Need Advice/Help, Please Options

[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

[dgbldr]

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

I'd forget about that car. Really. You need something in basically sound condition so you can learn to do stuff a little at a time. Find out realistically what your stepdad is willing to do and not do. Is he willing to wrench on your car for 15-20 hrs at a time? That's what it'll take to change the timing belt if he hasn't done it on a Celica before.

Here's a more reasonable car I would look at:
http://detroit.craigslist.org/ctd/1144441451.html

Or, if you can afford a little more, here is a convertible:
http://detroit.craigslist.org/cto/1139885955.html

Take your time and look around. There are actually a fair number of 6g Celicas going up for sale around Detroit all the time.