6G Celicas Forums

I have a few questions to throw out to all the experts here. I've been lurking for a bit and I've read quite a bit, but I've got some questions that I think only those with some experience could answer.

I'm looking locally at a 94 ST 5spd with 100XXX miles on it. The front two fenders are dented badly and the front bumper is also messed up on each side next to the fenders.

The interior is pretty stank, and both seats need to be replaced.

As far as I can tell the engine seems to be in good shape, the air blows icy cold and there appears to be no leaks.

The paint is terrible, and the clear coat is completly gone from the top and hood.

So... my knowledge of cars is not exactly expansive... part of the reason I am looking at this car is to have a 'project' on to learn, but also because it seems to me like the hard parts (engine) are pretty good. Plus I have read many good things about the general reliability of the 6gen Celias.

So two questions:

1) What would one expect to be a fair price (No power anything, no rims, no spoiler, cloth interior... pretty much featureless) The dealer seems pretty firm in the mid 2000s.

AND

2) Is this worth the trouble? Are there any obvious things (engine wise) to look for in the '94 ST? Anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance.

sry double post.

This post has been edited by CheesyLobster: Jul 19, 2005 - 4:43 AM

1) I wouldn't pay over 500 for that car. If you bring it to a shop you are looking at probably 2000 plus for body work, plus paint, plus the seats. Before you even get to enjoy the car you already sank 3000-4000 bucks into it. Plus, you have to worry about the possible structural damage to the car, which to fix would bring up the repair costs even more. Even if you want to do all the work yourself, you are looking at a lot of money for parts. 2000 is tooo much when you can get a nice new one for about 3000, maybe a bit more with that milage.

2)Not worth it. You can get a car thats beat up and have a project car, but don't get one that's sooo severly messed up unless you get a great deal, or want to part it out.

I paid 800$ for mine in pretty poor shape..maybe not as bad as that one but probably close. I replaced the front bumper, hood, passenger headlights, swapped interior. I probably put about 1000$ into it but i did all the work myself and got parts decently cheap.

get a gt so if in the future you want to swap you can easier than a st

Guy called today and said he would take $2,000 for it... is there a consensus that 2 Grand is overpriced?

Not that I don't trust you Cheesy, just wondering if everyone pretty much agrees.

I went to an body shop and they quoted me around $1,600 for a 'good' paintjob. They came pretty highly recommended from a friend who knows. Then I figure around a grand for new(used) seats, a body kit, and new fenders. That would bring the total $4,300 all together. Which is high for a '94 ST, but it would have a new paintjob, and some nice body pieces.

Many thanks for the input!

I'd be skeptical. If a car's body, paint, and interior hasn't been cared for, what makes you think the engine was cared for?

I wouldn't pay $2,000 for the car myself. I'd look for one in better shape for a bit more money.

Well then let me tell you what I'm looking for and what I've got.

I'm going to start a new thread asking for some help on finding a car.

Thanks again.

This post has been edited by Althius: Jul 19, 2005 - 7:49 PM

Yeah, $2000 is way too much. I paid $2300 for mine and it just needed detailed badly. Other than that it's in great condition. If it's featureless, and needs all that bodywork, I'd say it's not worth it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

I would say dont get it. If its in bad condition like that, the car has been beat.

*Sigh*

Oh well... I just want to find a nice 5spd 6gen for a resonable price... is that so hard?

You can have mine?

55 000 miles, red, 99' ST with power doors and mirrors. No A/C, sunroof though.. 5 speed manual transmission. I had to pay like 18 000$ for it 5 months ago though. And then you have shipping. So I guess it's a big no-no

Just keep searching and you will find a really nice one after a while, I'm sure. Don't be cheap and buy a broken one. It will cost alot more to fix it afterwards, unless you can do most or all the work yourself. And have plans to get new suspension, brakes and stuff anyway.

Yeah... Patience... I need to work on that. The fact I have NO car right now makes it a little worse. Hopefully I can find something in the next month.

Thanks again all.

Illyant, F.Y.I your car is a GT, 98-99 only came in the GT form.

He's from Norway. They still produced the AT200 during the 98-99 years overseas.