Used Toyota Celica

What to know before buying: Toyota Celica

From 4 video reviews, 1 forum thread and 2 press tests · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The seventh-generation Celica is light, low and enjoyable to drive, with reviewers praising its precise gearshift, responsive chassis and cornering ability.[4][5][6]Seventh generation
• The liftback has a useful boot and folding rear seats that create substantial cargo space, but adult accommodation in the rear is very cramped.[4][5][6]Seventh generation
• Sources consider the seventh-generation design to have aged well; its cabin is simple and solidly assembled, though it uses plenty of hard plastic.[4][5]Seventh generation
• A sixth-generation example with 460,000 km still drove, steered and shifted well; it had needed shock absorbers and an alternator, but no serious mechanical breakdown.[7]one sourceSixth generation

Typical faults

• Seventh-generation engines can consume oil. The 1ZZ-FE is particularly known for it, with one source attributing the issue to its piston rings, so the oil level needs monitoring.[4][5]Seventh generation

  1ZZ-FE

• Age-related corrosion can affect the body and other steel parts of seventh-generation cars.[4]one sourceSeventh generation
• An owner of a 1995 1.8-litre Celica reported a rotten fuel tank; a former Celica club member said some versions have shielding that promotes severe rusting of the metal tank.[1]one sourceSixth generation

  1995–1995 · 1.8 petrol

• A specialist reports Celica A/C compressor failures caused by refrigerant leaks, condenser corrosion, dirt-clogged evaporators and leakage from ageing seals.[2]one source
• The owner of a 2001 seventh-generation car reported failed hatch struts and an exterior door handle that broke when the door froze shut.[6]one sourceSeventh generation

  2001–2001

Which engine and version to take

• The 1ZZ-FE-D is a simple naturally aspirated 1.8-litre petrol engine with 140 hp and useful low-end torque; its revised piston rings were intended to address the 1ZZ oil-burning issue.[5]one sourceSeventh generation
• The roughly 190 hp 2ZZ/VVTL-i suits buyers wanting more performance and willing to use high revs, because its power is concentrated near the top of the rev range.[4][5]Seventh generation

What to avoid

• Avoid a 1ZZ-FE with uncertain oil consumption: the engine is described as notorious for burning oil, with the issue attributed to its piston rings.[5]one sourceSeventh generation

What to check at the inspection

• Check the service history and evidence of careful ownership; on a seventh-generation car, inspect the oil level and establish how often it needs topping up.[4]one sourceSeventh generation
• On a sixth-generation car, check carefully for rust where the door meets the front wing, in the arches, exhaust, window surrounds, under the bonnet, beneath the boot carpet and underneath.[7]one sourceSixth generation
• Look for poor accident repairs: overspray in the wheel arches or engine bay, inconsistent panel gaps, and mismatched paint colour or texture.[7]one sourceSixth generation
• On a sixth-generation car, inspect coolant hoses and vacuum lines for cracks and wear; replace the timing belt if its history is uncertain.[7]one sourceSixth generation
• During the test drive, listen for suspension clunks, engine squealing or violent rattles; the car should feel reasonably tight.[7]one sourceSixth generation
• On a GT/GTS, test charging with a multimeter: about 12.6 V with the engine off and 13.5–14.5 V running; also inspect the drive belt and 120 A charging fuse.[3]one sourceSeventh generation
• Confirm that the air conditioning cools consistently and check for leaks, paying particular attention to the compressor, condenser corrosion, evaporator and seals.[2]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — Toyota celica degvielas tvertne - Forums · forum
2. [2]kondicio.lv — TOYOTA CELICA - Kondicioniera Remonts, Gāzes Uzpilde ... · press
3. [3]es.ifixit.com — Resolución de problemas y sustitución del alternador ... · press
4. [4]JJ on Cars — Why the 27-Year-Old Toyota Celica Still Looks Modern Today // Drive and Review · ▶ video
5. [5]Accelerate — Is The TOYOTA CELICA The Perfect "First Project" Car? · ▶ video
6. [6]TJ’s Garage — 20 Things I Love & Hate about my 7th Gen Toyota Celica! · ▶ video
7. [7]ReDriven — It's done how many miles?!?...Toyota Celica - USED car review | ReDriven · ▶ video

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