Looking for my 1st Celica

Looking for my 1st Celica

Author
Discussion

theymademedoit

Original Poster:

19 posts

132 months

Wednesday 9th September 2015
quotequote all
Hi,
Just had my Mazda 6 written off my a learner driver and I am gutted.
I really fancy a Toyota Celica but not sure what to get.
I have heard the pre Sept 2002's are a bad idea due to oil issues.
Can anyone offer any suggestions on what to go for?
I have a budget of 1-2k but nearer the middle would be great.
Also in the Bristol area if anyone knows of any!

TotalControl

8,058 posts

198 months

Wednesday 9th September 2015
quotequote all
There are 2 versions, a 140 and a 190. The pre 02 140 was the one with engine/oil issues.

Buy on condition and you'll be fine.

theymademedoit

Original Poster:

19 posts

132 months

Thursday 10th September 2015
quotequote all
Thanks TotalControl.
What sort of mileage would you say was ok to go to?
I am seeing them mostly at around 120k.
When looking at a 140 pre 7gen, any tips on what to look out for regarding oil problems?

moorx

3,513 posts

114 months

Thursday 10th September 2015
quotequote all
I have a facelift 140 smile I'm also in Bristol - for work - although I live in Wales.

For your budget, you should be able to get a facelift. I was not keen on a pre-facelift because of the oil-burning issues and the fact that the interior looks more dated (the interior plastics are grey as opposed to black in the facelift cars).

I would get onto the CCUK (Celica Club UK) forum for more detailed advice - we are a friendly bunch smile They also have a Cars for Sale section.

ETA:

Google 'Celica Buying Guide' and you will find some helpful results. Two I looked at before buying:

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/78831...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=103...

Edited by moorx on Thursday 10th September 13:29

Monkey boy 1

2,063 posts

231 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2015
quotequote all
moorx said:
I would get onto the CCUK (Celica Club UK) forum for more detailed advice - we are a friendly bunch smile They also have a Cars for Sale section.

Edited by moorx on Thursday 10th September 13:29
a BIG +1 for that. Loads of very useful information

TotalControl

8,058 posts

198 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2015
quotequote all
Monkey boy 1 said:
moorx said:
I would get onto the CCUK (Celica Club UK) forum for more detailed advice - we are a friendly bunch smile They also have a Cars for Sale section.

Edited by moorx on Thursday 10th September 13:29
a BIG +1 for that. Loads of very useful information
I'll give this a +2.

I've been a member there for 8 years and have always found the answer I set out to look for.

dufunk

182 posts

123 months

Friday 25th September 2015
quotequote all
ST202 celica is really underrated rev3 3SGE 175bhp can be picked up for very little or the beams celica which are quite rare 200bhp loads more torque than 2ZZ and come with a nice bodykit and superstrut suspension so great handling, quite a few in ROI.

Edited by dufunk on Friday 25th September 14:41

McGtfour

135 posts

160 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
quotequote all
All I would say is unless you are a 100% fussed on the 190 'lift' power then go with a 140. I have a 190 T-Sport which don't get me wrong I do like the old girl and the added power on a sunday morning blast is good fun BUT for day to day driving the gear ratios are useless, it can't be used on the motorway and the dip in power right before the 'lift' is annoying to say the least!

Also by the time the 190 has got to its 8,200 revs the engine sounds like its about to attempt re-entry...

Having driven a 140, for daily use its a no brainer.

The leather seats are reasonably comfortable - however interior/cabin wise its not a patch on the same year Audi TT.

With all that negativity said, fuel economy Is good, its ultra-reliable and parts are cheap. For the price I paid for mine (a little over a 1k) people think its worth a lot more and it doesn't look like a 1000 shed. It doesn't get the attention my old GT4 did however you still feel good when you hop out of it.

It also handles very well, the steering is direct and it is good fun to drive.

As mentioned the pre 02 140's had oil issues but the facelift ones are cheap enough now not to worry!

just my two pence worth...

moorx

3,513 posts

114 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
quotequote all
McGtfour said:
All I would say is unless you are a 100% fussed on the 190 'lift' power then go with a 140. I have a 190 T-Sport which don't get me wrong I do like the old girl and the added power on a sunday morning blast is good fun BUT for day to day driving the gear ratios are useless, it can't be used on the motorway and the dip in power right before the 'lift' is annoying to say the least!

Also by the time the 190 has got to its 8,200 revs the engine sounds like its about to attempt re-entry...

Having driven a 140, for daily use its a no brainer.

The leather seats are reasonably comfortable - however interior/cabin wise its not a patch on the same year Audi TT.

With all that negativity said, fuel economy Is good, its ultra-reliable and parts are cheap. For the price I paid for mine (a little over a 1k) people think its worth a lot more and it doesn't look like a 1000 shed. It doesn't get the attention my old GT4 did however you still feel good when you hop out of it.

It also handles very well, the steering is direct and it is good fun to drive.

As mentioned the pre 02 140's had oil issues but the facelift ones are cheap enough now not to worry!

just my two pence worth...
Yep, I'd agree with all of that. I considered (and test drove) a T-sport, but couldn't justify the extra costs (price, insurance, VED) when it was going to be a second car.

And I prefer the interior of mine (black leather) to the two-tone T-sport leather.