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Location:
Epping, Sydney
Registered:
April 2003
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Re: buying a st162 celica
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Tue, 17 June 2003 06:47
 
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I bought mine with about 180,000 on the clock. Things I would look for (aside from the usual stuff, ie rattle on startup, time to heat, hose temperatures, steering, cv joints (drive in a circle both ways at full lock and listen for clicks), all internal electrics, oil condition, water condition, suspension and all that.
1)Leaking power steering pump. They seem to ALWAYS go on these cars. Mine leaks, but so little I don't even care. Just make sure that it hasn't got obviously droplets on the bottom unless you feel like replacing it  . It is a toyota thing I have discovered.
2)My clutch master cylinder needed replacing, it had a leak inside the firewall. If course I didn't see it because the dude selling it had removed the matt so I had no way of knowing. Just check it. Not a huge deal, but takes a bit of time and patience. < $200
3)My water pump went at like 190,000. They say this is the average length lifespan, so no big deal, but something you need to be aware of that may happen and will cost about $650 (timing belt has to come off)
4) Check under the carpet in the boot. Sometimes the seals don't work properly around the boot, and water trickles inside the plastic and settles under the carpet in the corners. You might find a little rust there.
5)Check the condition of the drivers door trim handle. These are forever ripping off, as it is a bit of a design flaw I think, and were not designed to handle the full weight of the door for 18 years. When you pull on it look for cracks around where the handle bit meets the rest of the door.
6)You will be doing well to find one without rust on the sunroof, but my repair bill was $500ish for the roof + some other stuff I had done.
These were the main issues I have had with my car. It has been brilliant. Reliable. Nice to look at. Economical, and fun enough for your odd traffic-light race. I would recommend it to anyone. Very well made cars. This list makes my car seem bad, but really it is fantastic, and I would like to see someone with another manufacturer have a better record. Everyone I know with these cars loves them. ( I work at a servo, so I ask people about their ST162's when I see them. - I even had a dude say, "Is that your car? That was the first car I had and the best.")
This list isn't totally comprehensive for this model I am sure, but these have been my experiences. There are some initial things to look for anyway.
thanks
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