1985 Toyota Celica GT review from North America

Many things have gone wrong with this car, however many of them were my fault due to mistreatment.

Left wheel strut went out soon after I got it (my fault)

Speedometer cable broke (it got snagged on a rock and ripped off.. again, my fault)

Various unusual electrical problems. IE my stereo and horn would not work unless the lights were turned on. Also my parking and tail lights would not turn off.

Headlights would not close.

I hit a rock and dented my oil pan, which somehow lead to no oil pressure. After I replaced the oil pan it was fine. (My Fault)

Transmission fluid leaks due to the fact that I accidentally ripped off the dipstick line. I attempted to fix with duck tape and super glue. it leaks slowly, but still runs fine. (My Fault)

Brake master cylinder went out at about 170,000 miles.

Air conditioner stopped working, but it just needed a freon recharge.

I have noticed a slight knocking noise under the hood, but engine still runs strong.

I've gone through many tires and rims (due to my love of taking my car off-roading)

This car has been to hell and back MANY times. In fact I think it's practically got a summer home there. This car off-roads better than most 2WD trucks I've encountered (the only drawback is it's low ground clearance). What I love about this car is that it just keeps going and going. it puts the Energizer Bunny to shame.

One time a buddy of mine was driving and decided to try and take a 90 degree turn at 60. It obviously did not make the turn and we ended up going up an 8 foot dirt and rock embankment. the car was on the verge of flipping, but the engine was still running and all we had to do was reverse down it. that blew the tire, but there was nothing else wrong.

There have also been 2 occations where my car was teeter tottering on a 10 foot ledge with no tires touching the ground. I just pushed the car off, and drove it away.

I've made it up dirt hills in this thing that I've seen brand new Rangers and F-150's get stuck on. this thing handles increadible on dirt and has more than enough power.

I guess the point I'm trying to make with those stories is that this car will take WHATEVER beating you give it and just take it like a champ.

This car is also very quick (for it's class). I've raced Brand new Civics, Corollas, and even an early 90's F150 and won. Not to mention my car is an automatic, which greatly reduces the off the line speed.

This was also the last year that Toyota made the Celica rear wheel drive. this makes it an excellent drift car. I believe it was designed to be a rally car back in the day. if it wasn't then they did a great job of it without even trying.

I only paid $900 for this car it's lasted me about a year and a half now and I would definetly advise anybody out there to buy this car. This car is simply amazing.