Toyota Celica Problems

You'll certainly get some handling benefits, but it's hard to justify the cost. You will also see a deterioration in ride comfort, which will offset the improvement in handling. With switching from alloys to chrome wheels, there is no benefit other than looks, unless the rims are lighter.

I WOULD buy something else rather than gamble on a Cougar. It was yet another car imported by Ford to fill a hole while it was in an even deeper one with the Falcon. It was a good looker, and I'm guessing that is what got you hooked. It had reasonable performance, though my rating of it at the time was that it was a little too soft. Ford stocks parts and will do for a few years, but will eventually stop stocking them. I would look to something such as a Toyota Celica.

I'm afraid I take a conservative approach, so I would change the belt as Honda recommends. The belts do deteriorate as they age -- it's not just a question of mileage -- and the engine will sustain expensive damage if it breaks. Same goes for the Toyota. It should really be changed after about five years to avoid potentially expensive damage to the engine internals.

WHEN you say Supra and Skyline, I take it you mean imported models rather than the older models sold here when new. If so, I recommend you don't buy either of these unless you are car-minded and have a friendly mechanic who can fix them if they break down. Go for a Prelude or Celica -- both are stylish coupes, well built, making the sort of statement you want. If you want a real sports car then you can't go past a Mazda MX5.

BOTH are well-built and will be reliable so I reckon it comes down to whether you fancy a coupe or convertible. The Celica is a stylish coupe, but the MX-5 is obviously a soft top. My choice is a Mazda, but that's because I like convertibles. Sit in each, make sure you're comfortable with the seats and the roominess, and take them for a drive to see if either fits your needs.