Poss Buying A Gen7

[j.a.kelly]

hey peeps...

relatively new to TOC...bout a month ago, my girlfriend bought a yaris tsport and i registered then. I love her little sporty yari so mmuch ive been looking at the Celica to replace my Bora TDi. Most likely to be the gen7...provided thats the newer one? as i love the sharp looks

Now im gonna have to go for one of the early ones i think...ie. a V,W or Xreg and not sure whether to get the 140 or 190. Im 22 in January, and although the insurance is higher for the 190...its only 200pound.

I was hoping that someone could provide information...just basic stuff, things i should look out for, common faults, and ppls 'real life' driving experiences with the gen7...whether you would recomend the 140 or 190...

Hope someone can help, thanks in advance...

JK

[littlewener]

good choice mate, celicas are the way forward.

Only got a gen 6 myself but i'm sure that the gen 7 lads will be here soon

I know i would go for the 190 myself. Like the speed

[j.a.kelly]

@ the mo its a toss up between 140/190 or a Lupo GTi...i love ma Bora but its time for a change!!

my other question was regards to mileage...im guessing that being toyota...high mileage aint a major concern?

JK

[Spuffington]

Hi mate - I bought a 54 plate T-Sport (190) in January this year and so far it's one of the best cars I've ever driven. It is, however, slightly compromised - but that's understandable given you're effectively buying a sports car.

The engine in the 190 is the nuts - it does take a bit of revving to get the best performance (the cams lift at 6,000rpm onto a redline of 8,200rpm) which is where the main performance is. I've found, however, that the midrange torque is better than the 140 - but I know most 140 owners are happy with their performance.

Because the engine revs quite high and it's relatively low geared so engine noise is a bit more than most other cars. Tyre noise on the motorway is a bit intrusive too, but nothing that turning up the car stereo can't cope with!!

It's a great handling car, loads of grip and when it does understeer - it's easy to correct and doesn't let go without plenty of warning. With a lanky driver, it's not too difficult to get two average size passengers (one in front and one behind passenger) and has loads of boot space. I recently did a 1000mile round trip across Europe and it swallowed the mileage with no problem at all - an absolute dream.

Petrol - best to use Optimax or other 97/98 RON, which can push running costs up a bit of you're a high mileage person. Only 5 quid extra a tank though. I reckon it does do 32mpg combined, but round town and high speed motorway can get that to drop significantly.

Haven't had it serviced yet so I can't comment on that. Have heard that Celica's cost a bit to service, but the other guys will be able to comment more on that.

Things to check - rattles on the engine when idling - these are aux belt tensioners generally (get replaced if under warranty still), check the cam 'lift' function works at 6,200rpm on early models (it will be obvious if this works as it will be a real kick of acceleration), check window seals keep water out (replace under warranty if not) and on 140's, the alloys are prone to corrosion.

Otherwise you'll be getting a stunningly good motor, a fantastic country-lane blaster, a great (if noisy) Grand Tourer and an ok everyday car. Unfortunately the clutch is a bit heavy for commuting in slow traffic and everyday driving, but I only drive mine long distances or country roads.

A great car!! :o)

I'd recommend you go with a Premium pack model if you choose an older 190 or any 140 - this adds leather, climate control and sunroof. If you like the sporty look, then add the sports pack, which includes 17" alloys and rear spoiler and subwoofer.

The T-Sport comes as standard with lurvely two-tone leather, climate control, 17" alloys and rear spoiler. And the amazing VVTL-i (190bhp) engine!! :)

Go for it.....

[DefiantFrog]

Heya! Good Choice! :)

As Spuff said...

I'm a pretty happy 140 owner. The car handles fantastically - in the dry, it just won't step out of line. You've got to rev it quite hard to get some decent acceleration (stay above the 4k mark constantly through your gear changes) but the engine copes quite admerably, and it is quicker than pretty much all other 1.8 cars out there. The loading capacity is brilliant (i regularly cart around my drums in it), but having said that with all the seats up, theres not much room in the back if you are travelling with 4. Petrol consumption is good as well, motorway driving if was conservative, i reckon i can get around 450 to a tank. I regularly get 300 - 350 from a tank, and I like playing ;)

The biggest downside is Toyota's servicing costs. I paid about £450 for my 40k a few months back. But that was having pretty much all fluids changed, a full aircon service, as well as a major service on the car (toyota also added on a few bits I didn't need, so will be wary of that in future). And to be honest, although it was expensive, I think it was worth it - it was like driving a new car again!

Things to look out for:-

the 5 spoke 16" wheels corrode easily. Check for bubbling under the paint. If the car is in warrenty, Toytoa will swop them. If its not, go buy some 3rd party wheels, or the T-Sport or Fondamental wheels. Don't replace for more 5 spokes from Mr T as they will just corrode again.

The boot struts fail over time. If the car has a spoiler on it, ensure they say 'SP' on them, otherwise they will fail even quicker. £60 a side from Toyota or warrenty.

Lift bolts on the earlier versions of the 190 fail. Getting them swopped is pretty cheap I understand, and the new ones are fine so maybe something to do as a precautionary measure anyway.

As long as its been well maintained, and it looks and sounds clean it should be absolutely fine!

Good luck and happy hunting!

[Spuffington]

Lift bolts on the earlier versions of the 190 fail.  Getting them swopped is pretty cheap I understand, and the new ones are fine so maybe something to do as a precautionary measure anyway.

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As DefiantFrog said - I think this issue was addressed in 190/T-Sport post the facelift, which I seem to recall was around late 2001 early 2002 (the most obvious physical difference being the revised bonnet/bumper and rear lights). :bookworm:

If this is a problem on one you're looking at or you just want to make sure there'll be no problems in the future - it costs c. £50 for Toyota to do it. Most of that is labour as the bolts themselves are only about 50p each. Should only take Mr T. 30 odd minutes to do.

It doesn't affect the 140 as it doesn't have the cam lift head.

Hope that helps!

[j.a.kelly]

Super replies from ya all, thanks very much guys...

Was looking at one today... Y reg 140 with premium pack....its black with the nasty 16's - but they have been referb'd. it aint got a spoiler (which i think makes the car) but nevermind.

Its on the forecourt for 7495...do you think thats a reasonable price??

car has done 81k miles...so a little on the high side? does this really matter? Toyota are pretty good for high miles aint they??

thanks

JK

[Spuffington]

That's way too toppy mate. For that kind of mileage on that plate you should be looking at more like £6k with a dealership and £4.8k private (valuation courtesy of WhatCar.com)!!!!

You're right that Toyota/Jap reliability counts for a lot and the car can probably shrug off thousands of miles with relative ease, but for around £8-9k you should be able to get yourself an absolute minter with average or below average mileage.

Whilst there aren't so many around in comparison to other more popular cars, there are enough that you can afford to be picky and choose only the best.

Keep looking and only dive in on the one you're completely happy with. (And you're right, personally I think the spoiler really finishes the car off a treat + the 17" alloys!!)

[DefiantFrog]

Don't worry too much about the Spoiler, you can buy genuine ones from eBay, and get it sprayed and fitted at a body shop. Check out www.celica-club.co.uk in the for sale / wanted bit - they have some up there every now and again as well. Or its a good opportunity to start modding, and get which ever spoiler suits your fancy! Also don't forget about them boot struts ;)

Hate to disagree with you Spuff, but what WhatCar.com say, and what is reality in various places around the country aren't necessarily the same thing. I'll be damned if I know where you can pick a G7 Celica up for £6k. I'd say take £500 off the forecourt price, and its getting better.

Milage, as long as it is full Mr T history in the service book, shouldn't be too much of an issue. Just bare in mind how much milage you plan to do over your ownership of the car as well.

Keep on looking around, don't jump at the first thing you see. As Spuff said, there aren't as many of these as there are Focuses on the road, but they keep on coming up, so sit tight until the perfect car comes along. It also gives you opportunity to save more for a better example, or a few 'toys' when you get it!

Oh, and take both examples (140 & 190/T-Sport) out for a quick drive before you start to close in on which version you want... For some, the 140 is enough... As you currently own a Turbo, you might miss the kick that the lift in a 190 would give.

[j.a.kelly]

yeah... valuable comments again thanks...

I have noticed that the guides do not at all reflect real world prices. I am taking a look at that 140 2morow...its nice because it has the leather, climate, etc...

its in black...not sure about that but looks like its been company owned...and looks to have been pretty well respected. i am concerned that the 140 wont feel quick enough...but annoyingly I dont think Mr T is gonna take me seriously when i ask if i can go and rag one of their 190's do you?

I want one now lol. seriously, but i need to not rush....lol.

cheers guys...will keep ya posted ....

JK

[j.a.kelly]

just been on Mr T's website. They have a V-reg 190 with 62k on the clock...

£7995 in silver too. nice. trouble is its a million miles away from me...might be worth it tho...

plus at least buyin from MrT ya get 1yr warranty, breakdown cover and a service lol.

Do you peeps recon this is better value than the one in my local 'backstreet' dealers?? lol

JK

[lordie]

I have sold my Yaris Tsport 03 plate for a spanking new Celica GT. The 190 is definately the best to go for out of the two. Get it to 6000 RPM and you will feel the lift kick in. They are supposedly getting rid of the Celica next year which is why I bought a limited edition. If you are going to go for one, get a higher spec. The engine does need working harder, but there is nothing better than beating some yuppie in his company car off the line and watching how embarrassed they are. So if you can afford, go for the T Sport 190 as you will get all the extras and the power. As for the Lupo, my brother has the Seat version of the sports one (same engine as the Lupo) and, yes its quite quick but it aint a Celica!!!

[j.a.kelly]

As for the Lupo, my brother has the Seat version of the sports one (same engine as the Lupo) and, yes its quite quick but it aint a Celica!!!

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Seat dont do a 1.6 125bhp Arosa to my knowledge??!! Ah well...my purchase of my chosen car... 190 Celica (yey!!) has been put off till March...when i have another years no claims...

4months and counting....cant wait...

thanks to u all for converting me!!

JK

[lordie]

Even if VW or SEAT did one I wouldn't be convinced - all the top people at work have a VW or AUDI yet they are all jeaulous of the new Celi GT. As for SEAT, I only know what my bruv's got and it is a VW in disguise. if in doubt buy Jap. I've only had my Celi 2 months and it is w/o doubt the best car I have owned

[j.a.kelly]

Even if VW or SEAT did one I wouldn't be convinced - all the top people at work have a VW or AUDI yet they are all jeaulous of the new Celi GT.  As for SEAT, I only know what my bruv's got and it is a VW in disguise.  if in doubt buy  Jap.  I've only had my Celi 2 months and it is w/o doubt the best car I have owned

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I def dont doubt that the celica is a top car, thats why i want one! I am over the moon with my Bora TDi... power is right there at 2000rpm and the torque is amazing... i jus want summat that looks as well as it goes!! - and ya cant get much better lookin than the celica G7 can ya!

Cheers

JK

[gordypix]

Just get one.............I mean look how sexy they are:

[j.a.kelly]

Stop it!!!!!

March is taking for ever hahaha! 23rd March...im gonna start counting the days!!

JK

[GT4 BOOSTER]

looks nearly as good as victoria silvstedt in lingerie standing on ur drive there gordi

[j.a.kelly]

it does look lovely...

i want red or silver i think, maybe blue...n its def gonna be a 190!!

is it march yet? tut

fink i gonna have to become a proper member too...

JK

[DefiantFrog]

Go Gold, get discounts!

If your gonna have Mr T Service it, there are a fair few who dealers offer us 10% off parts and labour.... My membership has paid for itself 7 times over now!

[j.a.kelly]

Go Gold, get discounts! 

thats my plan!! does anybody know what the wheels were called on the early 190s? i dont think they are 16s...i cant really describe them, but ive only seen a few cars with them on and they look top...they aint the 5spoke ones, and they aint the other more common type either...

anybody know? if anyone has a pic post it up 4 me!! ta

JK