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Toyota Celica (Hatchbacks / All Years)

1543 messages,  Last post on May 02, 2013 at 11:26 PM

You are in the Toyota Celica Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Celica, Coupe, Hatchback

Messages Page 100 of 155

#990 of 1543 by gambit293

Apr 13, 2003 (5:02 pm)

dg1,
 
Sorry to hear about your bad experience. However, I think it's fair to say that yours was an anomaly. Statistically, most consumer sources list the celica as highly reliable. Sounds like you A) were just really unlucky and B) possibly got stuck with a really sucky or incompetent dealership. Did you look into your state's lemon laws?
 
I am quite happy with my 2000 GT-S (almost 36,000 miles). Its looks and handling are fabulous, and I generally get excellent fuel mileage. Of course it's not perfect:
 
1) Biggest problem is visibility, especially the side-rear views. I have my side mirrors adjusted for the blind spots, but I still turn and check everytime I switch lanes. Granted, this is a problem with many cars with swept back styling (350z, focus zx3). It just takes some getting used to.
 
2) I don't know if they have since fixed this or not, but the stock cd-plyer (JVL?) really sucks. The sound quality is good enough, but the cd player tends to skip at the slightest provocation. Actually it's quite inconsistent. Sometimes I can bounce over brick roads and the cd player will be fine. Other times I'll go over a pebble and the cd will hiccup. Of course most hardcore audiophiles will probably replace the stock system right away anyway.
 
3) There has been a problem with cold/wet starts that results in an annoying whirring/squealing noise at low rpms. This problem has been identified by Toyota, and there is a TSB out on it. It's caused by a faulty belt tensioner and it affects some 2000 and 2001 celicas. Toyota will fix it for you, and that's all fine and dandy....BUT, the problem comes back. At least for me and a couple of other celica owners I know. I currently have an appointment to get mine serviced again. It's not a serious problem, but it is annoying that it can't be taken care of once and for all.
 
4) Here's what would be really cool: a factory turbo version of the celica. Maybe throw in AWD too. A lot of third-party vendors have been struggling with turbo kits for the current celica, but I bet TRD could pull off an effective and reliable one.

#991 of 1543 30,000 mile service by marylax

Apr 15, 2003 (6:29 pm)

I am just about to hit 30,000 miles on my 2000 Celica and was thinking about getting the 30,000 mile maintenance on it at the Toyota Dealership. Is this a good idea and worth the $?

#992 of 1543 Hi marylax- 30,000 mile service by revka

Apr 15, 2003 (6:41 pm)

If you plug your vehicle into Edmunds Maintenance Guide, you'll find manufacturer-recommended service schedules and costs. Others here may have more to add. Good luck.
 
Revka
Host/Hatchbacks & Wagons

#993 of 1543 by guitarzan

Apr 16, 2003 (7:36 am)

Hi Mary,
 
I don't know the cost and that may sway my opinion. (I have 20k on my 2000GTS.) I DO prefer to have my car serviced at Toyota if possible, as I think they tend to know the cars better than local mechanics. Sometimes these services are outrageously priced. And I just might pick and choose the services I want. I go elsewhere for oil changes, filters, tire balance, rotations, etc. If they do tappet adjustments at 30k, I think that may be important, and good for the dealer to do. The fluid checks/topoffs are typically moneymakers. Check your own fluids at $0 cost. Unless one checks periodically, one won't know if there is a brake/steering/other leak, right?

#994 of 1543 one thing is for sure by nippononly

Apr 16, 2003 (7:42 am)

if you need to have something covered later under warranty, they will not be able to challenge your claim if a Toyota dealer has done all the regular maintenance.
 
Toyota will charge you $400-500 for this service, depending on the area you live in. It is a lot - an independent will do all the same stuff for 1/3 less $$.

#995 of 1543 Celica Pimpin' :-D by tiffanie005

Apr 16, 2003 (9:28 pm)

I got my first car, a bright red 2000 Toyota Celica GT, about almost a year ago and I absolutely love it. I have had absolutely no problems with it other than the not-so-roomy backseat that passengers seem to hate and a few minor problems caused by myself. The backseat thing doesn't matter to me of course being as I never have to squeeze into it and I have managed to carry 7 passengers even though my car had to look like one of the clown cars at the circus. Mileage is good, it is definitely a car that turns heads... It's been called flashy, hot, and even sexy, I must say I'm jealous of my car. Haha but seriously if any of you are considering getting this car I would definitely recommend it. It's sound system is spectacular even without bumps or anything and the general quality is above and beyond standards.

#996 of 1543 Hi tiffanie005- Welcome to Town Hall... by revka

Apr 17, 2003 (7:21 am)

and thanks for your notes. We look forward to hearing more about your Toyota Celica experience. Happy motoring!
 
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

#997 of 1543 Music. by guitarzan

Apr 17, 2003 (7:26 am)

I recently added a Sirius Satellite Radio to my 2000 GTS. Best upgrade one could ever have. Admittedly, I was a sales rep. for Sirius, and did get the hardware for free. But I absolutely love it, and probably won't live without it again. The only problem is I'm leasing the car, and won't keep it. Angh, it will probably just take 10 minutes to remove the Satellite stuff.
 
So far, I rest the tuner control in front of or behind the stick shift. I would like it on the dash so I can readily see the channel information, but I have yet to decide if I really want to mount it. That's a BIG problem because I constantly hear great songs I've never heard before and need to read the tuner. My favorites are the classic rock, 60's, 70's, and 80's stations.

#998 of 1543 re: 30K service by marylax

Apr 17, 2003 (6:57 pm)

Well I ended up getting the 30K mile service on my car. I figured it was a good idea because if anything went wrong in the future with the car I want to make sure that they cover it. The most important thing that I got done was the transmission fluid flush (I have an automatic trans). They even replaced my wipers for me! Though the whole thing cost me about $330, I think that it will be worth it in the long run.

Messages Page 100 of 155

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