1982 Toyota Celica GT Hatchback 22R 2.4L

Summary:

A true classic, sporty import

Faults:

Water pump was shot when purchased. Replaced, but broke a bolt along the way.

Power brake booster was bad, pedal would go to floor when pressed. Never fixed, didn't care, the car stopped.

Clutch slave cylinder leaked all over the interior, and became the cause of selling the car.

Would not hold a pint of power steering fluid for 8 hours. Constantly refilling.

Brake light switch was always stuck, therefore, draining the batter overnight.

Cruise control never worked.

Carb was shot, so it would stall at 3300 RPMS.

Hatch liked to fall on my head often.

General Comments:

Car was extremely comfortable, especially when going 110+ MPH.

Gas mileage was exceptional since it was a 5 spd w/OD.

It really does handle like it is on rails. Could do sharp turns at 70 w/o a problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th December, 2005

1982 Toyota Celica GT 2.4L 22R

Summary:

Awesome Ride with Attitude

Faults:

Bought it with a disintegrated original water pump at 233,000 miles.

Broke an aftermarket radiator at the same time as replacing that.

Changed the thermostat to 160 degree one.

Carburetor is pretty shot - doesn't like to accelerate or start in the mornings.

Temperature gauge inaccurate.

Melted one of the bulb assemblies in the door for the door marking lights.

Liftgate shocks wear quick.

Cruise control never worked.

Power steering leaks out completely overnight.

General Comments:

Overall - cannot complain. Bought the car for 400 dollars to use temporarily, and have kept it up as much as possible. My complaint is the price of parts, and going to a dealer for parts is like taking a gun to your head.

Gas mileage is fantastic, but would still expect better out of a 2 bbl 22R. Thankfully, '82 is the last year for carburetion on these.

Extremely comfortable on long trips, although the cruise control never worked for me.

There are far too many vacuum lines running everywhere under the hood.

Still amazes me to see so many original Toyota parts at 237,000 miles. The 22R doesn't use ANY oil, but it compensates for the fact that everything else does leak somewhere.

If Toyota still made the Celicas with the 22R, and werent so ugly, and not to mention are front wheel drive, I'd like to have another. But for now, this car does just fine, though the running costs are gradually rising from all of its leaks and failing parts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2005

2nd Mar 2005, 19:02

I got the car for free. It was one of the best things I ever received. This car can take an awful beating and still perform excellent every time I drive it. When it is in the 4500 to redline range it performs great. it did 40 mph. in 3rd gear at 3000 rpms, so its pretty fast.

12th Sep 2006, 06:50

I have a '81 hatchback and I love the car. There are only a few left on the road, and I'm trying to keep mine on the road. The only problem I have with it is the lack of body panels for it now.

If you know where to find panels, let me know.

1982 Toyota Celica GT-s 2.4ltr 2bll carb

Summary:

The classic import rodder

Faults:

The carburetor is running too rich resulting in poor idling during cold start up (could be timing?). It has small pockets of rust around the hood, and the badges on the hatch door. It is flawless other than those problems. Remember it only has 100k miles :)

General Comments:

This car is classic!! I bought it for 400 bucks in its flawless condition a year ago. It even has the original paint gloss to it!! I also have a exhaust tip for it and it sounds even more classic!! I haven't done much to it, but when I'm done it's going to be ripping the quarter in 13 seconds. There is nothing that I don't like about this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2002