Fun little cheap commuter...2000ish Celica GTS

[lendaddy]

Thoughts?

1.8L good mileage, probably fun enough to drive and looks like they can had for $5-$7k with higher mileage. Seems like a good option for my needs. Would even consider the GT, speed isn't really a concern.

[porsche4life]

The GTS requires premium, and doesn't do too great on gas....

Otherwise fun little cars, I nearly ended up with one as a first car, would still consider trading my corolla for one....

[lendaddy]

They are rear drive, light, small, simple, etc... Haven't read any bad reviews. Little ricey but I think I can tone that down.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

The GTS requires premium, and doesn't do too great on gas....

Otherwise fun little cars, I nearly ended up with one as a first car, would still consider trading my corolla for one....

"requires" or requires? All kinds of cars suggest premium and don't really need it, wondering if this is the case here.

[vash]

i know a miner that commuted about a million miles with one of those. white. it was a GT, that he drove to the ground. it went forever, but he didnt take care of it, and it died. he was always too tired to change the oil and stuff. poor car. TOUGH!

[porsche4life]

I think that body is front drive....

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

I think that body is front drive....

Ahh, you're correct...hmmm

[porsche4life]

The little 1.8 is pretty zippy on its own in the little celica it's not bad for a commuter.

[ZOO]

They are quite light for a modern car . . . and the GTS has the same engine as an Elise.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Not a bad little car, my mom had one until another driver totaled it. Hers was an auto but it was still reasonably fun to drive.

[slow&rusty]

My ex had one (6speed- GT-S) that she borught brand new and was not impressed with it. You really had to wring the engine out to make it do anything and I was surprised how gutless it was with 180hp. The engine code is 1ZZGE and for the same money there are much more fun options, there is a reason that this model was the last Celica sold by Toyota after production that started in 1970.

[Scuba Steve]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

The GTS requires premium, and doesn't do too great on gas....

Untrue (the mileage part). I've consistently pulled an average of about 33mpg for years now. It was higher before ethanol showed up. I fill up with premium and the increase in mpg comes out to about the same increase in gas cost. Bone dry the tank is about 14.25 gallons. It's suggested but not needed IMO. The computer will compensate.

I bought a 2000 GT-S 12 years ago and still drive it every day, so feel free to ask away. It's FWD, very lightweight (~2,400lbs), has the same engine as an Elise, and my complete maintenance / repair list has been...

- two serpentine belts (replaced when they started to squeak)
- Cleaned the air flow sensor once, about 6 years ago.
- Filters, fluids, tires, wiper blades, normal stuff...

There have never been any rattles, squeaks, or other noises. The only time the CEL came on was when I forgot to plug in a vacuum line when I opened the airbox up to change the filter. It's been a great buy and shows no signs of ever stopping.

If there are any specific questions, feel free to ask.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

for the same money there are much more fun options

Thx for the input, I would love to hear the options. Want to keep it cheap and reliable with 25mpg+

[VincentVega]

Last GF had one. Simple to work on and reliable. Small inside though, too tight for me to be comfy. The auto makes it a bit boring to drive, seems like a simple shift program. Belt tensioner had issues, I think there was a replacement/update.

[algs911]

I sat in one when they first came out at the auto show. They're small! I'd sit in one before you decide. I was excited about the car, but simply didn't fit in it. I'm only 5'11", so not too tall. Neat little car, but very cramped.

Al

[rouxroux]

A friend of ours down the street sold hers for 10K, wide bodied and pretty much (to borrow a phrase...."Well set-up") Pretty neat little cars.

[BReif61]

Originally Posted by lendaddy

Thx for the input, I would love to hear the options. Want to keep it cheap and reliable with 25mpg+

I'm partial to Integras and RSXs. Both are reliable and fun to drive and get 25+mpg. Lower trims run regular, higher/fun trims run premium.

[onewhippedpuppy]

What's your price range? That will drive what to suggest. Coupe only? Manual gearbox only? Japanese only?

[johnsjmc]

I,ve had 2 rather rare both turbo 4 wd . (1989 ish) bought around $2000 and 100000 mi. used them as winter cars when the 911 was stored. Decent cars ,Toyota reliable but even with 200 hp a little boring. Sold each after about 2 yrs needing rust repair. Sold near what I paid .

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

What's your price range? That will drive what to suggest. Coupe only? Manual gearbox only? Japanese only?

Lets say $3k-$7k, Prefer manual, turbo would be cool. Anything other than a convert, even a wagon. Japanese preferred, I'm just sold on their stuff. I would consider BMW and maybe [gulp] Saab.

But I just want to drive the thing and not loathe it every time I get in it. I LOVE my truck but I'm dropping $700-$800 a month in gas it's getting stupid. I'm getting about 12mpg in the Tundra so at 22 I'm saving $300 a month or so.