The 6th generation Toyota Celica (T200 series) marked a bold stylistic departure with its four round 'bug-eye' headlights. Built on an extremely rigid platform (partially shared with the Corona/Carina), it was available as a coupé (notchback), liftback (hatchback), and convertible. Famous for its World Rally Championship (WRC) record with the formidable GT-Four (ST205) version, the Celica T200 is now a highly sought-after youngtimer. It embodies the golden age of Toyota reliability in the 90s: over-engineered, mechanically indestructible in its naturally aspirated versions, and featuring a sound chassis. A minor facelift occurred in late 1995 (new taillights, revised front bumper, side skirts).
The Toyota Celica T200 is a masterpiece of 90s reliability. If you're looking for a sporty-looking coupé for daily driving without a second thought, the 1.8 (7A-FE) or 2.2 (5S-FE) versions are golden choices, capable of exceeding 300,000 km with basic maintenance. For more thrills, the 2.0 GT (3S-GE) offers the best performance/maintenance cost compromise. The legendary GT-Four (3S-GTE) is a true collector's item, but requires a substantial maintenance budget and meticulous attention. The number one buying criterion, regardless of the version, must be the absence of corrosion and the condition of the suspension (avoid Super Strut systems that clunk if you don't have the budget).