7th gen Toyota Celica 2000–2005

Watch out for

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

• Broken rocker shaft (lift) bolts 2000–2002

  What to check: Ask whether the rocker shaft bolts were inspected or replaced under Toyota's bulletin EG010-03, and check that the second cam lift comes in above 6,000 rpm.

  Toyota's 2003 bulletin says a rocker shaft bolt can break on 2000–2002 GT-S engines built before a production change, letting the shaft turn and the lift fail at high revs. Two owners in two CelicaHobby threads report a broken bolt, one with the lift gone by about 32,000 miles.

  $575 at a Toyota dealer, in one owner's account on CelicaHobby

  Sources ^1,2,3,4

• Oil burning on the GT's engine 2000–2001

  What to check: Check the oil level and look for blue smoke at start-up; ask how often it is topped up.

  On CarComplaints.com, two owners of 2000 GTs report the engine burning oil past 110,000 miles, traced to the piston rings, and two 2001 owners report oil loss or low oil with a knocking engine.

  $3,000 for the rings, in one owner's account on CarComplaints

  Sources ^5,6

• GT-S engine failure 2000 One source so far

  What to check: Ask for the engine's history, and whether it has been replaced or rebuilt.

  On CarComplaints.com, two owners of 2000 GT-S manuals report the engine failing, at about 65,000 and 72,000 miles; neither gives a cause.

  Sources ⁷

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

• Sought after: GT-S with the 6-speed All years

  Hagerty calls the GT-S a driver's car, and Edmunds called its 6-speed manual unique in its class, though it found the engine peaky in town.^8,9

• Sought after: GT, as a first car All years One source so far

  Hagerty recommends the GT as a solid first car for a young driver.⁸

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

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