Looking To Buy A 1.8 Celica, What To Look For?

[JoeyJoe]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum hoping to be a new Toyota owner. Currently own an MG ZR 1.4, but looking to sell that for something a bit more reliable.

My brother owns a IS200, a Surf and a Hilux pickup, so I'm hoping to join him in the world of Toyota.

I'm interested in getting a 1.8, with plans to add a turbo at some point.

Looking online, there are a couple going for around £900, but that seems cheap with the majority advertised £1300 - £1500.

Does anyone have any tips on what to look for? Common faults etc?

Thanks!

Joe

[FROSTYBALLS]

Hello Joe - welcome to Toyota Owners Club.

As a starting point have a look at the 'good & bad' section of the Honest John review: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/celica-2000/?section=good

[RUToyota]

Pretty solid cars..but they all have their quirks.!

If you are looking at Gen 7 pre-facelift (1999/2002) then check the oil level and condition..!!..they are prone to high oil useage...but it's not a given.

Look for a good service history with evidence of oil/filter changes etc..preferably every 5/6k miles.

Check for good calipers/discs...and rad leaks.

If you can stretch it then go for a facelift model 2002 on...better interior and far less prone to oil useage..AND bigger brakes (275mm as against 255mm)

Overall...great driver's car.!!

Good luck

Neil

[JoeyJoe]

Pretty solid cars..but they all have their quirks.!

If you are looking at Gen 7 pre-facelift (1999/2002) then check the oil level and condition..!!..they are prone to high oil useage...but it's not a given.

Look for a good service history with evidence of oil/filter changes etc..preferably every 5/6k miles.

Check for good calipers/discs...and rad leaks.

If you can stretch it then go for a facelift model 2002 on...better interior and far less prone to oil useage..AND bigger brakes (275mm as against 255mm)

Overall...great driver's car.!!

Good luck

Neil

Thanks! I'm looking at getting the facelift version after reading up about the differences. Although I think I prefer the older style bumper.

Saw an older one a few days ago, sounded quite bad, oil wasn't even on the dipstick. But another 2004 model I'm looking at im very tempted by!