My last car was a 2000 Celica GTS with the 6 speed. Good car, great styling, kinda peppy, awesome gas milage considering, good handling, sunroof & cruise (only mentioned because the MSP has neither). It was probably faster than my MSP in a straight line, but the MSP has much more usable power. The powerband in the Celica is very high, and not very long, starts at around 6500 and ends at 7800 (I may be a little off). Mine would rev to about 8200-8300 before the fuel cut hit though. Once it was up there though, wheeeeeee!
The MSP handles worlds better though, and has more room. Although the hatch in the Celica was nice. My GTS was like $24k and didn't even have an LSD either. Also, while I haven't checked in a while, I don't think there is anyone making tons of power for cheap with them. There are exhaust and intakes, and probably turbo/supercharger kits by now, but nothing drastic I don't think, not like the Honda aftermarket world (I could be wrong, like I said, I haven't looked in a long time at the aftermarket for the celica). Mine was a lease, and so I didn't think I'd do anything to it anyway (and I didn't).
Another option to consider is the WRX. They can be had for $24k, probably even cheaper if the 2004s are out, any leftover 2003s will go cheap. Very fast, AWD, 4 doors, but the suspension felt soft esp. compared to the MSP. Tons and tons of aftermarket support though, it seems like everyone and their brother makes parts for that car. I was thinking of getting one, but my MSP was cheaper and I prefer the tighter suspension.
The MSP handles worlds better though, and has more room. Although the hatch in the Celica was nice. My GTS was like $24k and didn't even have an LSD either. Also, while I haven't checked in a while, I don't think there is anyone making tons of power for cheap with them. There are exhaust and intakes, and probably turbo/supercharger kits by now, but nothing drastic I don't think, not like the Honda aftermarket world (I could be wrong, like I said, I haven't looked in a long time at the aftermarket for the celica). Mine was a lease, and so I didn't think I'd do anything to it anyway (and I didn't).
Another option to consider is the WRX. They can be had for $24k, probably even cheaper if the 2004s are out, any leftover 2003s will go cheap. Very fast, AWD, 4 doors, but the suspension felt soft esp. compared to the MSP. Tons and tons of aftermarket support though, it seems like everyone and their brother makes parts for that car. I was thinking of getting one, but my MSP was cheaper and I prefer the tighter suspension.
