Pick of the Day: 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder

I cannot imagine there is a universal standard for a vehicle to be considered “low mileage”. Subjective notions tend to influence someone’s answer, like my history of buying used cars with substantial mileage. I consider 40,000 miles or less to be low mileage on newer cars and I imagine some readers might think this is a bit high. However I think most folks would agree that 4,000 original miles is low mileage on most cars, especially those 20-years or older.

The Pick of the Day is a 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Cadillac, Michigan. (Click the link to view the listing)

“This 2001 example was acquired by the seller from the original owner in 2022 and subsequently repainted in its factory color of Absolutely Red along with replacement of the convertible top,” the listing states. “Now showing just over 4k miles on the odometer.”

It is powered by a mid-mounted 1.8L 1ZZ-FED inline-four engine with VVT-i variable valve timing. The engine produced a factory-rated 138 hp and 127 lb.-ft of torque when new. Not exactly Earth shattering power but with a 2,195-pound curb weight the MR2 Spyder could go from 0-60 mph in 7.16 seconds and run a ¼ mile in 15.40 seconds. Those were solid performance figures for the era and the 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder was quicker than its rival Mazda Miata on the track (0-60 mph in 7.90 seconds, ¼ mile in 15.92 seconds). The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.

The black interior has seating for two with bucket seats. Amenities include an AM/FM/CD/Cassette stereo, air conditioning, power windows, and power door locks.

To bolster the MR2’s low mileage nature it rides on 15-inch wheels with the original Bridgestone Potenza tires, and the listing advises an oil change was completed in preparation for the next owner.