1991 Toyota Celica GT Convertible 2.2 5SFE from North America

Summary:

Hard to beat a Toyota

Faults:

A 91 Celica convertible sat in a Chevrolet used car lot. The white body was in good shape, the engine ran fine, the original convertible top was in remarkably good shape along with the rear plastic window. The power top went up & down flawlessly. Upon the test drive the transmission performed normally, but the front C/V joints revealed their wear by clicking in either left or right turns. The car pulled to the right slightly. The factory rims were quite gouged & beat up looking along with mediocre tires. The A/C didn't work either. The bottom of the eng/trans was quite dirty & oily. The interior while not worn, was dirty & musty smelling. The sticker on the window said $2495. A deal was struck at $2100. TreadQuarters replaced the C/V joints & did a 4 wheel alignment for $326.00. Pep Boys had a set of 6 spoke 14x6 wheels for $175.00. Another $325.00 for a set of 215/60-14 white letter tires from TreadQuarters really made the car. After cleaning the bottom of the eng/tranny I discovered a leaking pressure hose coming from the P/S pump. $37.00 for a replacement hose from AutoZone took care of that. Total investment: approx. $3000.00.

General Comments:

For a 12 year old car the Toyota was holding up well. When I replaced the plugs & distributor cap right after purchase I was amazed to discover the original units were still in the car. The Nippondenso spark plug electrodes were worn down to nubs yet the engine was running fine. The car still had the original red (somewhat brown now) antifeeze in it. Same with the belts. Obviously the previous owner never had a need (I feel fairly sure it was a one owner car) to tune the car up. The brakes are still original. To shorten things up: The interior cleaned up well with a good scrubbing, mustiness went away. The paint responded well to a polishing compound & waxing. A new set of speakers in the doors brought the C/D player to life. Everything sans A/C works. The 2.2 engine is adequate in performance though rock solid in durability. The car handles well & the seats are comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th December, 2003

30th Dec 2003, 09:04

If that mileage is correct then you got a good buy on that Celica; even with the money you spent on repairs you still got it for about half retail book value.

31st Dec 2003, 18:47

The original asking price (according to the salesman) was $3695.00. No takers. He also said it was the first day of the reduction price of $2495.00. when I saw it. Hmmmmm. I wasn't even interested in a Celica. What sold me was: 5 spd., convertible, styling, overall condition, Toyota.

1991 Toyota Celica GT-S 2.2 from North America

Summary:

A perfect example of Japanese automotive excellence

Faults:

Power antenna shorted out and needed replacement.

Routine maintenance: brakes, batteries, tires.

Alternator failed at around 105,000.

General Comments:

This car is extremely reliable, even after 12 years. Routine maintenance has kept it running very well for a long time.

I think it is underpowered for a sports car.

It's amazing how much you can haul in it with the rear seats down!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2003

1991 Toyota Celica GT-S 2.2 DOHC 16v from North America

Summary:

Sports Coupe

General Comments:

This comment is for those who think that 2.2L engine is useless, and that you don't get any power out of it. Which I think is B.S. my 91 Celica is running about 200 horses at the wheels. I used my stock engine, had a custom made manifold and added a K26 turbo, Audio 5000 Intercooler, and custom down pipe. Only other mods are: an HKS intake, and a Remus exhaust with custom piping about 2.5 inches. Yes it's a very heavy car, but I can easily take most cars on the road. Don't have any real times because I don't race my car. I had that work done just because I want to know its there when I want to use it. It's my baby and I use it for cruising.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2003

14th Apr 2003, 08:10

Why didn't you just buy a GT Four (Alltrac in the US) which is a turbo 2.0 putting out 225bhp?