Gen 7 Celica Info Required. Looking To Get One!

[DaShowstoppa]

Hi'yall, I am looking to replace my 98 E11 1.3L Corolla in the next several months (depending on money). I'm looking to get a generation 7 Celica (2000 - present) with 1.8L engine for round about £6K or less.

I was shown round a 2002 1.8 Celica at the weekend, and I fell in love with the car - it just seems perfect for me: Sleek, powerful and yet still has practical capabilities too. Also once I got in the driver seat and looked round it didn't seem as big as I thought it might - visibility is very good, and the rear window is still pretty much the rear limit of the car (save for a small boot lip)

My question is;

Seeing as the Gen7 Celica has been around since 2000, I'm guessing that there have been constant revisions and refinements. Could anyone tell me these revisions - in other words will a 2000 Celica come with pretty much what I saw in the 2002 (like the CD/MD/tape combo etc)

Thanks,

Mike

[Rich_Hodgetts]

I test drove an 05 reg Celica 1.8VVTI 'Blue' before I wen't out and purchased a 2001 Celica. To be honest the only differences I can remember were options (like the blue leather seats and the style of the alloys) and I believe the radio has actually been downgraded from the Sony unit to a toyota badged unit in the last couple of years.

If I were you I would go for a used Celica with the leather interior and climate control. I wouldn't want to be without either now. If the car you buy has its original Toyota alloys there is a fair liklihood that they will be corroded and whilst useable will need a refurb/replacement if they are to look tidy.

Rich

[Mark Olive]

Interesting question, I'd be interested in knowing what the revisions for the 7th gen Celicas are are well.

As Rich_Hodgetts says, I know (unfortunately for me) that at least 2003+ cars have a Toyota CD stereo (no tape) instead of the Sony one. There was also the change to the front bumper and tail lights in 2003, with the recessed intake with the Toyota Badge being replaced by a slit below the Badge. I think (but am not 100% sure) that there was a change to the suspension as well.

I've read on the web that from 2002 the GT-S (presumably the T-Sport as well) has its revs limited to 7800 rpm, down from 8350 rpm, resulting in a big hit to performance.

[JohnnyC]

Changes that I know of between the pre-facelife & facelift are:

New front bumper (well only the upper centre bit is different)

New rear lights

Toyota headunit instead of the Sony.

Italic dials on the instrument cluster have gone :(

The interior has a darker plastic :)

There were also some minor tweaks here and there along the way.

For example, I test drove one in 2000 that had some awful flappy bit on the passenger sun blind that was different on my 2001 model.

[DefiantFrog]

Brakes have been revised for the facelift 140, as well as what has been mentioned above. The vast majority of it, to the best of my knowledge, was cosmetic.

[DaShowstoppa]

Thanks for the info guys. I ask because I'm not sure which will be better financially - Obviously a 2000 would be somewhat cheaper first off. But it was the 2002 which I sat in on Saturday (And once I did, I knew I have to get one ASAP!)

Looks like the insurance won't be too bad afterall either.

I gotta clear the overdraft (get back in credit) first, then I can start putting money away - I'm considering a loan for £5-6K too also I reckon I could get £2K for the Corolla - It's in excellent condition and has only done 77.8K (not bad for 8years old huh) So it's coming together. I reckon with a bit of luck I may be driving around in a Celica in 6-12 months!

Here's hoping

Mike