Toyota Celica Coupe (1999 - 2006) 1.8 VVTLi T Sport 3d (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I have a celica. Some say it is a hairdressers car, surely not the 190 version though?

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

All kids loved it, until they rode in the back. Most liked it...it is much nicer to look at than most cars.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes as it is so well behaved. But only if it didn't have the problems mine had.

What are you likely to buy next?

Something cheap as I was made redundant.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,500

When did you buy the car?

July 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not a great deal. Though buying from Toyota gave me a 1 year warranty - which would turn out to be useful!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Always loved the looks of them, expected great reliability too.

What was the dealer like?

Ok when it came to spending money, not ok otherwise.

What's it like to drive?

Great. Tricky for people who aren't supple to get into, seat is quite low. Seating position is nice for driver, wheel is easy to reach as is gearstick. Pedals well positioned and clutch light. Handles really well, brakes could be sharper. Acceleration is quick but you have to use every rpm available to you. Can be driven like a nun or a yob and the car can cope happily with either. A little noisy at high speed on motorway, really over 80.

What's it like to park?

Easy. Light steering and reasonably good visibility.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Drivers seat developed a squeak. V belt needed replacing along with water pump ( which was discovered to be leaking). Rear hatch struts didn't hold boot open. All 4 t-sport wheels buckled, some not holding pressure for long. Everything sorted under the warranty apart from the wheels. Toyota wanted to just take the car back and refund me rather than sort the wheels. Ended up buying a set of borbet alloys which looked nice and were lighter than the originals. But it was a shame as I thought the t sport wheels really suit the celica. V belt problem came back again after 18 months - squeak at tickover. It would seem to be a design fault, unless Toyota didn't do a good job with their previous repair.

What's most practical about your car?

Comfortable for 2, surprisingly big boot, good fuel economy and climate control keeps you perfectly comfortable on a hot day.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Climate control, and the sweet engine.