Toyota MR2 GT SW20
Import a Toyota MR2 GT (SW20) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 1989–1999
- Engine
- 3S-GTE 2.0 L turbo four (GT), mid-engine rear-wheel drive
About the SW20
The SW20 MR2 launched in October 1989, and production ended in August 1999. It is mid-engined with rear-wheel drive. The GT and GT-S use the 3S-GTE turbo four, rated at 225 PS on Type I and II cars and 245 PS from Type III in November 1993.
It is an affordable mid-engine turbo car. The Type III and later cars addressed the early handling complaints, and the naturally aspirated G reached 200 PS on the final Type V.
Toyota sought handling advice for the SW20 from professional drivers, including Dan Gurney. The car’s floor pan underpinned the TRD2000GT racers in Japan’s GT-C series, and in 1998 TRD offered a wide-body TRD2000GT kit and tuning programme for road cars. Between 1996 and 1999, Toyota TechnoCraft also built a small run of MR2 Spider convertibles: Wikipedia gives the total as 88 or 91.
- Power
- 225 PS at 6,000 rpm (1989–93)
- Power from Oct 1993
- 245 PS at 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 31.0 kgm (304 Nm)
- Weight
- 1,240–1,260 kg (GT, manual)
- Gearbox
- 5-speed manual
- Drive
- Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Can an SW20 come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on an SW20
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Handling and history
Worth checking the accident history, especially on early Type I and II cars.
Rust and heat
Worth checking the rear arches and sills, and the engine bay for heat damage.
Turbo
Worth checking the turbo oil lines for leaks.
Gearbox
Worth checking the manual gearbox synchros and the differential.
T-top
Worth checking the T-bar roof seals for leaks.
What we check on every SW20
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What an SW20 costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SW20 MR2, all grades (61 listed), average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥2.52 million (range ¥0.8–5.9 million) | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
| 1992 MR2 turbo T-top, US dealer asking price JDMBuySell, Oct 2026 | US$16,900 | JDMBuySell , Oct 2026 |
| 1993 MR2 GT-S, US dealer asking price JDMBuySell, Sep 2026 | US$21,990 | JDMBuySell , Sep 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
SW20 buyer questions
Is every SW20 MR2 eligible?
Yes. Production ran from October 1989 to 1999, so every car is more than 25 years old and clears the US rule, and all of them clear Canada’s 15-year rule.
Should I pay more for a 1993-on GT?
Usually, yes. Toyota’s catalogue shows the GT rising from 225 PS to 245 PS in October 1993 (Type III), and the later cars also addressed early handling complaints. Earlier cars cost less but need careful checks for accident history.
Are parts easy to get in North America?
Fairly easy. The SW20 was also sold new in North America as the MR2 and MR2 Turbo, so many mechanical parts are shared. Right-hand-drive interior parts and some JDM trim still come from Japan.
Want an SW20?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.