Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185, any good?
Discussion
Thought I'd post this in here as my thread in General Gassing didn't really get much of a response...
Just interested to know if these are worth a look or not? Whilst the sixth gen ST205 seems to be highly rated by much of PH, I can't find much of a mention of the older fifth gen ST185 on here.
Whilst they seem quite rare the ones that are about are rather cheap, are they any good? I've heard that they are a bit on the heavy side so aren't lightning quick, but know little else about them.
Just interested to know if these are worth a look or not? Whilst the sixth gen ST205 seems to be highly rated by much of PH, I can't find much of a mention of the older fifth gen ST185 on here.
Whilst they seem quite rare the ones that are about are rather cheap, are they any good? I've heard that they are a bit on the heavy side so aren't lightning quick, but know little else about them.
All GT Four's are great! Rally winning pedigree in a proper design with a view to winning.
I'm not aware of any great pitfalls with the ST185, although you would be best to check out the owners clubs and look for a comprehensive buyers guide.
As long as you're not looking at the bottom end of prices and not wanting to run one on a shoe string, you should do OK.
The Carlos Sainz model is the best of the 5th gen GT Four IMO, but the RC is also very different to the regular model.
I'm not aware of any great pitfalls with the ST185, although you would be best to check out the owners clubs and look for a comprehensive buyers guide.
As long as you're not looking at the bottom end of prices and not wanting to run one on a shoe string, you should do OK.
The Carlos Sainz model is the best of the 5th gen GT Four IMO, but the RC is also very different to the regular model.
Thanks for the replies chaps, I'll check out some buyers guides. Main thing I wondered really is why the ST205 gets raved about on PH, yet the ST185 rarely seems to get a mention? Magpie 215, (and any other owners/ex owners) what were your impressions regarding performance, handling and so on?
I used to own a ST185......I found it fairly boring and dull to be honest.
It diddn't have any great feel or connection to the road and any of the horses left in the engine after so many years seemed to have run away.
If it were me I wouldn't be entertaining the idea of a ST185, unless it has been fully restored (body and engine), and also upgraded in performance.
The ST205 is a different machine altogether. I used to own one of these too. Again in standard form they are a bit boring, with understeer ruining any fun, but spice it up a bit and it is a great car.
It diddn't have any great feel or connection to the road and any of the horses left in the engine after so many years seemed to have run away.
If it were me I wouldn't be entertaining the idea of a ST185, unless it has been fully restored (body and engine), and also upgraded in performance.
The ST205 is a different machine altogether. I used to own one of these too. Again in standard form they are a bit boring, with understeer ruining any fun, but spice it up a bit and it is a great car.
ST185s are now quite an old car so more overlooked than the 205. Rust is now a big problem on these especially the UK ones imports are generally in better condition
They do come alive with stage one mods air filter,exhaust and a slight boost tweek.
stock they do feel abit slow.
Suspension and bushes must be done to improve feel as the worn out stock items will be well past there best.
the brakes are pants but can be improved with better pads.
They do come alive with stage one mods air filter,exhaust and a slight boost tweek.
stock they do feel abit slow.
Suspension and bushes must be done to improve feel as the worn out stock items will be well past there best.
the brakes are pants but can be improved with better pads.
Leave the ST185 for the hostory books and definitely take a ST205 for a current car. It would be a much better decision in the long run IMO.
For me the ST185 was a dissapointment. It never really 'offered' anything if you know what I mean?
You'd have to spend a lot of money on one to bring it up to modern day feel and performance, where as with the ST205 you get this more or less straight away, and for a little extra you can transform the car in to something that will put a smile on your face every time you drive it.
For me the ST185 was a dissapointment. It never really 'offered' anything if you know what I mean?
You'd have to spend a lot of money on one to bring it up to modern day feel and performance, where as with the ST205 you get this more or less straight away, and for a little extra you can transform the car in to something that will put a smile on your face every time you drive it.
AJI said:
Leave the ST185 for the hostory books and definitely take a ST205 for a current car. It would be a much better decision in the long run IMO.
For me the ST185 was a dissapointment. It never really 'offered' anything if you know what I mean?
You'd have to spend a lot of money on one to bring it up to modern day feel and performance, where as with the ST205 you get this more or less straight away, and for a little extra you can transform the car in to something that will put a smile on your face every time you drive it.
much as I hate to admit it as I loved my 185 ownership...it is a +1 to the above comments by ajiFor me the ST185 was a dissapointment. It never really 'offered' anything if you know what I mean?
You'd have to spend a lot of money on one to bring it up to modern day feel and performance, where as with the ST205 you get this more or less straight away, and for a little extra you can transform the car in to something that will put a smile on your face every time you drive it.
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