1985 Toyota Celica GT-S 2.4L 22-RE

Summary:

17 year old reliability and performance!

Faults:

The rack and pinion is currently being replaced because there was a gray zone in the steering and it leaked power steering fluid.

There was an oil leak somewhere (I'm not sure of the exact location) on the front of the engine that was just sealed with silicone.

The heater core needed to be flushed out right when I got the car because it wasn't putting out much heat.

The cruise control recently broke.

The starter was replaced because the ignition would sporadically not turn over, it would just make "click".

The dashboard on the passenger side is all cracked up.

There are some small chips in the paint where spots of rust now appear, and some of the trim is bubbling out. Other trim pieces need repainting.

I replaced one of the blinker assemblies because someone was inconsiderate enough to break it in the middle of the night.

I replaced the entire stereo system with a CD head unit, good speakers, and a sub-woofer with amp (the tape deck didn't work when I bought it).

General Comments:

Let's just say I don't know a whole lot about cars, but this one hasn't let me down. I bought it about two years ago not knowing anything about old Toyotas. When I first saw the car I loved the way it looked, and by the time I took it out on the road it was a sure buy. I live in Wisconsin, but the car has only been here for roughly three years. It came from Florida and it shows. The only rust on the car is from the few areas that some paint has been chipped away and behind some trim pieces that I plan on replacing soon. It's still on the original paint job. The interior is still in very good condition with the exception of the dashboard, which cracked the first time it saw winter in Wisconsin, and has been steadily getting worse. The air conditioning still works pretty good, but I'm not sure if it was ever serviced. Mechanically, I've never had a problem which kept me from driving it. It still puts out a good amount of power off the line and can get up to about 115 MPH. Best of all is the handling; it's like a sports car. With rear wheel drive and a nice suspension, it's a lot of fun. Also, I've never seen such wide tires come stock on such a small car. It also has nice alloy rims (the ones everyone wants for their old Toyota). Anyway, I only paid $2000 for it, and it hasn't let me down. I'm confident that it will last the next four years or so that I'm in college, and hopefully be fun to drive the whole time!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2002

22nd Feb 2010, 15:54

Your oil leak is probably coming from your front crank seal; that's where mine came from.

De-grease the front cover and replace it. Very easy inexpensive job.

1985 Toyota Celica GTS Coupe 2.4 liter 22REC

Summary:

Reliable, manly looking, sports car

Faults:

Head finally cracked at 280000 miles.

Had to replace timing chain several times; it is very labor intensive.

Driver seat material, especially on sides, wears out to quickly.

Dealer support is woefully inadequate.

Terrible handling in snow.

Factory am/fm cassette with equalizer breaks down frequently; I am replacing it now.

Needs a more powerful engine.

General Comments:

I love this car.

This car can take some serious hard driving.

Sharp body design.

This is the last year of the RWD (rear wheel drive). This car handles like a real sports car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2002

1985 Toyota Celica GT-S 1.44 L 22 R-E SOHC EFI

Summary:

Very sporty, at a great bargain price

Faults:

Just got the car. Got it running, but there seems to be a busted rod or a loose, worn cam or crank bearing. Not really sure yet. It has a serious knocking and loss of compression.

Interior is in good condition. It also has the electric sun roof. I think it will be a good car.

General Comments:

Heard a lot about the quick and powerful GT-S models. I can't wait to get it rebuilt and see if the road can hold it. It had good steering while it was being towed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th January, 2002

5th Feb 2002, 03:49

I have a 83 GT-S Coupe and the IRS makes this car handle better than some new cars out there. Excellent feedback in the variable power-assist rack-n-pinion too. I can't believe that after 19 years, this car still rides and handles solid!!!

16th Feb 2003, 03:23

BTW the engine is a 2.4L, not 1.44L.