1987 Toyota Celica GT-S 2.0 DOHC 16v from North America

Summary:

I'll recommend this car to anyone

Faults:

The radiator cracked right after I bought it (but the dealer replaced it free of charge).

The timing belt tensioner collapsed at 140,000kms.

I had a lot of problems with rust. The stock sunroof leaked and eventually stopped working.

General Comments:

I absolutely loved this car.

It was ridiculously reliable. It always started up without fail.

It ran smoothly and idled like the engine wasn't even on.

The GT-S's performance is excellent. It has tons of torque and is very quick off the line.

This car barely cost me anything to run. It was very good on gas and the reliability (apart from the tensioner) meant that it was never in the repair shop.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2003

8th Dec 2003, 19:06

I can agree 100% with the reliability. My '87 GTS has 261 000km on it, and today was the first time it didn't start! Took 30 sec to boost it with a co-worker's car, and it has been fine since. I have never had a problem with the car. Replacing the cap, rotor and spark plug wires made a big difference too. The 3S-GE is a wonderful little motor, and once you open it up with some modifications as I have done, it's a little monster. Parts are cheap as long as you don't go through a Toyota dealer. Go to wreckers, or ebay or classifieds. I got an entire front assembly (lower spoiler, bumper, grille and turn signals for $75 cdn at a wreckers.) Wonderful cars they are, it's a shame they aren't rear wheel drive. That's the only complaint I can make about the car!

29th Mar 2004, 06:01

I have to agree 100% with the other comments, I to own a Celica 88 SX model with about 103 KW or 135 HP. a very quick car 0-100 8.1sec ΒΌ mile 16 sec. I have done a lot of mods including K&N filter, cold air induction, 17inch mags chrome mirrors. Looks great go's fantastic a great car recommend it to everyone.

1987 Toyota Celica GT 2.0 DOHC 16v from North America

Summary:

A nicely designed body with an economical engine

Faults:

Alternator went at 185 000 KM. total costs:$100 CAN (rebuilt)

Both shifter cables! dealer cost: $560 CAN, got them for $200 (used). Was charged $130 for the replacement (independent business)

Gas tank, gas lines are rusty and had to be patched.

Starter had to be replaced.

One wheel bearing. total cost: $220 CAN.

Clutch replaced at 184,000 KM. total costs: $450 (rebuilt)

Many electrical troubles; brake lights, relays, fuses...

General Comments:

Great handling, floor is really close to the ground.

Kind of heavy for a small car (1163 KG) and lacks some horsepower (115 HP), although this is pretty good for a 1987 car.

Had a lot of problems with the car, however, the engine and transmission have always functioned perfectly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2003

1987 Toyota Celica from North America

Summary:

Fun for anyone that doesn't want to have to worry about dinging up their car

Faults:

Battery connectors got rusty, starter started to die, and previous owner didn't take to much car of the engine itself. It was covered in grease.

General Comments:

For my first car, it was a blast. The thing was basically a tank. Really good control when rallying on dirt roads. My friend rearended me and nothing happened to my car, but his hood was bent up. Being able to fold down the back seats came in very handy sometimes (mostly when you don't want to give friends rides around).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th March, 2003

1987 Toyota Celica GT-S from North America

Summary:

A wallet saving barrel of fun

Faults:

Radiator hoses. They blew out pretty much the next day after I bought the car. The dealer fixed it for free (reimbursed me before the repair).

Radiator. Needed a new one a few days after the hoses. Cost $80 and the dealer put it in for free. (I bought the car with no warranty).

Front brakes. Were gone when I bought the car. Front pads and rotors had to be replaced. Dealer installed new rotors and pads while I watched (car was bought with no warranty, I knew it needed brakes when I bought it).

O2 sensors and miscellaneous sensors. O2 sensor was making the car run poorly, and it had a weird idle that would go up and down. Some other sensors were replaced for the cooling system. Dealer replaced sensors for free (car was bought with no warranty).

Seats. The seats are leather and are worn.

Sound system. No bass and has poor radio reception. The speakers sound great, but have no bass.

General Comments:

For the price I paid, the car is a serious bargain.

It's somewhat fast (compared to a turbo version), and handles extremely well.

ALL the electronics function perfectly. Even after I spilled my mocha on the mirror controls.

No cup holder!

Back seats flip down for more storage.

Can squeeze through tiny spaces (almost killed myself today, the car saved me).

I don't get cut off on the freeway when switching lanes anymore by the jerk who always speeds up. A downshift is all it needs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2003