Toyota Celica Hatchback GT 3d (1987/E) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Lots of car (and features) for the money. VERY solidly built! I had a number of 'mishaps' in mine (kerbs, hedges etc.), it never even knocked the tracking out!
Costs
MAKE SURE YOU GET A GOOD'N!!!!! Buy a nail (like I did!) and your bank balance will always read O/D, until you get rid! All parts are expensive, some unbelievably so! Due to its weight, it's hard on tyres, brakes and suspension. Not bad on fuel (30+mpg).
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On the road
Driving
Great handling! Well balanced, fluid chassis. Very stable at speed. Understeers, but will oversteer when you want! BUT!! ALL the controls (except gearchange) are over-assisted, too light with little feedback. The steering feels like driving on ice!
Performance
Weight is its main problem here. Sometimes struggles to accelerate up hills, but will maintain 100mph downhill with no throttle! On the flat, its unimpressive in 1st and 2nd, but deceptively quick once on the move.
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Living with it
Reliability
Unwittingly, I bought a lemon. It just hadn't been looked after. But still fairly reliable, considering.
Image
A bit flash. Suprisingly, you get places a bit quicker, because on the motorway, people actually get out of your way when they see you behind them (nice)!
Comfort
Seats could be more supportive. Otherwise, a great milemuncher! Makes 300 miles feel like..well..a lot less!
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Security and Service
Security
Nothing as standard. But isn't easy to prise into either.
Service
Parts expensive! One dealer was great, another (Hamer) very poor.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Check the usual. Rusty water = Head gasket. Mine also had a knackered big end bearing.
Other
Headlamp motors!! Handbrake shoes (Yes, shoes).
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes