Did some searching and apparently you can't tell about the LSD on the MR2 Spyder by the VIN number. You have to open up a plug and look inside or try some traction tricks via burnout or wet pavement on one tire and dry on the other. There doesn't seem to be a consensus other than peeking into the plug hole.

http://spyderchat.com/forums/showthread.php?55203-How-to-check-and-see-if-you-have-an-LSD-or-not

Sent an email asking about that MR-2 that is sort of local. Asked about the LSD and timing belt which was not listed on CarFax, but should have been changed at 80k and it has 96k. The pics show the top sections on the doors are falling out so I asked if that was due to be fixed.

This dealer is the one who sold the car when it was new so they should have accurate info on the LSD.

Did some searching and apparently you can't tell about the LSD on the MR2 Spyder by the VIN number. You have to open up a plug and look inside or try some traction tricks via burnout or wet pavement on one tire and dry on the other. There doesn't seem to be a consensus other than peeking into the plug hole.

http://spyderchat.com/forums/showthread.php?55203-How-to-check-and-see-if-you-have-an-LSD-or-not

Sent an email asking about that MR-2 that is sort of local. Asked about the LSD and timing belt which was not listed on CarFax, but should have been changed at 80k and it has 96k. The pics show the top sections on the doors are falling out so I asked if that was due to be fixed.

This dealer is the one who sold the car when it was new so they should have accurate info on the LSD.

That's BS.  Maybe it wasn't the VIN but the dealer order code or PO (purchase order).  The dealer can pull that info, you don't need to look at anything unless they took it out.  The LSD is spec'd in the build sheet and there is a code for it.  That's how we ordered ours and that's how I know.  I hope they agree even if they don't understand.  It also shows on the window sticker.

Top section of the doors?  Wha??  Was the prior owner a modder?

Not good, never seen that before.  If the dealer is selling it, they should be able to fix that.  Just some adhesive and a plastic spatula to press it back in.  Must get hot over there, but that's crazy.  I wonder if someone put something on the leather that made it shrink.  If you end up wanting to get it, just tell them you'll only buy if they fix it.  Odd they would try to sell it like that...

I believe somebody at one time made an insert to replace that area for cosmetics.  They could also order the non leather version from Toyota to replace it.

Toyota doesn't usually do that.  You can unscrew one screw and pop the cup behind the handle off after unclipping it.  Besides, wouldn't the leather come off more completely if that were the case?  It looks like it just shrunk or started peeling at the edges.

Any thoughts on a Saturn Sky or Pontiac Solstice? Uses the ecoboost 2.4 NA 177hp or 2.0 dual scroll turbo 260hp or 290hp (optional OEM tune), with LSD standard and Aisin 5 speed manual in a roadster weighing ~2850lbs. Lots more selection around here and seeing similar or just slightly higher prices than the MR-2 Spyder. Mileage is a little worse than the Spyder at 20/28 for 260hp version and 22/30 for 177hp version.

edit: Nevermind. Seems to have big time reliability issues, though many of the links said it was across all Pontiac cars from that time, but my 2006 Grand Prix hasn't had a hint of mechanical trouble.