2000 Toyota Celica GTS

mzn · January 2000

Wow, this car seems a dream hatchback! Has anyone
taken a spin in one yet?

carlady/host

mrspeed · January 2000

You're a little too late! Everything about the car has been discussed in topic #60 under "Coupes, Converibles and Sports Cars". Also under hatchbacks in topic #260.

jlaudioguy · January 2000

I've taken test drives in both the GT and GT-S 2000 Celicas, and I'm very happy with them. I'm in the process of selling off my truck to buy one actually. To be honest, I'd go with the GT if I were you. The engines are exactly the same in both models, the only difference is that the bore and stroke is changed by a few millimeters to increase horsepower and torque, and if you get an automatic transmission, you can't tell the difference between the two. But if you're wanting the leather seats and premium wheels which you can get wheels and tires twice as better for the same upgrade price, you'll have to get the GT-S. I myself am getting one with black exterior and interior, power package, spoiler and fog lamp package, and auto transmission. That way, you really can't tell the difference between the two models.

rascal8 · January 2000

The GT-S offers the sportshift and 40 horsepower more than the GT. Although the extra 40 horses live at the second cam (6K - 8K rpm range). I use the normal auto transmission most of the time; however, when I want to merge on the highway or I just feel antsy I'll use the sportshift and keep it on the second cam longer - it is a pretty good rush to feel the second cam kick in. If you don't care about the sportshift and some of the other extras (e.g. rear disk brakes) the cars are pretty much the same.

jules47 · January 2000

I just put an order in for a black celica gt--pretty much with everything the gts has but without the extra horsepower and leather seats. Has anyone recently tried to buy one..it seems to me that this particular one was hard to find..i had to order it from the factory. All i see out there is Silver ones'.. But I got a really good deal going through the internet to find prices..

wargolem73 · January 2000

If your still thinking about whether you should buy a 2000 Celica, simply follow the Nike slogan and "Just Do IT!" I have owned my Carbon Blue 2000 Celica GT for a month now and can't get enough of it. It turns heads everywhere I go. Before going with the GT, I also drive the GT-S. Honestly, it's worth the extra money if you have it, keeping in mind that making use of that extra power involves really pushing the engine. On a day to day basis, you won't feel much of a difference between the two. I am also on a college budget. A quick summary of my experience with the new Celica; 9 out of 10 stars. Race car like handling that won't kill your back, exotic styling, affordable to own and maintain, with Toyota's reputation of building long lasting high value cars. I purchased this car under a lease, and will probably buy it well before the lease is up.

krissifitz · January 2000

I to am going with the internet to get a good price. I am going to get the GT because as everyone has said, there isn't too much difference if you are going with the automatic trans. Does 18,500 sound reasonable? I am basing that on the basic GT plus automatic trans., 15'Enkei Alloy tires, anti-lock brakes, rear spoiler, mats and upgrade pkg. I figured out the dealer price to be 17,955. so add in 3% plus the 2% holdback they get if you order it and the salesman still makes $905.00..anyone have any input?? Thanks

kwaigonegin · January 2000

i paid over 19,500 for my celica gt. but i'm happy to say that this car is awesome. the reason it came out to this much was cause i made it look exactly like the gt-s on the outside with moon-roof, spoiler, alloy wheels and all that. There were a few things i didn't want on the car but alas because i couldn't wait for a factory orderd one i had to settle on the one which match all the trimmings i want and then some.
I believe that the only thing my car differs from the gt-s is the engine and also it doesn't have ABS. other than that everything is like the gt-s.
it's an awesome car and everywhere i went people comment on it.
2 things i didn't like about the car though is the factory combo cd/cassette receivers and also the non-retractable antenna.
Too bad i'm married otherwise this would be one heckofa chick magnet for sure.hehehe

vocus · January 2000

My friend and I share a 2000 Celica GT. We both love it to death! We always get comments on the styling everywhere we go. One thing: The engine is a bit noisy and slow to build power (automatic), but it is liveable. Handling is perfect. Also, sound system and interior materials are great as well. The price (20K loaded) was definitely great (everything but the sunroof and premium stereo). He had to pay full retail because he purchased when they first came out (first one on the road around Baltimore), so it was definitely worth it. Great car and with the promise of Toyota reliability, definitely a winner!

jules47 · January 2000

To anyone that owns a celica with a spoiler..do the seat adjustments help at all with visibility? Thanks

vocus · February 2000

I am 6'3 and our Celica has the rear spoiler option. I have no trouble seeing behind (using the spoiler to gauge where the back of the car ends), but changing lanes is tricky. That has nothing to do with the spoiler, but with the styling that makes the back of the car look pinched. The spoiler really does not affect visibility for my friend either (he is 5'8). You just have to get used to driving such a car that sacrifices some visibility for its drop-dead good looks. If you buy one, be ready for everyone to ask "What kind of car is that?" and also be ready for stares and long looks. Makes you feel REAL good though!

roadroach · February 2000

I've had a new GTS with the spoiler since November. No, the spoiler doesn't completely block your view to the rear but it does impede it somewhat. At night, it seems to be at just the right height to block headlights behind you. Great for glare reduction but difficult to tell just how far back the following car is. BTW, I'm 6'1" but most of my height is in my legs. I don't think ANY seat adjustment would help with view to rear. If I had had the chance, I wouldn't have gotten the spoiler (but then I like the looks of a "clean" car better than one with all the doodads. Guess I'll never own a Pontiac then.....)

View to the side - yeah, for a while I was bothered by view to side too until I found out that I was not adjusting my side mirrors correctly. DO NOT adjust your side mirrors so you see ANY part of your own car in the mirror. If you do that, you will find that the same car you see in the rearview is also in your sideview. Angle the sideviews out (try doing this in stop-n-go traffic) until the car in the sideview does NOT show in the rearview and vice versa. As a car is going by in the right lane, you should see it first in the rearview. As it disappears from the rearview, it will appear in the sideview. By the time all you see is the tail of the car in the sideview, you will see the nose of the car out the passenger side window. Hope this makes sense.

My advice - get the Celica (GTS if you can swing it). You will not regret it.

hubacek1 · February 2000

anybody see the 0-60 time time for the GTS. It is not listed on edmunds or on the toyota home page. The dealer told me 6.8 but that sounded a little ambitious. thanx

roadroach · February 2000

I've heard of published times as low as 6.6. I've also heard of published times as high as 7.8. I assume you're talking manual as I don't think I've seen any times with the automatic.

Please understand that there is NO USE in trying to determine what THE 0-60 time is for any make or model. Times will vary according to the following conditions:
Driver
Number of miles on car
Track (or road) conditions
Ambient weather conditions
Condition (state of tune) of car
variations between cars of identical make/model

These are by no means the only variables. One driver in one car on one track in one hour could make 10 runs and get 5 different results. What I'm trying to say is there is no "the time" for 0-60 for ANY car.

I will say this; my GTS is pretty quick. From the published results, I'd say its a tossup in a race with a large number of cars ranging from Preludes to Eclipses to Integras, including R's. Winner would just as easily be determined by the driver as anything else.

trdcelicagts · February 2000

Hey guys come to the No.1 2000 Celica Site on the Net. newcelica.org You will find all the info you need!!! Toyota Claims 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. And from some of the reports on the Message board I believe it! 1/4 mile times reported by Honda guys at the track posting on our site of 14.9 right off the showroom floor. This is the GT-S. So imagine this car completely broke in! It still had the temp tags on it!!! Another guy ran 14.1's with intake and exhaust, plus the street legal drg slicks nitto 555's. Very impressive for spending under $1000.00. Stop by there is tons more to see.

jules47 · February 2000

Thanks for the Blind Spot advise..I actually did order the car....it should come in 3-5 weeks..anyone have GOOD luck with ordering?

spider6 · February 2000

I test drove a GTS recently while I was impressed with most everything on this car, I did notice
the weight issue. Toyota made it very light, and when there is strong wind on the Highway this car actually gets knocked around a bit. This is a cool car but I don't know how safe and secure I feel in it. This door closes nicely but without that German car's solid bank vault shut, for a Japanese car this is typical I guess. Any comments?
I am trying to decide between 2000 GTS,Infiniti G20 and SAAB 9-3...

saurav1 · February 2000

Hi,

I'm new here, and I'd be grateful if some of you could give me some advice on this. A dealer here has a GT that he says he's been driving as a demo car. It has about 2300 miles on it. My questions:

1) Is it worth it? I don't know how it's been driven, how many different people have driven it, etc. It's the 5 speed manual (which means, more chance that bad things have happened to it, right?)

2) If it is, what's a fair price on this car?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

spider6 · February 2000

I think its worth it! Toyota is quality,2300 miles
is nothing I know people put that much on in a few weeks. Test drove it and if it feels right then I say go for it. The car is under warranty.
Also as far as price goes, I would talk it down as much as they will let me, they need to get rid of the demo and you need a car. So look up its dealer 's cost on Edmund's than offer $1500 less, then ask they to put on the car alarm and a cd changer.
That's a lot to ask, and if you can get half of what I said here you done good. Demo car takes away dealer's ability to jack up the price on a hot new car. My opinion anyway.

jasonphan · February 2000

I got the Gt for 19k is it a good deal? ok i have sunroof, spoiler, 15 " wheels and the other package.

buttercup75 · February 2000

Does anyone know what the price is for a 2000
Celica GT with Automatic transmission going for
in the Miami area? I have checked out some of the
Toyota dealership websites and the prices are way
over invoice due to dealer installed options.
Thanks for your help.
Dee

crxjag · February 2000

Dee,

I am also in search of a celica in south florida. i'm more north the west palm area and i have seen prices as low as 20,500 and a high as 26,000. the problem south florida has is that all the dealers get their cars from the same guy (jm family) and he installs options before the dealer gets it. if you find the car you want you should ask to see invoice on the car and start dealing from their. try not to pay more than 700 over invoice the less the better of course. if not do the same dealing but just order the car the way you want it and wait 2 months i think.

joe

vocus · February 2000

Try going to Carsdirect.com (www.carsdirect.com) and getting your Celica from there. You will actually be able to get one cheaper than retail. They seem to be going for retail at most dealers because they are so popular, and for good reason. Believe me, I already own one. Anyway, go through cars direct. Their price for a 2000 GT with automatic, All Weather Guard Pkg., Upgrade Pkg., alloy wheels, and spoiler (the way most come from Toyota anyway) is $18,677 (MSRP is $20,156!). Check it out for some savings.

ipo · February 2000

trd - who is reporting a 14.1 in a GTS???!? He's lying. That car just does NOT have the torque to run a low 14. 14.9 is pushing it in terms of believability. Let's not exaggerate how quick this car is for crying out loud. 6.5 is also ridiculous - maybe downhill I could see it.

nitro101 · February 2000

Hi All..
I'm looking at getting a gt celica. Has anyone had the chance to drive one in the snow. My 87 celica does ok in the winter I was wondering how the 2000 stacks up to the snow. I know allot of people would store the car in the winter if they had the choice but I don't at this time.
As for the rear spoiler blocking your vision...Well try driving a 73' mustang mach 1 once, you can't even see out the back window on that car. After awhile you don't even notice it and you forget the spoiler is even there.

edyjosh · February 2000

why get a demo if you can get one with 10 miles
when people test drive a car they tend to push
the car to limit ,I did .they let me test drive
a blue one 5 spd when we got back the sales man
ask me if I like it , hell yah and told him I'll get the red one. the first 700 miles is the critical part of brake in, imagine 2300 dog miles
don't get it.

edyjosh · February 2000

I owned a 2000 gt I live in new jersey, never again I'll drive my car when it's snowing.car is great but the tires sucks.can't for spring new sets of tire and a rims.

eddy,

dastrd · February 2000

IS 27,000 TO MUCH FOR A GT-S WITH ALL STANDARD OPTIONS INC. LEATHER? AM I GETTING RIPPED OFF??
I'M IN CALIFORNIA.

wford23 · February 2000

dastrd,
Hell, the MSRP on that car is only 25K and change, didn't you do any research??!!

I'm going to pick up my GT tomorrow, I'm soooo psyched. Recently my 82 Toyota Tercel got crushed (see www.wastedcity.com)

I've owned two Toyotas, an 80 and 82 tercel- both were the oldest, most miles, and never left me stranded. The 4 other GM cars- well thats a different story...

trdcelicagts · February 2000

Yes IPO those numbers are true. I help run the biggest new celica site on the net. www.newcelica.org. There was a report from a Honda Civic Si owner that saw one at the track. Totally stock with the dealer tags on it running 14.9 off the lot! And a lady was driving it!!! This is no lie. Most times would be around 15.0 -15.1. And the 14.1 time is true also. A guy down south with a GTS is running 14.0's now with an intake, exhaust both from Rod Millen Motorsports and Nitto 555 Drag radials. You have to stop by the site and check it out. I just got the intake on mine and can't wait to take it to the track! The new Celicas have more torque than the Integra Type R's and they run 14.8's completely stock! So for a Celica with exhaust, intake, and drag radials I more than believe it.

jeffs16 · February 2000

I was wondering if anyone test drove the celica with manual and automatic transmition. Which did you like better? do you normally prefer manual or automatic cars? did you think the gts or gt was a better buy? i would appreciate it if you would give me some feedback.

vocus · February 2000

I have a GT with automatic. Starting off, the power could be a little better, but it is good enough. The passing power is astronomical. I think the GT-S would make more sense with the stick, because the engine has to be worked hard to get the extra power out of it. If you do not plan on getting manual and revving the engine up, save a thousand or two and get the GT. It is a great car, gets looks from everyone, and handles like a race car. Also, it does pretty well on gas for a sports car, and does not require premium fuel (but the GT-S does).

anonymous · February 2000

thanks for the insight

hubacek1 · February 2000

Has anybody test driven the GT-S and noticed the speedo to be off? I thought that maybe the speedo indicated a speed which was faster than I was going. Maybe it is just an illusion driving such a responsive car. I test drove 2 different GT-S's. Had one of them up to 120mph. It got there pretty fast.

Another question: I am considering buy a used GT-S. That's right, a used one. Apparently a guy bought one and his wife wouldn't let him keep it. There are 1450 miles on the car. What would be a good price? Invoice? Should i start dickering at a grand below invoice?

Thanx

vocus · February 2000

A used GT-S with automatic or stick? I saw a used GT with 3K for something like $17,000. If the GT-S has leather and is loaded, then $20-22K is not an unreasonable price for it. If it is well equipped, try $19-21K. Add about $500 for automatic.
One more response to the speed thing: My friend and I have a GT with automatic. I can easily hit 100 and the car feels like it is going 60 or so. It is so stable and quick, you do not realize. I am passing everyone and wondering why and then look down to see than I am going 90 or something. Be careful because this car can EASILY rack you up some speeding tickets very quickly!

sjrogers37 · February 2000

Hi Folks,

I'm tinkering with the idea of buying the 2000 Celica GT...I am 6 feet tall and by looking at them on the dealer lot, it may not be a comfortable fit. I will test drive on this weekend, but was interested in any feedback that you may have...It is a very cool car, with Toyota reliability...the reviews have been very good..
Thanks,
SJR

vocus · February 2000

My friend and I have a Celica GT without the sunroof and I am 6'3. My leg hits the center console a bit with the seat all the way back, but head room is fine. You should not have any trouble with it. But before you get the sunroof (if you want it) try a car with it. It cuts in just enough to be a problem. By the way, what color are you considering? I like red, but we have the liquid silver one. It definitely gets the looks from passers-by. Enjoy.

roadroach · February 2000

I'm 6'1" and have been driving a spectra blue mica GTS 6-speed since November. Yes, I have the sunroof. I don't have ANY problems with headroom. I agree with vocus about the console; my right leg tended to rub the console when I first got the car - after a week I didn't notice it anymore.

You might check out the resources here at Edmunds: in the new car section, you can look up the head, leg, shoulder, and hip room of any cars you may be interested in. I think you will be surprised if you check the Celica against its main competition.

My only gripe so far - don't get the spoiler unless you just have too. I'm probably too old or just have a bias against spoilers but I don't like having my view out the back partially blocked by somebody's idea of a fashion statement. I must be getting old......

vocus · February 2000

We have the spoiler on our GT, and it does not block my view. It actually helps me when parking in the city. I know the car ends where the spoiler is, so it makes it easier to park. Rear visibility is nothing to write home about, but that is true of any sports car. As far as the Celica, it is one of the hottest styled sports cars out there. Someone in the Cougar section said that Toyota copied Mercury on the styling. I say that he is full of it. Toyota is becoming original on their own (ECHO and Celica and the MR2 coming back). Go Toyota! The Celica has great power (for an automatic 4 anyway), great economy, and flashy styling. Sounds like a perfect fit to me.

sergeis · February 2000

I am 6' tall and I have sunroof in my GT. I don't have problems with the head space, there is still about 1" over my head, but when it is dry hair stems to stick to the ceiling. I would probably take the model without a sunroof, there must be an extra inch there, but they didn't have one.
I tried Cougar with sunroof, it seemed that it had less head room, while the one without sunroof had more than my Celica.
BTW, I don't feel so confident in Celica at >100 mph. It is, of course not Dodge Colt which flies off the road at 80mph, but there is also no comparison to Grand Marquis, where only cruise control helps me to avoid speeding tickeds.

spider26 · February 2000

I recently bought a 2000 Celica GT-S with the six speed transmission and leather trim. I bought the car for $25,800. My dealer was trying to sell it for $28,000. If your thinking about buying the GT-S with the "E-shifter", Make sure you drive the six speed first, because there is a really big change in acceleration. I've had the car since December and the only real complaint I have is that the door panels and center console scratchs easily. Does anyone else notice this? If not I guess I'm just crazy. I recently raced my friend's 98 Prelude V-TEC and killed him. He even had a AEM intake, DC sports header, and Tanabe exhaust. I think he's in the process of buying a GT-S now, That's amazing because he's been working on Hondas for about 10 years now. If you haven't drove the Celica yet your missing out on all the fun.

spider26 · February 2000

I hate it when people say that Toyota copied the Cougar. Well I feel sorry for the Cougar owner who tries to step up to a Celica GT-S at a stop light, because they're going to get burned. Even if they had a V6, theres still no hope. I think the automatic GT-S can even kick the crap out the Cougar V6. And even If Toyota did copy the Cougar, they did a much better job. That's just my opinion.

sergeis · February 2000

Yes, this plastic in Celica is not very robust. It is easy to scratch the door plastic if you release the belt and simply let it go, when the latch strikes the plastic it leaves scratches.

Cougar is a good car too. Obviously Toyota copied the exterior style - when I parked Celica at Merqury dealer one of the salesmen thought it was Cougar. For city driving Celica is more fun. I I would have to do more interstate driving I would take Cougar. I am, of course, comparing GT to V6 as those guys are in the same price range.

fish8 · February 2000

As an owner of a '99 Cougar V6 I personally like the styling of the cougar better. But, the celica GT-S will kill the V6 Cougar. Thats a given. The Celica is probably a great car and for the price, it should be!!! But damn, the Celica looks like a large toy car. It looks like a remote control car. The Cougar, in my opinion, is better on the highway(cruising) and the celica is..........well, I'm sure its better at something. Ah, its faster!!!!!!

Just my opinion!!!

vocus · February 2000

I think the Celica looks neat. This, of course, is coming from a 21 year old. I think they are nice to ride in and drive as well (my friend and I share a GT automatic). Also, the Celica GT is about the same price as the Cougar. And the quality is better in the Celica as well. Proven Toyota reliability people. Try one. You'll like it!

spider26 · February 2000

Anyone who loves the Celica should go that web site "www.newceila.org" Because it rocks! And while your there please sign the petition for the 230+ hp awd Celica to come to USA, because I'm tried of all those Integra and Prelude owners talking their Hondas all time, not that I have anything against Hondas, Its just getting kind of OLD. I hope Toyota shows us they mean serious business. This is kind of off subject but I also wish the MR2 Spyder had the option of the 180hp GT-S engine.

fish8 · February 2000

I agree with you about Toyota reliability. Yes, I have tried on. I have owned to Corollas(80 and '93). two great cars, though boring.

sergeis · February 2000

I don't mind copying. BTW, all cars have a lot of things in common, like 4 wheels etc.
Reliability? For Cougar it is pretty much known as this is basically Contour. For Celica we will have to wait.

elig1 · February 2000

Hey guys, i can use some help here if u don't mind. Over the past year ive fallen in love with the GT celica. Id love to buy one but unfort im still in grad school and prob wont be making real bucks for a while. But im 25 its time for som real wheels so im going to lease(which i can afford w/o probs). unfort ive never done it before. A dealer offered me the following deal so let me know what u think please:
GT w/ manual--sunroof, upgrade package, spoiler, fog lamps
48 months 15k/yr 205/mo
Im putting down my olds 92 cutlass ciera which has 103,000 miles
It sounds not bad to me but i could your opinions--thanks and enjoy ur rides!

spacecase · February 2000

WOO-HOO

I'm in love with this car!!

Got a 2000 GT-S with the following options.
ABS
Moon Roof
Leather
16" Wheels
Sport-Shift Automatic Trans.
Spectre Blue (Georgeous color!!!)

Paid 22,100 CASH.

I believe the power everything comes standard w/GT-S...

The speedometer goes up to 160!! OMG

The spoiler looked like it would make it a pain to wax with only a .5 inch clearance with the body... (maybe I just say that because this one doesn't have a spoiler LOL call me an optimist!!)

I have owned a 72 Corolla Wagon, a 76 Corona, a 74 Land Cruiser (want another one of those) a 72 Carina, a 77 Celica, a 91 Pick-up, and traded in my 96 Tacoma X-Tra cab V6 for the Celica.

All of them (even the 72 Carina I got for 50 bucks) have given me outstanding performance and rock-steady reliability.

Toyota's best fan

navy4 · February 2000

What is the residual? What about lease start-up costs? How many miles a year do you think you will drive?

But it does sound like a fair deal.

Let me know if you go for it.

2000 Toyota Celica GTS

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