From what I've seen they tend to be very good little cars. the 1zz is a very reliable engine, and by 03 the small oil consumption issue had been resolved. They are rather well handling little cars, the engine is peppy(not exactly a performance engine, but still fun to really get into) and so far have retained value pretty well. With it being a coupe, the back seat isn't always worth very much, although I dont know about that on the 7th generation celicas.
I thought they seemed to be a good car for reliability and mileage. I'm looking at one with 80,000 miles but it has a salvage title. I test drove it and everything seemed to drive and function right and there is nothing wrong with the body. Also both airbags are still intact, any thoughts?
From most what I've read and experienced owning one, it gets good gas mileage, fun to drive, no one fits into my driver side backseat without me being uncomfortable (I'm 6'1) but I can still manage to shift. Low to the ground so it's a bit akward getting in. What 'power' it has is all at the top end, past 4k RPM, so its easy to manage speed vs gas mileage. The shiftgate? is notchy? and pretty closely spaced (pardon my terminology if incorrect) but feels secure to me and when shifting aggressively its a hit or miss. The stock shifter feels like a short shifter but I don't know if it is. Trunk is large. With back seats folded down I have fit two people laying down straight. Interior iv'e heard called cheap and plasticy but I don't know what that was compared to. I'm pleased with it and there is alot of plastic involved but it doesn't feel flimsy or look cheap and i've had no problems with it. If you use aftermarket radios, Toyota's(at least the Celica's) are larger than everyone elses so you'll require inserts to make them fit. Small note, cup holders are in the path of long arms when driving stick so large drinks can be an obstacle at times.
I don't know any technical differences between years so this is a driving exerience only review I suppose. Though no drastic changes are present 00-05.
I enjoy/ed the car. I wouldn't say its the best at anything but I would rank it very highly in all categories excluding 'room for tall people'.
I'm 5'8" and no hope for growing any so I don't think that'll be a problem haha.
When I test drove it the clutch and smoothness of each shift felt good. I'm used to driving a 5-speed diesel truck so it was geared quite a bit higher.
I had no problem with the interior, although I was confused as to how the fuel gauge works. Everything on the dash was digital and there was no needle on the fuel gauge.
I'm looking to trade my truck in for this car to save on gas $$ but like I said it has a salvage title so that worries me a bit. I'm just looking for advice or opinions if this will be a reliable car for years/miles to come.
As for it being a salvage title, take a minute to look over the car. The biggest thing I'd look for would be the core support under the hood if you can see it in the 7th gen. Look at the edges to see if there are obvious weld joints. Joints that look out of place. If its not like a factory weld job,then likely a new one has been installed after a pretty serious accident. Did the seller give any info on it being a salvage title?
I would like to have a friend who is a long-time mechanic look over the drive-train, frame, etc. to see what I might be getting myself into. My dad made a good point in saying that there is a chance it could have been in a flood? When I test drove it everything felt just fine and everything in the car functioned correctly.
There are pictures in the glovebox of the car in South Dakota at a dealership and what looked like some T-Bone damage on the rear quarterpanel/passenger door. The body work costed around $1200. The price of the car at the former dealership was $9,999. It sits on the lot now for $5,997 with mileage of 80k.
The salesman where it currently sits tells me it has a prior salvage title. I think what this means is that it was wrecked, sold to a salvage dealer, fixed, then resold to a dealer? Not quite sure. That's kindof how my county courthouse put it in perspective. He is running the CarFax on it now and will be getting back to me shortly.
I would like to have a friend who is a long-time mechanic look over the drive-train, frame, etc. to see what I might be getting myself into. My dad made a good point in saying that there is a chance it could have been in a flood? When I test drove it everything felt just fine and everything in the car functioned correctly.
There are pictures in the glovebox of the car in South Dakota at a dealership and what looked like some T-Bone damage on the rear quarterpanel/passenger door. The body work costed around $1200. The price of the car at the former dealership was $9,999. It sits on the lot now for $5,997 with mileage of 80k.
The salesman where it currently sits tells me it has a prior salvage title. I think what this means is that it was wrecked, sold to a salvage dealer, fixed, then resold to a dealer? Not quite sure. That's kindof how my county courthouse put it in perspective. He is running the CarFax on it now and will be getting back to me shortly.
You have a diesel truck? Having a salvage title may be a red flag to pass.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Forum for all Toyota Celica discussion! Including the ST16x/18x/20x, and ZZT230/231.
/bad
opinions on this particular car?
Personal Opinions:
Linear Mode
