EraCars / Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST205)
Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST205) (1994–1999)
ST205 · 3S-GTE turbo I4 · full-time 4WD
At a glance
Risk 4/5 Market: Rally homologation special
Must-have records:
- Timing belt + water pump
- Turbo / chargecooler service
- Clutch history
- Rust inspection photos
Live listings
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Parts & tools: Shop parts at Summit Racing.
Buy-risk rundown
| Issue | Symptom | How to check | Typical cost (as of Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rust (sills, arches, subframes, brake pipes) | Bubbling paint, soft underside | Lift and probe; check brake lines | Structural rust is a walk-away [1][2] |
| Head gasket / overheat history (3S-GTE) | White smoke, mayonnaise, coolant loss | Compression; inspect oil/coolant | Known ST205 weak point when cooling is neglected [3] |
| Chargecooler circulation / turbo health | Boost fade; oil in cooler | Confirm coolant loop; shaft play check | Not yet verified as a single price [1][2] |
| Superstrut knock / front-end wear | Knocks over bumps | Listen on broken pavement | Not yet verified [1] |
| Undocumented high-boost tunes | Knock history, lifted head | Demand invoices; leakdown | Mystery power is a flag [1] |
Cost figures checked against the sources below in Nov 2026. Bracketed numbers refer to the source list.
Notes
- ST185 and ST205 are different cars; this page focuses on ST205 WRC-era homologation.
- Import rules and odometer units vary — verify paperwork carefully.
Before you buy
Use our printable pre-purchase inspection checklist and get a PPI from a marque specialist.
Sources
- Fast Car, ST205 buyer's guide (accessed Nov 2026)
- PistonHeads, GT-Four used buying guide (accessed Nov 2026)
- KickTyres, ST205 head gasket failure notes (accessed Nov 2026)
Last updated 2026-11-05. Costs vary by region and shop.
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