2002 Toyota Celica 1.8L Petrol · RL52 WOU

The 2002 Toyota Celica presents a stable and well-maintained roadworthiness record. The most recent MOT, conducted on 9 September 2025 at 76,280 miles, passed with zero defects. This clean result follows a consistent pattern of annual passes stretching back to 2022, indicating the vehicle has been kept in sound mechanical order. The only blemish on record is a minor 2023 failure at 75,689 miles for a missing front number plate inscription and a faulty offside rear fog lamp, both straightforward electrical and compliance issues that were promptly rectified the same day. No recurring mechanical or structural faults appear in the history, which is a strong indicator of diligent ongoing care. Mileage accumulation tells a clear story of very light use. Between the September 2022 test at 75,496 miles and the September 2025 test at 76,280 miles, the car covered just 784 miles over three full years. That is remarkably low even for a vehicle averaging roughly 3,178 miles annually over its 24-year life. Such sparse usage raises a different set of considerations than high-mileage wear. Extended periods of standing can cause perishable components like rubber bushes, brake seals, and tyre sidewalls to deteriorate through age rather than use. The lack of MOT advisories suggests these items have either been replaced proactively or remain within acceptable tolerance, but the usage pattern warrants closer physical inspection. A buyer should focus on age-related degradation rather than mileage-driven wear. Inspect all rubber suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and CV gaiters for perishing or cracking, as these deteriorate with time regardless of mileage. Check the underside thoroughly for corrosion, particularly on subframes, sills, and suspension mounting points, since a 2002 vehicle is well within the risk window for structural rust even if it has been garage-kept. Examine the tyre date codes to confirm they are recent, as aged rubber loses grip and integrity well before the tread wears out. The braking system deserves attention given the very light usage. Calipers can seize and discs can surface-corrode when a car is driven infrequently, even though no brake defects were flagged at the last test. A short drive is essential to confirm the handbrake holds on a slope, the pedal feels firm, and there is no pulling or binding. With no recurring mechanical faults on record and a clean recent pass, the Celica appears fundamentally sound, but its age and low-mileage storage pattern make a thorough pre-purchase inspection the sensible final step.