2000 Toyota Celica GT 1.8 VVT

Summary:

An attractive rip off

Faults:

Auto tinting mirror was removed because the spoiler blocks the sensor.

Door panels replaced after 3 months when scratched by seat belt buckles.

Headliner replaced after 6 months when the sun visor wore through it.

Floor carpeting is worn in places.

After driving the car 500 miles I tried to return it to the dealership. They said I was stuck with the lease I signed, but did offer to buy it back for $16,000. That's a $5,000 loss for owning it one week.

I have found that the trade-in value is dropping more than average too. The car is only a year and a half old and I have been offered at best $12,000. That's a $9,000 loss for a car only a year and a half old. It does not hold its value to Toyota or other car companies as Toyota claims it's cars do.

General Comments:

Cheap plastic interior can be scratched by anything. Fingernails, shoes, seat belt buckles.

Alarm has annoying beep for locking and two beeps for unlocking. Your neighbors will hate you if you get home late or go out to your car to get things. I stopped using the remote locking buttons after about a month.

Headlights are controlled by a sensor, so you cannot turn them off if you arrive at home late at night.

Dash clock cannot be read in the sunlight.

Temperature and gas gauges are dim in sunlight.

No remote release for hatch back.

If alarm is armed you can open the doors with the key, but opening the hatch with the key sets off the alarm.

Seats are unbelievably uncomfortable and have only three adjustments.

No lights for vanity mirrors.

No map lights.

This car cost $21,000 as equipped. It should sell for about $16,000. Toyota charges way too much for what they give you. I made some assumptions about what I was getting. Don't make the same mistake!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th May, 2001

28th Jun 2001, 03:58

The best you got offered is $12,000!!! Where were you at??? I'm looking for a used 2000 Celica and it's still pricey as hell!!! I live in CT and the prices are $19,000 and up!!! Damn!!!

You're right about the price, though... The new Celica's in my area are going for $22,000 and up... for that price range I can spend a little more dough and get a Luxury Car!!!

2000 Toyota Celica GT 1.8

Summary:

Don't be fooled by looks only, try others..

Faults:

Left rear speaker came loose, making a noise.

Left seatbelt's hook, loose and vibrating.

Rubber lining on top of the driver's window was crooked and replaced.

Paint (carbon blue) chips really easily, lots of touch ups on the hood, no plastic shield exists yet, only an ugly bra.

General Comments:

This car has the same seats as in my father's Chevy Caprice, maybe it's because I just tried a Jetta... No lower back support, and very little side support. Really soft too.

My '91 Prelude had more torque than the Celica, and that's what really matters when you're passing someone on the highway, should have bought another one. I find myself down-shifting in 4th and flooring it to get the engine over the 4000rpm mark. By the way, under 4000rpm the car feels like a Corolla. I tried the GTS before buying the GT and I still can't figure out why they ask 7000$ more for it... and 2000$ more than a better in every way 200hp Prelude.

I am selling the Celica this week, and getting a (?reliable?) Jetta, with an interior that seems to be made with materials of better quality. By the way, don't you think that the plastics used inside both the GT and GTS, for the dashboard, doors, etc... look unworthy of an 25000$ car?

P.S. The Acura RSX is there, if you are considering the Celica PLEASE try a RSX first!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th May, 2001

13th Aug 2001, 12:52

If you can't tell the difference between the GT and the GT-S then you "deserve" to be driving a Prelude.

9th Jan 2003, 12:49

I was and still am a Volkswagen fan, but am aware of their late flaws in reliability. As for giving your Celica for a reliable Jetta,... I have strong doubts a Jetta would be as reliable as a Celica.