Top Tips for Buying a Used Toyota Celica (1990-97)

Cliff Chambers
2 July 2024

Buyers Guides

Asian

After 15 years of conservative, rear-wheel drive Celicas, the model switched in 1986 to front-wheel drive and brought with it a sexy new shape.

The 2.0-litre engine with fuel-injection and twin-overhead camshafts produced 103kW of power and the liftback SX came loaded with features including alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes and power steering. Most were optioned with air-conditioning and that made sense in a car that could get very warm in summer.

Late 1989 brought another new Celica shape and slightly less power from the overhead cam engine. SX Versions of the ST184 Celica came with coupe or liftback bodywork and four-speed automatic transmission was standard with the manual an option.

Image: wheelsage.org

The benchmark 0-100km/h sprint in a manual car took 9.8 seconds or 16.6 seconds for the 0-400-metre dash, with the automatic about a second slower in both instances. A 60-litre fuel tank was fitted and consumption averaged 11.0L/100km.

Handling was friendly and forgiving with the Celica’s front-wheel drive characteristics almost masked by excellent steering and suspension. The four-wheel discs provided plenty of stopping power for a car carrying the SX Celica’s 1180kg.

The twin-cam engine was extremely durable and some cars have recorded distances above 400,000 kilometres. Upper engine noise indicates valve-train wear and high kilometre motors need their oil level checked at least every 3000 kilometres.

Image: wheelsage.org

Automatic transmissions seem to survive almost indefinitely but clutch wear is common in manual cars. As with many other front-wheel drive cars, the Celica’s driveshaft CV joints need to be checked for wear and torn seals.

Later versions of the SX came with an electric sunroof as standard so check its operation and for water leaks.

Celicas that have passed their 30th birthdays remain viable as recreational or regular transport. Those that have been well maintained might cost $15,000, which is still less than half their new price. Cars needing paint and trim work can be found for below $5000.

Things To Watch Out for When Buying a Used Toyota Celica (1990-97)

Oil smoke from the exhaust
Valve train ‘clatter’ due to camshaft wear
Clutch shudder
Trim deterioration
Water leaking through the hatchback seal and sunroof (if fitted)

Valuation Timeline a Used Toyota Celica (1990-97)

🛠️ Timeline

1995

$25,000

2005

$9,500

-62.00%

2010

$7,000

-26.32%

2014

$5,500

-21.43%

2019

$6,500

+18.18%

2014

$10,500

+61.54%

Investment Rating

3 / 10

Cliff Chambers

Writer & Head Valuer

At age 14, surrounded by stacks of motoring magazines from the local junk shop, Cliff Chambers was warned by a concerned mother that he would ‘Never get anywhere knowing a lot about old cars.’ Seventeen years later when his definitive book, Making Money From Collectable Cars was published, she was proud to be proven wrong.

That was in 1987, but Cliff’s life was already revolving around all things automotive. From working part time in a panel shop while at university, he moved to motor industry consultancy roles and managing a Championship winning rally team.

During the 1990s he joined the classic vehicle insurance industry, at the same time becoming a prolific writer for magazines and motoring websites. Then came his ongoing contribution as one of the country’s leading vehicle valuers.

Away from work, automotive events and objects remain prominent in Cliff’s world. He has owned more than 40 cars now considered ‘classic’ and within his collection of motor-related items there remain some of those magazines acquired as a fact hungry teen.

Cliff brings to Retro Rides a blend of unique industry skills and a love of vehicles that will become more obvious with every contribution he makes to the site.