1986 Toyota Celica GT review from UK and Ireland

Starting at the front....

Cooling fan fell off (literally!).

Head gasket blew and head damaged after thermostat failed.

Slack in steering rack.

Drive shafts noisy.

Leak in roof.

Lots of clonking noises from rear suspension.

Both rear callipers seized.

I'm sure there is more..

Why have I given 8 out of ten for reliability with that list of things that have gone wrong? Well, the car has done 110,000 miles, was very badly treated both by me and the previous owner and still refuses to die! I've seen one example for sale with 250,000 on the clock.

Running cost are average as although I only get about 25mpg, I never get around to fixing anything so repair bills are nil!

I do all repairs (when absolutely necessary!) and servicing myself and find it very easy to work on. A good job as I have yet to find a service manual.

A great car as long as you get a good one or are prepared to put up with rough edges. Just watch out for overheating (dodgy thermostat or incorrect coolant?), seized brakes (looked like the fluid was not changed in 100K miles) and leaking roofs (obvous sign is rust in rear wheel arches and corroded spare wheel).