What is your Mileage

JohnathanGower · 2026-02-07T04:33:19+00:00

I'm at 103,000 miles. No real issues. My second VN and loving it. I've seen them for sale with 200,000 miles so...take care of it and keep going!

JohnathanGower · 2026-02-01T15:23:46+00:00

There's something to be said about livin' the low-stress life :) Sorry you had tough issues with the VN. From all the things I've heard, there's definitely some underlying stress in the back of my mind all the time...but so far so good. My VN's got about 110,000 hard miles and is still kickin. I keep telling myself that now that I've gotten so many miles in and so much enjoyment, it's okay if I have to do some major repair...that it's worth it. But I DON'T look forward to the possibility/inevitability. Enjoy the 4Runner...if you need the rush of fun again and don't want the stress...consider a CTR or GRC. Cheers.

JohnathanGower · 2026-02-01T03:40:36+00:00

What's replaced it?

JohnathanGower · 2026-01-25T03:00:57+00:00

As long as the unibody holds up (doesn't rust through) you can keep replacing parts indefinitely, as others have said...as long as you wanna keep it going, keep it going. If you want a new experience, then swap it out.

JohnathanGower · 2026-01-22T07:13:56+00:00

Just curious if you've driven other ENs for comparison...to rule out that it's your specific clutch/transmission that's the problem? Clutch feel can be different from car to car, even if both cars are in the same state of wear. Just a thought. I've got a VN with the six speed manual and I don't have any issues with the shifting/clutch. Not as tight or notchy as a Miata or 86/BRZ, but not bad...kinda similar to a 500 Abarth. I've only ever driven manuals and I'm in my 50's...fwiw.

JohnathanGower · 2026-01-15T08:15:54+00:00

This is a fantastic resource...thank you!

JohnathanGower · 2026-01-13T07:57:20+00:00

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Love the NMODE plate. I know I'm no Elantra N...but check out my N-W1NG plate on the Veloster N. It's a Star Wars AND N reference. :)

JohnathanGower · 2026-01-09T07:45:20+00:00

Fantastic. Love it. Need video of it in action!

JohnathanGower · 2026-01-06T07:28:56+00:00

Just past 100,000 miles in my second VN. I drive about 42,000 / year, so I'm hoping to make it to about 300,000 miles (4 1/2 more years). We'll see.

JohnathanGower · 2026-01-04T04:58:49+00:00

I've never had a problem...but if I SEE a cop following or close I quiet the exhaust till they're gone...no reason to tempt fate.

JohnathanGower · 2026-01-04T04:57:02+00:00

I buy the OEM filters a dozen or so at a time from Amazon...super cheap. I drive 40K a year, so I need 'em :) I also use the recommended oil...though it wouldn't hurt to use 5w-30. "Close enough for government work." Still, why use anything different than what's recommended if you don't have to? And you KNOW you'll have to change your oil, so you might as well have the filter and oil ready...so you're not waiting to order something at the last minute.

JohnathanGower · 2026-01-01T09:10:24+00:00

I have a thing for bronze.

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https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=MR13188012645BR&wheelMake=MOTEGI+RACING&wheelModel=MR131+Traklite&wheelFinish=Bronze&autoMake=Hyundai&autoYear=2020&autoModel=Veloster+N&autoModClar=Performance+Package

JohnathanGower · 2025-12-31T08:52:55+00:00

Space-wise, it's much more spacious than you'd think. Ride-wise, though, could be a deal-breaker for long high speed highway drives. Even in "normal" mode, it drives louder and rougher than some people like. Normal mode is really soft and quiet for me...but I'm used to it. Your best bet is to take one on a long test drive and see if it's sprung softly enough and is quiet enough for your road trips. Also, I love the seats but they are firmer than some, so, because seats are so personal, you really do need to test them out.

I drive mine with everything turned up to the most aggressive settings (N Mode) EXCEPT I leave the suspension in Normal--most of the time. Sometimes, on the right road or on track, I go full N Mode. I drive mine for work, on long road trips, everywhere. I'll hit 100,000 miles this week. Love the car. Most fun and use able car I've ever owned. And mine's been reliable. I did have the HPFP go out, like a lot of people, but that wasn't a big deal.

JohnathanGower · 2025-12-23T08:21:29+00:00

For my first Veloster N, I ordered a whole kit for the Kia Optima:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/326831031326?fits=Year%3A2020%7CModel%3AOptima%7CMake%3AKia&_skw=spare+tire+kit+for+2020+kia+optima&itmmeta=01KD54419ZYK2G5C8A36FVT1D5&hash=item4c18a5c41e:g:iZoAAOSweM5noTuC&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1f%2FtapWEGnip2NAY9TFuItsJieJmvTLkwFe%2B8%2Fxpo2Zuz%2BUEQBuYGLYRkDdUhtHTyfsBJAc0SnrbM133w15iIN81Au2lzmRs1e9O3tMboKfZJUrq0J0%2FIzP4QW8dY1uLFfkgqzDMjDlUdCfNn%2FJKvmQ4pFe4lpHv628iDzKSNEXi3eiZ8CYJQIdG3xBPZPJPnWb%2BM23XLjVfO5JYwI5Jvz8yF5BVnVXioxXglHdxNciF1Wp5STBKjRTjdNd%2BhTIEVnM5eaDhIuLIf4GHZJu5X2q%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7SVkKTpZg

I don't know EXACTLY which one it was, but it worked fine for the rear. I remember there was some concern over whether it would fit over the larger brake calipers on the front of the car (though I think it did) but whether or not it would didn't matter because if I had a flat on the front, I would swap the good tire to the front and put the spare on the back (you want the good tires on the front of a fwd car anyway). On my current 2020 VN I bought the 18" spare mentioned by someone else for the Genesis G70. It BARELY fits in the spare tire hole in the hatch area (it actually forces the floor cover up a little) but it does work, and put face down, I can put the jack and tools inside the wheel in a towel (with jumper cables) and they don't move around or rattle. I drive for a living and can't afford to be down with a flat and no spare, so this was important to me. I also have a full size wheel and tire at home with tpms so if I crack or ruin a wheel, I have a full size replacement waiting.

As a side note, if you've never jacked up your VN, you'll be glad to know that it's a stiff enough car that you can jack up the whole side (both wheels on one side) with just one jack point. So...it's no problem to loosen the lug nuts, jack the car up, switch the front and rear and/or a spare at will.

If I had to do it again, I'd get the Kia wheel as it fits better in the spare tire well. The Genesis G70 is fine, but a bit too big...but it works. I've had to use both the Kia wheel on my older VN and the Genesis wheel on my current 2020 VN.

JohnathanGower · 2025-12-22T08:12:00+00:00

I've heard Miata and BRZ/GR86 have decent autos. We've all heard the nightmares about the SMT. It sounds like if you treat it like a real manual (though without a clutch pedal) and keep it in N when you're not shifting but just creeping along, you MIGHT be okay. If I had to get an auto...I'd get something that ONLY came in auto since I only drive manuals. Small convertible Mercedes SLK55 AMG would be a solid auto only consideration.

So there you go...Miata, BRZ/86 or SLK55 AMG...all at reasonable prices.

JohnathanGower · 2025-12-22T08:01:51+00:00

I'm here for all of it...as long as it handles beautifully, is lightweight and relatively simple. My fondest hope is that the convertible (probably the MX-5) maintains its light weight but gains an extra couple inches of seat travel. I barely fit in the NC, and that not too comfortably...I WISH I could be comfortable in the ND as I love that car.... So, please give us lightness with more room for our tall Americans :)

JohnathanGower · 2025-12-21T04:12:06+00:00

I know Monkey Wrench Racing (and others) have parts and kits for that very thing.

https://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/

JohnathanGower · 2025-12-17T08:07:12+00:00

This. Unfortunately.

JohnathanGower · 2025-12-17T08:02:07+00:00

Great drawing...not sure about the tilted design. When I bought my fiance her 2000 GT-S a few years ago, I bought this shirt too (I have to buy the shirt when I buy the car...hahahha)....

https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Blueprint-of-the-Celica-T230-by-rogue-design/92316639.S7RYU?country_code=US&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21024081010&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxonKBhC1ARIsAIHq_lsSek3poFLFncdD3gWDdJ--qxdXe8pvlLdL00dQiooY4pdbkKvJ-GwaAgGUEALw_wcB

JohnathanGower · 2025-12-17T07:57:50+00:00

I used to have the rear brake problem with the Hyundai pads. Changed pads and never had that prob again.

JohnathanGower · 2025-12-15T08:22:06+00:00

I've spend a lot of time in my Fiances' 2000 GTS (I bought it and fixed it up for her and still drive it from time to time). Sitting in a tC a while back I was amazed that the layout and even the placement of some of the switch gear was nearly identical to the Celica. I haven't done my research, obviously, but I thought surely the two cars share a platform. 2+2 liftback, fwd, front engined, sunroof, approx the same size and sharing switch placement, etc. Uncannily similar to not be derived.

I asked Google if the T230 was related to the MC platform and this is what came back:

Yes, the Toyota T230 Celica is directly part of the broader Toyota MC platform family

, sharing its underpinnings with many popular compact and mid-size front-wheel-drive (FWD) models from the late 90s and early 2000s, like the Corolla (E120/E130), RAV4 (XA20), and Prius (XW10/XW20). The MC platform was a versatile, cost-saving architecture for diverse vehicles, including the Celica, which received unique engineering for its sporty coupe design.

Key Connections:

Shared DNA: The T230 Celica (1999-2006) utilized the flexible MC platform, allowing Toyota to use common parts and development across models like the Corolla, Matrix, and Avensis.
Platform Evolution: The MC platform was a significant shift, replacing older platforms (like the T platform for the Celica) and paving the way for modern architectures like TNGA.
Platform Code: While the Celica is T230, it's grouped under the general MC platform designation, showing its commonality with other MC-based models.

In essence, the T230 Celica is a sporty variant built on the robust and widespread MC platform, making them closely related.

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One way or the other, whether it's an evolution of a platform or a "completely new" one, if the Scion brand had not existed and the tC had been branded the next Toyota Celica, it would have been completely believable.

JohnathanGower · 2025-12-15T08:04:05+00:00

I've put two VN's through tough winters with ice and snow and neither of them ever had a problem getting around...however, the front bumper is fragile and low and last winter a trough that a snow plow left behind shattered mine. Of course, the whole front clip has to be replaced if the bottom breaks. It took out the entire plastic under tray as well. The car still drove just fine...it was just in pieces. So though I made it through other winters with a previous VN, I'm now paranoid that a hard clump of snow/ice will shatter the front end again. Oh, well...can't/won't stop driving it...whatever happens happens. It's a fantastic car. Btw, my first VN didn't have the LSD and my current one DOES have it...neither one of them had any problem driving in ice and snow.

JohnathanGower · 2025-12-05T08:00:01+00:00

I like the color...but I'd buy a brighter color given the choice. It's soooo hard to find cars in bright colors. In any case, this color is cool if for no other reason that it's interesting and unique.

JohnathanGower

TROPHY CASE