Which 6gen... (UK Member) Options

[t84uk]

Hello!

Looking at getting rid of my motorcycle for a bit and move into cars for a while, (Been riding a few years, getting annoyed at getting wet and cold all the time in this UK weather!) so have been looking at cars to get after passing my test (I'm taking driving lessons at the moment!) I really like the look of the celica convertible, but as I'm a new driver (I am 24 years old though!) I am getting quotes of around £2200 on the internet! What is the AT200 like to drive? As I can get insured on that for £1600 on the internet (So I presume I can knock that down more by haggling on the phone!)

Also, if I manage to find a way of getting insured on the convertible is there any aftermarket roll bar or anything? The thought of flipping the car and getting mangled doesn't appeal!

Would the GT/ST be a good first car for someone who's used to riding (semi) powerful motorbikes on the road? I like to think I've got a sensible attitude, I just can't face driving a Micra/etc!

Anyway, looks like a good forum, I'll hang around with whatever car I end up with!

[Culpable04]

Welcome !


for someone who used to ride a motorcycle a Celica ST will feel a little slow, try to find a Celica GT Euro specs you'll a little more power and more options in case you decide you need more than stock power. a UK member can help you more on the insurance quotes and such.

[manphibian]

Hi matey.

My advice on insurance is make sure you find a UK spec car, not a Jap import, these are a LOT cheaper to insure, so if you get a quote using the reg. no. of a UK car you should see the price come down a lot.

If you like going quickly you WILL be disappointed with the ST. The GT though is great, it has a beautiful Revvy engine (the 3S-GE) which keeps pulling all the way to the redline, Beware of Jap SS-1's they will be as much to insure, but have the weaker 3S-FE engine, which is way down on power.

Do you have any no claims?

Go for some test drives in ST's and GT's if you can, remember the GT has all it's power at the top end, so give it a thrash!
Both engines are pretty much bullet proof if serviced properly, down worry about high milers that have been looked after, the engine is good for well over 200K !

Prices are amazing at the moment on GT's there are some good ones for sale on celica-club.co.uk at the moment for next to nothing!

Need any more info, just ask

[RickJamesBish]

So you said that the Euro GT is better than the JDM version, is it the same with GT4's?

[manphibian]

So you said that the Euro GT is better than the JDM version, is it the same with GT4's?

Of the JDM models only the SS-I is inferior, but the JDM SS-II 's (also GT's) have the same engine as Europe.

There's not a lot in it really.... JDM models tend to have lower mileage and are kept in better condition sometimes, but everything else is the same.
The power figures are a little higher for JDM as they have insanely high octane fuel.

[parriehunter]

If i was you i would definitely go for a 3sge celica. I love mine. it has enough power for a daily driver and makes passing slower cars easy.

I dont know anything about the differences between the europe GT and the JDM SSII but i love the 3sge .

[t84uk]

Ok,

So a UK spec 3S-GE it is! I like the Cabrio but it's megabucks to insure.

I think the UK GT's only have 'GT' on the back? (I'm on Celica-Club as t84 as well!)

[paul_gt4]

not sure why the uk spec 3sge is faster and more powerful than its japanese equivalent but when it comes to the GT Four its the oposite way about, the JDM four is better specced with more power than the UK car, its mainly down to fuelling and how the maps are set up. I think its the same with the supra.

[san0]

I had the choice to go with UK spec GT or JDM SS2 - I went for the JDM as it was very well kept - hardly any rust, really clean engine bay. I insured with Direct Line and they said there was no difference in price with UK or import Celicas.

I also prefer the fabric pattern of the JDM seats, the UK ones have a weird pattern. I use Shell v-power and can feel the difference compared to normal unleaded. But it hurts the wallet.

Good luck with the buy.

This post has been edited by san0: Oct 20, 2008 - 4:09 PM

[delusionz]

JDM 3S-GE went for a power cut down to 172??? after 1996 for emissions

1994 and 1995 JDM 3S-GE are originally 178HP i think it is ... But those tend to have higher milage than the newer models so it evens out

SS-II has Twin piston front calipers, standard ABS, no LSD, 4 spoke bag wheel or 3 spoke bagless, auto a/c climate control, power mirrors with defroster, seat heater...

[parriehunter]

JDM 3S-GE went for a power cut down to 172??? after 1996 for emissions

1994 and 1995 JDM 3S-GE are originally 178HP i think it is ... But those tend to have higher milage than the newer models so it evens out

SS-II has Twin piston front calipers, standard ABS, no LSD, 4 spoke bag wheel or 3 spoke bagless, auto a/c climate control, power mirrors with defroster, seat heater...

ABS isnt actually standard on the SSII. Mine doesn't have it. might of become standard in the facelift tho.

[delusionz]

Oh really? I thought it was only optional for SS-I as you'd think the SS-II would actually need it, I stand to be corrected then.

Does your 94-Two have Twin piston calipers? My friend's 96-Two does, I actually thought at first it was part of SS-III's super strut package because my friend's levin bz-r has the same twin piston calipers with ss suspension.

[parriehunter]

I believe it does. Im not 100% sure on that tho.
Yea i would of thought ABS would of been standard but meh the only time i have needed ABS it failed (on my old car) so im learning how to brake effectively without it and one less thing to go wrong.