What to look for when Buying a Celica Options

[joooo72]

Hi Guys,

My sister is looking to buy a 6th Gen Celica and i'm not too knowledgeable with this car. Has anyone got some tips on what to look for before buying, common problems, etc?

I am from Australia.


Thanks!

Rich

[Gizmokat]

I'd like some knowledge on this topic too
Since I'm currently looking as well!

I guess all the general used car shopping rules apply. But are there any specific known problems that seem to occur with the 6th Gens in any particular years?

Thanks In Advance!

Katie

[celiracer]

Lets put it this way. The 6th gen is the most reliable car i've ever owned. I very rarely have problems with my car. They drive very nice. They get very good gas mileage, and they are eye catchers. I just love how they have hardley no streight lines in them. My car is all curves. And i love it. You would never be disapointed with a 6th gen unless your looking for a cheap car with power. Because the 6th gen doesn't have much power unless you swap a motor or turbo it. But is one of the most nicest cars In my opinion.

[Jaws4God]

I recommend the GT over the ST.. but in Australia i think its an SSIII? not really sure..

[DSToyo]

cant go wrong with a toyota, just at how the overall condition of the car is...definately get a gt manual over the st if you can.

[san0]

I always wanted a 6 Gen celica, now I have one. I chose black as it won't fade so much as red does.

I'd look out for knocking sounds coming from the back suspension, that's a problem with the rubber bushes or the rear struts. Mine has that sound - klunking sounds when you go over little bumps in the road - i thought it was the car jack or the spare tyre, but its not.


Check to see all the locks work as mine came with 1 key but it won't lock the boot or the glove box!


On cold mornings, see if the steering wheel squeeks, as mine does - wierd.


Other than that - go for high spec - in Oz it's most prob an import like mine - so a GT is best (manual).

Good luck - she won't regret it.

[ExSane]

BURNT CLUTCH (will cost you big bucks whether its oem or aftermarkt) and BRAKE PADS and BRAKE ROTORS and ANY ELECTRICAL SUCH AS BULBS/TAILLIGHTS/HEADLIGHTS/ETC.

[tomazws]

I'd look out for knocking sounds coming from the back suspension, that's a problem with the rubber bushes or the rear struts. Mine has that sound - klunking sounds when you go over little bumps in the road - i thought it was the car jack or the spare tyre, but its not.

Mine had that sound too, me and my buddy found out the rear link became loose, after tightening up the screw, no more noise anymore.

On cold mornings, see if the steering wheel squeeks, as mine does - wierd.

Usually due to a low power steering fluid, fill it up, or flush and fill, should fix the problem.


But basically, I don't see our Celicas have any special "problems", just general used cars problems. Go with the GT manual I must say. If money is not a matter, go for the SS-III and GT-Four with superstrut suspension (which the suspension is a lot more costly to repair if failed or worn).

[Rayme]

Theres nothing to worry about celicas, just find as much info as you can from the previous owner, like the major repairs or accident.

They are one of the most reliable car on the planet for sure.

[Gizmokat]

Thanks, you all just reconfirmed my legacy love of Toyota
My family won't drive anything else.

I currently drive my putt putt wagon, aka Matrix 4wd XR

You guys rock and are always super helpful!! ~

[uberschall]

i'll add two things-

headlights are expensive and there are no aftermarket replacements. they are held on by plastic tabs that usually break in an accident. it's a good way to see if the car has been repaired...the tabs are sometimes glued back on.

also, the sway bar end links are not an awesome design. they do their job well, but if they are too rusted, they will have to be replaced when any suspension work is done that would involve unbolting them. being a california car, this shouldn't be an issue.


other than that, i'm on my second 6th gen and have no plans to let it get away! hands down the best cars i've owned. and that's considering other toyotas, too.

[ExSane]

Thanks, you all just reconfirmed my legacy love of Toyota
My family won't drive anything else.

I currently drive my putt putt wagon, aka Matrix 4wd XR

You guys rock and are always super helpful!! ~

AWD MATRIX + 3SGTE = TOYOTA CALDINA.





This post has been edited by ExSane: Feb 3, 2007 - 12:20 AM

[CelicaZR]

I recommend the GT over the ST.. but in Australia i think its an SSIII? not really sure..

SX, SX-R and ZR
They all have the 5SFE.
They only differences is the options.

[DeathWing]

I always wanted a 6 Gen celica, now I have one. I chose black as it won't fade so much as red does.

I'd look out for knocking sounds coming from the back suspension, that's a problem with the rubber bushes or the rear struts. Mine has that sound - klunking sounds when you go over little bumps in the road - i thought it was the car jack or the spare tyre, but its not.


Check to see all the locks work as mine came with 1 key but it won't lock the boot or the glove box!


On cold mornings, see if the steering wheel squeeks, as mine does - wierd.


Other than that - go for high spec - in Oz it's most prob an import like mine - so a GT is best (manual).

Good luck - she won't regret it.

hey my car is having that problem too but i speak spanish and what u said is difficult to translate into useful knowledge to me, could you post a picture or more detailed information about this? i really want to fix mine

[OntarioCeli]

Clutch expensive? where? I just bought a new dynapack clutch kit for $206 after tax.. thats a good price.

[jason]

yeah, i got mine, the cv joints clicked to no end, the clutch was wearing and the rear sway bar bushing were worn too - had that nice clinking sound

new axles - $102
new bushings - $6
new clutch, pressure plate & flywheel - $283

while i was in with the clutch i tightened everything up n greased everything up as well - drives like a new car now =)

plus parts, at least around here are cheap - new cyl head - 200 (smoking, valve noise, just get a new head)

i do ALOT of driving, and im downgrading alot in power so my car gets abused with some nice revving and it takes it very well =)

i definitely recommend this car, have shopped for a while, got a great price on mine - after wheels tires and some other goodies still paid less than most ppl pay flat out for 6th gen =)

[laff09]

Clutch expensive? where? I just bought a new dynapack clutch kit for $206 after tax.. thats a good price.

Yeah, but you apparently installed it yourself. Your looking at anywhere from $600-800 in labor.