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

[domyz]

door panels (especially left door) who is known to rust easily if not protected

look for a 2.2L GT or GTS who is a better platform than a 1.8L ST to put a 3SGTE in because of engine mounts...
it also have 4disc brakes who is a big difference...


the 2.2liters a very reliable engine, i swapped from 2.2l to a 3sgte at 240000kms on the 2.2liters , drove it hard, never have any problem, but the clutch is not made to handle big power, but dont worry, an heavy duty mr2 lsd tranny fit if you want change the engine in the future...

[samir0189]

Just common problems is all you're looking for? As in, what to expect to replace?


as domyz said, look for a 2.2L GT instead of the ST
Look for valve seals that have gone bad (white puff of smoke on cold start from exhaust)
Motor mounts (front and rear)
CV Axles
The clutch of course...
Master/slave cylinder


Nothing out of the ordinary i'd say. The 2.2L engine will last you a looooooooooooong time if it's been maintained.

Happy shopping!

This post has been edited by samir0189: Apr 27, 2009 - 4:08 PM

[6G96GT]

let it run for a good 20 minutes at idle too to see if there's problems that come with normal operation temp like leaks, rising temp, etc. I would even bring an oil pressure gauge and plug it into the head just to see what it's reading.

[PolliS_5S-FE]

oil leaks are very common on 5sfe.

[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

[SpadeBF]

Also rear tires are too big for wheel well's and have been grinding a lil and a little bit of dmg done to the body from that

And the hatch wont open he says it may just need to be oiled up but idk enough about these cars

This post has been edited by SpadeBF: Apr 27, 2009 - 8:33 PM

[Ryouxrs]

the rear hatch release cable mount behind the rear panel is plastic on the mount and gets brittle it prob broke off, but nothing a few zip ties wnt fix

[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

[JustinCapps]

ive noticed that the last 3 toyotas ive had, have problems with the reverse lights. and i still havent been able to fix them. changed the bulbs o ver a million times.. i just got use to it.


This post has been edited by JustinCapps: May 15, 2009 - 2:21 AM