2000 GT-S 6 speed reliability?

[boost addict]

I’m a newbie to the forum but have been a Toyota guy for years, having owned two Celicas, two Supras, and a Tacoma. I’m new to the 7th gen Celica and have found a low mileage 2000 GT-S 6 speed that I’m interested in. After browsing this forum I think have a good feel for problem areas and issues I need to look for when 7th gen shopping.

After taking an extensive test drive in the 2000 I’ve found, I can’t find any issues other than a check engine light that I found out to be code P0172. After cleaning the MAF sensor and resetting the ECU, the light & code did not return. Car runs smooth from idle to redline.

I know the past is unknown as far as how this particular vehicles transmission has been treated, but the car is 100% stock and in good shape otherwise with no signs of abuse and less than 50k miles. Are year 2000 6-speed manual transmissions destined for syncro failure regardless if they are treated naughty or nice, even if you change the fluid at regular intervals and don’t slam the gears at redline every time you hit the starter? I know the shifter gate and gears/syncros were revised a few years in, but do they still hold up over time if not thrashed on?

The 2000 GT-S I’ve found shifts well for a FWD vehicle with a cable actuated setup (I’m used to rear wheel drive vehicles with direct link shifters). Smooth upshifts up to redline as well as downshifts – no grinding or resistance.

I really liked how the car ran, drove, and handled. My only concern is the transmission having early issues down the road and having to deal with that. I’m used to putting well over 100K miles on my manual vehicles with no transmission issues. For example, I have an ’86 300ZX as a daily driver with 182K and other than a new clutch and regular fluid changes, the transmission hasn’t been touched and it still shifts great.

[Tokuzo]

Many complain about the 2nd gear syncro, but that's about it; however, I have never had an issue with mine, and I am now at about 130k miles. The car is a reliable work horse, and has decent power for a commuter. Don't expect a power house potential like the Supra though. Unless you are talking about an old a$$ Supra, then this car will likely never compare.

[Smaay]

its the 3rd gear syncro that has problems. as long as you dont abuse it, you should be fine. MOST of the issues were from hard shifting and driver abuse. there is a thread on here about new 3rd and 4th gears and synchros. you need to do both of them if you start to grind.

the only thing else is the lift bolts. read my thread on how to check or change them in the repair section stickys. enjoy your 2000 6 speed. you got the best one! PM me when you are ready to BOOST it!

[boost addict]

I've already read and printed off the lift bolt replacement guide - I can handle that, no problem.

Good to know about the transmission. This is the only thing other than finalizing on a price thats keeping me from pulling the trigger on this car.

If I can deal and get the car, it will stay normally aspirated. My Supra is a turbo model and I need the Celica to get better gas mileage than what the Supra does. :D



its the 3rd gear syncro that has problems. as long as you dont abuse it, you should be fine. MOST of the issues were from hard shifting and driver abuse. there is a thread on here about new 3rd and 4th gears and synchros. you need to do both of them if you start to grind.

the only thing else is the lift bolts. read my thread on how to check or change them in the repair section stickys. enjoy your 2000 6 speed. you got the best one! PM me when you are ready to BOOST it!

[Projeckt Celica]

I have a buddy with a 00 GT-S, and his tranny is great runs like new and smooth shifting, you shouldn't need to worry ;)

[partyball]

I have a 2000 GTS and the tranny is great. Smooth shifting and no grinds. Finding a 2000 with less than 50K is a rare feat nowadays.

[GSBoek]

All problems with the C60 are user error. Mainly misshifts by people unfamiliar with short throw, narrow gate shifters. It's not the tranny's fault that people can't drive.

[narly charley]

I have a 6 Speed GT-S... I love it dearly. It has 150,000 miles on it and looks, runs, and drives like new. Like most any car, take care of it, and it will take care of you (Toyota's needing less care :gap:)... This is my 5th Toyota and is my second favorite (my 91' 4x4 Pickup being #1;))

The only thing is that when it's cold (below 40), 2nd gear is a little tricky... Good job with the find though!

[Juicestaine]

its the 3rd gear syncro that has problems. as long as you dont abuse it, you should be fine. MOST of the issues were from hard shifting and driver abuse. there is a thread on here about new 3rd and 4th gears and synchros. you need to do both of them if you start to grind.

the only thing else is the lift bolts. read my thread on how to check or change them in the repair section stickys. enjoy your 2000 6 speed. you got the best one! PM me when you are ready to BOOST it!

Hey guys, never posted up anything here before, but i've been on this site probably 200 times since I bought my Celi. in march 2010.. I've got to say, thanks for all the useful info!

But anyways just commenting about the transmission.. I've got a 00' GT-S with about to 220,000 Kilometers on it, and the transmission does have a bit of synchro problems, I am the third owner of the car though, so I cant say how it's been treated.. but I do know the 2nd owners didn't even know about "Lift".. anyways, my problems are actually on 2nd AND 3rd gear, but it's only affected when downshifting. if you rev match, beforehand it helps enough and even more if you can slide it into gear nice and smooth instead of just jamming it in there like your trying to pry something.. hahah

Anywaysssss, that's how mines acting, but I just live with it and its no big deal, I can still catch up with all those guys who decide to randomly speed by me ;)