Advice On Buying Gen 7

[Pokerbot]

Hi all, new to the forums.

I just thought it wise to consult people in the know before lunging into something i may end up regreting. I am 25 years old and this will be my first car. My budget is 6k. Browsing through autotrader etc , there are some good looking 1.8vvti's - and this is the car i am after.

Lookin at something no older than 6 years with around 50k+ mileage.

I read through some of the other topics, and rather alarmingly came across several threads citing some kind of oil problems. What preventive measures could i take, if any, when shopping for the car?

Also, someone mentioned toyota warranty of 7 years? As i am totally new to car buying does this mean that if i bought a 5 year old version that it would still be under warranty supplied by Toyota?

Thanks in advance for any buying tips :)

Filip

[ollieatkins1988]

Yep you heard right, as toyota are aware of the problem they raised the warranty. in 2003 they addressed the problem and changed some aesthetics but nothing too different. If i were you i would get a 2003 model, or if your not too fussed on taking the risk you could get a 1999-2002 model and make sure the garage covers it on warranty which should be at least a year. You would need to keep an eye on your oil level as i didnt and payed the price. I have heard from some people that oil has completely depleted in 700 miles but mine lasted for about 1000. Check it once a week and youl be fine. Welcome the celica forum, on the whole they are very helpful.

[Burning Feet Man]

I'de add to that, not all pre-facelift Celica's suffer this oil problem...(oh god here we go and jinx it...) but my 'X' 2001 baby has, touch wood, had no oil problem as yet, it is close to 80k miles. I am under the impression that it may develop the fault in the future as the mileage increases, however i keep a regular eye on the oil.

When you buy your car, go check it out obviously. Check the oil level, perhaps ask the owner to show you the oil level, this makes sure they know where it is and may give you some confidence the oil has been checked often.

I do not believe that the oil consumption (at the lesser end of the scale) is a big problem, as long as you are aware of it and monitor your oil.

another niggle you may have is the boot closing as the pneumatic pistons that hold it arent up to the job, something u can live with :)

Cant think of anything else atm though, im sure there are a couple of other minor things (nothing to get excited about dont worry :) )

Oh, if you can afford it go for the 190, i have the 140 and she is quite quick i suppose, but having gone from my pocket rocket cliosport to the 140 Celica im sometimes left a little (and just a little!) disappointed :)

BFM