Toyota Celica (1989 - 1993)

Last updated 5 October 2013

Buying Guide

Good

• Weird-looking coupe.
• 201bhp to 205bhp GT-Four has warts and growths over its bonnet area.
• 'Carlos Sainz' GT-Four was collectable.
• Very quick, with excellent rally pedigree - notorious for being banned for a year for ingenious flouting of air restrictor rule.
• Basic front-wheel-drive models have 158 bhp, which is enough.
• Handle well. Good to drive.
• Toyota had fourth lowest average cost in warranty claims for cars up to 10 years old in 2002 Warranty Direct index www.performanceindex.co.uk
• (Please note Haynes manual is for US spec.)

Bad

• It really is ugly in an organic way - like something designed for 'Alien' by H. Gigor.
• All models have a firm ride.
• The interior is black as a coal mine.
• Reliability of front-drive models is typically Toyota, but GT-Four power train comes under strain.

Watch

• GT-Four is a gearbox breaker.
• Must have specialist service history, but even then gearbox may fail.
• All need six-monthly oil changes, preferably using fully synthetic oil.
• Watch out for used RHD imports from Japan. May not be fully up to UK spec.