90-93 Celica... anyone have one?

[Tennesseestorm]

I have loved these since they came out in late 1989. I was in high school (well had just started) and some of the seniors had em' and I wanted one real bad. Still, 17 years later, I still like them. Its like the styling never grows old on them.

I would like to find a good one... Preferably a red one with automatic transmission. I do not know of any major issues with these cars, but I am thinking they may have oil leak issues? I am also considering a Land Cruiser.. I know, two major differences.

Any advice appreciated.

[Thelt]

A guy I work with drives one to work every day. It looks like it has been through a war zone but I have never heard him say it broke down.

[Tennesseestorm]

Thanks for the info. I ended up buying a 1991 Lexus LS400. I was pretty sure that the Celica was a reliable little car.

[kathyricks]

Originally Posted by Tennesseestorm

Thanks for the info. I ended up buying a 1991 Lexus LS400. I was pretty sure that the Celica was a reliable little car.

Your LS400 could end up being quite a wallet buster if you're not careful. Examples of troubles you could be faced with:

1) LED display for the air conditioning controls goes blank
2) Freon leaks from some AC hose fittings
3) Dash gauges go partially blank
4) Bushings in the suspension squeak
5) Engine and transmission mounts need to be replaced to reduce noise
6) Power steering pump leaks onto the alternator, ruining the alternator
7) Steering rack solenoid filter screen clogs and the resulting high pressure causes leaks in the power steering pump and steering rack.
8) Air control valve attached to the Power steering pump leaks power steering fluid into the attached hoses and the oil migrates into the intake manifold resulting in blue smoke out the exhaust pipes.
9) Bearings in the fan bracket go bad
10) Some engine valves tick because of marginally oiling to some valve lifters and the resulting wear causes the valve clearances to widen beyond specs. If not corrected, valve adjusting shim can become dislodged and ruin the cylinder head.

See the clublexus.com forum and lexusownerclub.com forums for more details.

[mxracer3502]

just decided to put mine up for sale its a 91 gts clean title with leather (great cond.)and powerevrything 30k on new motor with papers and 6warranty on motor 5spd shortshifter red and jdm corner lights only asking $2000