearing

• OEM ABS Sensor

• HKS Filter replacement

• Tein Flex Z Coilovers ($975)

• Reconditioned engine bay and replaced old hoses

• New front tires Yokohama Advan Neova AD09 (rears are 2022 with tread)

• Momo Steering Wheel

• TRD OEM Shift knob

• New Pioneer F-Series Speakers Front

• Hunter Alignment (see photos for values)

• Replaced AC Vents

• Stage 1 Paint correction and touchups

• Rewire and secure driver side mirror and window

• Kill switch

In addition to these services, the car has gone through various tasteful modifications mentioned below.

• GReddy E-Manage Ultimate ECU

• HKS Cold Air Intake

• Trust Greddy Intercooler

• Blow-Off Valve

• Fujitsubo Exhaust

• Tom's Strut bars Front and Rear

• Slotted Brake Rotors

• Wheel Spacers

• Tom's Turbo Timer

DON'T WAIT!

Cars like this are rare. There are many MR2s out there in the teens, sure, but at best they are a 5/10 in and out. This is an honest 9.5 for mechanical, and 9 for cosmetics. It is show-worthy. Chances of you seeing another SW20 on the road are slim. Add the fact that this car never came to the USA in GT-S trim and it is truly a rarity. You could count with one hand how many of these are in the states. The NSX is gone, the Supra is gone, the GTR is gone, but the MR2 is still here. Get it while you can... This opportunity shows up once every 20 years.

DRIVING THE MR2 AND THE LEGACY GT IN THE MOUNTAINS

DISCLAIMER *Wrench2Drive does not provide any warranties or guarantees anything after purchase. We are two individuals that like collecting cars, driving them, then selling them once we are ready to move to the next one.

INTERESTED?

Or email us at wrench2drive@gmail.com