Ok, so this has been going on for a while...(sorry so long) STOCK 2003 GT, 5-speed. It all started a few years ago when I filled up, and the car wouldn't idle. I couldn't even get out of the gas station. Took the car to the dealer via tow truck, and they said it was "bad gas" charged me shop fees to dispose of the "bad gas" and then left me with enough gas to.. well, do nothing. So, I got the car back, drove for a while, and then bam! Another fill up, another bad idle. This time I force drove it by heavy throttling, and eventually it cleared up. I took it in, and they said that this time, a hose was loose up near the airbox, which was probably the problem the first time. So, got the car back a few weeks later, a CEL comes on. Took it to the dealer and they said it was the o2 sensor, also said it was ok to drive until they got the part in. They got the part in, but instead of replacing the o2, the replaced the mass air flow sensor. I asked if they did the o2, and they said "no, we replaced what was supposed to be replaced." I didnt feel like arguing, so I left it at that. Now recently the CEL came on and I drove it to an auto parts store to scan the OBDII code myself. It was throwing a P0420 or Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). And the scanner showed that this code registered twice. So, I assume the first CEL that came on is the same as this one. Well, I was stupid and accidentally cleared the code upon exiting the scanner. I went to the dealer and told them that the light came on, and I scanned it, and asked what they could do. Of course the lady at the service counter said in her most scripted voice that "we cant do anything without a light on" Finally, after filling up, and driving, the CEL came on and I took it right to the dealer. The dealership just called and said the catalytic converter needs replaced, but "lucky for me it's covered by warranty" ugh, I wish I could smack people through the phone. So, during all of this escapade, my bumper has been melting progressivly. Everytime I have the car in for service, I ask why my bumper is melting, and they insist that I am backing over a curb, forcing the muffler tip to come in contact with the bumper. I hope everyone can realize that that is another lie from the dealer. I have had the car on lifts, and the exhaust system measured by toyota specs, by toyota service people, and they say its my fault. However, I know I haven't backed over anything, and you can tell because there are no scrape marks underneath the muffler. The bumper is melting in areas that aren't able to be touched by the muffler tip. I can push the muffler up towards the bumper and areas are melting about an inch away from where the tip gets closest. I am thinking that the clogged cat. is causing excessive exhaust temps and melting the bumper. Anyone have any opinions? Or is this happening to me only? Thanks...

my celica did that one time when my gas got real low, i didn't realize that it wouldnt even go down to the lower rpms because i had the radio too loud, but it was redlining and wouldn't shift either, so i had to hold up traffic in a 55 mph zone goin about 45, not sure what to tell u though

my car was just doin this last week. There was no idle, and got kinda bad gas miliage...took it to a friends shop and he cleaned the maf sensor. Now its all good, but it started to come back once (really low idle...500-600 rpm), then went away.

opinion? dealers are impersonal. They don't give a sweet shit about what happens to your car, or even worse, toward your well being. Their objective is to spend the least amount of money AND time for YOUR problems. Warranty is a hoax. They'll give you "band aid" solutions. The more mechanic, the more opinion, the less precise. When it comes to the overall well-being of your car, no matter what warranty may cover EXCEPT Engine and Drivetrain replacement/repair, then you're better off doing your own diagnosis via the helps from auto stores/reliable friends/auto forums. Tried and true, I've saved more than $2500 by now thru solid DIY approach. And yes, the dealer lied to you. Your exhaust melted the bumper, whether the cat or the whole system was defunct. Backing over a curb? What idiot!? If its true, you will definitely "feel" the excessive shock/force from behind bc the whole exhaust system are connected to the engine, and the engine to the chassis. Even if the force came "slanted" a.k.a strong and oddly angled enough to get the tip to touch the bumper, then your tip will stay that way touching the bumper. Shoot I can go on and on.

f*** dealerships, they don't give a sh*t about you, all they care about is raping you for every dime your worth, and giving your peice of sh*t back to you in worse condition then it came in, in, my car is 6 months old, the day I picked it up, headlights shut off, they said it was the alternator and it was my fault, they tried to make me pay $8500, for it and repairs, said it wasn't covered under warranty, I took my keys, told them where they could shove their parts and left, the only reason I will go there is because I HAVE TO, if I take it anywhere other then where I purchased said vehicle, my warranty, and my extended go downt he tubes, as per their paperwork

Well, I got the car back the other day, and they replaced both o2 sensors, and the cat. I got a few h.p. back. It feels like it has the power that it did when i bought it new. I just hope my bumper stops melting. If it stops melting, i might just have to get a body kit! Any suggestions on a body kit for the '03 year?

There was a recall on the valve inside the tank. Something goes wrong with it and it will cause the car to stall after a fillup. Get a new dealership the one youre using is retarded.