2001 Toyota Celica 1.8L Petrol · LM51 AFA
2001 Toyota Celica (1.8L, petrol). First registered 20 Nov 2001. Recorded mileage 127,440 miles. MOT expired on 07 Apr 2026. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA CELICA
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Apr 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 127,440 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
LM51 AFA Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/04/2025
- 127,440 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LM51 AFA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Toyota Celica (LM51 AFA) between November 2021 and April 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 April 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Bodywork (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
LM51 AFA Mileage History
- 08/11/2021127,035 mi
- 08/11/2021127,035 mi
- 09/04/2025127,440 mi+405 mi
Average of roughly 119 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Toyota Toyota Celica Mk7 (T230)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution unless you are prepared to address structural rust concerns. While the 1.8L engine is robust, the MOT history shows persistent corrosion and emission issues that require close inspection.
When inspecting this Celica, your priority must be the underside. The MOT record repeatedly mentions 'general corrosion to underside' and specific 'corroded inner vehicle structure' in 2018 and 2020. Use a torch to check the sills and wheel arches thoroughly, as the 2020 test noted that trims were covering the sills, preventing full inspection. Ask the owner for a full service history, specifically looking for oil changes to manage the minor oil leak noted in 2020.
Check the exhaust system carefully. This car failed emissions tests twice (2016 and 2017) with excessive carbon monoxide and Lambda readings, which could indicate sensor issues or engine wear. Ensure the handbrake operates firmly, as it has a history of low reserve and binding issues in 2012 and 2015.
The 1794cc petrol engine is relatively efficient for a sports coupe, but expect modest fuel economy around 30-35 MPG depending on driving. Tax and insurance are generally mid-range for this model, though premiums vary based on your personal profile.
Maintenance costs will be standard for a Toyota, but you should budget for suspension components given the history of shock absorber leaks and ball joint wear. Estimated annual running costs are approximately between £1,100-£1,400 including fuel, tax, insurance, and basic maintenance.
Focus heavily on the structural integrity. The MOT history flags corrosion in the rear inner vehicle structure and rear suspension mountings. You must verify if this rust is surface-level or if it is compromising the chassis, as this can lead to expensive repairs later.
Inspect the braking and emissions. The car has a history of binding rear brakes and failed emission tests. A thorough test drive should confirm the engine runs smoothly without excessive smoke, and check for any active oil leaks around the engine block, following the 2020 advisory note of a non-excessive oil leak.
This 2001 Toyota Celica has covered a significant mileage of over 127,000 miles, showing consistent use over the last decade. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the history reveals a recurring pattern of general corrosion on the underside and inner vehicle structure. The vehicle appears to be a high-mileage example where the age and environment are beginning to manifest in rust-related wear.
The Toyota Celica of this era is generally regarded for reliable engines, though high-age examples are susceptible to rust if not treated correctly.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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TOYOTA CELICA Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- 1ZZ-FE Engine High Oil Consumption from Piston Ring StickingSerious
Pre-facelift 140 bhp Celicas with the 1.8-litre 1ZZ-FE engine suffer from heavy oil consumption due to undersized oil return holes in the piston skirts and premature carbon sticking of the oil control rings. As oil consumption escalates beyond one litre per 1,000 miles, the engine runs low on lubricant between routine services, causing cylinder bore scoring and crankshaft bearing starvation. Toyota replaced affected short blocks under warranty in the UK for up to 7 years.
- 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i Camshaft Rocker Shaft Lift Bolt ShearModerate
On the 189 bhp Celica 190 and T-Sport models equipped with the 2ZZ-GE engine, the small bolts that secure the rocker shafts (known as lift bolts) are prone to metal fatigue and shearing. A broken bolt allows the rocker shaft to rotate slightly, misaligning the oil passages and preventing the rocker arms from locking onto the high-lift camshaft lobes at 6,200 rpm. This completely eliminates high-rpm VTEC-like power and risks valvetrain damage if ignored.
- Rear Brake Caliper Slider and Handbrake Mechanism SeizureModerate
The rear disc brake calipers feature an integrated cable-operated parking brake mechanism that is vulnerable to moisture and road grit ingress. UK winter road salt corrodes the sliding guide pins and the internal handbrake pivot arm, preventing the caliper from returning to rest. The pads drag continuously against the brake disc, causing disc overheating, scorched friction linings, poor fuel economy, and regular MOT test failure.
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