A 91 Celica convertible sat in a Chevrolet used car lot. The white body was in good shape, the engine ran fine, the original convertible top was in remarkably good shape along with the rear plastic window. The power top went up & down flawlessly. Upon the test drive the transmission performed normally, but the front C/V joints revealed their wear by clicking in either left or right turns. The car pulled to the right slightly. The factory rims were quite gouged & beat up looking along with mediocre tires. The A/C didn't work either. The bottom of the eng/trans was quite dirty & oily. The interior while not worn, was dirty & musty smelling. The sticker on the window said $2495. A deal was struck at $2100. TreadQuarters replaced the C/V joints & did a 4 wheel alignment for $326.00. Pep Boys had a set of 6 spoke 14x6 wheels for $175.00. Another $325.00 for a set of 215/60-14 white letter tires from TreadQuarters really made the car. After cleaning the bottom of the eng/tranny I discovered a leaking pressure hose coming from the P/S pump. $37.00 for a replacement hose from AutoZone took care of that. Total investment: approx. $3000.00.
For a 12 year old car the Toyota was holding up well. When I replaced the plugs & distributor cap right after purchase I was amazed to discover the original units were still in the car. The Nippondenso spark plug electrodes were worn down to nubs yet the engine was running fine. The car still had the original red (somewhat brown now) antifeeze in it. Same with the belts. Obviously the previous owner never had a need (I feel fairly sure it was a one owner car) to tune the car up. The brakes are still original. To shorten things up: The interior cleaned up well with a good scrubbing, mustiness went away. The paint responded well to a polishing compound & waxing. A new set of speakers in the doors brought the C/D player to life. Everything sans A/C works. The 2.2 engine is adequate in performance though rock solid in durability. The car handles well & the seats are comfortable.
If that mileage is correct then you got a good buy on that Celica; even with the money you spent on repairs you still got it for about half retail book value.
The original asking price (according to the salesman) was $3695.00. No takers. He also said it was the first day of the reduction price of $2495.00. when I saw it. Hmmmmm. I wasn't even interested in a Celica. What sold me was: 5 spd., convertible, styling, overall condition, Toyota.
I have purchased a white 91 toyota celica convertible. It was a beauty and only had 81,113 miles on it. I hope I made the right decision getting this 15 year old car. so far it drives and looks great, not outdated looking at all. I just need new tires and I'm hoping that is all maintnance it needs for now.
My Celica now has 116k on it. It has been trouble free, although I replaced the timing belt at 110k.
I recently took a trip to Charlotte, N.C. The first part involved driving 55/60 mph on Rt.58 for 128 miles. MPG was 39.5. On I-85 with speeds of 70/75, MPG was 31.5. This was with windows up.
A week later after the trip, the OEM radiator gave up the ghost. Advance Auto supplied me with a new aluminum one day later. Price: $261.00 w/tax. And the beat goes on...
I own a '91 Celica GT convertible with just over 200,000 miles and it runs great. I just love the car.
I have a 1991 Toyota Celica that's been in my family (father, brother, myself) the entire time. The fuel economy isn't what it used to be, but the car is amazing. It's needed fewer than $2,000 in repairs over the past six years that I've had it and it's completely reliable. Just FYI, for anyone thinking about getting a Celica - I'm not sure if it's just this car, or the year, or what, but it's an incredible car.
I'm the author of the original review & the Apr. 06 comment. Figure I'd do a follow up review.
The car still running same as ever. 149K miles. Original clutch, water pump, spark plug wires. Replace plugs every 30k. & cap & rotor every 60k.
Cruise control has long stopped working & same with the tach. The convertible top is still hanging in there after my 6 years of ownership. I did replace (myself) the rear plastic window.
I just bought a 1 owner 1991 Toyota Celica GT Convertible with 178k for $500. Engine has some tapping in it (unresolved yet - not upper valves). Replaced high pressure power steering hose. Interior in great condition. The top has maybe another 6 months till death. Any idea how hard replacing it would be?
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