Celica VVTI 190 vs 140 - how to tell?

[Bill Carr]

Hey all, I'm considering a 2000 new-shape Celica for my next car, and I'd like a 190 if I can get one at the right price. However, I'm finding it a struggle to differentiate between the two models. I've even made an enquiry about one and the current owner is none the wiser! So, in order to avoid buying the 140, how can I tell a 190 apart? Furthermore, is there anything to worry about with these cars, any work I should check is done (e.g cambelt?) and are high-ish miles an issue (circa 80k)?

Thanks in advance for any tips.

[Bill Carr]

Thanks very much for the advice!

Essentially the only way of differentiating the two models is to look at the engine? Cripes. I know that's not exactly an onorous task (and as a second-hand buyer I'd look under the bonnet anyway) but Toyota haven't exactly made it easy to spot the difference! So, the 140 = VVTi, the 190 = VVTLi? Acronym-tastic.

What are the lift bolts then? Are the engines belt or chain driven?

These cars seem good value right now, with 70k mile y2k cars at the £5k-£6k mark, which for a reliable, moderately pacey, practical coupe seems a bit of a deal. It's no rip-snorter, but then it shouldn't break the bank either which suits me.

[Bill Carr]

Aha, more clues, thanks! Wikipedia does indeed reveal the higher rev-limit on the 190 - I didn't appreciate that the 140 and 190 were different engines. Intruiging.

So, due to the various packs, the presence or not of a spoiler is not a reliable indicator of the cars power output, but a non-spoilered car is likely to be a 140? This is tricky I quite like them without the spoiler actually - looks less like it's trying so hard.

Thanks for the advice folks!

[Bill Carr]

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/in

www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t9817.html

www.toyota.co.uk/vs2/pdf/CE3_74_spec.pdf

Apparently the 140 and 190 vvti/vvtli engines are chain-driven! Which is good news. And it's £50 for the dealer to do the lift bolts (whatever they are).

I stun myself with my googling abilities sometimes