Buying a Celica 7th Gen 1999-2002

[mark328]

Suppose it makes sense to ask here seeing as I just sold my car on PH !!!

Im looking at a Celcia VVTI 99-02. Im well aware of the problems related to these models, but does anyone know how to identify if a potential purchase HAS got the problem of oil consumption, OR is likely to get it???

Is it safe to assume that if its done 90k plus then it IS NOT going to get it???

Or am i safer looking at a 190bhp version from 99-02 or did it affect these models too!!!!!

Any help would be great in finding out rather than buying a lemon!!

Thanks

Mark

[bint]

It was the 190's / VVTLi's that had more issues with oil, oval pistons and lift bolts. The 140's are fairly bullet proof, mine never drank oil, biggest issues I had were bubbling alloys (most replaced under warranty or have aftermarket) and an oversensitive alarm. That too easily rectified.

The 190 issues were easily fixed, and not expensive if caught, and the car benefits from the extra power but you do need to drive it like the Honda V-tec engines to benefit from the Lift - I.e. around 6500-6800rpm when it kicks in. Otherwise drives like a 140.

Parts are cheap, readily available, and www.celica-club.co.uk has an encyclopaedic knowledge to support you.

[mark328]

bint said:

It was the 190's / VVTLi's that had more issues with oil, oval pistons and lift bolts. The 140's are fairly bullet proof, mine never drank oil, biggest issues I had were bubbling alloys (most replaced under warranty or have aftermarket) and an oversensitive alarm. That too easily rectified.

The 190 issues were easily fixed, and not expensive if caught, and the car benefits from the extra power but you do need to drive it like the Honda V-tec engines to benefit from the Lift - I.e. around 6500-6800rpm when it kicks in. Otherwise drives like a 140.

Parts are cheap, readily available, and www.celica-club.co.uk has an encyclopaedic knowledge to support you.

Thanks Bint, however everything on the web says its the 140 vvti that has the oil consumption problem, the 190 having the smaller problem of changing the "lift" bolts.

Now im confused lol

[cornet]

The 140s did indeed have the oil issue. Never heard of any issues with the 190.

Only thing, which has been mentioned, is the lift bolts which had a habit of snapping on the pre-2003 models. Doesn't normally cause any damage to the engine but can be a pain to get out. Replacement, tapered, bolts are a few quid from toyota plus £10 for the rocker box gasket.

Provided they haven't snapped then it's an easy job to replace them.

[nottyash]

mark328 said:

bint said:

It was the 190's / VVTLi's that had more issues with oil, oval pistons and lift bolts. The 140's are fairly bullet proof, mine never drank oil, biggest issues I had were bubbling alloys (most replaced under warranty or have aftermarket) and an oversensitive alarm. That too easily rectified.

The 190 issues were easily fixed, and not expensive if caught, and the car benefits from the extra power but you do need to drive it like the Honda V-tec engines to benefit from the Lift - I.e. around 6500-6800rpm when it kicks in. Otherwise drives like a 140.

Parts are cheap, readily available, and www.celica-club.co.uk has an encyclopaedic knowledge to support you.

Thanks Bint, however everything on the web says its the 140 vvti that has the oil consumption problem, the 190 having the smaller problem of changing the "lift" bolts.

Now im confused lol

Bints talking ballocks.
early 140 cars were affected
My 51 plate 140 had 93 k miles on and used a fair bit of oil (1 litre per 800 miles). Forte oil addative sorted it out a bit to about .6 litre oil/ 800 miles.
Look at the exhaust tips. If its black/ sooty, its burning oil. Should be a lightish grey colour.
You couldnt see smoke when driving mine but it was noticable on the exhaust tips.

Edited by nottyash on Wednesday 4th May 20:44