GTS differences each year

[rp02_aw11]

I am planning to get a celica gts
can someone tell me the brief differences of each year?
and also what to look for?

[silver04rollas]

I assume you are talking about the last generation? Some differences that I know of:

Low rev-limit models: 2002, 2005 (rev limited at 7800 rpm. avoid these one's).
cable driven models: 2000 - 2002.
Fly by wire models: 2003 + (03 and 04 had the rev limit raised back to 8400 rpm)

In the end, the best model to get is either an 00 or 01 followed by 03 or 04 (fly by wire, but atleast have rev limit at 8400 rpm).

Surprising thing is that I got my Corolla XRS in 2005 and compared it to the 2005 Celica GTS at the time. The rev limit on the XRS is 8400 rpm while 05 GTS had rev limit of 7800 rpm. The XRS is cable driven in all years (including Matrix models) while the 05 Celica GTS was fly by wire.

[rp02_aw11]

thanks for the info!
so 02 and 05 has low rev limit?? i guess thats pretty hard to keep the lift

and are there any common problems that i should be looking for?

[ELCelica]

yeah those are the mechanical differences
cosmetically the 00-02 run the mesh grille nose, 03-05 runs the slit nose
Action Package models begin in either 01 or 02, the only change to it comes in 05, for the final year the Action Package is dealer code XM instead of XY, and it features no opening in the bumper (01/02-04 has a wider mesh opening), slits in front of the wheels on the bumper and side skirts, standard foglights, a shorter rear wing, and a mesh section in the rear bumper, as well as a strange exhaust tip that looks like the end of a trumpet. 03 was the first year of HID front lamps. Rear lamps are the more US style with orange turn signals, while the 03 and 04 still blink orange, they have the red and white only euro look. the 05 models have a very Altezza look to them (I'm looking at the 05 brochure I took from a dealer). Also, 03 and up have a chrome garnish around where it says Celica on the hatch. that should cover cosmetic differences. personally, if I could get one, I'd get an 01, and if I got an 03 or 04, I'd get the action package, cuz I don't like the slit nose.

[silver04rollas]

The earlier models (00 and 01) had problems with lift bolts breaking. This problem was fixed in later years with 2nd generation lift bolts that were strong and did not break. If you get an 00 or 01, make sure you have the lift bolts checked.

Yes, 02 and 05 should be avoided since they were not nearly as fun as you cannot go over 8000 rpm and substantially slower than 00,01,03 and 04. Don't even think about getting an automatic GTS. That is the best way to flush your money down the toilet.

Other than that, Action Pack (Tsunami Edition in Canada) was absolutely gorgeous especially in the dark grey color. I would recommend an 03 or 04 GTS with action pack on it.

Originally Posted by rp02_aw11

thanks for the info!
so 02 and 05 has low rev limit?? i guess thats pretty hard to keep the lift

and are there any common problems that i should be looking for?

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Just wondering.

What's the difference between cable driven and fly by wire? I too am considering getting a Celica as my next car.

Does this also include the GT models? Or is this only for GT-S?

[rp02_aw11]

how could you check the lift bolts? aren't they below the valve cover? and is lift bolting breaking a really common problem?

[A Diddy]

03-05 on the front bumper is fugly. Rev limiter can be taken off or moved with a simple purchase of a turbo timer...its not a big deal

[silver04rollas]

I would recommend having it checked by a mechanic when you get it inspected.

As for fly by wire vs cable, fly by wire is electronic driven throttle that is controlled by the computer while cable is directly linked through a cable so there is no computer intervention. The problems with fly by wire throttle is that there is a 1 - 2 sec throttle lag due everytime you rapidly give inputs or suddenly press the pedal and other problem is that the aftermarket support would be limited on the fly by wire models.

Originally Posted by rp02_aw11

how could you check the lift bolts? aren't they below the valve cover? and is lift bolting breaking a really common problem?

[BrightTundra04]

one problem i have seen withthem is the 6speed, likes to eat third and forth gears. i can't remeber what years had the trans problems

[ST185]

I prefer "Throttle-by-Wire" to "Fly-by-Wire"