What Celica To Buy?

[Haylhoo]

Hello there everyone. I am new to this forum and am thinking about buying a Celica.

I am currently a Mk3 Golf Gti 16v driver and have upto £2500 to play with (though would prefer to spend less). As the Golf is pretty quick, im not looking to downgrade too much if possible. Sluggish cars get me down. And I really like a sporty looking car, though not done up like a dogs dinner.

As far as a Celica is concerned I would be looking for something J plate or above (higher the reg the better), I like the look of both shapes, but I havent got a clue what are the ones to go for and what im going to get for my money.

Can you guys give me an idea of what I should be looking out for?

Also, what is classed as 'high mileage' on a Celica? I've heard that they are real good engines and high mileage shouldnt be too much of a problem, but I dont want to buy a car where the engine will pack in not too long after.

What are the common faults/problems to look out for with them too, and anything else I should be looking for?

I would like a few options in the way of spec, as there dont seem to be too many of them for sale in my area. So I just want to know, given the info I have told you about me above, which Celicas would suit me?

Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks very much, Hayley.

[Haylhoo]

Also, whats the deal with Imports?

Is there anything I need to know about these in comparason with UK cars, and is there much difference with the price of insurance?

Thanks again.

[mikeb]

This thread might help:

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=45788

You should get a gen 6 GT for that money, or a gen 5 gt4. But the gt4 of that era will be more of an enthusiasts car now. Most of them are of the age and mileage that they need the odd bit of work here and there to keep them in good shape. The gen 6 GT is pretty much bomb proof.

[Haylhoo]

thanks for that.

I've seen advertised locally a 1.8 25th Anniversary Edition in black 1997. Think its around 140k miles and £2200. We phoned and sounds like a family car.

Does this sound good, and what are these like performance wise? Are they nice cars?

This thread might help:

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=45788

You should get a gen 6 GT for that money, or a gen 5 gt4. But the gt4 of that era will be more of an enthusiasts car now. Most of them are of the age and mileage that they need the odd bit of work here and there to keep them in good shape. The gen 6 GT is pretty much bomb proof.

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[chris202]

thanks for that.

I've seen advertised locally a 1.8 25th Anniversary Edition in black 1997. Think its around 140k miles and £2200. We phoned and sounds like a family car.

Does this sound good, and what are these like performance wise? Are they nice cars?

This thread might help:

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=45788

Hi and Welcome !

Although i am no proffesional the 1.8 does get a bit of bad name in the celica world. The car is known to use a lot of oil and be underpowered !! The cars are generally very good although i bought a 94Gt with 120km on the clock only to have the engine fall out within a few days !!Not a great start to my celica ownership but it did get better !! From previous threads i reckon your as well holding out for the 2.0gt model, most people reckon its a much better car !

I'm sure someone with some better advise will be along soon thou !!(semi-noob here)

The cars are enjoyable to drive and always attract attention B) i hope you find what your looking for but remember there are lots out there and dont buy the first one you see .

[Haylhoo]

They certainly do sound like good cars, and from whats been said I will definately wait out for a GT model.

I've contacted someone r.e a gen5 GTi in a stunning blue colour. Its got over 170k on the clock and he's asking around £1k. Looks standard apart from the alloys but thats all I know, i'll wait to see if he gets back to me so I can ask some questions but I like the look of the car.

Every one im finding at the moment seems to be black, id rather a nice colour. Knowing my luck now a really good one will come up, either in black, white or silver. Still good looking cars but I like nice colours like Red or Blue. Oh well, I will wait and see what turns up!

[littlewener]

The deal with imports as well mate. Gen 6 ones are almost the same as the UK ones but insurance usually is a little higher. If you search for the right company however you should get a good deal