Choices Choices - Guidance Please

February 7, 2006

Hi I hope you all can help me.

I am looking to change my car in the next two months. Currently I have an 02 Avensis VVTi GS 1.8 with 67K on clock. I am looking to change and am torn between a new Avensis T3-x (approx year old) and a Celica.

I'm only 25 and have always wanted a Celica, went for a test drive on Sunday and still not quite sure - (my gf's not the best passenger and so need another test to see whether she could travel long distances in the front seat or not - she didn't feel to great after 15mins in tha back). The safe option is to go for another Avensis however as our lass says I don't have a family or anything, there's just me and her so why not have a car to enjoy and then get a practical one a few years further on.

I have been shown the Standard Model and the model with the Premium Pack on, yesterday my dealer phoned offering me a 53 Silver Celica Premium for £12495 20K on clock and FSH, which seems reasonable to me, but I don't really want to buy any car this side of March.

Could anybody give me there thoughts on this one, what should I be looking to pay, for what, what are common faults within the first 2-5 years (if any), how expensive are they to run, repair bills, tyres etc.

As I say I've always wanted one but if you like this is not the safe option so I need to back up my choice a little more.

Any feedback/comments are welcome.

Thanks

Andrew

February 7, 2006

I'd go with the Celica personally as you have no kids etc (yet)

There is two different Engines for the Generation 7 Celica - the 190bhp VVTLI and the 140bhp VVTI. If you can afford to I would go for the 190 as you will only regret it otherwise!

Common faults - There isn't much and nothing too bad but there is the following to check:

Standard alloys are crap and corrode - replaced under warranty in 1st 3 years

Hubs Rust quickly

Boot Struts can be too weak espicially if the spoiler has been added afterwards. The stronger Struts have SP marked on them

Lift Bolts (190 only) caused a problem on the earlier models, the newer models had a redesigned bolt used, if you do get an early model make sure lift works then have them replaced anyway (£60) to make sure they don't go.

February 7, 2006

Follow your heart - Go for the Celica!

As already said, Boot Struts have a tendancy to fail and become very weak in the cold (the get better when it warms up though), 5 spoke stock alloys are crap, early 190 lift bolts can fail, belts can get a bit squeeky. As long as it has a decent to full Toyota history, it should drive like new!

The price you just said seems pretty fair from a Toyota Dealer actually!

General running costs, probably about the same as the Avensis, although I bet you get through a tank of petrol quicker! You'll probably pay more for tyres as well, depending on which alloys you get on it.

As for the G/f's test drive - sitting in the front, and sitting in the back is a VERY different experience (just because you can't see anything when your in the back)... Get her to sit in the front for the next test drive, and she will be fine. It is a very good car for long distance driving - I frequently do 4 hour drives with my (non travel friendly!) grilfriend without a break, and we feel fine afterwards...

February 8, 2006

HI thanks guys for the info. Still not sure, gonna keep an eye on my dealer's stock over the next four weeks then make the decision late March early April - definitely want to change before I have to renew the tax end of may.

I'm not very mechanical so by Hubs and Boot Struts what do you mean?

Thanks

Andrew

February 8, 2006

The Boot Struts are the gas filled things attached to your car body, and your boot lid. They keep the boot lid up when you lift it. But not when they've failed - hence it being quite annoying...

The Hubs, I have to confess, I am not 100% sure on, but I think its the bits of metal that the rear wheels are screwed in to. I suspect they have some kind of internal workings to do with the Handbrake as well, but I could be completely wrong... I'm still learning ;) Regardless, what I have picked up is that a wire brush, and a tin of Hammerite from B&Q (The stuff you'd paint your gates with!) sorts it out for good!

February 9, 2006

Echo all of the above..........especially recommend getting the 190/T-Sport as it's awesome and will never fail to raise a smile on your face!! :thumbsup:

The hubs are what the brake discs and wheels bolt on to - because they house a small hub/drum brake for the handbrake mechanism (at the rear), they're quite wide and leave a fair gap between the wheel and the brake disc. Basically, this is prone to rusting. Toyota have ceased their warranty cover on this as its "aesthetic only" (gggrrr), but I had mine done at last service for £50 and they look tops now. Or, you can Hammerite them yourself for next to nothing!

I was in a similar situation to you last year - 26 yrs old w/Fiancée. Was either a choice between ST220 Mondeo or the Celica. I ended up choosing the Celica exactly because I didn't have a family and figured there was enough time for fast family cars in the future! :lol:

My missus sat in the back on the testdrive and she hated it, but now loves it in the front on long journeys and 'spirited' drives in the countryside. :thumbsup: Personally, I'm really pleased with the car - it not only looks the part, but also handles and drives brilliantly!!