Aussie Celica's forgotten?

[Matty P]

Hi Guys,

I noticed in the other forums some talk about a 2002 model Celica lower grille (to protect the airconditioner condenser). Apparently it comes standard on US 2002 model cars and can be brought as a spare part and fitted to previous models.

I asked a toyota parts guy and he had never heard of it. He agreed that it would be a good idea, but there was nothing listed in the parts catalogue for it! We even checked a 2002 model car that was on the lot and it didn't have one.

Have the Aussie Celica's been forgotten? Wouldn't Australia be the place that you would most need some protection from stray rocks, bugs, small furry animals etc..?

I'm not impressed......

Matty P

[M SPEC]

Personally I like the open no grill design. I've seen pics of the 2002 US spec Celica lower grill, nothing special IMO.

Consider this though, when you mesh the front opening like Lancer GSR's etc you reduce the amount of air flow by 10% to the intercooler and engine. Heard a tech say it in a speed shop. So not 100% sure about the validity of his claim. Interesting though.

Jason

[Jards88]

It seems that the lower grille insert was provided on the US cars after many complaints of punctured a/c evaporators. Maybe Toyota Australia has not had many complaints or just aren't interested. Also the Australian celica specs are tightly controlled to conform to local pricing pressures and any added feature would raise the cost which would need to be added to the cost of the vehicle or absorbed by Toyota Australia. If you really want one badly enough you could probably order it direct from one of the US Toyota dealers, or maybe leave a message for Drew in the General discussion forum and see if he can supply one for you.

[Maestro]

hey guys :)
as far as I know the #02 celica hasnt been released downunder...yet.
isnt it march that the 02 models normally come in to the dealers.....i dunno, im pretty sure its this way.

Cheers.

[Matty P]

Guys,

While the lower grille may not enhance the looks of the car, I think it was a glaring ommission on the new model. That A/C unit is just asking to be pierced by a stone!

I don't think that ordering parts from the US is viable considering that you would pay more in freight than the part is worth and with the conversion rate, you would pay twice as much.

As far as cost goes, I don't think that a $2 piece of plastic is going to seriously alter the competitiveness of the Celica in the market place!

... looks like I will be getting a custom lower grille.

Matty P

[Celica ZR]

I have the 2002 Celica Grill added to the car and i believe its better then having a "HomeMade" grill. I had a "HomeMade" one before, the OEM Celica Grill Looks better with the above grill and badge.

But I paid AUD$200 special order from my local Australian Toyota Dealer and waited a month. It's just personal choice and what you are willing to pay. There is a spare one hanging on display at my dealership for display but no customer knows what it is (lol).

[Maestro]

damn, notice how long ago this thread dates back....bwhahahahha

[Matty P]

Damn! I thought this thread died ages ago!

$200 is pretty steep for a piece of plastic, but I agree that they look better than the aftermarket ones. I was interested in getting one, so I contacted Toyota Australia. All that idiot could tell me was that it appeared on one part system, but was not in the Celica catalogue (I gave him the part number and everything).

CElica ZR: What year model Celica do you have? I've got a 2000 model and I have been told it would be simple to fit. Did you have any trouble?

You would probably pay about $200 to get a custom grille and would have to subject your pride-and-joy to being pulled apart by some workshop - perhaps the Toyota one is a good idea!

[MattZR]

i have a few hits on my unit, from stones and crap. You think Toyota would consider fitting one at no charge? After all, if it gets damaged, it would be because of their negligence in not covering it in the first place, and they would be up for even more money in the end.

[Celica ZR]

Matty P replied:

CElica ZR: What year model Celica do you have? ...

Can you read my signature? That is why i put it there so i don't get stupid questions like that... Of course i have a 2000 Spec Celica else i would not post here...

Anyway, In reply to your question. Yes, It is simple to install, the only thing which prolonged the installation was trying to take out the "HomeMade" grill without doing any damage to the plastic surroundings and scratching the paint as i tried invain sucessfully. I know as fact that the AUD$200 Lower Grill would not void my warrenty and got it at a special price.

I am lucky enough to have a "parts interpreter" in the parts deparment at my local Australian Dealer who understands my needs. I have fixed a few things in my car like the surrounding plastic around my ventilation dials was starting to flake from behind (under warrenty) and Horn Pad. When i showed him the part number to the grill he couldn't beleve i was able to get it but he queried it with Toyota and ordered it for me. Whilst i was there i enquired for the TRD instrument Pannel with the center white Techo and the speedo on the left and told me it would cost AUD$4,000. He told the the person on the other end he must be @#$%ing kidding but it was the truth... Oh well. That is too steep for my budget. Maybe later on... Though I am still thinking whether or not in buying a genuine TRD muffler.

Hope that answers your question

[Matty P]

Thanks for that Celica ZR.

Sorry, I should have looked at your sig before asking. I was interested in whether you had a 2000, 2001 and 2002 Celica because the front bumper could be slightly different on each. I didn't think that having a 2002 model would stop you from posting here.

Also, speaking of your sig, unless you have a custom paint-job then your car is not "gunmetal silver" - its Cold Steel.

It's good to know that the 2002 grille will fit the 2000 without any problems. Actually getting one in Canberra might be a different story. The guys at Canberra Toyota are a lot less helpful than your guy sounds.

Matty P

[Celica ZR]

Matty P replied "gunmetal silver"

Sorry to confuse everyone... Matty P is right... You should tell your local dealership where to go.

Cheers