1986 Toyota Celica GT from UK and Ireland - Comments

6th Jan 1998, 00:00

What things have gone wrong with the car?

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..

General comments?

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).


22nd Oct 2004, 15:23

My 86 Celica GT refuses to kick the bucket after 190 grand on it. It's a really dependable car the only problem I've had is finding the air intake tube and a torn timing belt.


20th Dec 2005, 12:13

I have a Toyota Celica GT 86 also and my car has 180,000 plus mile on it. I have had it for 6 months now and the only thing wrong with it was the thermostat.

** Yesterday I went to start my car and I guess the rear left brake locked up on me. Does anyone have any idea of how I can fix this? **

Well other than that I love this car. People want me to sell it, but I don't want to give it up.

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