Price estimate on a 2002 GTS?

[Krymson9]

... so it's almost been one week since I first test drove a Celica GTS. I've been thinking about starting to look for a new car - something a little more (actually A LOT more) sporty than my Beretta Z26. No flames please, it was my very first car. Bought when I was 18... I was dumb back then. I can't slam it too much... it's done very well for what it was designed for - a sporty coupe. It's no race car but it's gotten me where I need to go (in no hurry) and I've had only minor wear & tear problems in the 7 years I've owned it. But I must also say that it made me never want to buy another domestic car again.

Needless to say tho, I've been dreaming of the GTS all week. I went out for an hour and a half test drive and I can honestly say it's the most fun I've EVER had driving a car. I promised myself that I would test drive other cars since I bought the Beretta without test driving anything else --- hence the mistake. But, I've practically made up my mind. I LOVE THIS CAR!

So, I'm a good 8 months out from getting a new ride (wanna have a nice downpayment) but I want to be well educated when I go in to wheel and deal with the salesman. So, I bring to the experts:

1. About what can I expect to pay for a 2002 GTS model with the Action Package and loaded with nearly all the options? (moonroof, leather int, carbon fiber dash, 16" wheels, you know... the works)

2. What about the 2003 models? Anyone heard anything about them? Seen any previews? Any restyling? (Just curious because it always seems that when I really start liking the aesthetics of a car... they redesign it!)

Thanks a lot for your opinions and advice! I'll be lurking around these messages boards often while I try to fight the urge to go test drive it every weekend!

Much Love... Krymson9

[chameleon]

Hey Krymson9, check this site out...

http://carpoint.msn.com/Vip/TrimSel/Toyota/Celica/2002.asp

[oodolbyoo]

http://config.toyota.com/Toyota/Dispatch.jsp

[R K e 1 C A]

http://www.cars.com/carsapp/national/?szc=80012&srv=parser&act=display&tf=/advice/financing/finance/finadd1.tmpl

[twanmoney]

Ok looking at my Invoice right now.
Car should be in next Week.
Here is the break down.

6 speed
Anti-lock brakes
alloy wheels
sunroof
leather
floor mats
cargo net
wheel locks
VIP RS3200 alarm
auto dimming mirror
action package

Basically loaded GTS 6 speed with action package. I Didnt get the carbon dash. and i didnt get the side airbags. nor did i get the trunk cd changer
MSRP on this car was 26439.
I got mine for 24500 out the door.
Seems to be one of the better deals had out there.
If it isnt let me know.

[Krymson9]

Thanks for all the replies! I'd been to a few of those websites already. Seemed to me that carpoint said the Invoice should be about $24000 or so. It didn't have the $$$ amounts on some of the options.

Twan - did you custom order yours? Thats what I was gonna do. If you did - what's the turnaround? 6-8 weeks? And does Toyota charge extra for a custom order? After rushing into buying my first car, I'm in no hurry this time around to get it. I'd rather it be exactly what I want than to settle for something else just to get it sooner. Immediate gratification is not a necessity this time around!

So no one has heard anything about the 2003 Celis? I mean I realize that it's only January - but sometimes at auto shows and such they'll preview the upcoming model year.

[ST]

Price varies by regions. Some regions require additional Port expense. It is usually best to compare against the Dealer Invoice Price. Calculate the invoice price for all the options you want and then add a few hundred bucks on top of that. A salesperson showed me that for 2002 GTS, $499 OVER INVOICE is the MINIMUM they are willing to sell. $299 for GT. This price changes throughout the year...less toward the end of the year (but less selection for you). It is usually best if you can preorder the car. This way you'll avoid the 'inventory' cost and able to get the exact car that you want. Check out http://www.fightingchance.com/
it has awesome info on car buying.
- good luck and enjoy fighting with those bastards.

[Da Kine Guy]

www.toyotapaloalto.com

they have a nice configurator which shows the invoice and msrp in real time when you check off options. Looks like the invoice on a car with most of the options is gonna run you around 24,000 bucks.

[R K e 1 C A]

Fighting Chance sucks a$$. Those motherf***ers pissed me off. Anyone thinking of doing business w/those pricks don

[ST]

Why are you doing business with them? Just learn how to avoid dealers' many traps so you don't look like an idiot after you buy your car. Dealers will always screw you! if you read fighting chance, you should be able to avoid many traps. There's no need to do business with them (fighting chance).