Toyota CELICA (1999 - TO DATE)
MODELS COVERED: (3 dr coupe 1.8 petrol [VVTi, 190])
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Look back over the previous iterations of the
Toyota Celica and its easy to pick out the highs and lows. The fourth generation ST165 (1985-1990), brought Toyota into world rallying with the GT4, the fifth generation Celica ST185 (1990-1994) had odd looks but was otherwise the best of the old bunch. The sixth generation ST205 (1994-1999) was a bit chubby and overblown. This latest seventh generation Celica goes back to what made the Celica name popular in the first place, namely light weight and razor sharp reflexes.
Although notions of practicality sometimes take a cramped back
seat when buying a used sports coupe, Toyotas reliability record and engineering qualities help to keep the Celica near the top of most buyers wish lists.
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Standard equipment includes twin front and side airbags, ABS, a leather-covered steering wheel, electric windows and mirrors, a decent stereo, 16'' alloy wheels and remote central locking. If you want more, a temptingly priced 'Premium Pack' (standard in the Celica 190) adds leather, a power sunroof and climate control. Alternatively, there's a 'Sports Pack' with bigger 17'' alloys and a spoiler. The T-Sport gets a set of cracking 17-inch alloy wheels plus a deeper front spoiler than that worn by the Celica 190, and interior upgrades that include leather seats and a CD autochanger. Inside, there's not much to offend unless you have a particular aversion to black and grey plastic or orange instrument dials. The three-spoke wheel feels good to hold and the 'drilled' metal pedals lend a sporty, purposeful touch. Despite the extra cabin space boasted by the latest model, don't expect this car to be any more than a 2+2. Though there's enough legroom for a couple of adults to sit in the back, headroom is at more of a premium. Having said that, the given space is a lot less cramped than that offered by many coupe rivals. We could go on to talk about split-folding rear seats and useful luggage space but we'd be in danger of coming over all practical which would defeat the point of the premise we began with. If you don't like the look of this latest Celica, then you won't buy it and no amount of talk on fuel consumption, cabin space and low running costs will change your mind. Fortunately for
Toyota, aesthetic objections are unlikely. The more you admire the clean, distinctive lines, the more details you find to appreciate: the tiny front grille, the
Ferrari-like bonnet scoop and the beautifully sculpted front and rear lights. All speak of a design team that cared about their creation.
Used values for the Toyota Celica have been dictated to a certain extent by changes in new pricing. Originally pitched at £20,575, the Celica was fitted with air conditioning, electric sunroof and a leather interior, which was subsequently deleted from standard trim when the cars price was reduced to a headline-grabbing £16,995 in late 2000, although if you opted for the £1500 Premium Pack those items were replaced. Most of the cars sold since late 2000 were fitted with the Premium Pack, and in order to make comparison with early cars easier, their prices are quoted here. The first 2000 V-plated Celicas retail at around £8,700, with W-plate cars hovering around £9,000.
Early X registered 2000 Celica 190 models can be found at around £10,500. The T-Sport models looks set to depreciate heavily as used buyers wont be prepared to make up the £3,000 premium for what is effectively a long draught from the options list. Insurance for the 140bhp models is a fairly affordable Group 13, whilst the more powerful variants are still only rated at Group 15.
That Toyota badge on the bonnet is usually a guarantee of peerless reliability, and so far the Celica has given little cause to amend this view. Try to buy cars with a full service history, whilst late cars are easier to sell on if theyve been treated to the premium or sport packs. Avoid anything that looks too aftermarket, as the Celicas intrinsic affordability and low insurance rating may soon make them an attractive target for the Max Power generation. Check the condition of the front tyres, as these rapidly become worn during spirited driving.
To compound matters, the Celica is very sensitive to small variations in suspension geometry, and tyre wear is usually the best indicator. Find out whether the engine is running a standard ECU, as many owners fitted aftermarket chips that boosted power by 15%, but which may have worrying repercussions for the residual warranty. Celicas are also colour sensitive and, for the time being at least, silver sells.
(approx based on a 2000 Celica VVT-i) Toyota spares are reasonably cheap, as are servicing costs. Front brake pads cost £33, whilst rears retail at £22. A headlamp unit is around £120 and a new clutch assembly is around £180. Expect to fork out £280 for an alternator and £200 for a starter motor, although should you need a new exhaust, a rather serious £800 will do the trick.
These prices are likely to be of academic concern however. Its a Toyota, remember?
Being introduced just as the
Honda Integra Type-R,
Ford Racing Puma and
Peugeot 306 GTi-6 were killed off, the Toyota Celica was suddenly touted as the best handling front-wheel drive car for sale, an award by default possibly, but something to be proud of nonetheless, and either of the two models proved to be an appealing choice. If you cant stretch to the Celica 190, don't let the comparative lack of power put you off buying the 140bhp model. Absolute power has corrupted many a cleverly conceived coupe. In any case, the Yamaha-designed VVT-i 1794cc unit is, on paper at least, anything but slow. Indeed, this 1.
8-litre 140bhp Celica's 0-60mph time of 8.7s comfortably beats most other rivals. You can get the most from it too, thanks to a standard six-speed manual gearbox. This box has shorter ratios in the 190 version, which help that car to sixty in just 7.
2s on the way to 140mph. The high specific output of this engine gives a clue as to its driving manners, and sure enough in order to get the best out of the car youll need to work it very hard. The engine is a tuneful and willing companion, but it never quite zings towards the redline with the manic zeal of a good Honda VTEC installation. Other aids to an involving driving experience include strong brakes and an impressive engine-speed-sensing power steering system that keeps you constantly in touch with what the front wheels are doing.
Toyota has also learned much about suspension systems in the last 10 years, producing a fine set-up perfectly suited to the kind of people who will buy this car. It aims to comfortably absorb poor surfaces at low speeds yet is sufficiently damped for sharp, fluid handling around your favourite back doubles. The combined fuel consumption figure of nearly 37mpg (which isnt much lower in the Celica 190) should make the Toyota the cheapest car in its class to run.
Mixing the ingredients for the ultimate affordable coupe would probably throw quite a few of the Celicas qualities into the pot. Metronomic reliability is a definite plus, as is styling thats as edgy as anything else out there. A lightweight, agile chassis and engines that will betray their Yamaha roots by revving like race bikes certainly create a good impression. Only the Toyota badge, a slightly plasticky interior and the omission of rear wheel drive prevent the Celica from touching greatness.
It really is that good, and a nearly new example will deliver the goods week in, week out without costing the earth to run. If you value sensibility without being boring, this is one coupe that needs no excuses.
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