2001 Toyota Celica 1.8L Petrol · YG51 APK
2001 Toyota Celica (1.8L, petrol). First registered 13 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 126,396 miles. MOT expired on 08 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA CELICA
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 08 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 126,396 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.
YG51 APK Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/09/2025
- 126,396 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
YG51 APK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Toyota Celica (YG51 APK) between October 2022 and September 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 6 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 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.
YG51 APK Mileage History
- 08/10/2022124,347 mi
- 05/10/2023125,239 mi+892 mi
- 01/10/2024125,938 mi+699 mi
- 24/09/2025126,396 mi+458 mi
Average of roughly 692 miles per year across 4 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: 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 extreme caution. While the Toyota Celica is a desirable enthusiast car, this specific example shows significant and progressive structural corrosion that requires urgent attention.
Your primary focus must be the underside of the vehicle. The most recent MOT advisory from September 2025 explicitly mentions corrosion on both the front and rear subframes, alongside corroded suspension component mountings on the nearside and offside rear. You should negotiate the price downwards to account for the inevitable cost of welding or component replacement.
Ask the seller for a detailed service history to see if any significant underbody treatments or structural repairs have been carried out recently. Given the history of exhaust leaks and brake disc pitting, check that the braking system has been maintained and that the exhaust system is not just surface-rusted but structurally sound.
Running this 1.8L petrol Celica should be relatively straightforward in terms of parts availability. Expect moderate fuel economy typical of a 2000s-era sports coupe. Insurance groups for this model can vary significantly depending on the driver's profile, so obtain a quote before purchasing.
Maintenance costs will likely be higher than a standard hatchback due to the age and the specific issues noted, such as the recent advisory regarding oil misting on the offside front shock absorber. An estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and a buffer for maintenance, is approximately £1,200-£1,500.
A professional inspection is highly recommended, specifically focusing on the chassis and subframes. The MOT history shows a long-term trend of 'underbody corroded' advisories dating back to at least 2018, which has now escalated to specific mentions of subframe and mounting point corrosion in 2025. You must check if this is merely surface rust or if it has compromised the structural integrity.
Additionally, inspect the suspension components. The 2025 MOT noted oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, and previous tests have highlighted worn suspension arm bushes and ball joints. Finally, check the exhaust system; the history shows a recurring pattern of leaks and heavy corrosion, particularly noted in the 2019 tests.
This 2001 Toyota Celica (YG51APK) has covered 126,396 miles, which is consistent with its age. While it has a history of passing MOT tests, the most recent records reveal a worrying pattern of corrosion affecting the front and rear subframes, as well as suspension mounting points. Although it remains roadworthy for now, the vehicle is showing signs of age-related deterioration that could lead to expensive structural repairs in the near future.
While Toyota is generally known for mechanical reliability, older Celica models are susceptible to chassis corrosion if not treated, as seen in this vehicle's history.
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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