Toyota Celica 2.0 GT (ST202) - Opinions?

[camgear]

Decided against the BMW, as I think I was just paying insurance for the badge, really :/

I like the look of the Gen 6 Celicas, are they any good, or are they all show and no go? Obviously they're not RWD, which might be a good thing for a new driver! :S

Thanks!

[tom g]

The ST202 GT is a great car, total bargain, 170PS engine pulls like a train to 7k+, handle well, reliable. Popular with "mature" drivers so normally not thrashed and well maintained. Go and test drive one

[Riknos]

Try and get an imported one with the BEAMS engine if possible (will be called SS-III) which stands for Superstrut (same front suspension as the GT-4) Has a circa 200bhp engine as opposed to the 178 IIRC of the UK 2.0 3S-GE. Guy on a session round Coombe had one that was stripped as bare as possible, with coilovers, and was quicker round the track than my GT4 running 294 hp :\

[camgear]

Import not an option, insurance is going to be bad enough as a first car

[Riknos]

camgear said:

Import not an option, insurance is going to be bad enough as a first car

Ah, ignore me then. Cracking first car, good to see you're looking at the 2.0 as the 3S-GE is an awesome engine.

[camgear]

Nice, interior looks a bit pooh though Mind you, I've only seen pictures with harsh flash photography that shows all the mud up

[Hyperion]

Having owned both, the ST182 (Gen 5 with pop-up lights) is better IMO (It feels smaller and more nimble - plus it has pop-up lights=always cool).
But both are great cars; extremely reliable and well made.

[camgear]

That's what I like to hear

They seem to make a lot of bits for it as well, so I can upgrade stuff as and when I need it (Brakes, etc)

[Medic-one]

tom g said:

The ST202 GT is a great car, total bargain, 170PS engine pulls like a train to 7k+, handle well, reliable. Popular with "mature" drivers so normally not thrashed and well maintained. Go and test drive one

Can only agree with that.

I only sold mine to get my GTO but i still think it's a great car. Never had any problems with it as well.

[spyder dryver]

Some ST202's are fitted with the 3SFE engine. It is still 2 litre 16V but has around 136 bhp IIRC, almost 40 less than the 3SGE. It wouldn't be my choice but it may be worth checking if this variant could save you money on insurance.
My kit car is fitted with the 3SGE converted to RWD. I can only agree with previous posters, it is a superb engine and has stood up to a lot of abuse.
Geoff

[tim2100]

I had a 2.0GT for a while. Found it very underwhelming.

Was expecting a lot more. It has to be pushed to make progress, Not particularly great to drive.

Good 1st car i suppose.

Although they are still insurance group 12-14 i think.

[EDLT]

I can't look at these cars without smiling, because its always so happy:

[Fire99]

EDLT said:

I can't look at these cars without smiling, because its always so happy:

Excellent!!! Possibly the happiest car in the world.

[camgear]

Hmm, in retrospect, it's probably a bit too much for a first car :S

[Scuff_]

camgear said:

Decided against the BMW, as I think I was just paying insurance for the badge, really :/

I like the look of the Gen 6 Celicas, are they any good, or are they all show and no go? Obviously they're not RWD, which might be a good thing for a new driver! :S

Thanks!

I have both

Celica is definatly the best handeling car of the two, although the chassis does feel like its crying for more power. BMW (mines a 328i Sport) is def more quicker but skittish on the corners in comparison, not sure if that's down to more power.
Owned the Celica for over 2 years and 25k mainly abusive miles its still going strong at 143k, only fault in that time is a snapped boot hinge (ceased and didnt notice due to the weight). I don't like the ride in comparison to the BMW, seem to sit very low in it.
Typical Jap build, bits of interior havent worn well but wheel bearing moaning for 20k miles and still not getting any worse.

Service in second year, after changing cambelt, air filter and platinum tipped spark plugs in year 1 was £20 for oil and £2 for oil filter.

Edited by Scuff_ on Monday 20th October 23:36

[ln1234]

I had the st202 convertible for a while, and I found it a fantastic car. had over 100k on it when I got it, and it still drove like it had a fraction of that mileage. Get one with a decent service history, and keep note of when/if the clutch, brakes, and cambelt were changed.

[camgear]

Argh, I'm in two minds now, I posted the same question on a bike forum that I use and they're all telling me it's a bad idea for a first car and to get a stbox for a couple of years! I'm torn now!

T

[bint]

I'm surprised, I know a few bikers who own Celicas and they love them as they're so grounded and you can fling them around corners happily.

I had the ST version (the ST202 is the GT) and loved it, currently have an ST205 (GT4) and still loving it.

Do it!

Check out www.celica-club.co.uk for advice, cars and actually quite balanced views on Celicas.

We've had a few 'what car, and would an *** be better than a Celica?' questions and you won't get 100% 'buy a celica' from us, we will give you an honest balanced view based on your requirements.

[camgear]

Hmm, most of them think I'm going to put myself through a hedge by running it as a first car...

The problem is is that 'rubbish' cars are almost as expensive to insure:

Celica 2.0 = £2000
Celica 1.8 = £1600
Yaris 1.0 = £1100
Escort 1.6 = £1500
Puma 1.7 = £1800
Fiesta 1.25 = £1434
Daewoo Matiz 0.8 = £1232!
Volvo V70 2.5 = £1900
Octavia 2.0 = £1700
Pug 206 1.4 = £1262
Alfa 147 TS Lusso 1.6 = £2400!


This is with £1000 Excess, older woman driver named on the policy. UK License held for 0 years 0 months.

[camgear]

Decided to be sensible and go for a Focus...

I think it's a Zetec I want, either 1.8 Petrol or Diesel... The TDCI engine seems to make loads of torque!