Toyota Celica, Tell me why I shouldn't.
Discussion
I'm after a fun practical car for my second car. I think the last shape Celica fits the bill quite nicely.
I think I'll probably go for the 140 VVTi version as it has the best power/economy balance by the looks of it. I hear the 190 is quite thirsty.
Can anyone share any experiences they have had with the Celica. Reliability, practicality, economy and what its like to drive.
I think I'll probably go for the 140 VVTi version as it has the best power/economy balance by the looks of it. I hear the 190 is quite thirsty.
Can anyone share any experiences they have had with the Celica. Reliability, practicality, economy and what its like to drive.
Edited by Grahamr123 on Tuesday 30th July 21:30
I owned one for a year. They can use a lot of oil - a litre/1000 miles is not uncommon. The steering is very direct and the chassis has a lot of grip and corners well. It could handle a lot more power and torque. The 140bhp version feels anaemic - I "traded-down" to a 318 Compact but that felt a lot more grunty. Also, for a car that requires you to change gear often, I found the gearbox was nowhere near as slick as it should have been with the 1st-2nd shift being particular obstructive and overly-sprung. And finally I could never quite get a driving position I was comfortable with. On the flipside, it does have a capacious boot and was pretty reliable.
Would I buy one again? No.
Would I buy one again? No.
Gaz. said:
Engines need oil. The early 140's (1999-2002) burn oil so need checking regularly. 190s and facelift 140's do not burn oil but you'd be foolish not to do regular checks, as you would with any engine.
I was looking at the facelift models, 2005 or so. They seem like a lot of car for the money. I've got a 2002 year 140 Celica. It's had no problems at all and doesn't burn a drop of oil. Over two years i've never once had to top up the oil. The car's been in our family since new and I know it's never had a single mechanical issue.
However, as already point out the 140bhp engine is not quick at all. There's no torque and you will be changing gear a lot. Ride quality is ok but can get a little harsh on rough surfaces.
However, as already point out the 140bhp engine is not quick at all. There's no torque and you will be changing gear a lot. Ride quality is ok but can get a little harsh on rough surfaces.
wilbo83 said:
I had a 190 T Sport for about 2 years and would thoroughly recommend them, may Severn buy another one soon. The economy is great for the performance, the boot is huge, the seats fold down and the steering is very precise.
I do about 30 miles a day commute to work, So economy is pretty key. Its a mix of towns and A roads really. What kind of MPG would I expect to be getting from the 190 T Sport? It sounds really promising for the power.Also, how good are the back seats for carting friends about?
Grahamr123 said:
I do about 30 miles a day commute to work, So economy is pretty key. Its a mix of towns and A roads really. What kind of MPG would I expect to be getting from the 190 T Sport? It sounds really promising for the power.
Also, how good are the back seats for carting friends about?
Average low to mid 30s. Back seats are bucket style so you do sit down into them which gains some height. You may have issues if they are 6 foot plus but shouldn't be an issue for most. Getting in and out is as unflattering as any sports coupe though.Also, how good are the back seats for carting friends about?
Edit: economy above based on a long term average,not your specific example.
On a motorway/dc commute you should manage 37+mpg at .80 leptons - I do in mine.
You really should go for the 190 though. I got a 140 variant 18 months ago as insurance was an issue for me on the 190 at the time. As I understand it you should be able to achieve similar mpg in the 190 if keeping it below the cam change threshold on a steady commute.
They are a very good combination of comfortable efficient cruiser and agile b-road blaster imho.
You really should go for the 190 though. I got a 140 variant 18 months ago as insurance was an issue for me on the 190 at the time. As I understand it you should be able to achieve similar mpg in the 190 if keeping it below the cam change threshold on a steady commute.
They are a very good combination of comfortable efficient cruiser and agile b-road blaster imho.
I had a 190,and it was bullet proof! I did just under 100k miles in 4 years, sold it with 240k on the clock if my memory serves me correctly.
Cracking cars, and very good on fuel too (relatively speaking) 34mpg was my average overjust about every tank, but keeping a steady right foot, not letting it get on cam, can achieve 27mpg.
I still think they look fresh even now too, which isn't always the case with Jap cars, and certainly not euro boxes
Cracking cars, and very good on fuel too (relatively speaking) 34mpg was my average overjust about every tank, but keeping a steady right foot, not letting it get on cam, can achieve 27mpg.
I still think they look fresh even now too, which isn't always the case with Jap cars, and certainly not euro boxes
190 has traction control and yes the 140 needs it! Fast roundabout start and you can spin the wheels!
think of it as a stylish corolla. One that does the mundane 90% of driving you will ACTUALLY do (traffic, shopping, pottering, school runs etc etc) VERY well indeed. It is plenty powerful for this sort of driving about, and economical too. No worse than a saloon/whatever. And it looks great.
But unlike a COrolla, when you want that other 10% to have fun haring abut the place, the Celica is a very fine balanced car. You turn in to a fast roundabout at 40 and think oh I could have done that faster. next day you do it at 50..then 60, then 70 and it just happily plays all day long. it is Puma/MX5 levels of FUN.
and it does have poke, you just have to use the gearbox to find it. It's the complete opposite of a diesel where it's all torque and change up at 3000revs. You ride the power at 7000. You have to adopt the superbike attitude: high revs to reach peak power. and that's also quite addictive hitting the Lift!
All in all, it's not the fastest, most powrful, best handling, prettiest, most reliable.... but as a compromise of all it takes some beating. Oh now factor in the price.... nailed.
Would I have another one? definitely.
think of it as a stylish corolla. One that does the mundane 90% of driving you will ACTUALLY do (traffic, shopping, pottering, school runs etc etc) VERY well indeed. It is plenty powerful for this sort of driving about, and economical too. No worse than a saloon/whatever. And it looks great.
But unlike a COrolla, when you want that other 10% to have fun haring abut the place, the Celica is a very fine balanced car. You turn in to a fast roundabout at 40 and think oh I could have done that faster. next day you do it at 50..then 60, then 70 and it just happily plays all day long. it is Puma/MX5 levels of FUN.
and it does have poke, you just have to use the gearbox to find it. It's the complete opposite of a diesel where it's all torque and change up at 3000revs. You ride the power at 7000. You have to adopt the superbike attitude: high revs to reach peak power. and that's also quite addictive hitting the Lift!
All in all, it's not the fastest, most powrful, best handling, prettiest, most reliable.... but as a compromise of all it takes some beating. Oh now factor in the price.... nailed.
Would I have another one? definitely.
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