1995 Celica GT as a (fun) runaround?

[GSXRJoe]

Hi guys, first time poster..

Looking for a new runaround after my last one got written off by a polish man in a white van.

In my various searches I've found a 1995 Celica GT 2.0L, done 120k miles, described as "Average condition", though photos (for what they're worth) look pretty immaculate. It's selling for <£1k.

I'm a biker more than a driver, so I'm after some advice if you think it'd be an okay runaround, or if it's going to soak up money in repairs etc. Or if there's anything specific I should check on it.

I ride sports bikes so I'm used to handling a bit of grunt, so I'm not concerned there.

All advice welcome!

Joe

[GravelBen]

They're not really anything special - average Fwd chassis, 150ish bhp. The GT-4 is the turbo 4wd version you may be thinking of?

Usual Toyota reliability though AFAIK so probably nothing to fear on that count.

[bint]

What he said. That sounds about the right price and mileage, they're fairly average cost wise to run and no major issues with them. Parts are readily available and there's still a large owners club for support.

[GSXRJoe]

Yeah, I don't want anything too nuts, as the missus will drive it too, and she's used to Corsa's and the like.

It seems like a reasonable mix of low cost, looks, performance, unless people have any other recommendations? Others I've seen in similar price range have been things like Mazda 323's, Vectras, and the odd Megane. I hear the usual bad things about French builds, but is that still true these days?

It's a third vehicle (including my bike) purely to be a runaround, but I still want it to look reasonable and not break down, I'm looking ~£1500, so advice welcome.

Interestingly, the Celica came back with a lower insurance premium than a Vectra..

[Wadeski]

MR2 or MX-5 for me at that price range. Unless you need four seats (and the seats in most 2+2 coupes are fairly useless)

[TotalControl]

They're good solid cars. Nothing amazing, but enough to keep you happy. I'm breaking mine so if you need any parts from it let me know.

[rb5230]

GravelBen said:

They're not really anything special - average Fwd chassis, 150ish bhp. .

172bhp i believe, 0-60 in 7.5, not bad really.

[chriis]

Try to find out if its 3SFE or 3SGE engine , early Gt's came with the 3SFE and i would avoid it myself . My 202GT ate two 3SFE's .

[GravelBen]

rb5230 said:

GravelBen said:

They're not really anything special - average Fwd chassis, 150ish bhp. .

172bhp i believe, 0-60 in 7.5, not bad really.

A bit more research says you're right - there was a 140PS 3S-FE version and a 180PS 3S-GE version.

[Monkey boy 1]

Yep, my '96 ST202 GT is great fun, can be driven like a nutter or not and will give a reasonable mpg in return. (I get better economy from mine than the Mrs gets from her 1.8 Mondeo).
On a long run I can squeeze 400 miles to a tank full, and that's not driving like a pussy either.

Rear brakes can be a weak point as they incorporate shoes within the disc for the h/brake. The rest of the car is pretty good, Typical Mr T reliability & build quality.