What To Look For When Buying A Generation 7 Celica

March 23, 2008

Here goes my first post, i joined for a bit of advice i'm from Aberdeen as this site looks very useful.

I am looking for a Celica Generation 7 190 - as i've been put off the 140 due to oil problems etc etc.

Is there anything that i've to look for ?

Common problems/faults wise (Electrics, Suspension etc)

I have read that the brake discs can rust and get pitted if the car has little use, would this be a real issue a carnot being used much ?

Is there anything related to engine ?

Such as when has the cambelt to be changed ?

At what age or mileage ?

And do they suffer from any rust at all ?

And what about spare keys ? Are they expensive to replace ?

And how are they if they haven't had a full toyota service history ?

And what price would i expect to find a decent 190 for ?

Cheers guys and sorry if this has been asked before. :D

March 23, 2008

Engine problems only seem to affect the pre face lift Gen 7's, the face lift was introduced in the Autumn of 2002. The main problem with the early 190/T Sport is the Lift Bolts, they are prone to wear which will inhibit lift, and if not replaced in time, can break with more serious consequences. The newer, improved Bolts do not seem to suffer from this fault and only cost a few pence each. Comprehensive replacement guides are available on TOC!.

Personally, I would avoid the 190 and opt for the face lift T Sport as this will also have the best Interior of all the 7's. Other benefits include modern rear Lights and slightly better performance. Prices for a face lift TS will start from around £8K.

You are correct about the Discs being prone to corrosion, this being worse on the INSIDE edge of the Disc faces. No Cam Belt worries, all 7's have a Chain. Ensure there are TWO Remote Keys when you purchase, replacements are very expensive from Toyota.

I wouldn't worry too much about the history not being 100% Toyota, many Independents do a better job servicing the Car for much less money.

This from one very happy face lift 140 owner ;)

HTH.

March 23, 2008

Cheers mate :)

Here comes more questions. :D

What age of Celica T Sports/190's do the early ones start at ?

And what are the lift bolts ?

Are they related to the Vvti ?

And when are they meant to be replaced ?

And how would i tell if they'd been changed ?

Is there a stamp in the book anywhere ?

When is the timing chain meant to be changed (mileage/age) ?

And do the tensioners get changed as well ?

And what about the Accesories/Aux belt ?

When does that need done/changed ?

You mentioned they start around 8k, these are where the private sales start i take it ?

P.s Have you had many problems with your 140 Scarlett Arrow ?

March 23, 2008

Cheers mate :)
Here comes more questions. :D
What age of Celica T Sports/190's do the early ones start at ? I think on a "Y" Plate
And what are the lift bolts ? Do a search on TOC!
Are they related to the Vvti ? They are involved in the Cam change profile on VVTL-i
And when are they meant to be replaced ? ASAP on a pre face lift
And how would i tell if they'd been changed ? No way of telling externally
Is there a stamp in the book anywhere ? No
When is the timing chain meant to be changed (mileage/age) ? The Service Manual gives details of when it should be checked
And do the tensioners get changed as well ? As above
And what about the Accesories/Aux belt ? Best replaced by non Toyota type as they tend to squeal (very common problem)
When does that need done/changed ? Check Service Manual
You mentioned they start around 8k, these are where the private sales start i take it ? For a face lift TS, Yes
P.s Have you had many problems with your 140 Scarlett Arrow ? Front Discs replaced with Red Dot at 2 years/6K miles. No other problems, Car is now 3.5 years old.

You mention you were put off a 140 by the excessive Oil consumption fault, this was rectified on the face lift by redesigning the Engine Block. I choose the 140 because it is quieter and more economical (due to different gearing), cheaper to tax and insure (as well as buy obviously). Prices on the face lift 140 start at £6.5K for a "52" Regd.

HTH :)

March 23, 2008

Cheers mate :)
Here comes more questions. :D
What age of Celica T Sports/190's do the early ones start at ? I think on a "Y" Plate
And what are the lift bolts ? Do a search on TOC!
Are they related to the Vvti ? They are involved in the Cam change profile on VVTL-i
And when are they meant to be replaced ? ASAP on a pre face lift
And how would i tell if they'd been changed ? No way of telling externally
Is there a stamp in the book anywhere ? No
When is the timing chain meant to be changed (mileage/age) ? The Service Manual gives details of when it should be checked
And do the tensioners get changed as well ? As above
And what about the Accesories/Aux belt ? Best replaced by non Toyota type as they tend to squeal (very common problem)
When does that need done/changed ? Check Service Manual
You mentioned they start around 8k, these are where the private sales start i take it ? For a face lift TS, Yes
P.s Have you had many problems with your 140 Scarlett Arrow ? Front Discs replaced with Red Dot at 2 years/6K miles. No other problems, Car is now 3.5 years old.
You mention you were put off a 140 by the excessive Oil consumption fault, this was rectified on the face lift by redesigning the Engine Block. I choose the 140 because it is quieter and more economical (due to different gearing), cheaper to tax and insure (as well as buy obviously). Prices on the face lift 140 start at £6.5K for a "52" Regd.
HTH :)

Cheers mate ;)

The mileage of the timing belt change is 80,000 miles.

Whats the age limit ?

Meaning if the car is 6 years old and has 20,000 miles.

Will the timing belt need done ?

Ad what about suspension and exhaust system are there any issues with Celicas there ?

March 23, 2008

No Timing Belt, the Chain may well last the life of the Car.

No Suspension or Exhaust issues but a very popular modification is to replace the OE Springs with TTE (Toyota Team Europe) Units. These improve the handling and appearance of the Gen 7, the drop is 26-30mm. These are available from Toyota Dealerships for £125+VAT plus fitting, they are in fact standard on the top of the range GT.