GT Owners. What do you think?

[Celica~32]

Hey everybody I'm thinking about buying a 2000 Celica but I don't know if I should get GT or GTS. I know all the differences, I think I'd just rather save a little cash and get the GT though. Anyway what do you GT owners think of your cars? Another question I heard that you could put the GTS chip or some kind of chip (maybe JET) that gave you that 180 hp you get in the GTS. Is that true?

[kocheroni]

One, I've never heard of that chip, nor do I think it exists, but anyway. They are different concepts vvtli and vvti. Anyway, I have a GT, and I do love it even though people say ghey and small **** and what not. They are just kidding. It handles really well, pratically as well as the GT-s, and it still gives a bang for the buck. It's up to you, and it's got alot of potential w/ intake, exhaust, and if a turbo/sc ever comes out, that'll give alot of power. As long as you get a stick, you have an advantage over other cars. Test drive them both of you can and make a decision. I'd get GT-s, but GT ain't bad either.

[celicauk]

I test drove both cars and frankly I was unimpressed by the VVTLi. It is a real pain in the butt to keep in lift so all that technology just makes driving it hard, well, harder.

Also I think modifying the VVTi will be a lot easier, due to its lower compression and less delicate head internals. Check out the turbo mod threads for an idea of how much of a problem this is.

I currently have Nitrous and will soon be adding a unichip. I have also fitted the Blitz intake and a twin pipe back box.

I know the GTS guys will get the hump about this but all I am saying is that for me the VVTLi was not thre right engine.

BTW, mine is euro spec and there is little difference in the suspension or brake systems on either car here. You may experience a different handling feel due to the rear drums on the US spec car.

Cheers

[gavin]

Well.. i have the GT and i enjoy it immensely.. i regretted not getting a gts butnot David Drapper is coming out with a turbo for $3000 or so which puts the GT at 230 WHP or 270 hp..... which makes me very happy.. so if you get a GT and turbo it it'll be cheaper and a hellofalot faster.. granted the GTS does have a turbo that puts it at 288 hp, thus more potential to go fast.. i think I would get a GT then if its too slow for you.. drop 3000 and make it a 13.2 sec car. (or whatever)

[S.Menchavez]

I love my GT! (even though it's an auto and i get soooooo much sh*t for it). It is also pretty known that a GT manual can hang with a GT-S auto if not beat it.

I have also heard some general comments on the board throughout my time being here that the GT and GT-S drive the same under 6k RPM's, you only get that extra 40 hp in VVTLI, so that's what you're extra $5k or so goes to.

The GT-S is a bombass machine, but I definitely say get the GT now if you are concerned about money and later if you can afford it, invest in some aftermarket. (I'va also heard that it's less expensive to turbo a GT than a GT-S).

[GTS LAID]

umm.. i dont know if you guys take this into consideration but Turbo = No warranty.... which means if you mess up anything mechanical in your car its your fault.. which is why ppl pick the GTS... and TRD parts.. if TRD came out with a turbo that would make all the diff.

[gregRowe]

I have a GT on order. The biggest reason I got a GT was money. First the cost of the car is a few thousand less. Second the insurance is less. Thirdly (and probably the most expensive over the life of the car) is GAS. The GTS is rated at about 25 MPG while the GT is about 34MPG (or so). That isn't a big deal. What is a big deal is that the GTS needs high octane fuel. SO not only do you fill up sooner but you have to pay more per gallon than with a GT.

[Maelfyn]

It depends on your priorities. If you're willing to put up the money for a GT-S then go for it. I'm very happy with my GT and it's a sweet little car. GT-S would be nice too, but so would a Supra, RX7, WRX, RSX-S, Lightening, or a Viper :D http://www.plaudersmilies.de/talker.gif

[sc_celicalady]

I love my GT as well!! I have a 5 speed GT, and my friend has a GTS auto...and before he got his Cold Air Intake...off of the line I had him until 3rd gear....but sometines I think it was driver error!!!!:D

[RATIFIED]

Bring it!!!!!!!!!!!1:p

[RoblesGT]

If $$$ is an issue then get the GT. It's that cut n dry.

[CelicaNamja79]

i love mah GT.. it keeps up wit lotta cars out there and it looks the same wit GT-S.. half of the time.. pplz cant tell whether it is GT or GT-S.. insurance is cheaper too.. it is ur call tho

[BatKid]

I got my GT because of the "bang for the buck" factor. Handling wise, I think the GT and the GTS are actually about the same, since they have the same shocks, springs, and chasis. In terms of pure speed, GTS has VVTLi. As for standard equipment, GTS also has a better sound system, better rims etc. Of course, don't forget the bragging rights that you get when you have a GTS.

For me, I want a car that handles well and looks good. The rest are secondary. The GT fits that perfectly (my previous car was a Civic EX coupe, so GT is a very good upgrade). I even put in aftermarket leather seats so the inside of my car looks and feels pretty nice. I also save about $6000 (factoring in tax and everything, we Canadian has to pay 14-16% tax).

Having said all of the above, if I had more extra money to spend, I might reconsider getting a GTS since I've heard that hitting "Lift" is a lot fun. But then again, I probably don't get to drive over 6000rpm very often since I mostly do city driving.

Hope this helps, good luck on you decision ;)

[KiTBatBoi]

how much you got the leather for ? and where ? thanks batkid

[lxj7105]

I love my GT. I picked it up from carsdirect.com and paid 19 grand for it. That includes tax, title, reg and everything else. Cost for me was a factor that I why i just opted for the spoiler and alarm. Im getting rims when the tires wear out. I have done mostly cosmetic mods and am not quite ready for engine or chip mods. But like others ahve said it is up to you. You can always get a GT and be RICE and tag the car with GTS logos. Not that you should, that would be VERY RICE. Good luck on your purchase and tell us what you finally deside on.

[BatKid]

how much you got the leather for ? and where ? thanks batkid

The dealer did it for me, I paid around $850.00 Cdn for it, so it'll be less than $600 American.

[DaksGT]

I've had my gt for over a year now and love it to death as well as the other cars but the gt holds a special place in my heart. It handles amazingly for a fwd, the powerband is perfect for street and track use. The gt-s i've driven and it obviously is better but if you're short on $$$ get the gt you wont regret it.

[Celica~32]

Alright I guess I will go for the GT the only other thing I think about getting instead of that is the 2g Eclipse, but besides that what about chips? Are there any? What have you guys heard about them and how much more hp would you get?

[pitcrew]

We bought the GT for my wife to autocross, the GTS is not the cream of it's class, (where a type R or WRX kicks it) whereas the GT is in it's class. We have found that the GT will definitely hang with the GTS on course, where it has more usable low end torque and doesn't require extra shifts.

[daSchtick]

I know that you were looking for GT owners, but I thought I'd put in my 2 cents anyways.

The GT is a fine car on it's own, and yes, it generally drives like a GT-S below 6000 RPM. The handling is virtually identical between the two, and the GT rear drum brakes are definitely adequate. If you are not an aggressive driver, or are nervous about high RPM manual shifting, the GT is definitely the choice. And if you prefer an automatic, the GT-S is too much money for too little go.

BUT, the additional 40 HP in the GT-S manual is hard to deny. Yes, it costs a few grand more. Yes, your insurance will be higher. Yes, you need premium fuel, and your mileage will suffer somewhat. But the smile on your face when she sings past grand is priceless!

Driving the GT-S takes time to get accustomed to. This driving style is much more aggressive than what is required by, or can be done with the GT, and may even get you into trouble if your not selective about it. It also is a lot more "work", but it is very rewarding work. :) Yes, you must be beyond 6000 RPM to really fly, but once you reach it in first gear, you will "work" to remain in the power through the remaining gears.

The GT-S may never have a strong aftermarket, and someday, a turbo GT may be faster. But for right now, you can buy great performace direct from Toyota, complete with a warranty in a GT-S.

Lastly, if you plan on loading a GT up, a lot of the features that are optional on the GT, are standard on the GT-S, and the price gap between the two models loaded shrinks to only $1500 or so.

Just some food for thought.

-Nick

[FriedRice]

i have a gt auto and im proud of it.... i live near LA, traffic sucks, so an auto is good...i dunno the situation in SLO, but if its sparsely populated and u can go fast, maybe a manual is fine, but if ur into city driving auto's are nice.... i could get my GT up to 5.8k rpms with o/d off....its just as fun as GTS... smaller kick, but it's no big deal...u won't hit lift much in everyday traffic anyway, so there really is no point. besides, the GT is every bit as attractive as GTS (they same on the outside) so if u wanna mod for show..... auto gt works well...... auto gt is just a really flashy economy car. It has the best mileage out of the 4 types... my $.02 sorry if post was too long:D

[BoyRacer]

You know what. i must be retarded cause i look at my car every day and find somehting i dont like about it. my problem is i got out of a modified mustang 5.0 and fell into this car. and it has been too slow for me ever since. it just doesnt have the power i was used to i guess. well i have had mine for 1 year next week. i like it, the car has alot of potential though. look at it this way , you prlly wont have to worry about blowing your engine, or tranny, the gt is pretty durable. if you get a turbo kit, make sure you have the money to fix your car (engine) on your own, cause toyota wont, in case you blow something up. lol. :p

[Supralicious]

Go with the GT-S! These folks are just making stuff up to please themselves. Sure, there's nothing wrong with a GT but you should never settle for anything less than a GT-S, 'cause then you'll have a lot more catching up to do.

[Celica~32]

I not buying new I'm buying used and from what I have seen it's about a 3K-4K diff. So thats why I think I wanna get the GT. Also since both are All-Aluminum Block engines, does that mean they can handle more power, and work better with stuff like NOS.

[CarbonB2000GT]

I love my GT!!

[GT_NeX]

If you are into it for the looks then I say go for the GT and save some money, what I like the most about the Celica is its looks, the handling and the fact that even though I drive a GT automatic I can pass most cars in regular traffic and that's as close as it will get to racing for me.

If you are into high performance and racing then go for the manual GT-S.

It's not humanly possible to love a machine more than I love mine :)

[kuruptgt]

if yur worried about hitting lift so much get a gt and spend 500 on nitrous and there ya go more lift than the gts

[Kry]

Originally posted by Celica~32
Hey everybody I'm thinking about buying a 2000 Celica but I don't know if I should get GT or GTS. I know all the differences, I think I'd just rather save a little cash and get the GT though. Anyway what do you GT owners think of your cars? Another question I heard that you could put the GTS chip or some kind of chip (maybe JET) that gave you that 180 hp you get in the GTS. Is that true?



no chips..

if u planing on mod your car.. i'll say get GT-S.. if leave it stock.. go for GT

if i was a GT owner and i am very interested in modding i will hate to drive a car that's always 40 HP shorter than the other car that's just about same..

and if u don't have enough budget.. get the GT too..