1986 Toyota Celica GTS 2.0-3SGE from North America

Summary:

I wish it was RWD

Faults:

Hmmmm...

Had to replace header-cat pipe and also exhaust manifold because the bolts broke.

Had to replace slave cylinder for the clutch, brakes, steering column boots, an axle actually broke, constant problem with back lights, replaced wheel bearing, and some other parts.

Anybody know where I can find intake hose?

Engine still runs strong and needs a quart every month or so.

Steering fluid leaks; a common problem.

New problem I have is after driving it an hour or so at 80-90mph fifth gear grinds occasionally at 3000rpm? I would appreciate comments on this problem.

Dead air conditioner and heater works, however the air that comes out is polluted, actually gave me a throat problem for a while. Needless to say I stopped using it.

Cruise control broken.

General Comments:

Well you don't see many cars from this age on the road, so that says a lot about the strength of the car.

Good fuel economy and takes a beating. Needs to be driven at high rpm for its 120hp rated engine to show some muscle.

Some rust visible but still passes inspection.

Although it's old it's probably one of the best looking Celica models.

Good seats with electrical cushioning, but are extremely low, which isn't that bad once you get used to it.

Sunroof works.

Car handles great, especially compared to my old Tercel.

I still be cruising 80-90 on I-95 racing with gunners.

It's so old though that everyday I get in the car I wonder whether it's going to be its last day.

This car makes me want to be Japanese.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2008

23rd Aug 2008, 16:01

Thanx, I'll look into the heater core, but I was mistaken about the year, it's 1986, I wonder if there is anyway to fix it.

17th May 2009, 15:20

The 85 is RWD!

1986 Toyota Celica GT-R 2.0 DOHC EFI from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great in its day but long in the tooth now

Faults:

Oil seals are all crapping out now.

Shocks now failing.

Central locking works when it wants to.

Water pump, thermostat, and alternator have all had to be replaced.

Air con crapped out.

Dash is warped.

Only two interior fan settings working.

Has had cracked engine mount (apparently a common problem)

Ignition relay installed to combat lack of power to the starter motor (apparently another common problem)

General Comments:

Great car if it hasn't been thrashed

Cool electric driver seat adjustments (flat back to bucket, and lumbar support)

Still a stylie lookin car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2008

1986 Toyota Celica GT-S 2.0 from North America

Summary:

If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd buy this make/model/year in a heartbeat!

Faults:

Over the lifetime of this car, I had to replace:

The catalytic converter twice,the entire exhaust at one point or other. The protective boots covering the trans-axle were always cracking, thus... the trans-axles had to be replaced NUMEROUS times! The clutch SHOULD have been replaced, but the transmission handled the speed shifting well.

The ultimate demise of the car was the hole that had developed in #2 cylinder - the back of the car was COVERED in oil by then!

General Comments:

I LOVED THIS CAR! I would buy another one today in a heartbeat. The design of the '86 Celica GT-S was so thoughtful. It was truly a pleasure to drive - I took it everywhere - nearly 280,000 miles worth of everywhere!

I had put this car through its paces. The speedometer went to 150 mph, and I had to see if it would reach it. I had it to 135 mph before I had to back her down but she handled great.

After owning the car for about 3 years, I installed a Sony stereo with a joystick remote (pretty avant garde for the 90's) and a 10 CD changer mounted to the back seat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2008

1986 Toyota Celica ST 2SE 2.0L from North America

Summary:

Celicas for everyone!

Faults:

Front right wheel bearing and axle assembly worn.

Radiator developed a small leak.

Body rusted.

Emergency brake cable broke.

Timing belt broke.

Water pump leaked.

Clutch master cylinder broke.

Exhaust manifold rusted and developed a hole, very loud.

Brake line rusted and failed while driving!

General Comments:

These cars are really fun to drive. Has plenty of power, great on gas, very reliable, and parts are cheap.

My Celica was the best car I have ever owned, even with all the problems I've had with it. I bought it for 50 bucks and fixed it up to pass inspection. It had some serious rust, which I had to "fix" every few months with Bondo and paint. The last problem I had was the rear brake line rusted through and broke while I was getting off the highway and slowing down. Luckily, I made it home using the e-brake and downshifting (I probably should have called for a tow). At that point I decided it was time to let her go, so off to the junkyard she went. It was sad to see her go, but I have some great memories of the Celica.

If you own a Celica, do it a favor and take good care of it; it will take good care of you, too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2008