Overview of the Toyota Celica
The Celica was a compact sports model sold by Toyota across four decades since 1970. At times available as coupe, convertible and liftback body styles - and latterly front-wheel drive after launching as a rear-driver - the Celica had mixed success as a driver's car. Slow sales led to its demise in 2006 (though in 2012 a spiritual successor called the Toyota 86 was released).
TOYOTA CELICA GENERATIONS (SINCE 1994)
1994-1999
2000-2006
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption (2000 onwards)
1.8L 4-cylinder: 8.1 to 8.6 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Celica isn't available as part of Toyota's Service Guarantee Program. Contact your nearest Toyota dealer. Toyota Celica parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO TOYOTA CELICA
Honda Prelude
Honda Integra
Hyundai Tiburon
Nissan 200SX
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: TOYOTA CELICA (1999 TO 2005)
The very last Celicas are still pretty old cars by now, so make sure an individual example is checked carefully as trends are harder to define on vehicles of this age.
The first check to make is that the car has been serviced properly as these high-stepping engines need a good supply of clean, fresh oil if they're to survive this long in good health.
Make sure the oil is clean and there's at least some written history to suggest that the previous owners had, indeed, paid some attention to preventative maintenance.
A couple of recalls back in the day affected this model, starting with a potentially faulty valve in the fuel system that could interrupt the flow of fuel to the engine.
The second was for an assembly fault at the factory that could see the brake master-cylinder develop a fluid leak.
Check for any signs of moisture around the master cylinder or any sign of rust in that area as a hint that this has already occurred.
