2000 Celica right for me?

[porchemasi]

Hey guys i just joined this forum and need to get some issues flattened out,

Im 19 soon and plan on buying a 2000 Toyota Celica GT (my 1st car to be) with 190 000 KM on the car ...I love Celicas, they are my favourite car!! I mean for $8000 or even $9000 i think their worth every single penny, when it comes to looks and what not. But im not an automotive engineer, nor a car tycoon.

I need a nice looking car, with good milage, little maintenance, good price, fast, easily customizable, and well also safe. Well this may seem like a dream car im describing to you but seriously.

What must i look out for when buying a 2000 Celica? I mean 190k in 8 yrs is damn alot ...

1. How long does a typical Toyota Celica engine last for ...?
2. Is it worth it to buy a 2000 model? or buy a 2002 model for $1000 more with 150k km ..
3. Any advice / disadvantages for Celicas (besides high insurance)? More Cops? Repair fee's are more?\
EDIT !! OMG I FORGOT

ARE CELICAS DRIVABLE IN THE WINTER! IF IT HAS NOT BEEN LOWERED? my biggest fear! Can i drive my 2002 Celica in the winter (in CANADA, TORONTO)

If I do go for a test drive, what should I listen for? I mean it may drive amazing now, but what could i expect >:( 1ST CAR MAN i dotn want to throw away $9000 on car that just looks good :S

Plz any help/advice would be amazing from u guys.

[Alvos]

1) The lifter bolts break. Toyota sells replacements, but it's still a pain to have them installed
2) ...something or other that's supposedly caused by the rings warping...building up oil sludge....wearing out valves prematurely.......yeah, the '00~'02 engines are kinda screwy, but the kinks were worked out from '03 and beyond

[porchemasi]

So i should save up more and try for an 03+ ? :( damn guess i gota wait afew more months :PPPP but i mean u guys are pros and im willign to wait for a better year model if it means saving me money in the long run

edit: plz anyone can a 2000+ model celica be DRIVABLE IN THE WINTER ?? like safely .. or in comparison to a 2000 Honda Civic?

[Sal]

buy mine 2002 with 70K and tons of mods

[Pineapple]

Originally Posted by porchemasi

edit: plz anyone can a 2000+ model celica be DRIVABLE IN THE WINTER ?? like safely .. or in comparison to a 2000 Honda Civic?

In short every car can be driven safely in winter. Its not the car, its the driver.

Compare to my Cavalier with bald tires and bad brakes, anything else is safe. And I drove it for a full winter. I totally relearn how to drive.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Alvos

1) The lifter bolts break. Toyota sells replacements, but it's still a pain to have them installed
2) ...something or other that's supposedly caused by the rings warping...building up oil sludge....wearing out valves prematurely.......yeah, the '00~'02 engines are kinda screwy, but the kinks were worked out from '03 and beyond

There are no lift bolts (or "lift" for that matter) on a GT.

To the original poster, the car is perfectly fine in the snow...put some snow tires on it and it's actually a pretty good winter driver.

The GT is notorious for oil burning but just be weary of it, and keep topping up the engine. Other than that, it is a great buy. GREAT Toyota quality and a sporty, fun to drive car.

I would 100% say to pick one up. I've owned 3 7th gen Celicas, and loved them all.

[Arabian_Knight]

i drove a 2002 gt-s for3 winters with absolutely no issues. Its front wheel drive, just make sure you get winter tires and drive safely and youll be ok. In terms or reliability, the GT doesnt have lift so you dont need to worry about the lifter bolts. Just check to see if that engine is burning oil, take it to a mechanic before you buy (preferably a toyota dealer) for a complete inspection that will run you like 100 bucks but is really worth it. All in all celicas are pretty damn reliable, but any car with 190 K on it might have some serious wear if not taken care of, do your due deligience when purchasing and you should be fine. You want to find a steal, look into lease busters.

[Alvos]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

There are no lift bolts (or "lift" for that matter) on a GT.

My bad. I just saw the "2000 Celica" part. I was speaking in general.