Time Capsule: 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder with Just 2,700km

California Time Capsule

According to Bring a Trailer, this 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder has lived a remarkably sheltered life, accumulating just 1,700 miles (roughly 2,700 kilometres) since it left the showroom. The car has spent its entire life registered in California, and it shows.

Finished in Absolutely Red over black cloth seats, this third-generation MR2 represents Toyota's final iteration of their mid-engined sports car — a far cry from the turbocharged SW20 that preceded it, but arguably more focussed on pure driving enjoyment.

Spec Sheet

Power comes from Toyota's 1.8-litre inline-four, sending drive to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transaxle. It's not a fire-breather — we're talking around 103kW — but in a car weighing just over 1,000kg, it's more than adequate for a proper thrash.

Factory equipment includes a black soft top with glass rear window and electric defroster, fog lights, staggered-diameter alloy wheels, air conditioning, and a period-correct CD/cassette stereo. There's also a carbon-fibre-style dash appliqué and wind deflector — both typical of early 2000s sports car fashion.

The Catch

While the mileage is extraordinary, the listing notes some paint blemishes visible in the photo gallery. At 22 years old, even a garage queen can show its age. The current dealer acquired the car in 2026 and is offering it with manufacturer's literature, a spare set of tyres, service records, a clean Carfax report, and a clean California title.

Market Watch

These third-gen MR2s have flown under the radar for years, but low-mileage examples are starting to attract attention as the last of Toyota's affordable mid-engined roadsters. With the market for Japanese sports cars continuing to strengthen, time-capsule examples like this won't stay affordable forever.

As reported by Bring a Trailer, the car is currently up for auction.