What should i look for?, spending 2.5-3k on first 6gc/ first owned car Options

[SpadeBF]

I am now 18 have been driving since i was 16, parents never had cash so ive been working hard and saving up (actually quit smoking weed )

But i have been shopping around, i live in DET,MI and they seem to be rare so ive decided to look at kentucky tennesee and ohio, all celicas around my price range seem to be around 125k-170k miles

I am looking for advice on what i SHOULD look out for when buying a used 5 speed with this many miles, my stepfather is a cert master mech but is definitely familiar with american muscle not so much the imports. So any advice i can get from you guys to pass on to him would be grand, such as mechanical issues and common problems i may run in to.

This is my first and only car so it will be a daily driver and i plan on when winter hits to buy a truck or something of that matter and garaging my celica and saving up for the 3s-gte swap

Thanks!

This post has been edited by SpadeBF: Apr 27, 2009 - 3:18 PM

[SpadeBF]

Thank you guys, I went to look at a celica gt today with 200k on the body w/ a 5s-fe @ 100k
I cant really tell if the guy is sincere or not but it has a "studder in first gear he said it was either the timing belt or catalic conv.

It is also missing the left fender next to front bumper
Car is already tricked out with paint job and decent to poor job of molding front bumper

As for white smoke i did notice atleast i think i did when my friend rode in it after me coming from exhaust a slight puff
It needs a lil work but it is a nice car and i really like it but also am in need of a good reliable car off the bat dont really have time to be replacing parts, as for replacing timing belt or catal i can do it /w help of step dad so that wouldnt be that big of a deal

Umm he did say he replaced the clutch with JDM clutch not too long ago i will find out how many miles and post, I am interested in your cars help in purchasing a good running car so it is appreciated

This post has been edited by SpadeBF: Apr 27, 2009 - 8:28 PM