Two-Year-Old GR Corolla Fetches Higher Price Than a New Model | Carscoops

      A collection of appealing upgrade components on this 2023 GR Corolla encouraged bidders to invest heavily in a Bring a Trailer auction.

      

      Just sold, this two-year-old Toyota GR Corolla fetched more than the MSRP of a 2025 model year vehicle.

      The 7k-mile 2023 Core version came with numerous tuning enhancements worth thousands of dollars.

      Modifications include a carbon intake, cat-back exhaust, coilovers, and 18-inch TE37 wheels.

      While the Toyota GR Corolla is enjoyable to drive, it isn't particularly regarded as a solid investment. Recently, we noted that bidding on a 2025 model with less than 1,000 miles ended at $35,500—almost $6,000 below the cost of a comparable new version. So, how did a 2023 car in basic Core trim with 7,000 miles just sell for $5,000 over its MSRP in a similar auction?

      The difference lies in what happened to the GR Corolla after it was delivered to its initial owner in 2023. Despite starting as a modest Core model, it underwent substantial upgrades costing thousands of dollars, which caught the attention of GR enthusiasts and led some to eagerly place bids.

      Related: Toyota Anticipates that 80% of GR Corolla Buyers Will Opt for Manual Transmission Over Automatic

      The car had a solid foundation, equipped with the optional Performance Package—an $1,800 set that includes front and rear limited-slip differentials and GR-branded red brake calipers. However, this was merely the beginning of its upgrade process.

      Modifications made since delivery encompass various aspects of the vehicle, starting with the chassis and suspension setup. It now features 18" Volk Racing TE37 wheels fitted with 265/35 Falken Azenis FK510 tires, Cusco adjustable coilovers, a Cusco front strut brace, and Endless brake pads.

      Under the hood, upgraded to a vented Circuit Edition unit, the 12-valve 1.6-liter inline-three has received an EcuTek Bluetooth tuning module, LIMIT+1 ECU, Eventuri gloss carbon-fiber air intake, SXTH Element front-mount intercooler, Turbosmart Kompact blow-off valve, a LIMIT+1 exhaust downpipe with a high-flow catalyst, and an A’PEXi cat-back exhaust system. Quite an impressive lineup!

      The Bring a Trailer auction listing does not specify the impact these additions have on the stock power and torque output, but it can be assumed that it now exceeds the MY25 GR Corollas, which remain at 300 hp (304 PS) while enjoying a 22 lb-ft (30 Nm) increase to 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) over earlier models as part of a minor refresh. The MY25 release also introduced an automatic transmission option for the first time, making this car's six-speed manual a desirable feature.

      Inside, you'll find BRIDE Low-Max GIAS carbon-Kevlar seats, which the description oddly claims are equipped with factory Toyota heating elements.

      While the listing does not provide a total cost for the modifications, the successful bidder who paid $45,000 for this vehicle—which had a $41,000 MSRP two years ago—must have calculated that replicating this setup from a stock car would be difficult for the price. Do you think he made a wise investment?