Shifterati

4th gen Toyota Celica 1986–1989

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

The first front-drive Celica, with 2.0L fours, a convertible from 1987, and from 1988 the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive All-Trac Turbo.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

Overheated or over-tuned turbo engine All years One source so far

What to check: Ask about overheating and any chip tuning, and check that the all-wheel drive works and has not been converted.

A buyer's guide written for Japanese cars says the first 3S-GTE has known rod bearing and head gasket weaknesses when it has been run hot or tuned past the stock turbo.

Sources ¹

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Sought after: All-Trac Turbo All years

Hagerty calls the All-Trac Turbo's arrival "even better", giving North America WRC-style grip, and Car and Driver called it a Learjet for the road.^2,3

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.

Sources