1997-1998 Changes Options

[joyworks]

I am about to buy my first 6G Celica Convertible, after recently selling my Paseo Convertible (it was a good car, just a bit crude). I am looking to spend about $8,000, and for that price I can get a 1997 (Limited Edition) with about 68K miles or a 1998 with about 100K miles, or a 1999 with about 117K miles. I am tempted to go with the '97 and have the lower mileage. But, I noticed that they made some changes between '97 and '98, including upgrading to an 8 speaker sound system, a different steering wheel, and they changed the engine power curve, lowering the HP from 135 to 130, but increasing Torque a bit and to a lower RPM. My question is, do these changes provide any noticeable improvements to the '98s and '99s? I do love a good sound system, and if the newer models feel peppier, I would be tempted to go with one of those, but if the improvements are marginal, than I would probably stick with the '97. Your thoughts on this would be much appreciated! I also read on ConsumerGuide Automotive that the convertible tops on the '95-'97 models tend to wear near the rear window more, and that the defroster terminals break more easily. Is there any truth to this? Thanks again!!

[97lestyousay]

I would go with the 99, the bonus you get for lower miles does't equal the fact it is
2 years newer, check the bluebook you will see what I a talking about. You also have
to look at condition, The fact it is a limited edition does not help the value at all, in fact
there is no limited edition listed in either blue book, and like I said before almost all the parts
that make it a limited edition, floormats, badging are discontinued if you have to replace them
you have to replace them with something else. Even on this site which is soley dedicated to the 6gc
they are virtualy impossable to find. It took me almost 2 years to find a dragon badge and I got that
from a friend.