6G Celicas Forums

There will be an auction near me this Sunday (7/15) and they're gonna have a 1994 Celica GT up on the block. I was wondering if I can get some advice on specific flaws to look for while inspecting the car, since there probably won't be a maintenance record for it. I would also like to know what would be a reasonable price to pay for it. According to the website, the car has about 118k miles, so it probably has a long life ahead. They haven't posted pictures, so posting the link would be kind of pointless. But yeah, any advice on specific things to check for would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Take a good look at the radiator. They turn a brownish color along the top (from heat I believe), and like to crack there also. The headlights collect water on these cars(mostly high beams, I think)but this would be easy to see. Look for condensation or brown tint behind the glass in the light. Look at the exhaust, possible cracks at the flex pipe. I'm sure I'll think of more.

dont pay more than 2000 at an auction

Often these auction vehicles are wrecked rebuilds, with a fresh title. Look for any type of repair work, and see if it relates to a wreck.

Check the seats, look to see if the bracket that connects the top portion to the bottom has cracking or bending. That will let you know if it has taken a nasty hit.

Well the auction house guarantees that all of their vehicles are from private parties and not wrecks or abandoned vehicles, so that shouldn't be a problem but I'll check for it regardless. Thanks!

Open the hood and check the seams along the fenders and firewall, as well as behind the bumper...wrinkles and dents will indicate hard force was applied. In the trunk, remove the panel for the jack (it's on the right side) and feel around for similar symptoms in the quarter panel; you can take off the rear panel, which will show the sheetmetal between the tail lights, with a screwdriver or pocket knife.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Jul 14, 2012 - 9:56 AM