what to look for when buying a 6th gen Options

[i_want_vtec]

This is my first post here. I just searched for a buyers guide but found a bunch of 3sgte info. before i joined the navy, i drove a 91 red celica st with a 5 speed. It wasn't very fast but i loved the car and i have always liked the look of the 6th gen. I found a 94 red manual st for 2000 and already called dibs on it pending me taking it for a test drive.
what do i need to look out for? i know its a toyota and therefore it will last forever but are there any problem areas/important maintenance that could make me spend much more for this car than advertised? thanks for your help.

This post has been edited by i_want_vtec: Dec 10, 2007 - 1:25 AM

[Shink]

I found a 94 red manual st for 2000 and already called dibs on it pending me taking it for a test drive.
what do i need to look out for?

As said above, the Gen 6 is a good stable car, and is not known to have issues. You're looking for all the usual things as with any car.

I think you do need to make sure you know what you're buying, though. The early models like the 94 came with a variety of engines. Assuming it's a US model, and not an import the options were as follows:

GT with a 135 bhp 2.2 litre 5S-FE
ST with a 105bhp 1.8 litre 7A-FE.

(Both ST and GT were sold as Autos or manuals)

If it's an import, it gets more complicated. If it's an import and a 94 it is just about possible it might have superstrut suspension and ABS. The superstrut is nice for handling, but costs a lot on maintenance over 60,000 miles.

What you want to look for is the engine plate in the engine compartment. It will have one of the following numbers, which will identify the model:

ST, LTD, SR AT200R-BLMSKW
GT ST202R-BLMGFW
GT-Four ST205R-BLMVZW
Cabriolet ST202R-BKMGFW

JDM Model Codes

SS-I Manual E-ST202-BLMGK
Automatic E-ST202-BLPGK
SS-I 4WS Manual E-ST203-BLMGK
Automatic E-ST203-BLPGK
SS-II Manual E-ST202-BLMVF
Automatic E-ST202-BLPVF
SS-III Manual E-ST202-BLMZF
Automatic E-ST202-BLPZF
Cabriolet Automatic E-ST202C-BKPVF
GT-Four Manual E-ST205-BLMVZ

I included all the model codes just in case, but basically you're looking at an ST, GT, SS-I or SS-II.