Help! potential Celica buyers questions

[cmusgrave]

Hi All,
I am looking to buy a good, used 2000-2003 Celica and have had several questions that I can't seem to get a straight answer for. This site seems like the best bet to find the info that I am looking for. A couple things that I am curious about if anyone could help:
+ Do the 2000-2003 Celica's run on a timing chain? Or a timing belt? If a timing chain, what is the recommended mileage maintenance for changing (if any?).
+ How do the 2000-03 Celicas handle the snow? I commute extensively around Chicago, and was wondering what to expect when the Chicago winter hits.
+I have looked at and test-drove several Celicas in the area over the last several weeks. Most of the cars that I have looked at have 100,000 miles or more on them, but I was wondering if there were any specific issues that I would need to be on the look-out for. Obviously, preventative maintenance is the key maintaining the life of a good used car, but was just wondering if there were any specific issues related to those year(s) of Celicas to be aware of or inquire about. Thanks to all in advance for your time and insight!

[Zero]

Are you looking for a GT or GT-S?
If a GT, steer clear of 2000-2002 models. It's a gamble if you end up with one that burns oil.

2003+ GT models are safe.

[Zero]

+ Do the 2000-2003 Celica's run on a timing chain? Or a timing belt? If a timing chain, what is the recommended mileage maintenance for changing (if any?).Timing Chain. I've read that it's pretty much a lifetime part, but switching it out couldn't hurt.

+ How do the 2000-03 Celicas handle the snow? I commute extensively around Chicago, and was wondering what to expect when the Chicago winter hits.FWD handle the snow better when equipped with snow tires.
A lowered and/or kitted Celica might make driving in the snow a challenge though, unless you want to make some cash plowing the roads.



+I have looked at and test-drove several Celicas in the area over the last several weeks. Most of the cars that I have looked at have 100,000 miles or more on them, but I was wondering if there were any specific issues that I would need to be on the look-out for. Obviously, preventative maintenance is the key maintaining the life of a good used car, but was just wondering if there were any specific issues related to those year(s) of Celicas to be aware of or inquire about.The info I posted earlier about the early model GT is the only thing of concern.

[cmusgrave]

Thanks guys, helpful info so far. And I did leave out in my original post that I am interested in buying a stock or mostly stock GTS, as opposed to the GT.

[Zero]

"Guys"? I'm the only one that posted in your thread. :chuckles:

The GT-S has a few issues, but nothing as dreadful as the oil burning problems the 00-02 GT faces.

[cmusgrave]

Apologies Zero...any helpful insight is valuable, regardless of the sex from which it comes;-)...sorry for my assumption...but what are your thoughts on a 2000 GTS w/ 110,000 miles? It is an automatic trans, but does have every other option that I am looking for, has been well maintained, and is within my budget. Your two cents?

[Joeggernaut]

an auto gt-s is slower than manual gt. if your gonna get an auto gt-s you might as well just save some dough and get a man gt but then again 2000-2002 gt have oil burning problems. but 110k miles isnt bad and relatively low for a 2000.

only real benefit of auto gt-s is 4 wheel disc brakes, leather, and upgraded wheels.

you cant really go wrong with an auto gt-s but landing lift is out of the question. the 6 speeds are pretty nice if you can find one.

[Zero]

Are you going for speed?
If you just want a nice looking commuter car, an auto GT-S is really not bad.
The only issues I've heard with GT-S' in general is a squeaky belt, which could be solved by getting a gatorback belt.

[2KGTS]

If it's a manual, check the gears closely - practice a lot of shifts while test-driving. It's rather common to have messed up synchros going in and out of gears due to abuse.

Check oil consumption? My '00 GT-S has been driven hard it's whole life and uses a quart between oil changes - and that's synthetic oil, of course, so not the cheap kind.

Check the sunroor and sunroof shade thoroughly if your car has one.

I'm of the DISTINCT impression the timing belt is a 60K maintenance item. Someone crack open a manual and check please!

Squeaky belt (tensioner) is very common. You won't hear it except on wet days or a day just after a wet day, usually. People change belts and tensioners. I do wonder about the idler pully becoming glazed/too smooth. But I've not seen threads here on that for a long time. You can do a search.

I live in your neck of the woods and wouldn't consider driving much in the winter without DEDICATED SNOW TIRES. Traction still is less than other vehicles with snows, but it makes the Celica much more liveable during the winter season.

That's all I can think of for now!

[mad.mdx]

Uhh the celica uses a timing chain... And yeah the gts is all right even as an auto, since it has quite a good engine