Toyota Celica Coupe (1999 - 2006) 1.8 VVTLi T Sport 3d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm oriental and I ALWAYS buy jap! I like classy timeless cars which offer bang for your buck and this says it all. Having had Hondas (Civic), Nissans (Xtrail & Note) and Toyotas (2nd gen yaris), I know that they're reliable.

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

It gives you kudos and shows that you are a car enthusiast looking for a driver's car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, because they are so much fun, yet remaining practical and comfortable.

What are you likely to buy next?

Maybe a diesel estate... Accord 2.2 diesel maybe?

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,250

When did you buy the car?

June 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

I part exchanged my 52 plate 3 Door Honda Civic Sport (EP2) which was due it's MOT and also needed new tyres in a few more months. Rather than spending money on the Civic, I'd rather P/X it for something I REALLY did want to own.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted an affordable FWD Japanese sports compact with reasonable practicality and economy - it was one of my favourite cars when playing Gran Turismo 2.

What was the dealer like?

Very friendly and to the point. Honest and accurate with the car's description and allowed me a quick test drive prior to completing the purchase.

What's it like to drive?

Exceeded expectations! I've had celica 190 GTS on Forza 2/3/4 as well as Gran Turismo 2-4 and it just made me feel so happy to be behind the wheel of one in real life. All I have to say is that for a front wheel drive, it grips and grips and grips and you can invoke a bit of lift-off oversteer to have the back end step out. (read, exiting a roundabout facing the way you came, whilst finding the limits of arrowspeed tyres in the wet) - now rectified by fitting.Michelin Primacy HPs. Engine & Gearbox - they are a peach. I'm used to riding a 140bhp litre superbike so having.a peaky engine with close gear ratios is normal to me. Keeping it within its powerband rewards you with progress in the twisties. A brilliant car to drive on the B-roads and sensible at motorway speeds.

What's it like to park?

Parking!? Poor! The steering lock is horrendous and you can barely see where your rear bumper is because of the long and low sloping mirror! Car is relatively wide as well so leaving a parking space can look rather undignified! Much easier parking my dad's Xtrail!

Have you had any problems with the car?

The rear lambda sensor has gone causing an engine management light to come on. An easy fix over a weekend and £80 in parts. It's a common issue if you read the forums. Just passed its MOT yesterday with no advisories so for a 10 year old car, it's still well built.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot is surprisingly large for a compact sports coupe! It's wider than my civic's boot, which allows me to stick 3x guitars in flight cases in the back! Perfect! Try doing that with the civic!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Climate control is a nice to have. Having had climate control on the civic, it would be difficult to go back to a car which only has humble air con! Bang on AC, set on auto, and.watch your cabin demist! Brilliant in the inclement weather we have at the moment.