Toyota Celica (99 onwards)

[MrJonathan]

A friend of mine is looking into getting rid of her old paxo and is after a second hand Celica.
She knows very little about cars and has asked me to go along with her when she has a shifty round the dealers. I dont know much either so was wondering if any of you have had any experience with them or heard anything good or indeed bad about them?
Ive read a few reviews and they seem to like it. Shes not hugely bothered on 0-60 stats etc. She just wants it to look good and go reasonably well.

Cheers

N.B I will be taking sun glasses and hat for the test drive

[IrnBru]

I've actually just got rid of an 03 plate Celica T Sport after 3 years. Here's the goods and the bads...

Good

* A T Sport like the one I had is pretty well speced with CD player, leather interior, climate, traction, stability control.
* Looks stunning, just don't get one without a spoiler as they look a bit odd.
* The 190bhp engine needs to be worked hard but is pretty quick if driven correctly (there's a 140 too)
* Good handling (although not amazing grip)

Bad

* Both engines need to be revved hard to get much punch
* You tend to feel every lump and bump on the road which can be tiring
* The interior plastic is shocking
* Mine actually wasn't reliable at all - engine rebuild, aircon failure, 2 clutches and 2 gearboxes in 3 years.
* Wet weather grip is poor

I loved this car, but I found it hard not to drive it aggressively. It also isn't particularly comfortable or quiet for when you want to relax a bit.

[MrJonathan]

Cheers bud, exactly what I was looking for

She had ideas about a MR2 or an RX8 but I soon made her forget about them. I mentioned the Celica and she has seen some since and really likes the look of them. Totally agree about the spoiler though.
Just have to see how a test drive goes. Shes had the paxo for nigh on six years now and fancies something a bit sporty but still a bit practical ie four seats ish and boot.

Any other little sporty numbers you would suggest?
Shes looked at a Astra Coupe but didnt like and Ive been banding around the idea of an audi but as usual she will know her budget when she finds the right car

Thanks again

[IrnBru]

RX8s have a luuuurvly interior but cost a bomb to run.

I guess there's the Hyundai Coupes which are decent value for money although I've never driven one.

At the moment my Leon is in the garage as I bought it on the condition an airbag light was fitted. In the meantime they've given me a BMW 320Ci with full leather interior. I've always loved to hate BMWs but this motor in silver in just pure class. Lovely inside and out and drives like a dream. I hate to say it but I'd happily swap my Leon 20VT for it even if it's not as quick.

Like this...

[MrJonathan]

I told her that and esp as she does mainly town driving she would get late teens mpg and the MR2 has sod all in the way of space for shopping.

My mate is thinking about a Hyundai coupe but im not sure on the styling. And she is a bit of a label girl which doesnt help.

The BMW is an idea we have thought about but I spose its just the image that puts her off. Blondes and beemers just have a rep dont they! Id ideally like her to have something with a bit of warranty left but I still dont know what kind of money she will stretch to.
She badgers me for help but gives me fcuk all to work with. Women eh.

[Chuckie]

Mr J

I am currently selling my celica (to change for a New Leon)

Mine is a 2001Y, I have had it from new, 140 with 59K miles on the clock, silver (with rear spoiler) Air con, in dash 6 CD Changer, MOT March 07 if your friend is interested

If not I can give her the following advice,

avoid the 190 versions (190, T sport, GT) I have looked at them they are quick but screwing it up to over 6k revs before you make rapid progress is a bit worrying (thought hitting lift is astounding) and the engines are a bit fragile, a lift bolt will coat you £50+ to change but over £300 if (when) it brakes (and they do not check it at service!!!)

(so go for the standard 140, no lift no problem)

I agree with irnbru on the spoiler (it is a must) but if it is pre 2003 check that the rear hatch struts have been changed for the uprated version

I disagree with irnbru about the ride, it is not to bad being comparable to the Mazda 3 (wifes car) and the new Leon TFSi (cant be that different to the Saxo)

I dont know what irn bru was doing with his car but my car is just over 3 years old

no engine rebuild, (new aux drive belt)
no aircon failure, (had the gas topped up once)
Original Clutch, Gearbox, exhaust, battery etc

but I have had new brake disks all round!!!!!

this is similar to many other people I have spoken to re the Celica (oh and it will do 35 - 40 mpg with no problem, I would expect about 30 in town)

Did I say I am selling mine

If you are looking for a celica give drop a line and even if she is not interested in mine I can go through the issues with you on Celicas in general

Cheers Chris

[IrnBru]

I dont know what irn bru was doing

It was a company car that was provided with a fuel card. A dangerous combination. As a result I used to drive it... enthusiastically

On a more serious note with the 190 engine it requires you to take each gear to the top of the rev limiter (almost touching it) before changing up in order to keep it on cam in the 'lift' zone. Since it wasn't mine I used to smack it off the redline regularly and drive it at a ridiculous RPM. I guess this isn't good for any car's health.

My Leon is my own and hence is driven like it's made of glass most of the time.

[Chuckie]

Somebody elses T Sport with them paying for the fuel!!!!! That sounds like a heady combination.

I agree that the best time to change up with that engine is just before the limiter kicks in, sounds wild at the time but not to good for the engine or the wallet!!!!!!

Hence I'm not getting the Toyota but its a TFSi (or FR) Leon for this boy

Cheers Chris

[MrJonathan]

Cheers guys for the info I have gleened from that lot. Much appreciated

Shes had to put it on the backburner for the mo as she wants some stuff done to the house first but she has got her heart set on one. We have only looked at a few and not had a chance to take one out yet tho so that may change.

Whats it like to park? She is only little (5"2) and parking isnt her forte as it is.
I fear for the alloys as well as she kerbs like a goodun.
I have pointed out that if she doesnt get that 'thing' (as she calls it) on the boot or one with it I wont go near her! Although she didnt seem to bothered about that

Anyways, thanks again and IrnBru and Chuckie, if there is anything else you can think of for me to look out for whack it up. And good luck getting rid of yours Chuckie.

Cheers