New to Celicas

[blackfireball5]

Hey Everyone,

I Just created an account and decided to create a post to introduce myself. I am heading out tomorrow morning to pick up a 2003 Toyota Celica GT-S. This is my first manual car and I'm excited to learn stick.

I have been reading a little and learned some things from this post bur i wanted to create a little thread for myself for quick reference.

Such as... How often should the general maintenance be done on these cars like belts, oil changes, spark plugs, ect ect.

Are there any known/common problems with these cars? Anything i should know or look for?

What are the most popular places for aftermarket modifications for these cars?

Any general suggestions or comments?

I'm excited to own my first Celica as I've always loved them since i was in high school. Cant wait to get her!

Thanks guys and gals!

[blackfireball5]

Also, are there any really good companies that offer flashes or tunes for this car? And what kind of performance increase can you expect from that on these?

[tsunami]

How often should the general maintenance be done on these cars like belts, oil changes, spark plugs, ect ect.

Just refer to the Owners booklet or view it online - it will specify when and what to do

Are there any known/common problems with these cars? Anything i should know or look for?

Keep an eye on the Lift Bolts and check the sunroof for rust

What are the most popular places for aftermarket modifications for these cars?

Depends on what modifications you want. There isn't a lot of aftermarket parts available. However, TRD (Toyota Racing Development) still has a decent amount of items available

Any general suggestions or comments?

You have a 2003 GTS, this has some of the nicest parts already on it. Not sure if you have the TRD kit, but if so then you probably have the factory HID lights as well so absolutely no need to get any aftermarket hid's or even think of changing the lights themselves

[2000celicagtmg]

Welcome....all I can throw in there is to take it to a dealer/shop and have it looked over real good, plugs belt yadda yadda yadda.

[marcusher]

never take it to the dealer

[mrlieu]

Welcome to the forum!

[2000celicagtmg]

Originally Posted by marcusher

never take it to the dealer

My local dealership is awesome, friendly and helps alot more than the other two in nearby towns, they let me stay with the car the whole time they are working on it no matter what they are doing, let me ask questions and take the time to tell me whats going on, and they are fast and dont take a half hour break and charge me for that time. I guess it just depends on where you go and who you know????