2000 Toyota Celica GT review from North America

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.

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!