2002 Toyota Celica: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Toyota Celica?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Toyota Celica than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Sub-frame2.6× usual
  Toyota Celica

  11.3% All 2002 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Suspension arm2.8× usual
  Toyota Celica

  8.6% All 2002 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.8× usual
  Toyota Celica

  12.3% All 2002 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 3.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.5× usual
  Toyota Celica

  7.6% All 2002 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Anti-roll bar3.5× usual
  Toyota Celica

  2.1% All 2002 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2002 Toyota Celica MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Toyota Celica MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  38% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Toyota Celica

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2002 Toyota Celica as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2002 Toyota Celica as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2002 Toyota Celica as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?