Celica T-Sport // First Impressions - 3 Month Review
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- So, before my thunder grey Celica was written off by a drunk driver, I used the car as my daily driver for three months. Here I share my thoughts about the T-Sport to this point and later in the video share some more exciting news about future projects!
Celica is a great car. Had many, including GT4. However, I now have the TRD GT model with the batwing on the back and kit/wheels.
Tips: Change oil/filter every 2500 miles. Not only is this recommended maintenance, it is also required to keep the little VVT and VVTL-i filters (tiny filters next to OCV's in engine). Also, every 15000 miles, inspect the "lift bolts" for wear and change them out. This, including keeping oil clean, will help maintain the engine and the Lift mechanism (6200 RPM upwards). Rear calipers can be a little iffy (stick). Put decent tyres on it. Clutch wear is very good. Put mintex or red stuff pads on. Grooved disc upgrade better. I also have a SS cat back. Helps breathing out of gases. Heater matrixes are not best. Can take a while to warm up. They do block so yearly flushes recommended. Not best straight line speeds, around 7 seconds to 60. They are old now though! But round twisting roads not much higher powered cars can live with it. Change spark plugs to Denso IK20's. Decent air filter. She will last you for years and years. You can super charge them to over 300 BHP without internal mods. Check out se7en motorsports for that. Or other upgrades, Monkey Wrench Racing.
Ya mines a Lil biach but I just keep a quart of oil handy at all times.
I don't even drive 2,500miles in a year, so going by what I've heard of water/condensation in the oil, especially because I don't drive that far usually, I opt for once a year.
I assume You've had more than one Celica with broken lift bolts. I just picked mine up last month and OF COURSE it has this. Will be a future bill.
Only thing I'm dealing with right now is that the car has a serious condensation issue. I assume it's the dumb moonroof.
I've been hearing that supercharging them even 40-50 hp requires internal mods 🤔Do you have a link to a source I could read up on it by any chance? Looking to do it possibly
@iRuneVR se7en Motorsport in UK do them or used to.
The brakes are a common complaint. That's why a common mod "avensis brake kit" is such a popular choice. Great review, I've been a Celica fan for about 4 years now. And I've already owned 4!
Nice to hear your thoughts on the Celica. Had my '04 t-sport for going on 8 years now. Love the handling, it's nippy, practical and has that toyota reliability. Looks great too, really sticks out in the car park 😄. I like the sound of the MR2 Lsd. I originally bought mine for track days but it's just great for day to day use.
Wow 8 years say plenty, must be a cracking car to keep it that long and brilliant to hear it’s been reliable in that time!
I think that’s one thing I forgot to mention in the vid, I really like the looks too, these shapes seem to becoming rarer as cars get bulkier and heavier.
Out of interest what sort of mpg do you see from yours?
@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS Hi. Sorry about the late reply. On motorway journeys I've been getting 30+ . That's with economy style driving and and getting it into 6th gear as soon as I can. Around town though it did dip into the low 20's which wasn't the best for a 1.8. I've had more compliments on this than I did with my mk4 supra. So yes it's a great looking car which are getting a rarer and rarer sight on our roads.
clearly the best review ive ever seen about a potential track car.
Only just seen this but thank you, very kind. 👍
Previous owner of gen 1 and 6, currently owning a gen 7 2000 celica stock since 2 years I must say the celica is a fantastic car in every way!
A true Celica fan!
I’ve always liked them since watching Juha Kankunnen side one through Clumber Park as a 7 year old... I’ll never forget the sights and sounds and I’d love to drive/own an ST185 GT-Four one day! 😊
I have had my T sport for about six years, the car was fitted with budget tyres and suffered in a similar way as you describe mid corner onwards it understeered, the vsc was cutting in reducing the power and making it run wide, as soon as I bought michelins (front and back) this transformed the car, in particular on sweeping high speed corners the car holds a very good line on entry and exit, but will still ultimately understeer like most front wheel drive cars, my car averages at 36 mpg ( mainly motorway and fast A roads). The brakes have all ways felt spongey, I have changed the fluid, bled them put braided lines on and they still feel the same, but they do stop you with no noticeable fade on the road, I bought the car at 60,000 it has now done 150,000, usual service items plus three aux drive belts and an exhaust back box. It has passed every mot whilst I have had it with only 1 advisory for a close to limit tyre. The driving position I find very comfortable I am 6ft 1 so need to have the seat base on its lowest setting.A lot of my driving is done in Wales with flowing A roads, the engine performance is enough for this type of driving on public roads, but on track I would think it would be under powered.So I would say, for # cheap to buy, low cost of ownership, reliability, lightweight, handling, performance, back seat ok for kids. against# poor brake feel, body panels seem susceptable to getting dints from car doors, not fast for track days.
What excellent information, thank you for commenting Phil! Brilliant that you’ve had such good experiences over a long period and lots of miles!
Really interesting what you say about the tyres, someone else said similar. When I bout the car it was on ditchfinders and behaved exactly as per your experiences, I put a set of good road tyres on an it improved lots, with MPS4 or similar, like you suggest, I can see how it would improve further. 😊
Sounds like you’re getting really good economy, no doubt my short trips of ~6 miles each way are hurting my mpg!
Regards the brakes, as you say the stopping power is there, it’s just the feel that is poor. A master cylinder stopper has been suggested to me, something that has surprised me with its improvement on other cars. Something you’ve tried?
@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS I have not tried the stopper, but I feel sure that there must be an answer to the problem, I think it could be something to do with the master cylinder maybe allowing the pads to drop back to far or perhaps it would need a master cylinder with a larger dia piston, I gave up on mine to be honest. I think the mpg I get is down to the type of driving I do, and the fact I very seldom get caught in heavy traffic.I think you will be amazed with how reliable these cars are as a daily,
@@philnapier91 I think you’re on the right track with MC sizing! I cured a similar feel on my old Honda CRX with a bigger MC from an Integra, if only there were more information available about potential cars to pinch one from for the Celica. Some research needed I think!
Happy motoring in yours 👍
@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS I recently bought a 190 and the plan is braided hoses, changing the oem pads to Black Diamond Predators (these made a big difference on a previous car I had; very good for the road) and the Cusco brake stopper. I was looking at MC upgrades, but decided to try pads, hoses and stopper first. Scotty Kilmer did a video on a Rav4 that a new MC cured the spongey pedal as an internal seal had gone; I wonder if this issue has developed over time or whether they were like that from factory. May as well fit an Avensis one if replacing the MC and deal with the reservoir issue. Tuning Developments do MCs with different sized bores; this is another potential option.
What I love is you get from the car what you are after. If you want a daily with pretty decent MPG it’s great (I manage to get nearly 200 miles on half a tank - about 30 more miles than my parents Audi A3 1.5TFSI 150HP) and also very different to other cars on the road. If you want something a little bit sporty, it will deliver with its very engaging driving and limited assists. It’s really overlooked
Hey mate, I'm thinking about buying one but I would need to travel 700km at least 4 times a year. Is it comfortable in highways? How many rpm it goes on a 130 km/h (80 miles I believe)and overall how is the mpg
@@automatic6772 it’s perfect for highway drives, however I’d recommend going with the 190 version with the 6 speed gearbox for this. The 5 speed might be a little hit loud due to it sitting at higher RPMS. I have the 6 speed and can say it’s perfect for highway drives. I’d also say you will get pretty decent MPG on highways too. It gets (the 190 version) roughly low 30s in MPG so around the same as a modern car of its performance.
@@hotwheelshuntinguk thanks man! I will do some research and if Ill have some questions I'll let you know
@@automatic6772 👍
I adore the Celica. I've been mostly driving Toyotas since 1999, starting out with an AW11 MR2. I've owned two Generation 6 Celicas and 3 Generation 7 cars - both the 140 and 190 variants. As Craigz1000 says, the rear calipers need regular servicing to keep the braking as it should be, and oil changes are essential (especially for "driven" engines). I never had any issues with the heater matrix on the 140s, but the 190 instantly blocked up. Even approaching 20, and with the usual daily use dinks, the car still turns heads and puts a smile on my face every time I get into it. Other than an AW11 (sadly no longer an option), I've not driven anything else that I felt would replace a Celica - hence sticking to them for so long.
Living in Norfolk, top-end speed isn't really a thing I get to worry about. However, the Celica is awesome at hurling itself along country roads.
Hahaha, if you think the fairly responsive brakes aren't very god in this, You should try a MKIII Supra. Toyota basically used a similar caliper kit for it and that car is at least 1,000lbs heavier.
I changed out the brakes and rotors in both my GT-S and Supra, plus bled them, and while the Supra is MUCH better than it was, it's still isn't to probably scare a lot of modern car users.
To be fair, I never thought the stock brakes on my 94' 73K mile Camry were bad AT ALL. They are the best among my cars. Big brake kits are way way too extreme for me, though.
I love celica tsports, I’ve had many cars in the last 10 or so years and it’s the only car I’ve ever owned twice because I loved it so much. Currently got my tsport and a tuned astra vxr running 280bhp, the astra is obviously faster in a straight line but if I had to get rid of one I’d find it hard to let my celica go. There’s just something about them. Massively underrated cars. My only complaint is you have to bounce the limiter to keep it in lift (not T tech ;-)) when changing up
I think so too, cracking cars and underrated! You're very right about keeping them in lift, but what a great engine! 😊
You can use the brakes from the Avensis and it apparently improves things quite a fair bit. I’ve never suffered from any braking problems or found them an issue but I also only have the 140 so that might be why. I actually found them rather good, but I just have regular Mintex pads with drilled and grooved discs on front and rear.
I wonder if the master cylinder is better sized for the 140 brakes, thanks for the info about the Avensis parts too! 👍
@Vladamir kzque I think the MK2 2003-2009 but not exactly sure
@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS the master cylinder and pistons on the caliper are the same for both cars it's the same thing only whit slightly bigger discs on the 190
Great review mate. Agree with everything you say really. I personally preferred it on track to my Clio 182 and EP3, think its the longer wheel base I preferred, making it more stable mid corner.
Looking forward to the MR2 project. If you need any advise give me a shout, also if you want to look over my MR2 for a template for the 2zz swap I can call down with mine, just drop me a message 👍
Thanks mate, I can imagine they’re a riot on track with good tyres. I bet the long wheel base you mention and fantastic turn in make them a riot! I had planned on adding and LSD and baffled sump to this one and tracking it a bit, but those parts and find will get diverted to the MR2 now..
Thanks a bunch about the help on the MR2, there’s sure to be problems and questions we run into! 👍
for me, a fairly responsible driver, it's fast enough. if you wanna give it a go you just rev all the way up and get the adrenaline going. big exhaust = move fun revving, the lift also kicks in louder and a bit harder a feel like :) fuel economy driving responsibly is around 13kms to the litre. drive safely ;)
It is called VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing LIFT - intelligent. Similar to Honda’s i-VTEC.
Good to know.. not as catchy as T-TEC though, they missed a trick with that! 😂
Thanks, great video! Now I much would like to see a video of your red t-sport.
Your wish is my command...
Very nice to hear your review and points - proper petrol head :)
Great review btw and bang on about power. It's got enough for what is a beautifully balanced front driver. It's the sort of car which I reckon would excel on Harry Metcalfes Cotswold test route. Thanks. As you can probably tell I'm thinking of getting one maybe next year as a cheap modern classic weekend toy. Cheers
2zz is a great engine but u must know how to drive celica 7gen t-sport and keep the power in to the lift.Vvtli kicks harder than v-tec.Yamaha made good work.
these are such great cars for the money, can get decent ones for around a grand sometimes, compare that to an EP3 now which have gone right up
They really are, the owner profile is a little different too so they seem to have been better maintained and less abused in many cases than the more typical hot hatches. 😊
So long as YOU like it that is all that matters.
I drove a couple and didn't like them, handling was very average, engine was lacking, and I thought they looked horrible.
It’s easy to see how it’s a marmite car in all sorts of ways, thankfully/unfortunately I’m old enough and ugly enough to know it’s exactly as you say, it only matters if it suits me!
Always makes for interesting discussion though and I find it interesting to discover why cars I’m not keen on work so well for other folk too. 😊
Hello mate! Been loving the videos did you find the car to be quite a buz box? I've just bought one in the same colour as yours was on 83k wondering if this could be due to my engine mounts of maybe it's just normal but the engine definitely vibrates through the car.
Delayed reply sorry, but across two Celicas I didn't have any problem with vibrations. 👍
I love my 01 manual white celica, I treat it like a baby, checking that oil level daily.
That engine/gearing combo was my biggest issue with the US Elise, you couldn’t enjoy the chassis since you were always chasing that cam changeover. Felt as though you needed to shift at the limiter to keep it on boil, frustrating on the road.
Isn’t it just, such a shame they weren’t just a little more adventurous with the ‘small’ cam and transmission gearing, especially in the Elise/Exige!
Interesting insight, thanks for sharing. I found the avensis front callipers and discs improved the brakes somewhat, and it’s a cheap upgrade. I too have a 2zz swapped mr2... sounds like you’ll be needing two mr2 diffs!
Cheers RB, I think the stopping power is ok with the uprated Stoptech pads, it’s the feel that isn’t good! Do they still feel a bit spongey with plenty of pedal travel with the Avensis parts, or does it help in that respect too?
Interested to hear what you think of the MR2, I’ve not driven one...
@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS If you get the chance I'd love to see your thoughts on the mr2, either 2zz or not (mk3) I briefly had a 2zz mr2 and it was so much better than my nb mx5 that I have now. As a track car I think mrs is more fun that an mx5 even if its a turbo mx5, but I prefer an na platform 🤷🏽♂️
@@cameronjones4141 I’ll be delighted to make some vids on the MR2, we’ll document the 2zz build and then there will be lots of use and comparison to the 170bhp mk1 MX5 we have too!
Thrilled to hear that you think they compare favourably with MX5s, very promising! 🙌
@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS It's not something I can explain but I got goosebumps driving it through tunnels and stuff in the way an mx5 can't. The 2zz engine with a proper flowing exhaust (which you need for the lack of space in the mrs) sounds insane imo. Like a baby vtec. I'm hoping to find someone to help me build a k swapped mrs in the future, if not I'll go all out on a 2zz track one
@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS but yes I'm looking forward to seeing your build on it as they are such underrated cars there isn't a lot documented on them. Best thing I can compare them too is an elise not an mx5.
Great video !
Hey, get some small tires, its ugly but it will help gearing and will help accel a LOT in these cars
Excellent idea!! We do the same on our MX5, the lack of weight and gearing boost makes it so enjoyable! 😊
How many miles can these handle? Thinking about buying a 2005 Celica with 173.000 km
Not an issue at all for them. I am driving one with 200000km and it is perfect
Mine's at 459,000k. Still going! 😎
for celica 1zz GT(t23)(the more "reliable", slower economy version) 250k miles(402k km) on "average" if you got it used before you need an engine rebuild. 300-350k miles(550k km) on average for 1 owner ones who really took care of it before engine rebuild. mine is 209k miles(336k km) with a lifter tick. engine is alright for daily but performance is pretty shite at this point. be ready to spend to replace valve cover gasket/oil pan/brake pads immediately
for 2zz GTS(t sport) it lasts a bit less on average. it could die out somewhere between 180-200k miles(280-290k km). there are ones that go up to 160k km further if really well taken care of but those are the exceptions and not the norm
edit: never mind i just saw the date on this comment, but ill just leave out this reply for anyone curious
Not so cheap these days for a tidy one.
Getting harder and harder to find, especially with low miles.
14:46 what car is he referring to? Cant hear it clearly or i just dont know anything about that car
Talking about a bmw m4?
Is it me or do the stalks look like they’re 200 miles away from the steering wheel in the driving shots? 😂
Good spot mate, there’s a wheel extender to get the driving position right in those clips, to be featured in another vid.
It doesn’t bother me as I’m so used to driving cars with aftermarket wheels/hubs/extensions on, so used to taking a hand off the wheel to use the stalks.
Certainly worth it for me to get the wheel within comfortable reach. 👍
Snow inside the car
That's global warming for you... 😂
Handsome guy ,nice car, reminds me of myself.
Looks fade, it’s what’s inside that really counts! 👌
Be yourself, that’s what’s really cool!
Watching in 2023 and these are still very cheap. For how much longer though and what other car can you buy now for two grand that will rev to 8000?? Not an ep3 that's for sure !!
Putting the 2zz into my base model for the lift, brakes are also shit but theirs a company who have built a porsche boxter brake kit for £800 so thatll be going in somewhen haha
Wow that will transform yours! For the brakes, the issue is the master cylinder sizing rather than the calipers, at least in my experience. So if you can find a larger MC that’s fits, that could make a huge improvement. 👍
stock brakes are rubbish, ebc red stuff pads made a huge difference
That’s good to hear, are they a bit sharper at the top of the pedal?
You've not sold this to me Matt - Understeer, engine that wouldn't pull your foreskin back until the final 2000rpm, brakes that stop you like an Ariston advert.
😂 You didn’t spot the ‘fast road’ comment Ron...
(Off to Google Ariston...)
@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS Oh I did, but you did say 'what I'd call Fast Road'!!! I did chuckle though!!
Yes, the Ariston ads will show you what an old fart I am :)
@@Hypersonik I think of you every time I encounter the term!
Just googled Ariston... and on and on and on.. 😂
@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS Hahaha! It's definitely a geo thing - fast road setup... Start with the car OEM, decide what you like/don't like, make adjustments to suit YOU!
It's like going to a doctor and saying 'I'm sick, cure me!' and not giving him any symptoms :)
@@Hypersonik 🙌 always end up with a better car that way!
Count the "erms" I had to switch off after the first 100 "erms" lol
Erm... fair comment, it erm, annoys me too when I’m editing, something to work on!! 😅
@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS I wasnt being an arse, it just started to annoy me lol.