Toyota Celica SS-II ZZT231
Import a Toyota Celica SS-II (ZZT231) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 1999–2006
- Engine
- 2ZZ-GE 1.8 L naturally aspirated four (SS-II), front-wheel drive
About the ZZT231
The seventh-generation Celica was sold in Japan from September 1999 to April 2006, replacing the generation that ended in August 1999. The SS-II uses the Yamaha-developed 2ZZ-GE four, rated at 190 PS at 7,600 rpm, with front-wheel drive; the SS-I had the 145 PS 1ZZ-FE.
It is a light, high-revving front-drive coupe and an affordable way into a Toyota performance engine.
The SS-II’s 2ZZ-GE was co-developed with Yamaha and combines variable valve timing with two-step variable valve lift. Buyers could add a Super Strut Package with Super Strut suspension, a rear strut brace, 16-inch alloy wheels and metal pedals. Toyota also built a limited TRD Sports M version based on the SS-II. In Japanese GT racing, Racing Project Bandoh built a rear-wheel-drive Celica of this generation powered by a 3S-GTE.
- Power
- 190 PS at 7,600 rpm
- Torque
- 18.4 kgm (180 Nm) at 6,800 rpm
- Weight
- 1,120 kg (manual)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Drive
- Front-wheel drive
- Price new
- ¥1,970,000 (1999, manual)
Can a ZZT231 come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on a ZZT231
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Lift bolt
Worth checking for lift-bolt failure, which affects the high-cam engagement.
Oil use
Worth checking for oil consumption.
Gearbox
Worth checking the six-speed synchros.
History
Ask about modifications and accident repair.
What we check on every ZZT231
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What a ZZT231 costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1999–2006 Celica, all grades (73 listed), average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥1.30 million (range ¥0.35–2.4 million) | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
ZZT231 buyer questions
Can I import a ZZT231 to the US now?
Only early cars. Production ran from September 1999 to April 2006, so under the 25-year rule only cars built before about October 2001 qualify now. Later cars follow until 2031. In Canada, every ZZT231 clears the 15-year rule.
SS-II or SS-I?
Buy the SS-II. It has the 190 PS 2ZZ-GE and a six-speed manual; the SS-I has the 1ZZ-FE. Toyota’s catalogue gives the manual SS-II 1,120 kg. The Super Strut Package and TRD Sports M are the most sought-after versions.
Are parts easy to find in North America?
Yes, for most mechanical parts. The US-market Celica GT-S used the same 2ZZ-GE engine and shares much of the car. Japan-only trim and right-hand-drive interior parts still come from Japan.
Want a ZZT231?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.