Thank you for the posting and the assessment. I just bought my GR Premium 2024 last month and fully enjoyed it. The fog light is a must have for me, especially at night. The automatic defeated the purpose why buy it in the first place. You are absolutely right, nothing beats the feeling of you are driving the car the way you want it !!!
As long as they don’t make the Aisin EA68F available in future models I’ll be happy with my 2023. Thank you for your commentary and I agree with your sentiments.
Fun video. Nice explanation of the changes plus your points of view. We have a nice Corolla hatchback, two tone XSE in Clearwater, FL and enjoy it much. I like watching each GR model on track. They look like super fun toys. Toyota is doing great things atm. 💯 Cheers from Tampa Bay 🌴🤙🏼 081124
Mine is aftermarket, it's the Blitz design. I like it since my car doesn't look like most GRCs with the CE wing. The link is in this video in the description. th-cam.com/video/OWAxK76F-cE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=EScpFSHEgTCF6Bi3
I love them all but for me a fog light is a must, cooling I can always get a better radiator & oil cooler. Seems like all the modifications done to the car can also be done to the 23 & 24 model only one worth really doing is the longer trailing arm brackets. Plus I really wanna get a spoiler on the hatch later so how they said the new front bumper wouldn’t be good with a wing was 😢. They should save the money dual zone hvac on such a small car 😂. HUD should be an optional install I feel like that would be better for people that also don’t want it. What they should have spent the money on would be nice hardware auto dimming digital rear view mirror with homelink & power folding mirrors & door puddle lights with GR logo.
Those are great ideas. I also think that money could have been spent on better options than dual zone and HUD. On a car like this they just seem like worthless ways for spending money in my book.
I like pretty much everything about the 2025s except the front bumper. I know about its functionality, but my god. What an eyesore. The 23-24s looked so much better.
@@jimsgaragetoys Absolutely. I think they have to make changes here and there to keep people interested, but I don’t see how an uglier front end helps keep anyone interested lol. You bring up a great point about oil temps, too. Do you think it would be wise to install an aftermarket oil cooler to hopefully keep temps more under control?
@@drivedb7 If someone is tracking it yes, absolutely. If they live in a hot climate and drive it hard it would be a good option too. I also believe that most of us would benefit from running 5w-30 in the summer since that weight is used in other counties that don't have these mileage goals set by laws. I think that everyone needs to track their oil temps and make adjustments that they need to make for their car.
I would pass on the '25 GR After 3k miles I like my '24 GR Circuit a bunch. More so now that I am on a 4k mile road trip towars middle OR then to Utah & CO driving the "best" roads each area has to offer. I would like a sunroof for more quiet and consistent ventelation (I have mine cracked open in the Fiesta ST in almost "all" weather & love it) I find the A pillar a bit intrusive when driving spirited. I waited months for a flame blue - I passed on it for a white when I saw the blue in the flesh. My Harley is a darker blue and look amazing.
Congrats on your 24 Circuit. I would take the white over the Flame Blue any day too! I've always wished that the Core had the option of a sunroof knowing that the model with the CF roof couldn't have one. I too find the A pillar intrusive though I've gotten some what used to it. It just seems overly thick.
@@jimsgaragetoys I first wanted the blue - when I saw it in the flesh - I knew I could not grow to like it so I passed on it. Because I have a horsehoe in my butt- I called another dealer & he had a white circuit👍 If they would offer a sunroof on the GRC - I would give it a "hard look" - all else remaining equal. On this trip I grew to work around the A pillar!!! I just drove Oregon Hwy 3. This is the 4th time I'm on it. It was in my Top 10. Now it is in top 5 closer to #1. I gave it some though and figure it is because it FLOWs so damn well at speed. & I have a shit ton of roads to compare it to - just on "this" road trip alone
@@TerryManitoba Have you continued north on OR SR3 into WA State and onto WA SR129? It gets even better. The drive of OR SR3 and WA SR129 combined is excellent and a favorite of mine. I need to go through some of my favorites form all across the US and try to remember them and put them in some order.
@@jimsgaragetoys I started in Lewiston Wa - so I did do 129. One other great thing was that I ran it "almost" clean. Started at 3 pm - I caught up to only 2 vehicles in total & both pulled over ASAP to let me by on double solid lines - HUGE props to them... Ya - trying to remember the best rides is a tough one. The Wy to Wa to N Ca & Ut & Co is the BEST area - if you stay away from cities & the very popular National parks to avoid traffic.
@@TerryManitoba That's awesome! I love when people pull over right away like that for me. Some of my favorite roads off the top of my head. Idaho - SR75 from Challis to Stanley | SR21 from Stanley to Boise Colorado - SR139 from Rangley to Loma | SR92 from Hotchkiss to Sapinero | SR149 from US50 to South Fork WY/Utah - US191 from I-80 to Vernal, UT This could be fun but those are a few off the top of my head.
The second generation is always better never go for the first. The 2023 and 2024 models have known issues with the water pump, AWD overheating, clutch and trans issues and even cases of sudden fires. With the second-gen, you get more torque, improved cooling, better suspension, and the automatic with paddle shifters is faster. What's not to like? I own a 2023 GRC, and I'm seriously considering getting the last gen when they eventually discontinue the GRC. Even though I spend some money on it already, I’m glad the engine it’s untouched but I will keep it as is for now, also a major body change it’s soon to come.
I've never believed this to be completely true and I've had excellent results with first year models. I own a 2009 Corolla which was the 1st year of the 10th Gen Corolla and it's been fantastic over the almost 16 years I've owned it. My wife's car is a 2010 Prius that was the 1st year of the 3rd Gen Prius and it's been perfect over the 14+ years we've owned it. Remember that this engine had been around for several years in the GR Yaris so I didn't view it as a new car since the drivetrain had been around and the Corolla platform had been around. I've not heard of any water pump issues, The AWD overheating has only been on the track and hasn't occurred to everyone, keep in mind that most people don't track their GRC. Clutch issues are more to do with people launching their car in my mind, the car has so much traction that the clutch is the first thing to slip and give way. It's also been a very small number of owners that have had any type of clutch issues. Social media blows everything out of proportion. The fires? Who knows what is going on. Until we know more we need to wait and see. I prefer to not speculate about the unknown. You said, All minor things that can be improved beyond these levels in the aftermarket already. The automatic? I don't care if it is a little quicker, I would never trade in my manual for an automatic. I'll never give up the connection I have with the car driving a manual for a little more speed of an automatic. I explained that in my video too. I much prefer the looks of my 2023 and I like that it doesn't have the ugly looking parking sensors. With a tune, it's easy to to get 300 hp/tq at the wheels vs stock at the crank. The improvements are fine for new buyers but I don't find them worthwhile for most existing owners that have already been making their GRC their own. Thanks for your thoughts.
@@jimsgaragetoys I agree, internet stories blown out of proportion. Nobody wants to hear that GR Corolla was involved in a prior front collision and the fire was most likely a result of a poor repair.
I don't think anyone is insecure about the automatic, just disappointed that it takes away from manual availability. There are plenty of other options on the market that have an automatic and it made the GRC more special knowing that it only came with a manual for drivers that appreciated the driver engagement that offers.
@jimsgaragetoys pretty sure the manual will still be available for those who want that option. It's just weird that some people are offended by an auto option even being available.
@@xyzman101 Yes, the manual will be available but it eats into the number of manuals that will be made. When something is already made in such small numbers and for decades manual enthusiasts have seen the number of options continue to diminish it does get frustrating to a lot of people. So when they hear that some of the allotment will get an automatic, it's like here we go again. I personally don't look at the GRC as a drag car so the faster 0-60 times of and auto is worthless IMO. The difference in time around a track will be hard to say as it will be more up to the ability of the driver.
@jimsgaragetoys brush, I guarantee you anyone who wants a manual will get one. They are responding to the market, so many people passed on the first year due to manual inly, and knowing that a slick shifting auto was around the corner. No need to stress
@@xyzman101 I'm not stressing, I'm just trying to express what many people are feeling from what I've been hearing. There aren't that many people waiting for the automatic though, this kind of car is so much more fun to drive with a manual, and the bottom line for most owners is driving fun, not tenths of a second at the drag strip or track.
Thank you for the posting and the assessment. I just bought my GR Premium 2024 last month and fully enjoyed it. The fog light is a must have for me, especially at night. The automatic defeated the purpose why buy it in the first place. You are absolutely right, nothing beats the feeling of you are driving the car the way you want it !!!
I like how you think! Enjoy your GRC!
Happy with my 2023 core........it's my red baby....I paid well over the MSRP as Im in NJ....dont care...I like it....end of
Bummer that you paid over MSRP but at the end of the day it doesn't matter if you are happy. Glad that you love your GRC!
I like the fall lamps in the 23 24 But I do like the automatic in the 2025 Since I am handicapped.
I do understand your point, but at least most every car comes with an automatic so you have a good selection from that aspect.
Good take. Very reasonable and realistic.
+ I prefer knockers as well.
Thanks! One of my local car groups gave that to me for my birthday many years ago! I've still love it!
As long as they don’t make the Aisin EA68F available in future models I’ll be happy with my 2023. Thank you for your commentary and I agree with your sentiments.
Thanks for your thoughts, Keith.
Fun video. Nice explanation of the changes plus your points of view. We have a nice Corolla hatchback, two tone XSE in Clearwater, FL and enjoy it much. I like watching each GR model on track. They look like super fun toys. Toyota is doing great things atm. 💯 Cheers from Tampa Bay 🌴🤙🏼 081124
Thank you much! The standard Corollas are fantastic cars too. I'm disappointed that Toyota doesn't offer a manual transmission for them anymore.
Question, Is the rear spoiler on your GR stock or after market?
Mine is aftermarket, it's the Blitz design. I like it since my car doesn't look like most GRCs with the CE wing. The link is in this video in the description. th-cam.com/video/OWAxK76F-cE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=EScpFSHEgTCF6Bi3
I love them all but for me a fog light is a must, cooling I can always get a better radiator & oil cooler. Seems like all the modifications done to the car can also be done to the 23 & 24 model only one worth really doing is the longer trailing arm brackets. Plus I really wanna get a spoiler on the hatch later so how they said the new front bumper wouldn’t be good with a wing was 😢. They should save the money dual zone hvac on such a small car 😂. HUD should be an optional install I feel like that would be better for people that also don’t want it. What they should have spent the money on would be nice hardware auto dimming digital rear view mirror with homelink & power folding mirrors & door puddle lights with GR logo.
Those are great ideas. I also think that money could have been spent on better options than dual zone and HUD. On a car like this they just seem like worthless ways for spending money in my book.
I like pretty much everything about the 2025s except the front bumper. I know about its functionality, but my god. What an eyesore. The 23-24s looked so much better.
To me the new changes just don't mean much at all and I don't think will make much of any difference on the street.
@@jimsgaragetoys Absolutely. I think they have to make changes here and there to keep people interested, but I don’t see how an uglier front end helps keep anyone interested lol.
You bring up a great point about oil temps, too. Do you think it would be wise to install an aftermarket oil cooler to hopefully keep temps more under control?
@@drivedb7 If someone is tracking it yes, absolutely. If they live in a hot climate and drive it hard it would be a good option too. I also believe that most of us would benefit from running 5w-30 in the summer since that weight is used in other counties that don't have these mileage goals set by laws. I think that everyone needs to track their oil temps and make adjustments that they need to make for their car.
25 Premium plus lacks the CE's forged BBS wheels, AFAIK.
That it does, I forgot to mention that one.
I would pass on the '25 GR
After 3k miles I like my '24 GR Circuit a bunch. More so now that I am on a 4k mile road trip towars middle OR then to Utah & CO driving the "best" roads each area has to offer.
I would like a sunroof for more quiet and consistent ventelation (I have mine cracked open in the Fiesta ST in almost "all" weather & love it)
I find the A pillar a bit intrusive when driving spirited.
I waited months for a flame blue - I passed on it for a white when I saw the blue in the flesh. My Harley is a darker blue and look amazing.
Congrats on your 24 Circuit. I would take the white over the Flame Blue any day too! I've always wished that the Core had the option of a sunroof knowing that the model with the CF roof couldn't have one. I too find the A pillar intrusive though I've gotten some what used to it. It just seems overly thick.
@@jimsgaragetoys I first wanted the blue - when I saw it in the flesh - I knew I could not grow to like it so I passed on it. Because I have a horsehoe in my butt- I called another dealer & he had a white circuit👍
If they would offer a sunroof on the GRC - I would give it a "hard look" - all else remaining equal.
On this trip I grew to work around the A pillar!!!
I just drove Oregon Hwy 3. This is the 4th time I'm on it. It was in my Top 10. Now it is in top 5 closer to #1. I gave it some though and figure it is because it FLOWs so damn well at speed. & I have a shit ton of roads to compare it to - just on "this" road trip alone
@@TerryManitoba Have you continued north on OR SR3 into WA State and onto WA SR129? It gets even better. The drive of OR SR3 and WA SR129 combined is excellent and a favorite of mine. I need to go through some of my favorites form all across the US and try to remember them and put them in some order.
@@jimsgaragetoys I started in Lewiston Wa - so I did do 129. One other great thing was that I ran it "almost" clean. Started at 3 pm - I caught up to only 2 vehicles in total & both pulled over ASAP to let me by on double solid lines - HUGE props to them...
Ya - trying to remember the best rides is a tough one. The Wy to Wa to N Ca & Ut & Co is the BEST area - if you stay away from cities & the very popular National parks to avoid traffic.
@@TerryManitoba That's awesome! I love when people pull over right away like that for me. Some of my favorite roads off the top of my head.
Idaho - SR75 from Challis to Stanley | SR21 from Stanley to Boise
Colorado - SR139 from Rangley to Loma | SR92 from Hotchkiss to Sapinero | SR149 from US50 to South Fork
WY/Utah - US191 from I-80 to Vernal, UT
This could be fun but those are a few off the top of my head.
The second generation is always better never go for the first. The 2023 and 2024 models have known issues with the water pump, AWD overheating, clutch and trans issues and even cases of sudden fires. With the second-gen, you get more torque, improved cooling, better suspension, and the automatic with paddle shifters is faster. What's not to like? I own a 2023 GRC, and I'm seriously considering getting the last gen when they eventually discontinue the GRC.
Even though I spend some money on it already, I’m glad the engine it’s untouched but I will keep it as is for now, also a major body change it’s soon to come.
I've never believed this to be completely true and I've had excellent results with first year models. I own a 2009 Corolla which was the 1st year of the 10th Gen Corolla and it's been fantastic over the almost 16 years I've owned it. My wife's car is a 2010 Prius that was the 1st year of the 3rd Gen Prius and it's been perfect over the 14+ years we've owned it.
Remember that this engine had been around for several years in the GR Yaris so I didn't view it as a new car since the drivetrain had been around and the Corolla platform had been around. I've not heard of any water pump issues, The AWD overheating has only been on the track and hasn't occurred to everyone, keep in mind that most people don't track their GRC. Clutch issues are more to do with people launching their car in my mind, the car has so much traction that the clutch is the first thing to slip and give way. It's also been a very small number of owners that have had any type of clutch issues. Social media blows everything out of proportion. The fires? Who knows what is going on. Until we know more we need to wait and see. I prefer to not speculate about the unknown.
You said,
All minor things that can be improved beyond these levels in the aftermarket already. The automatic? I don't care if it is a little quicker, I would never trade in my manual for an automatic. I'll never give up the connection I have with the car driving a manual for a little more speed of an automatic. I explained that in my video too. I much prefer the looks of my 2023 and I like that it doesn't have the ugly looking parking sensors. With a tune, it's easy to to get 300 hp/tq at the wheels vs stock at the crank.
The improvements are fine for new buyers but I don't find them worthwhile for most existing owners that have already been making their GRC their own. Thanks for your thoughts.
@@jimsgaragetoys
I agree, internet stories blown out of proportion. Nobody wants to hear that GR Corolla was involved in a prior front collision and the fire was most likely a result of a poor repair.
@@jimsgaragetoys(Track sessions are composed of 4 or more 20 mins laps) @@jimsgaragetoys(supposedly just 23 year) but @@jimsgaragetoysgeneration.
Sounds you have FOMO. Just trade in the 23 for the 25, no one going to stop you.
@@rayleung1 Will never happen, did you even listen to my thoughts? 🤣
Manual owners already insecure about the auto coming out.
I don't think anyone is insecure about the automatic, just disappointed that it takes away from manual availability. There are plenty of other options on the market that have an automatic and it made the GRC more special knowing that it only came with a manual for drivers that appreciated the driver engagement that offers.
@jimsgaragetoys pretty sure the manual will still be available for those who want that option. It's just weird that some people are offended by an auto option even being available.
@@xyzman101 Yes, the manual will be available but it eats into the number of manuals that will be made. When something is already made in such small numbers and for decades manual enthusiasts have seen the number of options continue to diminish it does get frustrating to a lot of people. So when they hear that some of the allotment will get an automatic, it's like here we go again. I personally don't look at the GRC as a drag car so the faster 0-60 times of and auto is worthless IMO. The difference in time around a track will be hard to say as it will be more up to the ability of the driver.
@jimsgaragetoys brush, I guarantee you anyone who wants a manual will get one. They are responding to the market, so many people passed on the first year due to manual inly, and knowing that a slick shifting auto was around the corner. No need to stress
@@xyzman101 I'm not stressing, I'm just trying to express what many people are feeling from what I've been hearing. There aren't that many people waiting for the automatic though, this kind of car is so much more fun to drive with a manual, and the bottom line for most owners is driving fun, not tenths of a second at the drag strip or track.