1985 Toyota Celica Reviews, Pricing & Specs

I owned an '85 coupe back in the late 80's, loved the car but the cost was alot back then. One day I saw an add on craiglist for a convertible, I began my search for a either a rebuilder or a good original. Well, in Comlumbus Ohio I found an excellent original, not perfect but dam nice, 89000 miles, white, and everything works, the guy even sent the radio in to have it gone through. I spent 22 hours from the time I left home at 4am that morning trailering the car home. Now waiting for this ever lasting midwest winter to get over so I can enjoy it. I believe the car will actually appreciate over time, I had it appraised and it was worth 6500.00, which is 2000 more than I paid. Very surprised they are not worth more since they were the last with rear wheel drive and the bullet proof 22RE engine, not to mention they only made about 4400 of them. Happy and safe travels for those who own one. DanMar 18, 2013

Fun little car. Toyota made a good reliable sporty car. In 85 it's power was more than the civics and most other 4 cylinders. With more current cars it's left behind but can keep up with most cars made 10 years after it. Not a family car but a fun gas saver. Had to replace the head gasket at approx 130,000. It was such an easy task on this engine.Jun 08, 2012

Yes, it's the best of both worlds for a top down sports car! Durable 22re 4cyl. truck motor in an independent rear end driven ragtop, man, they should bring this one back today, that motor is legendary for lasting the extra duty long haul, mine runs like it was a new one, absolutely the most affordable sports car ever made, and it was only made a single season in this rear-drive configuration!Jun 01, 2012

Bought mine in 1985 new and still running 27 years later. Normal maintenance required plus had to change to R-134 freon since R-12 is no longer available. Note to other owners the hydraulic lines for convetable top are no longer available. These cars were modified in San Diego and limited number were produced as well as a limited number of hydraulic lines. We were forced to replace with brake line tubing which has proven vert satisfactory once you burp all the air out of system. After 27 years of Arizona and Texas heat the exterior plastic signal covers have begun to degrade and need to be replaced. Otherwise I have replaced a water pump, radiator, top several times and the radio and speakers. Had the car out today and it runs like a champ. Ask my dogs - they love it too!Apr 29, 2012

My sis-in-law calls it a rattle trap, the noyve! It is such a stiff ride that it does indeed squeek and rattle, but nothing falls apart. I love the wheels and wide tires. It is very tight on curves and accelerates well for a 4 cylinder. I feel very connected to the road. I put all159K fun miles on her. I have replaced the clutch and the rear differential - whatever that is - several years back. There are a few things that need attention - the electric mirrors motors don't work even tho I replaced one with a salvaged part. The auto antennae has stuck just recently. The letters on the buttons on the console have worn off so I have to try a few pushes before I get the correct button sometimes. The driver's seatbelt rubs and has worn thin the upper upholstery. I replaced it but the fabric faded and now looks bad. Enough of the bad stuff. This car is lively and very sexy with the top down. I can't tell you how many offers I've had from people off the street to buy it. Maybe a dozen over the years. It keeps on running and running. Today an old guy in a parking lot told me to never sell it. I see that same advice on this forum. OK, but I might trade it for a Lexus RX or I might not. It's cool to hear from you other GT-S owners.Mar 13, 2010

well what i like about my car is it is unique everybody who see's it underestimate's it but it is fast powerful and has potential but wto find bolt on mods ith the engine it is hard to find bolt on mods cheapish it is a total custom car so for now it is my slow project car i work on it every time im on vacation this year i did the front suspesion wich took a while the first time cause two of the parts took a week to come and i only had three weeks lol.Dec 07, 2008

Umm i havent actually driven my car yet but ive put the lights on... Build quailty- its been bogged up in a few places hehehe Appearance- white with a little rust in some places, interior is in good condition Cost of ownership-shes a cheapie my little celica is so cute a typical girls 1st car its great i love it i recomend this car to anyone whos looking for a little buzz boxOct 06, 2008

3rd generation Celicas are stupidly reliable. engines are known to well outlast the car. GT-S have Supra suspension designed by Lotus and Supra brakes, so handling is tight and precise and brakes are more than adequate. Liftbacks have the timeless, streamlined looks so they are definitely sexy cars. Interior is filled with features and comfortable. Their only real drawback is the USDM Celicas instead of coming with turbo 1.8Ls, came with the pick-up derived 22R 2.4L, which istead of giving it great top end speed, gives it immediate engine response. The 22R needs some modification from stock to be fast but is still a great engine.Jan 06, 2008

I bought this car on ebay for $1600.00 from the original owner in 2004. All it needed was a new exhaust system. car is completely stock and everything works. Even the top was in great condition. It was a California car so it has no rust. 170,000 miles and she purrs like a kitten. Even the convertible top is in decent condition for the age. I have owned Toyotas for nearly 25 years and still think the 22r and re were the most durable 4 cyl ever built. 85 and older rear wheel drives are getting hard to come by so if you have keep it as it will only appreciate in value. well gotta go now. see ya. Jan 31, 2007

"Planned Obsolescence"? Not with this car. Love at first sight, I bought this car right off of the showroom floor in 1985 and I have maintained it like my life mattered on it's existence. Looks showroom new I will never sell or trade in this car, because I doubt I will ever find another car as reliable and as overall excellent as this car has been to me. Jan 20, 2007