Toyota is back in the sports car business thanks to the new GR86 and Supra. However, the company hasn’t made a return to the convertible segment since the Solara was axed over a decade ago.

That brings us to this 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder, which was described by the auto press and enthusiasts alike at the time as the poor man’s Porsche Boxster.

Known as the MR-S (Midship Runabout-Sports) in Japan, the model was originally launched in 1999 and was notable for featuring a mid-mounted 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 138 hp (103 kW / 140 PS) and 125 lb-ft (169 Nm) of torque.

While that doesn’t sound terribly impressive, the car weighed a mere 2,195 lbs (996 lbs) and sent power to the rear wheels through one of three different gearboxes. In the case of this particular model, it’s a five-speed manual instead of Europe’s fancier six-speed gearbox.

Also Read: Toyota Presents the Successor to Last Year’s MR2 Study with the New GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II

This combination is undeniably appealing to enthusiasts and what makes this car even better is that it has only been driven 12,114 miles (19,496 km) in the past two decades. Given this, it’s not surprising the model looks virtually brand new and still features shiny black paint as well as spotless 15-inch wheels.

The interior appears immaculate as well as we can see tan leather seats that look like they’ve never been used. While the listing is light on specifics, the standard model came nicely equipped with air conditioning, power windows / locks and a manual soft top. Those features were joined by a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a four-speaker audio system with a cassette and CD player.

While there’s a lot to like about this particular car, the seller is asking $22,800 (£17,108 / €20,354). That doesn’t sound too bad for a low mileage example, but it’s only $4,900 (£3,676 / $4,375) less than the 2022 GR86 which goes on sale in the United States next month. Around the same kind of money also gets you a used first-gen 1998-2002 Boxster with under 25k miles (if you’re open to Porsche maintenance costs), which is kind of ironic given the MR2’s nickname.

For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?
For $23,000, Would You Get A 12k Mile Toyota MR2 Spyder Over A Used Porsche Boxster?

Picture credits: Diamond Motorworks