Faults:

Sun roof was rusted on the edges. I had to install a new seal + fix rusted edges.

Replaced exhaust pipe in 2002 ($60-70), it was rusted out at the time. The new exhaust system has since rusted out due to a problem with the pipe leading to the engine. (Not sure what the exact problem is, thought to be a backfire in the system.)

Starter/Neutral Switch went bad, replaced it with a starter from a junk yard, but didn't work. Replaced with a (cheaper) "button starter" system.

Both CV Joints/Axles went bad (awful clicking/rattling noises when turning) ($250).

Passenger door latch broken from the inside.

Air conditioning system has leaks, compressor also went bad ($600 to replace).

Oil and power steering leakage.

Red brake/stop lights (Brake Light Switch) went out.

Struts are worn out and making unpleasant noises on bumpy surfaces.

General Comments:

Despite the problems I've encountered with it, this Toyota Celica GT handles perfectly. It is tight on turns, it accelerates nicely and makes its way through traffic just as well as any new model sports car can (well, probably not as fast as the new ones..).

The problems I have had with it have never stopped me from getting where I wanted to go. If I had the chance to go back to my buying decision again, I would have checked the car's history a little bit more in-depth before making my final decision.

This car has been through hell. I may sound stupid for keeping it for so long, but it has helped me make it at least most of the way through my associate's degree program and work... If there were no problems with it, I would keep it for the next college tour; however, I think it is time to retire this old puppy. It has been a damn good ride.

Faults:

After 90,000 miles: Mass Air flow intake cracked, replaced. Ignition coil replaced at 95,000. CV joints replaced at 120,000.

General Comments:

This car was my first, and it will hold a special place in my heart for that reason, but it has also proved to be a very reliable piece of machinery.

The mileage on this vehicle is comparatively low, and I think it will last another 150k. The engine and transmission purr, I've only had minor peripheral problems since purchasing the car.

It handles like a sport-compact should. The suspension is a little rough, but it takes corners pretty damn well, I must say. It doesn't have the power of a GT model, but it still holds it's own when put to the test.

You feel like you're in some B movie, sci-fi rocket ship when you drive this thing. The ride is very low to the ground, and it has a very sporty (for lack of a better word) feel to it in the front seats.

Overall, I consider this Toyota to be a fine auto. It is virtually indestructible, and could outrun most cars today if given the chance.

Faults:

At 192000 miles, I noticed a knocking that went faster or slower, depending on the RPM. I had it checked and I was told that I had "Spun a rob barring." From what I gathered, it was a small metal ring that allowed oil to go into the cylinder, when it spins out of place, oil can't go in. So we replaced it, 50 miles later, it knocked again. The Toyota dealer put a thicker and wider ring in and it lasted about 4 months. Finally, when the knocking came back, they took everything apart and told me that the reason my rings were being chewed up, was because the cylinder was warped and the lifter/pistons were rocking wrong and breaking down. $800.00 dollars later, my Celica had a new clutch, and 1995 Camry engine with 30,000 miles on it imported from Japan. Everything was wonderful, until the vacuum lines began to deteriorate, the power steering lines were cracked and I was replacing the fluid twice a week. Both front axles were clicking and broken, the suspension needed to be replaced, it was stalling due to the vacuum leaks and misc. grease all over the underside of the engine had worn things down. My options were to pay about $2000 dollars to have everything repaired, OR trade it in while it still had value. SO at 210000 miles, (45,000 on the new motor) I traded her in on a Plymouth Breeze. Not a wise choice I might add...but, live and learn.

General Comments:

Let me just say, I loved my Celica! It was a tiny, little, grey pocket-rocket! Once you got the hang of the performance, you could launch that little car like it was attached to a sling shot. I made one modification to the engine, the timing was about 2 marks ahead of manufacture specs, but it was like that when I bought it, I just maintained it. I would race people from time to time. I beat new Civic's, Prelude's, I beat CRX's Blazers, a V6 1994 Mustang, newer Celica's, Altima's, I even raced a 69 Nova, and was ahead from the line until about 85mph, then he got past me. That little car was a bullet. I loved it. I was surprisingly comfortable in this Micro-Machine. I am 6'2" around 260 lbs, and I fit comfortably. I would have liked a bit more head room, but it had the sliding sunroof and that took about 2 inches off the interior head room, spiky hair didn't stand a chance. The gas mileage was amazing. I never replaced the rear tires, they were 9 years old!!! and the tread was still good!!

If it weren't so old, and had I taken better care of the up keep, I would still have it. I loved it. Her name was Platinum. :-)