my friend is planning to sell me a 2003 toyota celica GT with 215,000 miles automatic, with the recommended 1zz-fe engine. regular oil changes have been done every 4k miles. does anyone reccomend this vehicle? if so how many more years until the engine dies or the transmission dies? can i make it close to 1 millions miles?
You can try with highway mileage. In what shape is the car?
everything looks good, exterior paint is like new, interior is good, nothing broken. the seller said new radiator was install and new fan, i checked, fan look brand new and radiator. new coolant was done a few weeks ago. he said he never had a problem, i just like it because its 2 doors and looks in good condition, iam hoping to get atleast 200,000 miles or more with regular maintenance
I suggest a mechanic checks it too.
That was addressed here (see links below): you want to avoid the 2ZZ-GE version, co-developed with Yamaha, and featured a 2-step variable valve lift control which had issues (Scotty also talks about in 2nd link attached below).
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/first-car-14/#post-28008
https://m.youtube.com/watch?index=111&list=LLyMFIYT9mdDvPkYuGmirujw&v=_Yy_jE6k7EE
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Celica/
okay , should i drive it slow so it can last or can i drive it fast without having to worry too much about future problems?
Avoid the Yamaha designed engine and other than that I would have a mechanic check it out.
thanks answers says this is a reliable car