2003 Toyota Celica 1.8L Petrol · RL52 VVH
2003 Toyota Celica (1.8L, petrol). First registered 11 Jan 2003. Recorded mileage 112,314 miles. MOT expired on 27 Mar 2026.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA CELICA
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 27 Mar 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 112,314 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.
RL52 VVH Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/03/2025
- 112,314 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RL52 VVH MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Toyota Celica (RL52 VVH) between February 2024 and March 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 28 March 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
RL52 VVH Mileage History
- 28/02/2024110,307 mi
- 01/03/2024110,321 mi+14 mi
- 02/03/2024110,329 mi+8 mi
- 21/03/2025112,305 mi+1,976 mi
- 28/03/2025112,314 mi+9 mi
Average of roughly 1,859 miles per year across 5 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: Poor
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.
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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 2003 model year cars.
- 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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