Toyota Celica GT4 - Buying Advice

[Sam1990]

After a nice surprise quote from the insurance bods a Toyota Celica GT4 is very much on the cards as the next car, currently driving a 5th gen Honda Prelude and looking for something with a blower that isn't FWD. The GT4 ticks all the right boxes and shouldn't be much worse than the Lude on fuel (about 22mpg most of the time). I know about the figure of 8 issues which need replacing every 50k miles but is there anything else I should be looking for when shopping around or any advice from someone with first hand experience of these motors? Or an alternative which might be better in the long run?

Any info is appreciated.

[nottyash]

I was surprised at the insurance costs of GT4s, even imports were cheap enough.
I have to say I think you have a problem with your Prelude if your only managing 22MPG. Ours gives 29MPG consistantly.In fact I have had four that have all been the same (27-31). All 2.2 Manual ones.

I too am looking at GT4s for the wife to replace the Prelude, all I can say is there is a lot of dogs out there, that look good on the pictures but are actually st when you get to see them. I gave up looking.

[Sam1990]

29 would be nice. I average 300 miles to a tank with mixed driving, works out at an average of 22.5, might be worth sticking a new o2 sensor in to see if there's any gains.

What's the common 'put-offs' you've been coming across with the ones you've been to see? Rust, poor interor or even worse?

Was expecting to pay around £4k for a half-decent one, do you reckon that's a bit optimistic?

[eybic]

I've had mine for about 7 years now and love it to bits. Main issue is the fig 8's, other than this make sure timing belt has been changed, clutches can be expensive to change (18 hours toyota book time I believe), apart form that they are pretty tough beasties.

If you need to know anything else, let me know.

[gazchap]

Front suspension is, as you know, a bit of a weak point - but it's not just the figure 8s. The lower arms and ball joints can all go, I had to have all mine replaced to get rid of a knocking noise.

If you're buying an example that's been modified, make sure you check it properly and check that the modifications have been carried out properly. I bought mine almost standard (save for an aftermarket exhaust) and have had it modified since, and I know it's been done right.

Check out the GT4OC at www.gt4oc.net for any other info