1990-1994 TOYOTA CELICA GT4/GROUP A
BODY & CHASSIS
These Toyotas were well protected as rally cars against underbody damage but road cars don’t carry such protection and this is the first place to check. Look at the nose panel – most have a few gutter scrapes but not big dents - the sill Panels for ST185 cars are easy to find through import spares specialists. Make sure the hatch seals aren’t damaged and gaps are consistent. Celicas of this age aren’t typically rust prone, however recent imports can have spent their early lives in icy areas. Look at the sills, around the windscreen, door skins and wheel-arches for signs of bubbling.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Turbochargers in these cars are durable providing boost is set below 1.1 bar, highquality oil is used and changed every 5000 kilometres. Pushing beyond 1.5 bar for sustained periods requires additional attention to engine and oil cooling. Underbonnet heat affects rubber components, with air-conditioning hoses especially vulnerable. Camshaft drive belts are required every 100,000 kilometres – parts cost around $500 but the job takes 4-5 hours. Rough treatment can damage gearbox internals, so cars with transmission noise or that jump out of gear when accelerating need a $3000+ rebuild. Worn constant-velocity joints click when turning tightly and vibrate when accelerating.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Upgraded shock absorbers and springs are popular modifications but just a set of suspension bushes can deliver improvements to handling and stability for much less money. Rubber boots on the steering rack perish and racks will often be leaking. Check the reservoir is full before test driving, look again after. Brake rotors can last up to 100,000 kilometres and pads that are treated gently might manage 50,000. Some really good brake upgrade kits are available and not particularly expensive. Rear wheel bearings can be noisy and need replacing whenever the rotors are.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
Have someone check that the lights pop up quickly and in unison and that high beam works. Steering column stalks serve several functions, so make sure everything activates and the plastic itself isn’t deteriorating due to sun exposure. The heavily-bolstered seats wear with use and in older cars the fabric might be very brittle. Electric fuel pumps are known to fail in cars approaching 200,000km.