TOYOTA'S decision to stop selling sports cars in Europe earlier this year was a blow to true fans of sleek performance motors. But the move has probably helped maintain or even improve used MR2 values with no new models on the horizon.

Engines You don't get a choice with the MR2, but the little Toyota's 1.8-litre motor is a willing, rev-happy engine that's eager to please. Of equal importance is the unit's 138bhp. It might not sound like much but, in a car like the MR2, it's more than enough to get you into trouble as well as help you overtake a whole line of dawdling Sunday drivers.

Bodywork MR2 owners are usually the caring, sharing type, meaning it's unlikely that you'll find any major problems in this area. Bonnet stone chips on high mileage cars are sometime an issue. Cars used predominately around town could be sporting some kerbed alloy wheels. The only other important area requiring close examination is the car's fabric roof find any imperfections and walk away. A car this new shouldn't come with a tatty or damaged roof.

Interior The MR2's cosy cockpit doesn't give you much scope to find anything wrong, but damp or stained seats and carpets could signal that the previous owner routinely forgot to raise the roof when it rained. Electrical problems are rarely an issue we're talking about a Toyota, after all. If you're buying an imported model, make sure the main dials and radio have been converted to European standards, though.

Driving Anyone raised on a diet of hot hatches would be well advised to take it easy for a while the MR2 is no pushover. The rear-drive, mid-engined Toyota will happily bite if you act irresponsibly and, with no fancy-pants electronic aids to help you, this is performance motoring for the real enthusiast. With the engine roaring behind you, the slick gearshift and direct steering at your side, affordable top-down motoring doesn't get much better if you're not a member of the Mazda MX-5 appreciation society. Just behave yourself in the wet.

Image The MR2 boasts more of a cult following than widespread adoration. There are arguably prettier cars out there but this is genuinely a proper sports car with a depth of talent that might surprise you.

Ownership Owning an MR2 requires dedication and a disregard for personal belongings. Storage space is on the stingy side in the car's cabin; door pockets are minuscule and your best bet is to wedge stuff behind the passenger seat on long journeys. The boot isn't much better or bigger, especially as it's actually the engine that takes pride of place behind your shoulder. The two-seat only cabin is on the snug side, but the situation improves slightly with the roof down. If all this doesn't put you off MR2 ownership, you've probably found your ideal car.

Facts.....

Price range: 2000 W - 2004 54, 1.8 VVTi £8,495 - £14,150.

2000 W - 2004 54, 1.8 VVTi with hard top, £9,365 - £15,600.

Reasons to buy: Huge fun to drive.

Reasons to beward: Impractical, miserly storage space, can be tricky to drive hard in the wet.

Recommended: If you want an all-weather solution, get one with the inclusive hard top.