2000 Toyota Celica, TRD Sports M ZZT231

d suede upholstery shows no major defects outside from some minor bolster wear on the driver’s side. The material is mirrored in the door cards, and the remaining upholstery is in good condition, from the headliner to the carpets which have been protected by some snazzy factory mats. The center stack is easy to navigate, and features a premium OEM audio upgrade, and optional digital automatic climate control. Both work like a charm, with the latter doling out cold A/C and hot heat at a moments notice. Power windows, locks, and mirrors are all operable, and factory keyless entry makes entry and exit a breeze. Factory TRD instrumentation is easy to read, and boasts a 240kph speedometer for those who like to live dangerously. The rear bench allows easy access into the trunk, which features a factory strut brace. Overall, it’s hard to find major gripes with the cabin. Everything is operable, down to the power folding mirrors, and save for a bit of wear to the finish on the shift knob, this super Celica really impresses. Even the original owner’s manual and maintenance booklet are included. This new chassis was sharper than the one it replaced and the Yamaha-designed 1.8L is a lively power unit. Fresh off an oil and filter service the 2ZZ-GE churns to life care of a new 12v battery. It benefits from a fresh oil and filter service, a new engine air filter, and we replaced the water pump to keep the 2ZZ running tip top. While we were in there, the timing tensioner gasket was replaced, as was the thermostat. A new serpentine belt rounds off the list of major maintenance, and we resealed the valve cover and oil pan for good measure. The VVTL-i equipped four banger is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox that powers the front wheels. It’s a communicative transmission that lacks any grinds or hitches. The TRD knob feels perfect in the palm of your left hand, too. The throttle response is fabulous and the 2ZZ sings all the way to redline. We converted and replaced the outdated Super Strut suspension with a more standard McPherson layout. This Celica wears new shocks on all four corners, and retains the original TRD springs to keep handling razor sharp. We also installed new front lower control arm bushings. With the conversion, the factory ABS system was deleted, which does little to affect the performance of this lightweight coupe. One of our trained techs has rebuilt the steering rack with new seals, and installed new inner and outer tie rods upon reassembly. The power steering is light yet communicative and the Kreutzer alloys are wrapped in good Yokohama rubber. This Celica is backed by tons of good maintenance, and is a killer performance bargain. Get behind the wheel and find out why!