91 Celica ST - suspension too stiff

[rncohen]

Hi,
In October 2007 I bought a 91 Celica ST for my daughter to drive to high school (see avatar). It's a pretty basic car and has been reliable transportation for her. The car has 240k miles but runs well (according to the previous owners (a couple in their 30's) it has had the timing gear and belt replaced at least twice) and has minimal rust, so I think it was a good purchase for $1000.

BUT, the car rides like a go-cart. The suspension is ridiculously stiff. You fee EVERY bump in the road. I think you could drive it using the Braille method. At first I thought the struts were bad but the car barely bounces when you push down on a corner.

So, I have a few questions: Do all Celicas ride really stiff? Is this just the nature of these machines? Should I consider replacing the struts for a softer ride? What brand struts do you recommend? I saw KYB and Monroe on eBay. I'm familar with Monroe but not KYB. (yeah, I'm not a knucklebuster).

Any insight is helpful.

It's kinda funny, growing up here in Michigan I've always been an American-made car guy. Last Spring I purchased a used 97 Geo Prizm (Corolla) for the gas milage. I commute 100 miles roundtrip everyday. I fell in love with Toyota. That one little car changed my whole perspective. Prior to the Prizm, I would not of considered the Celica for my daughter. I also have to partially credit my mechanic for his high praise of Toyotas in general.

Anyway, I'm a Toyota convert.

[94CelicaGirl]

I'm not sure why the suspension is so stiff, but my 94 is the 2nd Celica I've owned, the 1st being an '89. That sounds very odd and unusual; Celica's do not normally drive like that. Are the tires on it low profile? That would certainly increase the braille action some, but it should NOT feel like a go-cart!

[Blane]

Springs Springs.....

The Celica in question shouldn't ride like that. Springs are the only thing that control how smooth/stiff a ride will be. A stock celica should feel like a solid ride, not stiff and ridgid.

KYB GR-2 are great struts... that's what mine are on my car.

[rncohen]

To 94CelicaGirl and blane,
I apologize for not replying sooner.
Thank you for your insight.

I'm guessing the struts & springs are probably not stock because of the age and milage of the car, so probably replacing them with the KYB struts and springs is a good idea.

The tires are not low profile, but thanks for bringing that to my attention. I hadn't thought of that.

I just spoke with my daughter about an hour ago. She had slid into a snow bank and knocked the rear bumper loose. So, it looks like I now have an additional repair requiring my attention.

Keep your ideas coming. Thanks again!