2003 Toyota Celica T-Sport review from UK and Ireland
"The complete sports coupe"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
No faults so far...
General comments?
This is a superb car. I had considered a few motors and chose it over an Impreza WRX in the end. Why? - well the Celica may be beaten on performance, but it is much better looking, uses much less fuel and feels much more special.
The subaru was very fast, but at the end of the day you can only tell the difference in performance when you have a very long, very straight road with no speed limits, cameras or other cars - it just doesn't happen.
In the Celica you can have your fun (with a 0-60 of under 7 seconds), slow yourself down (60-0 in 3 seconds) and then cruise around town in what looks like a baby Ferrari.
Theres the difference. While the Subaru will get you respect with rally fans and performance heads, the Celica turns the heads of everybody, young and old.
The engine is sweet with peak power arriving at 6,000 rpm. It is superb when you time it just right so that when you pull out to overtake you are just hitting 6,000 - watch it fly. Then leave it in until just over 8,000, change up to third and you will just be at 6,000 to start the whole process again - sweet!
T-Sport leather seats are excellent an look cool as well.
Gear change on 6 speed box is slick and quick - although geting into reverse can be a pain. (it's next to 1st and the car beeps like lorry to let you know it's in).
CD player is OK, but a tad disappointing.
17" T-sport wheels look cool and the 205 tyres keep the car glued to the road.
Steering is well weighted and gives goo feedback through corners.
Bit disappointed with motorway refinement (though not bad for a sports coupe). Cruise control not even an option, but would be nice for long journeys.
Back seats aren't as bad as many people think - I am 5' 10" and I can fit in comfortably. Some 6 footers mates of mine have managed to shoehorn themselves in before now as well.
My car is Storm Blue - it looks black, but has a blue flip to it, depending on the angle.
My advice - buy one, its the complete sports coupe.
Search for New and Used Toyota Celicas available in the UK
Click here to advertise your car
Recommended reviews
|
| Sharps looks, handling to match, can we just have a little more power? |
|
| 2002 - Celica 190 VVTLI 1.8 petrol 190 bhp Everything a coupe should be, and more |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 VVTL-i Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 5 miles |
| Most recent distance | 4446 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Cavalier |
| Date of Entry | 22nd November, 2003 |