1986 Toyota Celica 2.0 GT review from UK and Ireland

So far nothing has actually gone wrong with the car as such; however when I bought the celica it had not been looked after kindly. A large service replacing all consumables sorted most things out.

The air-con has never worked and should just need re-gassing, but I don't really feel the immediate need to sort it out considering England's weather.

A couple of spots of rust on sunroof and wheel arches.

Gearbox does not like to be in fourth gear at low speeds, tries to jump out of gear, but has not actually done so as yet.

For a 16 year old car I'm very impressed with my Toyota. Build quality is obviously much better than my previous Volvo.

Possibly the best looking Celica ever, certainly the best value with good examples being easily picked up for around £1000.

The performance is brisk when revved very hard, but is seriously lacking mid-range muscle, however this is to be expected from a 16 valve twin-cam engine and the upside is that you get very good fuel economy when cruising; 30+ mpg easily.

Handling is good with oodles of grip, but with a slightly soft ride which makes for a very relaxing car to drive, but is not really suited to serious performance driving. Power steering, sunroof and mirrors are useful additions just lacking ABS.

The interior is very well thought out with good control for most features although the ventilation controls are a little old fashioned. The seats are extremely comfortable bucket type examples which I find superior to those in my previous Volvo and my Saab before that.

Overall a cracking car, definitely better looking than the bulky st182 celica that replaced it however with the one drawback that these celicas are getting a little old and in the unlikely event that a lot does go wrong with the car the bills will not be pleasant reading. Not the best Toyota ever, but a good starting point, I would like to get my hands on a GT4.