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!
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!!!
I appreciate your honesty. I went to the dealer today in Toronto, and they weren't exactly serious in selling me on the car, which I found out soon enough had been out of stock for awhile. I guess that's why I was upsold to a RAV 4! (which I laughed at!). The cheap plastic is an ongoing concern, though you didn't mention the blindspot that everyone hates! Hopefully the 2002 will fix these light problems as well.
Winton.
It sounds to me like you wanted a luxury car instead of a sports car.
The joy of the Celica is in the driving, not in luxury appointments.
Tom.
Hey I'm in Toronto as well and I can't find a 2001 GTS - when will the 2002 be out?
Some of those issues concern me as a new buyer. Is the trim that cheap inside?
What, you can't pop the hatch from the inside? You're joking right?
Some of the items you listed truly suck. I mean even my Nissan Sentra has a NO HORN remote door locks.
What else is out there for that money?
RSX-Type S?? I think that's a little more money.
WRX? That's even more and well it's a 4 door.
That's it for the $30K CND range for sporty cars, and no I don't like the Miata.
You wanted to return the car after 500 miles? Next time just rent.
I had a Tercel for one year and I could not believe how they got away with such cheap metal. A car opened it's door into my car and it created a 10" dent... I'm not kidding. And stay away from Atlanta Toyota. They are con artists.
Oh yeah, the Celica shares the same engine as the Corolla. :)
Yes, that's right. Next time just rent :-) )
Very unlikely your particular Celica was a lemon. If I look under 2000 Passat - which is a car I love - and see half of the customers dissapointed, I will believe something is going wrong in Wolfsburg. Whereas in your case I think it had more to do with the decision as opposed to what you truly like.
Hey I love the celica because you can do a whole lot of different things with it such as add a body kit, spoiler, lights, it's a great looking car, I get looks every-time I go out, and all the ladies want to ride in it.It's a sports car not a luxury car and anybody that does not like the 2000+ celica needs there brain operated on.
"That's it for the $30K CND range for sporty cars, and no I don't like the Miata."
Actually, that's depending on if it's new or used.
Used, you can get things in the range of a 92-97 Toyota Supra in the Quebec/British Columbia area. Those are mostly the non-turbo's, but it is possible to find a Twin Turbo model for around $30K. They are super reliable, super fast, and super sporty. Best in its class... atleast in my opinion.
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