Possible Owner

[robbie black]

I am considering buying an 02 reg Celica and I have seen one advertised at a Mazda dealership.

They claim it is a 190 version.

Could anyone tell me if there should be a Badge on the tailgate indicating that it is a 190, or if not, how could I find out.

Many thanks.

[Leeky]

190 (189bhp) versions have either 190 or TSport written on the back. Although im not 100% sure because i heard somewhere that they may only have VVTL-I on them. If its got VVT-I i.e missing the L its a 140bhp version for sure.

[JohnnyC]

I believe there is a '190' Badge on the back, or a 'T' Badge (for T-sport), actually even these VVTL-i engined cars only have 'VVT-i' badges on the body work - bizarre I know.

Easiest way to check - get them to pop the bonnet up, it should say 'VVTL-i' on the engine.

Or, look at the rev limiter, 8000rpm on the VVT-i, 9000rpm on the VVTL-i.

[dub_boy]

Out of interest robbie, how much is it up for?

[robbie black]

Many thanks for the advice.

The car (which they claim is a 190), is an 02 reg with only 4000 miles in metallic blue with a spoiler.

They are asking £14995 for it.

[robbie black]

Quick update.

Went to see the car yesterday, armed with the info from you guys.

Turned out to be a 140 and not a 190 as advertised.

Not going to pursue it any further, as £14995 didn't seem a particularly good price.

Any comments on Top Gear magazine's quote "Don't be put off by the less powerful version, it's still fun and a lot more affordable"

[JohnnyC]

The 140 is quite fast, 0-60 in 8.7 (190 is 7.2, although pre-facelifted model was quoted at 7.4).

When I was faced with the choice between the 2 I went for the 140 - simply cos the extra power is all above 6,200rpm. And who drives around at those sort of revs anyway. I figured it just wasn't worth the extra money.

Depends what sort of speed you're used to.

[robbie black]

I have noticed an 02 reg (140bhp) with a "sport pack" Can anyone tell me what "extras" this car should have?

Thanks again.