Buying A Toyota Celica 1.8 Vvtl-i T Sport

[VAVA VVTL-i T]

Any advice on problems to look out for? Worth getting a 2003 model?

I have been looking at cars under 100,000 miles, should I look for lower mileage?

TIA

[RUToyota]

Welcome...just buy the best you can afford.!...the T Sport never suffered with any oil burning issues so the model year is not that important...BUT condition and history is.!!!

Higher mileage shouldn't be a deal breaker as these engines are capable of high mileages IF looked after right (200k miles is not unknown)..and that means regular oil/filter changes (every 5/6k miles).

Check there is no cooling problems...it's not unknown for a Celica radiator to fail (but a cheap enough fix)..and on any test drive make sure you get the "lift" (once you've warmed it up of course..lol)

Always worth checking discs/calipers...but generally check as you would with ANY car.

If you have any doubt...walk away...if it's bad...run away. ^_^

Generally they are a great car..a driver's car.!!

Good luck...find a good one and you'll LOVE it.!

Neil

[VAVA VVTL-i T]

Thanks for the response Neil.

Pretty much what I expected. Had an M reg Celica and found it to be a great car, was hoping this model would be of the same quality, sounds like it is.

[Scarlett Arrow]

Hi, Cee, & welcome to T.O.C.

Best advice I can give, is to limit your search for a face lift model, but don't rule out a 140 (which both Neil and myself run), especially given your location. Bear in mind there are far more 140's than T Sports to choose from, and less chance the car will have been abused during its lifetime. The "Red" and "Blue" special editions in particular, have a very high standard spec.

Neil has given good advice as always, but if you do buy a T Sport, have the lift/flange bolts changed as preventative maintenance. Two weak points on any Gen 7, are the soft (Fondmetal) alloy rims fitted to all models, and rusty discs/sticking calipers.

Good luck in your search, and please post some pics., when you do "take the plunge" :)

Kev.

[RUToyota]

Yep...Kev's right...unless you specifically want/need the "hooligan" factor (ie Lift) then don't rule out the 140...as said, particularly the blue/red editions.

Up to 6000rpm+ they are the same car.!...but at least the 140 has a nicer top(cruising) gear.

But certainly make sure it's facelift model...far less prone to oil issues...bigger discs...improved interior...and a slight advantage on VED and insurance.

Neil

[VAVA VVTL-i T]

Thank guys. The facelift info seems very useful.

I have my eye on a model, it is the later version. Has a little damage on the bumper (the kind of damage I can touch up and live with tbf) and just over 90k. Listed at just under 2k. I think I will check it out this week. Will definately post pics when I purchase.

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi,

If you need any help with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.