Hey! I also traded in my celica and bought a Z. Although my 2000 celica sold a lot lower than what your aunt is offering. I'd take it and go ahead and get a 2004 enthusiast model that comes with anti-lock and vdc. Those things are gonna save your life and you can't upgrade it later. As for auto vs manual, it's up to you, they're both good.

 

Come back when you have $25,000 in your hand and I’d be happy to comment.

 

GET a manual ........its a sports car for God's sake. NOT a celica!

 

It's so funny to read this thread. Sounds so much like me. I went from a 2000 Celica to a 2003 Performance Z. I also learned how to drive manual on the Z. Seeing as how you sound like how I was last year, at least consider learning a manual. In my opinion, and many others, it's much better. In the end though, get what you like.

 

I have an 03 with no problems and I love it, but if I had a choice I'd probably go for the 04 for less likelyhood of problems.

 

You better off buying the 06' Z. It's not worth saving $5k-$10k on a used one.

 

It's not worth buying a Z unless it's a stick. My dad has a super black Z that's auto and it's not the same as driving a stick. Still powerful but not as fun IMHO. He does have some sick Stern wheels on them tho.

 

For $25,000 you can get a used 05 Base or possbily a new one since the arrival of the 06 models. Good luck.

 

I considered the Celica at first, b/c it really does look nice...awesome body style, BUT with ONLY 180 HP in the GT-S, tall shifter, and Toyota's wonderful way of nickle and dimin' you for EVERY option....$25K for a fully loaded Celica?? I see f*ck it and bought a base Z.

Like most people are saying, learn to drive stick....Celica is a sports coupe....The Z is a TRUE sports car and you'll kick yourself later, if you get the auto.

Ask a friend or family member with a stick to teach you on their car....or maybe a driving school could teach you??

 

i had the celica as well and just got a Z this year. the celica is actually a great car and i miss it's lightweight and gas mileage. the steering and handling was great and the braking was top notch. it's so good in fact that i might be thinking in getting a used celica as an everyday car and use my Z as a weekend car. i think it's funny how lots of people here smirk at how the celica sucks and how the Z is a true sports car...i have had may instances where porche and lotus owners have given me that same elitist smirk just cuz i drive around in 'a 3300 lbs., underpowered, japanese pig'...no kidding....there are always bigger fish in the sea.

 

Hey! I've had sticks in many of the cars I had in the past, but I got a AT on my Z. It was the one I could get the best deal on. I have never regretted getting it. Get whatever will work for you.

 

Definetly dont get a used one when for ~25k you can get an 05 base (if you can find one you want). The base model is an awesome deal and comes with 97% of the goodies the others do.

 

The Enthusiast is worth the extra little bit of money IMO....you get TCS(traction control), HID lights, and VLSD. Other than those things the base and enthusiast are identical for the 2003-2005.....

only advantage of buying an 04 or 05 over an 03 is that you have LESS chance of dealing with the more common known problems....feathering, bad tranny, window grease streaks, rear axle click, etc.....but they are still known to happen in some 04 and 05 models......

Now that I got that out....buy one with the 6spd tranny....it is worth it and no sports car should even offer an A/T tranny IMO

 

Thanks everybody...I'm now starting my search for a white (or black) 2004 Z.

 

yeah, the Celica is a beautiful car...but it's just too weak.

 

Why is it that so many people are looking at white or black at the same time, i find those two colors appeal to completely different people usually. Nothing wrong at all with those colors, my point is i just noticed several people posting that they (the same person) are looking for Black or White.

OKay this post was pointless

 

i traded my scion tc for an 03 touring. i'm in love with my car. don't know what I was thinking with the tc; good everyday car though. I bought my car used with the extended warranty 7yr/100K miles transfering over to me. I had a couple problems (axle clicking and inner passenger door handle), but all was taken care of under warranty. I don't regret buying an 03. The extended warranty makes me feel more confident about my car.

 

you can definately get a nice Z for 25k. my 04 touring model came fully loaded with the sticker being 36k+, and now the kbb price on my car is only 24k

 

i got my 04 Touring for less than $25K a couple of months back. you should have no problem with and 04 or even an 05. Don't forget to Carfax it and have the dealer do a quick inspection if you buy used.

And if AT is what you want, then get it. It would be nice to learn stick though just in case.

I had several manual cars for years and when I got my Z I made sure its an AT - I don't regret it a bit. traffic, cell phones...etc. Life is just too busy for a manual daily driver

I test drove several stick Z's as well as AT and both flavors are tons of fun to drive. good luck.

 

Lets see, your question was an 03 or an 04. I'd go for an o4 as stated above. Probability of less problems. I have an 05 SB touring. If you can get a good price on a used 05, then go for it. Enjoy!