Description: UPDATED

Make: Toyota

Model: Celica GT-Four

Model Number: ST205

Year: 1997 (November)

Odometer: 131000 Km

Shaken Until: April 2015

Color: Black

Transmission: MT

I am selling my rare 1997 Toyota Celica GT-Four! I’ve owned this car for a little over 2 years, and it drives incredibly well thanks to my meticulous care and maintenance. It’s fast and sleek even while standing still. It is steadfastly reliable through the countryside, highway, and around city streets. As soon as you turn the ignition, you’ll feel a sense of power. Everywhere I went, people gave the car nods of admiration and approval, if not for its muscular stance then for the powerful rumble of the engine.

And what an engine; an in-line 4-cylinder 1998 cc engine with a turbocharger pumps out an astounding 252 bhp at 6000 rpm. Trust me when I say this is way more power than you will ever need, but it’s a thrill having that power on tap at the drop of a hat. This car has a fulltime all-wheel drive (AWD/fulltime 4WD) system, limited slip differential (LSD), Super Strut Suspension, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and front and passenger airbags. These systems inspire a tremendous amount of confidence in the driver in any driving situation, even rain, snow, and ice.

In addition, the GT-Four comes with two sets of tires, for winter and for summer, both of which were purchased just last year in 2012. The mandatory inspection system in Japan called shaken (syaken/車検) was also just recently renewed in April and is good for two years, until April 2015! Shaken on white plate cars usually runs between 100,000 – 200,000 yen every two years. And the tires cost 75000 yen for winter tires and 120000 yen for summer tires . That means this car can be yours for essentially the cost of the tires! It truly pains me to sell this car, but due to my visa position I’ve been forced to sell this car at a loss. No low ballers please, the stated price is the absolute lowest I will consider for a truly exceptional machine.

To sweeten the deal even further, the car comes with many extras.

-adjustable shift lamp timer

-10+1 disc CD changer

-car navigation with DVD player

-ETC highway card reader

-oil temperature and pressure gauges

Of particular note is the ETC card reader will allow you to get onto the highways through the special ETC lane at the exit and be charged electronically via ETC Card. The ETC card reader alone costs around 20000 yen to install and card is extremely difficult for new JETs to get. It will save you tremendous amounts of money if you intend to drive around Japan on its many toll roads.

Other things to note:

-the rally style GT-Four rear spoiler, which I got installed from a WRC model of the car

-aggressive aero hood and side skirts

-cold air intake

-automatic temperature adjustment system

-power windows

-power steering

-adjustable bucket seats

Maintenance history:

During my time as owner, I babied the car and maintained it meticulously.  I fixed any problems it had when I took ownership, and never abused it on the street. The car has a new timing belt, shift stick, speedometer panel, and exhaust pipe. I was never able to fully explore its performance envelope, partly because I was extremely concerned with maintaining its condition and partly because the upper end of its capability is beyond my limits. I hope that another enthusiast will take ownership of it next.

Before I came to Japan, I often dreamed about owning such an amazing sports car. I’m sure that driving this car will make you feel like a superhero no matter where you are, be it the windy twisty back mountain roads, or just a quick trip to the nearest combini.

I can honestly say that it has been a pure pleasure to drive this ST205 Toyota Celica GT-Four here in Japan. It was the culmination of a ten-year dream.

If you live in Miyagi Prefecture, or anywhere else in Tohoku with lots of snow, this car is perfect. All-wheel drive, a properly operating heating/fan system, and ABS are must-haves. With just 131000 km (81000 miles), two sets of recently purchased tires, and a recently renewed shaken, I promise you’ll find no better deal than on a car than the ￥200,000 (~$2000) I am asking for it. My gain is your loss, but I’ll be happy when I’m able to secure this beautiful car a new home.

Thanks for taking the time to read through this. Please contact me ASAP is you have any further inquiries. Please e-mail me (Harold) at HBaguinon@gmail.com with the subject line "GT Four".