Shifterati5th gen Toyota Celica 1990–1993
This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.
Rounder and more powerful, with a 2.2L four in the GT and wide-body GT-S, and the 200 hp All-Trac Turbo, the last turbo all-wheel-drive Celica sold in North America.
Watch out for
Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.
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Rust in the sills, arches and strut mounts All years One source so far
What to check: Look under the car at the sills and wheel arches, around the strut towers and at any sunroof panel.
Named by a buyer's guide written for Japanese cars, which draws on a UK guide; some checks may differ for US cars.
Sources 1
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Tuned engine and overdue cambelt All years One source so far
What to check: Ask for dated invoices for the cambelt, and for the history of any tuning, and check the clutch's bite.
The same guide says tuned cars are more likely to fail, that the 3S-GTE's cambelt needs regular replacement, and that a clutch change is a heavy job.
Sources 1
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Clonks from the rear All years One source so far
What to check: Listen for clonks from the rear, and check the differential mountings first.
The guide says the differentials are strong but their mountings are not.
Sources 1
What buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
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Sought after: GT-S All years One source so far
Hagerty credits the GT-S's torquey 2.2L with solid reliability and decent economy.2
Before you pay
Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.