1996 Toyota Celica

Introduction:

The 1996 Toyota Celica is a compact sports coupe that is available with two engine and transmission options. The base engine is a 1.8-liter inline-four that produces 125 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine is a 2.2-liter inline-four that produces 135 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Celica is a popular choice for enthusiasts because it is affordable, reliable, and fun to drive. However, like all cars, it has its share of problems.

Engine

• 1.8-liter inline-four
  • Valve cover gasket:
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.2-liter inline-four
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual transmission:
  • Shifter linkage:
    • Description/Symptoms: The shifter becomes loose or difficult to shift.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the shifter linkage.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Four-speed automatic transmission:
  • Torque converter:
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips or hesitates when shifting gears.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front struts:
  • Description/Symptoms: The front struts wear out prematurely, causing the vehicle to ride rough.
  • Solution: Replace the front struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shocks:
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear shocks wear out prematurely, causing the vehicle to bounce excessively.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator:
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator fails, causing the battery to drain.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter:
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter fails, preventing the engine from starting.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail lights:
  • Description/Symptoms: The tail lights fill with water and fail to function.
  • Solution: Replace the tail lights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard:
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard cracks or warps.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Center console:
  • Description/Symptoms: The center console rattles or breaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the center console.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Toyota Celica is a reliable and fun to drive car, but it is not without its problems. The most common issues are with the valve cover gasket, shifter linkage, front struts, and alternator. These issues are generally not too expensive to fix, but they can be annoying. Overall, the Celica is a good value for the money, but buyers should be aware of the potential problems before they buy.