Facelifted T Sport

June 29, 2004

I would be grateful if someone could inform me of the changes made to the T Sport when it was facelifted.

I know about the revised front of the bonnet and I think the interior is darker.

Specifically I would like to know if the older version had the Vehicle Stability Control and the Traction Control now fitted to the newer model.

I have seen a 53 reg 140 with Style pack for an almost identical price (£15495) to a 51 reg T Sport with only 10k miles. I really don't know what to do. Newer car with much more warranty left, or much faster car with only a few months warranty?

June 29, 2004

Other changes include the rear lights (round reverse lights in them I think) and gone are the italic numbers on the speedo & rev counter :(

Also, Toyota official figures for the T-Sport / 190 were 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds pre-facelift, and 7.2 post-facelift. Although bhp and torque figures are the same!

As far as I know the pre-facelifted model never had stability control or traction control - I'm pretty sure the 190 version didn't have them.

March 19, 2006

hi guys,as far as i know... traction control and stability control.do come with all t sports.irrespective of facelift or not.its standard kit on the t sport...hope this helps? :)

March 20, 2006

Firstly - that's way too toppy price-wise for the cars you've been looking at. If mine (54 plate T-Sport, w/18k on the clock) was on the forecourt now, it would be about £14.5k). Don't even consider paying nearly £16k for a 53 plate 140 or 51 T-Sport. They're having a laugh!!

Facelift Gen7, which happened in 2002, has different coloured dash (black), Toyota unique-fit headunit CD/Radio/Sat.Nav option, instead of the Sony CD/Tape/Radio combi and rear seats are now leather rather than vinyl. Dash I think is still in italics........mine seems to be anyhow!

The front bumper was given a more aggressive look plus the nose was reshaped so that a long thin inlet was carved below the Badge in place of the small meshed hole which was around the Badge on the pre-facelift. The rear lights are 'lexus-like', the lenses are opaque.

Also, the suspension was modified so the ride is better and grippier.

The VVTL-i engine had its lift bolts uprated to cure the previous problem of some being brittle and wearing or snapping off into the oil resevoir. Pre-facelift cars can have these uprated for £50 inc. labour, or about 50p if you're good with a set of spanners!

0-60 times will be same for both pre- and post-facelift.

As far as I'm aware, TCS/VSC has only ever come as standard on the T-Sport, I don't believe it was an option on the 190, but it could've been - I'm sure Gordypix will confirm one way or t'other :thumbsup: . TBH, it only ever kicks in at the absolute limit anyway, so whilst it's saved me a couple of times - it's only when I've been absolutely stupid anyway!! :eek:

You're buying a solid piece of engineering and whilst there are niggles, like any car, the lack of a warranty shouldn't put you off.

Running costs for the T-Sport can be a bit toppy - insurance is Grp 15, mine consumes a fair bit of petrol (Optimax 97RON), mainly coz the lift function is addictive :lol: , and servicing is £150ish for 10k check and £270-£350 for 20k/main service. Good set of 4 tyres - c£550.

Rewards are great though. I took mine out for the first time in 10 days yesterday in the sunshine and was sparring with a VX220 Turbo. Although he lost me on the straights and wasn't trying as hard as me on the corners, we had a good run together and the Celica just bred smiles!!

Thoroughly recommend :thumbsup:

March 20, 2006

yeah i can 2nd all of that really, i didnt expect the celica to be that much fun but it really really is. Petrol is a nightmare for me, but mainly cos i do a fair old wack in miles!