2001 Toyota Celica VVTi 140 Premium review from UK and Ireland

Belt in engine started to squeak as it has started getting colder outside. Will be replaced under warranty next week. Apparently it needs a replacement belt and pretensioner.

A few minor rattles in the cockpit.

A fantastic car to drive, with very compliant handling. It gets up to motorway speeds faster than you'll ever really need it to, although as everyone says, it does love to rev towards its ~7000rpm red line. Very good fuel economy if you drive sensibly and use 6th gear as much as possible.

Comfortable interior (especially with the leather seats), loads of space for two adults in the front. You can squeeze a couple of adults in the back for very short trips, but that's about all! The boot is huge for this type of car, with handy luggage hooks and little trays under the carpet etc. There is a full-size spare wheel under there as well.

The car looks gorgeous from the outside, and despite being 5 years old now, it still looks very fresh, still gets quite a bit of attention, and girls love it!

The insurance group for the base 140BHP model is extremely good (considering the look and performance of the car). As a 20 year old when I bought the car (with 0 years NCB), I paid around £2200 for the year. My renewal quote for when I'm 21 with 1 year NCB takes it way down to £1000 for the year.

I bought the Celica, used, from an official "Octagon" Toyota salesroom. They were very friendly and helpful, and I get the peace of mind of a years' official Toyota warranty. Although if everything I hear about Toyota is true, then I shouldn't have any significant problems with my Celica.

I would definitely recommend buying this car!