I was in the local motor factors the other day when the chap at the counter next to me was buying brake discs and pads for his Celica. Let's just say I could replace three sets on my Golf GTI for only a couple of quid more than he paid for one set.
Based on a friend's experience with a 51 reg 190, the later shape Celicas, lovely as they are, are not particularly reliable or well built, and neither do they age well.
His, at 3 yrs old and 57,000 miles (when he got rid) was on its third gearbox, fourth catalytic converter, third radio/CD unit, second air-con compressor, and second alternator. It had also had most of the suspension bushes replaced at least once, and rattled and squeaked like an old truck. It also wore its tyres in the most bizarre way imaginable.
The only part of the car which seemed to deserve the Japanese reputation was the engine, which was an absolute belter from day 1, and never missed a beat.
Main dealer supplied car (3 mth old ex demo), driven hard but not abused, 80% motorway / long run use, and full Toyota S/H. Dealer was superb, Toyota GB were about as helpful and sympathetic as housebricks.
Never bought into the Jap = guaranteed reliability / low running cost thing after that, personally. In fairness though, it doesn't take much "extra" work to get a main dealer bill the wrong side of £500 on any car these days, which is why I would never use one, and certainly not on a 5 yr old car. Find a good indie.
Edited by DP on 27/05/2010 at 16:59
|