Any tips for a newbie driving a Celica?

[Mage]

I got a 97 Celica ST a week ago, and I'm really happy with it (as I don't race or anything). I've been driving stick for 4 years now, but my old car was simply an 89 Tercel. Just wondering if someone could give me tips on the best way to shift (double clutching?) and drive in general, even though I just use this car as a daily driver pretty much.

Oh yeah, this is kinda embarrasing, but what stuff is best for washing it? I never bothered with my old car b/c it was so junky to begin with :o What kind of stuff (or brands) should I look for in soap/detergent/wax? (And how should I go about washing/waxing I suppose... it seems basic but I want to know what to keep in mind.)

[Mistrimeat]

Meguiars Gold Class car wash. Dont ever use dishwashing detergent or liquid soap. Some poeple on this board will swear by Zaino, but I dont like dropping that kind of cash for wax. Meguiars is alot easier to get, too.

I use Meguiars 3 step when waxing, sometimes I clay bar:

- paint cleaner
- clay bar (optional)
- #9 polish
- yellow wax (#7?) 2-3 coats

The end result is like looking in a mirror if you do it correctly.

[AkUmA]

Originally posted by Mistrimeat
Meguiars Gold Class car wash. Dont ever use dishwashing detergent or liquid soap. Some poeple on this board will swear by Zaino, but I dont like dropping that kind of cash for wax. Meguiars is alot easier to get, too.

I use Meguiars 3 step when waxing, sometimes I clay bar:

- paint cleaner
- clay bar (optional)
- #9 polish
- yellow wax (#7?) 2-3 coats

The end result is like looking in a mirror if you do it correctly.

:werd: meguiars!:thumbup:

[gregRowe]

Zaino is all that expensive but it a little more than others. All you really need from zaino is Z1 and Z2. I am not sure if Z1 is even required. It cost me about 30$ total for 1 bottle of Z1 and one bottle of Z2. It takes very little to cover the whole car, I have tons left after one application.

Greg

[bme107]

For wash and wax info here, check out the forum for it. There are hours of reading on these issues.

For 6th gen Celica info check out www.celica.net

[Mage]

Thanks for the tips :D

[VTEC-SHMEE-TEC]

zaino is the unreal..worth the xtra $$$

[Orion Pax]

Originally posted by Mistrimeat
Meguiars Gold Class car wash. Dont ever use dishwashing detergent or liquid soap. Some poeple on this board will swear by Zaino, but I dont like dropping that kind of cash for wax. Meguiars is alot easier to get, too.

I use Meguiars 3 step when waxing, sometimes I clay bar:

- paint cleaner
- clay bar (optional)
- #9 polish
- yellow wax (#7?) 2-3 coats

The end result is like looking in a mirror if you do it correctly.

:werd:

That **** works good! The clay bar is awesome; gets a whole lotta nasty **** you didn't missed when washing your car

[Brian00GTS]

Congrats on the new car! Yes, follow the instructions above for washing and stuff.

:bowdown: Zaino(even though it's $$$$)

With the 7A-FE(your engine), it's prolly wise to shift around 5500rpm to get the best acceleration if I remember right. I had a 94 GT before this car, and I have a friend with a 97 ST. Anyways, your power tapers off near redline, so make sure you stay in the powerband...and enjoy the car!! :)