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I tried Mustang too, but compared to Cougar and Celica it had much less sporty feeling.
I have ~25 mpg on my GT in city-only driving. I guess I can get 27 as they claim in specs if I drive more responsibly.
carlady/host
I can afford a GTS but the insurance rate worries me. Will there be a signicant difference between the rate of GT and GTS?
Stay tuned.. I will post my whole story here as soon as I can.
Thanks for any info.
-Rich
PROBLEMS:
-Rattle in doors at certain frequencies from music
-couple of scratches in doors from seatbelts
-moonroof opens back up with both door window buttons pulled up
As you can see, no dangerous or expensive-to-repair problems.
MISSHIFTING/BLOWN ENGINE
This is my first stick car, and I've never been close to misshifting. Celicas made after 1/00 have new, stiffer shifter springs. They make going from 5-2 impossible without consciously thinking about doing it.
Here's why I picked the GT-S:
CELICA VS:
Integra GS-R: GT-S has better handling, acceleration, braking, fuel economy, cargo area
Prelude: GT-S has better handling, acceleration, braking, fuel economy, cargo area
Eclipse GT: GT-S has better handling, acceleration, braking, fuel economy, reliability, cargo area
Mustang: GT-S has better handling, braking, fuel economy, reliability, lighter clutch, cargo area
And, in my opinion, the GT-S looks sooooo much better inside and out than any of the above.
GT-S: 6-SPEED VS E-SHIFT
No comparison. They are two different entities altogether. The E-shift cannot keep the RPM's in the second cam, no matter what, because of the gear ratios. That is why the GT-S has six speeds: if you shift at 8200 RPM's (rev limiter) in 1st and 2nd, you will land back at or above 6000, providing max acceleration. The GT 5-speed and GT-S E-shift have almost equal acceleration. It is not worth the extra $$$ for the extra HP when the transmission loses most of it anyway. If you want an auto, get a GT, and save the extra money for a supercharger or turbo.
GT-S VS GT
The GT-S 6-speed is as close to a real sports car as you will find for under $25k today. The GT is much more tame. My last car, an auto '89 V6 Camry wagon, had the same accelerationas an auto GT, if not better. The GT-S also has greater stopping power than the GT due to larger, disc brakes all around, and available 4 channel ABS. On a positive note, they both have the same incredible handling, which will allow anyone to have fun tossing it into turns.
These are just my reasons for buying a GT-S. I hope I did not offend any GT owners.
All in all, I love this car to death, and would never trade it in for anything else. ANYTHING!!!
First, to answer the previous posters' statements about the engine...
Toyota has done some weird things to the intake on the Celica GT-S...there's an inlet valve that's pretty much SUFFOCATING the stock air box..it's 4x6 inch chunk of plastic that is blocking airflow into the intake. You take that out...along with the small plastic lining in the front of the engine bay...and you'll FEEL much better throttle and shift response. Toyota says it did it because it keeps the engine quieter(which it does)but it affects the sound and peformance quite a bit in the higher gears.
It seems that everyone always compares it to Honda's VTEC, which is quite sad, because you really have to drive it differently. Unless you're racing you shouldn't ever even touch the VVTI-L, anyways..which at that time, if you you know where to shift...6000 is perfect...I can ALWAYS stay in the powerband, now that I know where to shift. You just have to learn how to drive the CELICA, not use your experiences from the Honda's. It's a totally different car.
The shifter felt a little stiff to me on the first drive...but then I learned it.(being a 6-speed is much different from the 5!)I tooled around in my friends Integra GS-R last week, while my car was getting it's oil change...and let me tell you...the difference is APPARENT. Not to mention it's like trying to reach down and tie your shoelaces. It's a long reach compared to the Celi. Anyways...good luck to you on your purchase in whatever you decide...I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Now..on to my post..heh.
I've had not one single problem with it. No squeaks, no rattles, no cd skips...no engine or performance problems.
After viewing alot of the problems posted by specific users, I believe that one possibility on the problems presented could be caused by abuse by the owner.
I've seen alot of people complain about cheap plastic and scratches from the seat belt. I do not have one scratch on either side of my doors. And why not? Do I have the same interior as everyone else who has these scratches? Yes...but the difference is..I don't just let my seatbelt whip around me as soon as I unlock it...
Common sense would dictate that if you've got a chunk of steel whipping around your interior, you're definetly gonna see some damage, be it scratches or otherwise. Can anyone disagree with me on this? I don't think so. I guide my seatbelt on my Celica...and with every other car that I've owned. My Corolla's seatbelts could most likely crack my windows if I let them go, they're so strong!!!
Mis-shifts? The whole point of a manual is that YOU, the driver, MANUALLY shift for the vehicle. YOU'RE the one who put the shift knob into position...you're the one who decides where that stick goes. The Celica has a very SMOOTH shifter on it...unlike the other vehicles I practiced shifting on before purchasing the car. It's close to you, and just feels great.
Now saying that..the Celica is pretty much the first manual I've ever owned, or driven on a regular basis. I'm a novice...but not once have I mis-shifted when upshifting or downshifting. Again, I have to say that alot of these problems are user-related...people trying to drive like Mario Andretti and just being plain careless when shifting. Regardless of your age, regardless of your experience level, regardless of the vehicle...when it comes down to it..YOU'RE the one who controls the shifting. If I'm ever driving my Celi..and the shifter suddenly decides to put itself in second instead of fourth, I'll eat my words...but for some reason I highly doubt it. People make mistakes...that's for sure...and then try and blame it on their car so that they don't have to pay for it.
As for CD skips, shudders, and the like...IT is a brand new production model, so it definetly will have it's quirks that need to be ironed out. What car doesn't? I just have to say that I've had no problems whatsoever with my Celica, and it has been one hell of a ride for the time that I've been with it.
I just think that for the amount of people complaining about the car...there's tons of owners who are thoroughly satisfied.
I'm one.
1st, it's good to hear that your car has not experienced any major problems. About the intake restriction- thanks for the tip. Although, throttle response was not a complaint in the GT-S I drove. I thought the throttle response was excellent. And I doubt that removing the restriction will yield 25 more horses (maybe like 5), and it would most likely be felt in the top end.
About comparing it to VTEC- why not? Both systems are virtually identical except for the mechanisms that do the changeover themselves.
You shift at 6,000 RPM and call it ideal? You aren't even hitting the higher profile cam lobes! The changeover point is 6,000 RPM. When I drove the GT-S, I could definitely feel a stronger pull above 6,000RPM accompanied by a loud wail. I like that, but I wish I could get that in a broader rev band (i.e. 5,000 to 7,800 RPM, instead of 6,000 to 7,800 RPM)
On a different note- does anyone know anything about the 2001 Celica GT-S? I heard a rumor that it might get more power? If that's true, then I may wait to buy. If anyone has heard of this, please elaborate.
Let me say I STILL LOVE THE CELICA GTS (just not my lemon!) - this is my 3rd Toyota - I hope everyone that has this car has better luck so far that I have. I'm currently trying to get Toyota to replace the vehicle with a new one (lemon law) - The fact is - there IS a problem with a lot of these cars (I did'nt make this up)- and I just thought everyone should know about them. I have much more to tell -Ill post my story as soon as I have this resolved with Toyota. (And my lawyer says its OK to discuss!)
"Mis-shifts? The whole point of a manual is that
YOU, the driver, MANUALLY shift for the vehicle.
YOU'RE the one who put the shift knob into
position...you're the one who decides where that
stick goes. The Celica has a very SMOOTH shifter
on it...unlike the other vehicles I practiced
shifting on before purchasing the car. It's close
to you, and just feels great."
THIS IS A JOKE. SInce you know so much about USER ERROR, tell me about the research you've done regarding the 300+ cases nationwide of trannies blowing up and the fact the gearbox was changed on all models produced after 01/2000. I can't imagine all these people are wrong and that toyota changed the gearbox cause they felt like dumping more money into Reasearch and Development.
GIVE ME A BREAK!! Can't wait til you blow your tranny!!
DISCOH SPEAKS THE TRUTH!! Toyota screwed the pooch on this one..and they admitted it without ever saying they were wrong by changing the gearbox!!
The car is beautiful but noone's perfect...especially automakers!!
PS--If it's user error, then how come it's covered under warranty??
All of this fuss is neccessary because the filter is located at the very bottom of the engine, towards the front right (drivers seat perspective), pointing pretty much straight down. The original one is black and hard to see from above without a flashlight. If you really have to change the oil yourself, this is what you're in for. Good luck!
I think the problem is not so much the resistance (or lack of resistance) of the springs in the shifter but the fact that the shifter "gates" are fairly close together. Many of these "incidents" are PROBABLY caused due to lack of experience with a 6-speed: driver used to downshifting their old car from 5th to 4th is over-conscious of the presence of 6th and feels, that to hit 4th, the stick must be pulled slightly left and back. WRONG! Sixth actually requires a bit of a push to the right and back while 4th is simply straight back. It takes a bit of getting used to.
gsav69 - its covered under warranty even though it is plainly driver error because Toyota learned from Audi's mistake: the customer is always right. Audi claimed nothing wrong with car and basically stated the public was at fault - the public HATES being at fault and 60 Minutes had a field day with Audi.
Simple fact - if you downshift into 2nd rather than 4th, and there is nothing mechanically either blocking 4th or forcing 2nd, its driver error.
If you believe the only reason they're fixing this problem is cause the customer is always right, I think you live in the magic kingdom and smoke bongs with mickey and goofy.
They have produced a gearbox that is not forgiving to marginal error. Does corvette have a problem in their 6 speeds? If you were driving your diablo on the autobaun and you shifted like a moron, do you think Lambo is gonna say, no problem and replace the blown motor and trans..COME ON. Toyota is historically a very customer service oriented automaker, but this would be way above and beyond the call.
As ROADROACH stated, not everyone has these problems shifting the car, but not everyone is a Drag race, gear shifting superstar either. There are other 6 speeds out there and those manufacturers don't give trannies away for driver error. The fact that they make replacement springs for the tranny says WHAT???????? They wouldn't make tighter springs if there wasn't a problem or defect.
Think what you want but for all of you that beat the crap out of your cars, and who may want to sell them after a few years, downshift it from 6th in to 1st with 35,900 miles on it and I bet you'll get a free driveline out of it!!
"OH WHAT A FEELING" I want my mitsu rep to talk to your toyota rep...I NEED A NEW TRANNY TOO!!!
If a driver successfully downshifts from 5th to 4th or 6th to 4th 500 times and then misshifts and accidently grabs 2nd, why is this suddenly Toyota's fault? Fact: the position of 2nd gear feels completely different than the position of 4th gear in the hand. Anyone driving a stick should be able to tell which gear they're in simply by putting their hand on the shiftknob. IMO, these incidents are caused by people unfamiliar with 6-spds and/or manuals in general who are screwing around on the streets (can't let that punk in his GSR beat me) before they are completely familiar with their new car.
Toyota is fixing this "problem" precisely BECAUSE they are a customer oriented company with a brand new car on the market.
BTW, what's the matter with the tranny in your mitsu? Having trouble with mitsu customer service?
Back to the YOTA. I can't imagine you honestly believe that toyota is not recognizing a problem or a pattern. You are right, some people shouldn't be driving stick, but I've driven everything from 3 on the tree to a six speed and see very little difference. Manual is manual. Some gearboxes are forgiving to marginal error and some are not. This is why REPLACEMENT SPRINGS ARE BEING USED....I repeat. REPLACEMENT SPRINGS. If they are REPLACING springs, they recognize the intial springs may not prevent a problem that the new springs could alleviate.
Enough said on that...also, Toyota is HISTORICALLY known as a customer service oriented organization. That whole consept has gone to the crapper. Locally, in the NJ/NY area, I have countless associates who have gotten stroked by Toyota for an array of reasons. Just like Mitsu with the substandard 95 model Eclipses. I owned one, everyone had the same problems with them, they made you admit driver error in writing and they fixed it for you. DO YOU SEE A PATTERN. Car manufacturers do what they have to to cover their asses but know there arer defects and acknowledge we don't live in a perfect world. The 1st year of any new vehicle is always going to produce problems and challenges. They are adressing the problems and making the necessary changes so the problems don't return in 2001, like mitsu did for the 96 year eclipses, but what they haven't done is OFFICIALLY ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY, hence THEY ARE NOT-SO-CUSTOMER-SERVICE ORIENTED!!
Automakers SUCK...bottom line!!
I agree with you about the misshifting also being caused by the close gates. How many cars at this price have a close gate 6-speed, anyway? Because of the relatively low price, younger people can afford this car. For a good percentage, this will be their first stick car, and probably their first car period. And get this: TRD has a short throw shifter now available for the GT-S!
http://www.phronline.com/celica/shortshifter/
As you can see, it doesn't come with a knob. It is 1.5 inches lower than the stock shifter.
Right now, you can get it from phewl.com for $145 + s/h. Just e-mail phewl@phewl.com and ask about it. PHROnline.com will be getting another shipment of them soon, and they will cost $170 w/ s/h.
Switching controls in display? I don't care, actually I have no use for tach as I got automatic anyway.
Ruining transmission? - just buy automatic, I never liked this business with the stick. I was especially glad I had automatic when I broke my leg, I was still able to drive to hospital. If they could only make 6-speed automatic... By the way, why auto has always only 4 speeds?
TOYOTA: If you guys ever read this stuff, I have 2 suggestions.
1: Offer the upgraded sound system in the GT a little more widely. All of the sales people say it's a tall order in the GT.
2: Offer 4 wheel disc ABS as an option on the GT. I'm just thinking safety here!!
I have been trying to locate a GT w/ ABS for a long time and all the dealers i have talked to told me right now there is no GT that had been made w/ ABS. While at the same time most GTS has.
So where are you located and which dealer told you they've got GT w/ ABS? Thanks.
I've had the gas pedal to the floor and everywhere in between, and still the engine holds a smooth 1300 RPM the whole time.
I purchased the vehicle for it’s promising looks and power. What I got was a sharp looking problematical machine. First month of ownership entitled 8 returns to the dealers for minor things such as hatchback not closing, Door seals falling off, Wheel wells slipping out of place, Stereo not working, sunroof not closing, Lately it’s been a few plastic parts falling off and I can’t figure out where they are coming from. Some things where fixed on the first visit to the dealer some where replaced then broke again (stereo). Some took three visits. Lately she feels like an old 60’s metal vehicle with the shocks that sway. Yep she’s swaying with only 7,000 miles we will see what the dealer says this time.
The Toyota currently reads 7,000 miles I’ve had it 3 months and took a cross country trip in it. Before my Celica I had a 92 Mustang GT, and a 96 Mustang GT the 92 I had a fuel pump go out and a power locks dye in 4 years (that’s it) the 96 the Convertible top didn’t sit well but dealer fixed it first time in 4 years (that’s it) So rating my new Celica with my two mustangs I’d give the mustangs ***** stars and the Celica ** stars because it just looks so dang sharp.
For being Toyota’s top of the line Celica GTS I paid the $24,000 when I bought it I thought it was a bargain now I wish I would have gone with something else. Every time someone stops me on the streets I tell them all the things that have gone wrong. I like to give things the benefit of the doubt but what has made this experience completely the worst is the dealers attitude. I have gone to three Toyota dealers and they have all said it’s a Toyota nothing can go wrong some have even refused to fix the problem sending me to another dealer to get it fixed. I went in to trade in my Celica yesterday and the dealer told me to go to Car max that there is nothing he could do for me. I’m in the process of purchasing a new Vehicle and I’m taking a hefty loss on the Celica. Trade in value $17,000. After tax and title drive off cost of Celica $25,000, I’m loosing ($8,000) I doubt I could ever own a Toyota again.
Rick (gordy_2426@hotmail.com)
Since the problem only occurs for 10-15 sec, its likely a sensor glitch which would tell the computer (ECU) or not have the computer advance the timing. Try to have the dealer reproduce the situation in which it occurs and attach a consult(data acquisition device) to the car so they can read all sensor values to see if any are out of range. Hope you solve the problem.
Thanks
I have read that people have had problems with the cd player skipping, and I think that is the only issue I am having. I would like to hear from someone who has actually managed to get Toyota to replace theirs. I am about to drive across country in my GTS, and I think the skipping cd player might get a little annoying.
Thanks
Michelle
jinxxie@yahoo.com
I thought they used incredibly cheap plastic for a car that is
otherwise so wonderful. I'd like to hear how it's holding up.
I don't understand why the deal is conditional on dealer financing, what's the interest rate? My dealership was about 1.25 points higher than best rate I found.
TRD - air filter, exhaust, suspension,
springs, strut towers, short shifter
RMM - intake & heat shield, exhaust, strut
towers
PHR - cold air intake
Injen - intake
HKS - exhaust
Eibach - springs
Apexi - fuel controller
Sportivo - suspension
No VVTL-i controllers as of yet.
I know there are more, but that's all I can remember at the moment. http://www.PHRonline.com has good prices on many of the items listed above.
The only thing I can complain about is that yes, my CD-player skips intermittently as well.
As far a peaky for intown use, I'm guessing that they mean it revs up so high. It redlines at 7800 RPM. I drive in the city every day and LOVE IT.
It does seem to get to 4th gear quickly, so when your going say 35MPH and give it a little gas, it'll downshift into third, maybe that's what they mean by peaky...(slam the pedal to the floor and it'll downshift to 2nd)If you like to race people, get the standard tranny, the engine has little low-end torque, but the top end makes up for it IMHO. ex:sitting at a light, most cars will be able to beat you on the start, where as if you had the standard, you could rev it up a little and get a better start from standing still.
I'd also like to RAVE about the stopping ability and handling of this car, they are OUTSTANDING!!!
(I have the 16" wheels) I find myself accelerating through ANY curve I take...
Thanks
I want the 16s, rear wing, and ABS but DO NOT want the leather or sunroof. I need the extra headroom. The salesmen I've talked to don't seem to know if the car can be equipped this way. Does anyone know?
Unfortunately, at this time, they've stopped making 2000 models, so they won't accept any orders. I'd say by August or September, they'll start manufacturing the 2001's, so check with your dealers.
I test drove them both today and loved them
equally. They seem almost identical in performance to me. The GTS definately has
superior styling, but I can get into the Acura for
at least $2K less than the GTS.
The Acura also seemed to have a MUCH higher
quality interior....but I liked the feel of the
Celica's cockpit experience.
I'm really torn here!! Help!
Just for the record, I'm 26 and...
1) The Toy dealer let me drive it by myself...
super-sweet!!
2)The Acura dealer rode with me, but she made fun
of me for low-shifting and then I got to stretch
it out. Super sweet...
3)The Honda dealer rode with me in the Prelude
and I didn't get to jam it. Too bad, but that car
is too big for my taste anyway...