6 weeks before buying this car, we received an order. The customer wanted a perfect condition tiptronic Celica with as much equipment as possible. Ideally he wanted an example with the TRD Action bodykit and if possible some after market alloys... We began the search daily, as soon as his deposit was there to secure the order.
This is the one we found.... Needless to say, the customer was delighted - it was everything he'd hoped for:
This is a stunning example with complete specification and top condition throughout! Clearly one owner this car's previosly had was very, very fussy about keeping his car in top condition. It's in near new condition despite being built and registered at the end of 1999!
Equipment includes: Tiptronic Transmission, Part Alcantara Suede Sports Seats, Power Assisted Steering, Electric Windows (Auto Up/Down on drivers side), Electrically Controlled Door Mirrors with retract mode, Anti lock Brakes, Dual SRS Airbags, Climate Control A/C, Remote Central Locking, Alloy Pedals, Fitted Mats, factory tinted windows, rear wiper, driving lights integrated into front bumper, Sports steering wheel, etc. The factory wheels have been replaced with lightweight, forged 18'' Work (Rays) V's 2 piece alloys, complete with near new Bridgestone B500Si sports tyres of size 215/40 ZR18. Wheels are like new with no scratches or kerbing marks. The exhaust rear section has been replaced with a 5 Ziglen stainless steel item complete with removable rear baffle. This gives a subdued, slightly louder than standard tone when the VVTi system kicks in to give 190 bhp. Note there's a 6 CD changer hifi fitted from the factory - as well as a TV/Sat Nav system. This will only work in the UK if professionally converted at considerable expense. It may be best to get a new surround for the hifi and remove the TV altogether, which would be cheaper - alternatively a specialist may be able to make the TV work with a mobile DVD player, relatively inexpensively. Note the button to switch on either pair of front driving / fog lights - although all lights cannot be used at the same time.
The Factory option bodykit from Toyota (made from ABS Plastic) is also fitted, giving a much improved look over UK spec models. It comprises: Complete Front Bumper, rear Valance, Evo Styled Rear Spoiler, and Side Skirts. This bodykit option alone is worth well over £2500 in Japan and not available in the UK. Fit Finish are perfect - as can be seen from our pictures and expected from Toyota. Also, this is a model fitted with Super-Strut suspension (unavailable in UK). Basically a more sophisticated setup than in UK, affording even better handling and composure than UK cars. Suspension is completely standard throughout - making this a practical car for daily sensible use. This example is of auction grade 4.5 With the car clearly having been cherished all of its life, having being a non smoker's car since new, the interior is excellent - with no wear to seats, mats, steering wheel, or any faults to report. Exterior is perfect, with only two very small front bumper scratches to report. Although these faults don't need repair, we'll have these touched in professionally to present the car in unmarked condition. Also noticed the rear sticker proclaiming Super Strut Suspension is old and has mostly peeled away. A replacement sticker can be ordered and supplied at low cost if wanted. This car has been beautifully cared for. Note thta paintwork is very well preserved. This car has also had special wax treatment when nearly new - to seal the paint, but has also been regularly polished - judging by the condition of the paintwork throughout!
All in all, considering this is an older car - it's in good, original condition! The test drive revealed no faults at all. A good gearbox, no warpage to brakes, decent VVTLi performance from 6,000 rpm and a good comfortable ride. Checking the engine oil also showed it's been changed relatively recently. We tested the car with the baffle fitted. Expect with this removed, response should be better with greater sound too!


Taking into account the cost of UK taxes, shipping, insurance, UK modifications, MOT, UK registration, plus all preparation in the UK as described above in detail - The usive of our fee was: £11,070.