Toyota Celica Coupe (1999 - 2006) 1.8 VVTi 3d (Premium+Sport Pack) (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says that I've got style but I'm not a big-head & I like to drive but I'm not stupid.

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

They love it. My kids call it Lightening McQueen (From the movie 'Cars'). My mates all love how low down it feels when you climb in. Everyone knows the Celica but it still turns heads everywhere you go!

Would you buy this car again and why?

YES, it's the perfect car for English roads and it has 4 seats!

What are you likely to buy next?

I need to get a bigger car for my growing family - not happy about it but I can't get 3 kids in the back! I will probably look at a nother Toyota.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,000

When did you buy the car?

May 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I bought secong hand and knocked him down on price. I think I got a bargain buy.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I liked the looks, large boot (for this type of car), 2 'useable' rear seats and it has the Premium & Sport upgardes. Brilliant reviews all over the internet and my mate had one a few years ago. Also VERY long service intervals with the VVTi engines!

What was the dealer like?

N/A - The seller was ok though, lots of info and paperwork to show previous service & work.

What's it like to drive?

It's amazing to drive! A 1.8 engine shouldn't perform this well (OK, I know it's only 140bhp) but it really moves and grips so much better than you would think. You just can't help but get the engine revs up to hear the change in the exhaust note! FANTASTIC! I have total confidence in this car and can take many corners much quicker than I could in previous 'sport' cars without thinking about spinning off the road. It wont blast off Ferrari's but for normal roads, this is the perfect amount of power - I think the 190bhp version is a 'licence looser'.

What's it like to park?

Easy! Rear visibility is a little poor but you just know where the corners are and swing it straight in! It's much shorter than you think. Be careful pulling straight in, the nose sticks out a bit further than you think. Only 'problem' is the doors, they're very long so you need a little more room to get in and out than a 5 door hatchback. But if that would bother you, then you dont really want this car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No - Solid as a rock and it's done 85,000 miles! Feels like new. I love this engine!!!

What's most practical about your car?

The back seats because you can get 2 kids in, (forget getting more than 1 adult in there!) The boots great for this size car and it returns around 36mpg - not bad for the performance you get.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The leather seats - very comfy and supportive.