Looking to buy Toyota Celica 2.0.GT 170

[chris1811]

Hi all,

Noobie here from Leicestershire looking to potentially buy my first celica. Always had a soft spot for these cars, especially the 2.0 GT

Currently got my on a 1998 GT 2.0 170 - Cars covered 140k and has pretty tidy bodywork for a car of its age. Is this mileage something to worry about?

Just wanted to ask what to look out for when I see it?

Seller say that the clutch thrust bearing is making a little noise but does not effect performance of car however could do with being replaced.

I pushed a little more and found out that apparently it sometimes slips at high revs if been driven for a long period time. Apparently he was quoted £200 for parts + labour on top. Any truth in this??

Any help would be great guys and i don't want to get stuck with a money pit.

Thanks in advance.

Chris

[Monkey boy 1]

The Gen 6 Celica 2.0 GT (ST202)is pretty bomb proof engine wise, the 1.8ST is a little bit weaker and the early ones suffered from oil burning. My GT is nearly 19 years old and with no engine modifications still managed to kick out 172 BHP on a rolling road test last year (meant to be 168 as std)
There are many with well over 150K on the clock and still run as sweet as anything.
£200 + labour for a clutch sounds a little on the low side, but as with any garages, prices can vary fa hell of a lot.

The weak point IMHO on the Gen 6 are the brakes. They are poor at the best of times unless regularly serviced. Slider pins & pistons tend to seize up. Handbrake cables also seize as the parking brake are drum shoes within the disc.

There are many varients too depending if you are getting a UK car or a JDM (import) Some of the imports have Superstrut suspension where as the UK have the Macphearson strut. The 2.0 GT should have the 3S-GE but the one to look out for is the 200hp Beams

Body rot is quite rare, usual places to look for rust is along the lower edges of the doors, and sometimes around the rear wheel arch .

There is a very good and active National club too. http://www.celica-club.co.uk there is a whole hoste of info on there about the various generations of Celica from the Gen 1 to the Gen 7

Overall they are pretty good 2+2 cars which have a useable boot space and can fit 4 adults (with a bit of a squeeze).

Edited by Monkey boy 1 on Wednesday 6th May 11:10

[Riknos]

Whilst good cars that still look good, it depends how much it is going for? I've seen some for over £600/700 needing work still and at that price point I'd be looking at getting into a Gen 7 Celica, seen some 190s even dip below £1k.