Warning - modern content! Celica advice required.

[stripped fred]

I've been contemplating selling my mk1 mr2 as I just don't get to use it anymore. I've had it 11 years now and although I used it a fair bit for the first few years the annual mileage is now usually a couple of hundred miles. The reason is I have two kids so that rules out most times I can enjoy it. I've been thinking what to replace it with. It would be a second car hopefully on ckassic insurance. I've had to keep on top of rust like most mr2's but mechanically it has been the most dependable car so another Toyota would appeal. I love the revvy engine and handling so I've been thinking a 7th gen celica might fit the bill? I know it's relatively modern but it did come out in 1999 so still last century! Can anyone give me advice on what to look for? It comes in two power levels I think, 140 and 190. I was thinking of the lower power one as I would get more chance to enjoy it without losing my licence and it's less highly stressed. Has anyone had any experience of them? I know i will look like a hairdresser and, no, I don't want an mgf before anyone suggests it...

[bigfella2]

The early one 99-02, seem to use quite a lot of oil, but later engines were modified to prevent this, Celica's don't have the cat in the manifold like the MR2, so don't suffer the same kind of problems with the cat being ingested by the engine. The 190 has slightly weak lift bolts (vvti system) these can fail, but its not the end of the world if they do, but easier to change as a preventative measure. The engine was designed by Yamaha originally, and although it seems to be not quite as indestructable as older school toyota engines should still be ok providing serviced properly and oil checked religously. Nice handling.

[hauserplenty]

1994-2003-ish Corollas are a good choice, as they are dependable and tough cars. Mine was a 2000 NUMMI** car, a hand-me-down from Mum who had bought it new. I chugged around for 40K or so in it then traded it for a 1997 Eldo. Priorities...not sure she'll ever forgive me, but there we are. A V6 Cramry might work, and they are a bit more plush, but with a 4-pot I would swerve.

Early 80's Tercels and Starlets with the 3AC motor are cool too, but a bit long in the tooth now for use as a daily. My 1981 Tercel was a great little car: power-nothing and 13†wheels. Wish I could have kept it, but needs must.

 

** New United Motor Mfg. Inc., a GM partnership. A Corolla with a bowtie on called a Prizm.

[sporty-shite]

My next door neighbour has a 190. Good looking thing , but he's having both subframes refurbed as they're getting very scabby. I believe rust is an issue on these. Also, apparently some of the early 140s had an appetite for oil, leading to early death. Although if it's survived this long, it should be ok. Only real ballache with Toyotas is parts prices.

 

I think the 190 can still be driven sensibly,but they do command a premium over the 140.

[sporty-shite]

Or you could ask CrustySills if he's bored with the roffle Gen 6 yet! 177bhp of Toyota engine.

[stripped fred]

Thanks for the advice. I've heard about the oil problem. Difficult to know if an early car is affected until you've bought it. The raffle seemed to pass me by. Maybe I should look at the 6th gen one too then? They're a bit cheaper too. I want to avoid chasing rust though so thought the newer one might be a better bet but I suppose each car should be checked as it can affect any model. Mmm, thanks, that's got me thinking!

[gordonbennet]

There's one really old fart looking Toyota i'd like to try and that the rare as hens tits Supercharged T sport Corolla circa 05/06, looks like an old duffer in a flat cap should be at the wheel bumbling about but it effin flies.

 

Another one no bugger knows about, they put the 1.8 Avensis engine in the Yaris for about 2 years from 08, 1.8 SR, bet thats a bloody rapid sleeper too.

 

Toyota have gone boring these days, apart from the sporty job they share with Subaru they don't make anything different with a bonkers engine in any more, not even sure if they make new quick cars for Japan home market any more....and while i'm on a roll who the fuck employed the pillock whos ruining the designs of Lexus, same bastard whos responsible for latest Prius abortion i suspect, have you seen the thing yet, sod me.

[Uncle Jimmy]

Or be as daft as me and buy an Ae101/Ae111 Levin, overly complex, hard suspension and no one knows what the fuck it is.

Does sound good at 8,000 rpm though

[STUNO]

Or you could go really daft and buy a Corolla modern

one of these

 

 

Comes with a 3.5 v6 for showing off in.

And child seats fit right in!

[garethj]

The Celica was on my list too, it's a great looking car especially without the rear spoiler. I would check for rear legroom for the kids, it's snug in there especially if the people in the front seats are tall.

[John F]

I drove a mate's modern Celica a while back, I think it was a 55 plate. It was OK but needed a lot of revs, he replaced it with a Nissan 350Z before long.

[sporty-shite]

The Celica was on my list too, it's a great looking car especially without the rear spoiler. I would check for rear legroom for the kids, it's snug in there especially if the people in the front seats are tall.

 

One of the main reasons I got rid of mine.

 

I drove a mate's modern Celica a while back, I think it was a 55 plate. It was OK but needed a lot of revs, he replaced it with a Nissan 350Z before long.

 

The Gen 6 did, too. I didn't mind that, though, because you can be sensible in the low rev range, but it'll really go if you let it wind up a bit.

[stripped fred]

I don't mind the fact it would need revs. That's part of the attraction, similar to my mr2. It would be a second car and only used up to 4k miles a year. My two boys are 6 and 8 at the moment so I think they'd fit for a few years at least.

 

There are a lot more 140 bhp models about and they're a bit cheaper. Might go for one of them as I don't think I'd miss the extra power of the 190 version. Apparently it only gives that power above 6k rpm and as the gearing is a bit high in the first 3 gears you need to be going very fast to access it.

 

I have looked at the 6th gen one but I think it's bigger so might not fit in my council garage.

[Slartibartfast]

Just out of interest, when will you be looking to sell the MR2 and what sort of ballpark price would you be looking for?

[stripped fred]

Just out of interest, when will you be looking to sell the MR2 and what sort of ballpark price would you be looking for?

In the new year unless I change my mind again! I don't think I will this time, especially now I may have found something to change it for. I'm not sure on price yet but likely to advertise for £1800ish. I'll put it up on here too with an Autoshite discount but not likely to appeal to most on here I would think. It's a good one, 3 owners, me for last 11 years, loads spent and a really good car which i'm very attached too. It really brings a smile to your face every time you drive it.