What to look for in buying a used 2003+ Celica?

[GreatScott]

Hey everyone!

I'd first like to say that I've been lurking the forums for about a little less than four years now and never is there a time where it ceases to amaze me how much knowledge and advice is passed on from member to member here. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm really glad these forums are still here and that I'm proud to be a member (and hopefully a contributing one in the future).

Now with all the Disney-esque mushiness aside :blah:, I wanted to ask:

What should a potential buyer look for in a 2003+ Celica?

I'm primarily asking for potential problems that one should be aware of when looking at a used Celica. I'm not too sure but I believe a while back some of the lift bolts in the Celica's needed replacing. I'm not sure if that was just for the 2000-2002 models, though, but I also heard about problems in the sunroof not opening correctly.

So in short, what are some normal wear and tear issues that one should look for? What should one ask the seller in terms of mechanical issues? Is there anything in particular that one should ABSOLUTELY look for before buying said used Celica?

Thanks in advance! Please go easy on me! :newbie:

[RomanTaylor]

First of all, 7th gen Celicas come in two trims: GT and GT-S. (not sure if you're aware of this because you never mentioned it, so don't be mad if you do ha ha)

GT doesn't have lift bolts and it's slower than GT-S, but GT-S uses premium gas (just something to keep in mind). There are more differences like brakes, and some interior but look it up. And ANY year GT-S will have lift bolts.

Since it's 03+ you don't have to worry about potential oil burning issue with early GT's.

Good luck, keep us updated. :)

[GSBoek]

Although miss-shifts were more common on the '00 and '01 GT-S with tight shift gates, it would still be advisable to check for grinding gears on down shifts if it's a manual GT-S. To a much less extent a manual GT could also have suffered from a miss-shift.

Check for suspension noises or CV-joint clicking while turning at low speed with full lock on the steering.

Ask about service records, oil changes, any fixes done to the car, watch the owner when he answers if he swallows. :chuckles:

[Curt705]

And also remember that 03-05 model years are drive by wire....and the gt-s models' lift engages at a higher rpm rather than 5,900 like on the 00

[GSBoek]

^That is only on the very few early build '00 GT-S (built '99). Mine's build is march 2000 and it has the 6200 rpm switchover.

[deltaB]

You have to make sure lift works.
There seems to be a lot of folks with CEL's. Make sure the light works, but stays off with the engine running. I had an oxygen sensor, alternator, and evap system leak over the years.
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