Toyota Celica Coupe (1994 - 1999) GT-Four 3d (1994/M) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Rare Jap enthusiast perhaps?

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Generally well loved. A lot of looks and comments. Can attract unwanted attention too which she did once or twice. Boy racers, vandals, the “it’s just a car”/it only needs to get me from A to B crowd tend to be drawn to cars like this. It happens. We live in the UK where attractive cars inspire jealousy rather than hard work.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes I’d love one again. I replaced it with the Gen 7 Celica GT VVTLi which handled better and was slightly more practical but nowhere near as fast or fun. If you’re considering buying a GT Four then I would advise on spending more money for the car so you don’t pay as much down the line.

What are you likely to buy next?

I currently drive the MK2 Mazda3 MPS as much as I love older jap sports cars, my wallet can no longer handle the repair bills. The Gen7 GT is a worthy alternative to the GT Four.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,000

When did you buy the car?

March 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Initially yes. It was in much better condition than all the others I had looked at and I got a good part ex price. Don’t buy the first one you look at. Go to a trusted importer who will find you a low mileage beauty for about £6,000.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

If you played Sega Rally as a kid you’d want one.

What was the dealer like?

Dealer was fine initially. Jap import specialist in Warrington. They ended up doing a midnight bunk back to Japan as they owed a lot of money to various organisations so the warranty I had went with them. I’d personally stick with private sales in future as dealerships give you zero guarantee anymore anyway. It’s easy for them to get away with things unless you’re willing to go to court etc. Alternatively, pay for your own warranty which I do.

What's it like to drive?

Amazing. This car is not meant to be anything other than a drivers car. Insane performance for the price. The Jap import model is 252bhp with 4 wheel drive acceleration and grip. The engine sound is sublime and will frighten the life out of you with its capabilities. You will likely give in before it does. I used it as my daily commute and never had any issues with it at all. It was comfortable and economical around town in traffic.

What's it like to park?

WRC spoiler took a bit of getting used to. Fairly easy as the back end is quite flat.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes lots. The usual age related faults that appear with this GT Four. The lower arms went on the drop link suspension which is about £1000+ to put right in most cases. A mechanic explained that it’s “metal on metal” which is why it wears away on all cars. Oil leak, a hole in the exhaust and 4 new tyres after 12 months which totalled £3500 in repair bills. As they say, fancy cars, fancy problems. If you’re looking at buying one, make sure the lower arms have been done and there is proof of it. They tend to go around the 60k miles mark so ensure it is factored into your budget.

What's most practical about your car?

As opposed to the new Celica there is nothing practical about this car. The car is very low, has tiny back seats, no interior storage and an aerial that extends about 5 feet in the air from the rear of the car when the radio is on. The new model at least has a fairly decent boot. This does not. The boot is very shallow and has steep decline toward the rear seat. Add to that a rear strut brace (standard) and a spare wheel floating around on top, you can forget using is as a shopping cart. You wouldn’t/shouldn’t buy this car for that anyway.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Electric folding mirrors and air con is about as advanced as this car gets.