Buying A Celica Vvti 1999-2003

[mark328]

Hi all,

Looking to buy a vvti, how do i know if the engine is ok, as in has it got an oil consumption problem, or signs that it will happen?

Should i just buy a 190 instead? or is this problem on ALL models from 1999-2003

Any help appreciated.

[Son of MGmike]

If you can afford it go for the 190... They do have their own problems but these appear to be less expensive to fix.

You are unlikely to see any signs of trouble unless you do a 50 mile motorway speed test drive. Unless the 140 has documented proof of an engine change eg service record from MR,T or a receipt from a engine re-manufacturer, you pays your money and takes a chance...

It's a sure bet a 140 will have or develop a problem. You might just get lucky and get one which has been serviced very regularly with good quality oil which will be okay for a while.

[edwardio]

Every pre facelift 140 has the design issue, but not all develop it. I know plenty of 140 drivers with cars all over 100k without the oil issue. It's just a case of checking the car regularly & servicing correctly. Mine was up to 118k before I did a 190 conversion (nearly 2 years ago) & to my knowledge my old engine is still going in another car and didn't pickup the issue.

The only way to tell is if the engine has a little rattle. If any 140 engine you see is reconditioned, walk away. If its been re-manufactured then that if different.

If you can get a 190 then you can do, these only really suffered from snapping lift bolts until the facelift. However, in real life the 190 isn't that quickier than a 140.