The radiator core has fractured, and so has the plastic tank along the very top of the radiator; not all bad though as I have sourced another one (brand new) for £110.
If you read up about these Celicas, you will probably find another review which asks that you keep an eye on the radiator; I think it's because these engines generally run very hot compared to other models. The guy I took it to for a new radiator was not surprised either, and said he'd seen several of the GT4 WRC radiators go like mine with a hairline crack.
Apart from that (which seems to be common amongst these models), nothing else to report, but hey I've only had it just over a week LOL.
Car is seriously quick (faster than my friend's Subaru).
The interior is much larger than you would imagine.
It does drink petrol, but with that performance what do you expect??? If you drive normally, it's actually quite nice to you.
It really turns heads; everybody stares because it's a bit different (only 2500 WRC models made; only few 100 in the UK!)
Has an almost go-kart feel; VERY responsive and changes direction like it's on rails. Be careful in the wet!
Typical Toyota reliability, no knocks or taps...
On youtube there is a comparison between the GT4 and the Ford Escort Cosworth; watch it then decide if you want one ;-p
I have owned 3 GT4s, my present one being the ST205 1996 - one of the last made - a small amount of mods having been done mainly exhaust and engine breathing. No over-boost, etc.
Although it has done 150,000 miles and I use it every week and average around 500 miles, it runs extremely well, turns in 28mpg with motorway/country roads use. Quite often I give it a burst when I have a clear road, and run it up to 140mph plus, which it reaches very quickly and easily.
The engine does not overheat ever, the temperature gauge, rarely over normal. This I have found with all my GT4s. If my engine overheated I would suspect an engine problem or some cowboy playing with engine settings.
I do keep it regularly serviced and maintained and I believe this is the secret.
I have not come across many cars on the road that can keep up with it, and before I hear from the boy racers, I have been driving for a very long time and used to test cars for a motoring magazine.
My only criticism is the interior finish and a previous owners liking for suspension that acts like you are sitting on a go-cart.
But for a car that was made nearly thirteen years ago, it holds its own on the road, handles well and is not expensive to run.
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