What year are you looking at/what is your budget? Judging from the fact that this will be your first car I would go with the Celica because it is reliable, good on gas, looks great, fun to drive, however the only complaints i have about this car is if you are wanting to fit some friends around 6ft in the bucket seats, there is going to be a major problem. The Tiburon is heavier, worse on gas, so-so reliability, and i have heard it just doesn't deliver performance wise. Hope that helps. Email me if you have any other questions.