Faults:

Remember this is an OLD car now!

- Oil leaks.

- Interior rattles.

- Boot struts.

- Gasket seals.

- Rear seat belt won't release.

- Rust is starting to appear.

The list does go on...

General Comments:

Firstly this is a great car for a younger person on a budget. The performance is surprising for a car of this age and engine capacity, although that said, it won't surprise anyone at the lights.

Even though it is getting on in life, decent examples can still be found for a reasonable price if you look hard.

Looks wise, well it's really the ugly duckling when compared to cars of similar ilk, however a set of simple 5 spoke rims can go along way to improving this, as well as lowering the front and rear a tad.

Finally, I have noticed that fuel economy is average if you have a heavy right foot, even though it is only a 2.0, the 60L fuel tank seems to just vanish under continuous heavy driving, REDBOOK rates this at ~ 10L/100KM. I would not even average 400KM per tank, even with 98 octane fuel...

All in all though, for a tiny amount of money (2010) this is a great car, Not blindingly fast, economic or beautiful. But a solid everyday driver that won't let you down, regardless of its age.

Faults:

Radiator blocked.

Exhaust rusted through (was aftermarket though.)

Knocking noise coming from the rear of the car (unknown cause - possibly CV joints??)

Rust hole in boot lid beside window sprayer.

Leaking from the boot and window seals on occasion.

Grinding noise when down-shifting to second gear at higher Revs.

General Comments:

This car is awesome.

It has somewhat retro styling, giving it an aggressive look. Something that definitely gets attention, especially after a few mods.

Only a few minor problems have meant that this car has been relatively cheap to maintain - being my pride and joy, this isn't a problem to me.

The Celica goes easy on the petrol and I have managed to drive about 200 K's on a full tank (costing about $50NZ)

It is quick off the mark, even though it is only powered by a 3s-FE engine (the 'economy' engine) and I have managed to keep up with all sorts of V-Tec Integras and Preludes. After a decent Exhaust was fitted, and a PoD filter, the car is competition for non V-Tec Hondas.

This type of Celica is front-wheel-drive, but still handles beautifully - with very little under-steer at reasonable cornering speeds.

The power steering is very direct and feels quite 'thick.'

All in all, I would have to say that as a first car, it is hard to beat the reliability and performance of the Celica, and after getting a full license simply upgrade to the GT-Four model (turbocharged 4wheel drive!).

Faults:

Exhaust tip rusted off and needed to be replaced.

Engine leads needed to be replaced -due to the engine 'missing' and timing was off.

Battery wasn't being recharged so old part was replaced.

CV joints replaced.

General Comments:

Great car, but had a few problems with it - a total of $800Aus has been spent fixing it in the past year.

Nice handling and sweet looks for an older car.

A bit disappointed with the power - only because it's an auto, if you are interested in buying an 88 celica get a manual!