Worth it or could it be a problem child, Another "should I buy this thread" Options

[root]

Hey guys, I've been looking to buy a gt hatch for some time now, as I've been missing my old one. I came across this one today http://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/4595446097.html and I got a chance to test drive it. Price isn't bad, but it definitely isn't perfect. Its been repainted on the driver's side due to a wreck. I only saw one wreck from back in '99 on a vin report, but the paint seems recent and not done all too smoothly (so maybe a more recent wreck not coming up on carfax?). Its not terrible, but its not great. Furthermore, the radio antenna doesn't work, the sunroof doesnt work, nothing comes out of the vents at all even though I hear some activity from the blower, golf ball sized dent on the right rear corner of the roof, and it pulls a little to the right. However, everything on the car is completely stock down to the radio, interior is in pretty good shape, and it drives fairly well (except for the alignment which isn't horrendous, but it bugs me).

Any thoughts on this? I know its cheap, but I'm just not sure if its too good to be true. Also, I wondering how much crap I'm going to have to go through to get the fan going again. AC isnt a big deal to me, but I at least want a working vent/heat for those Ohio winters. Finally, is there any danger of the alignment being irreparable due to the body being bent in a wreck? I know that alignments for most cars are cheap, but a previously wrecked car could be a problem, right?

This post has been edited by root: Aug 8, 2014 - 5:42 AM

[Barbershop]

Personally, I would keep my options open. I completely agree with you on the AC. That alone would make me want to keep looking. The radio antenna is an easy fix. I went to Pep Boys and found a short, non-powered antenna and swapped it. There is also the Honda S2000 antenna mod. I have no idea how much or how hard the sunroof is to fix. It also depends on your budget and how much time you are willing to look for one. 160k miles is nothing for an old Toyota, but if the previous owner(s) did not do their part in maintaing the car properly, then you might be spending more money on repairs on top of the current fixes you mentioned. If you need a car now, then you can bite the bullet and give this one a try. But if you look long enough on Craigslist or Autotrader, you will find a Celica in much better shape than this one.

[ClevelandGaint]

I live in cleveland, i test drove it, its not a bad car, i would like to see it on a lift for the simple fact it was in accident and if the frame is bent its worth nothing in my opinion. Did you happen to smell burning rubber by any chance?

[SwissFerdi]

Looks beat. I'd rather go closer to $2500 than be into this for nearly two large. I'd pay not more than $1700.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Aug 7, 2014 - 8:07 AM

[ClevelandGaint]

i offered $1200 because thats all its worth with all the problems it does have. Seem like someone tried to wire audio in the car and failed at it so they reinstalled the factory radio.

[Jaybo]

An almost 17 year old car, completely stock, many functions not working, been through a whole bunch of freezing weather, been in a major collision and pulling to one side?!?
Alarm bells are going off in my head dude. Imagine what else is wrong with it that they're not telling you.

[root]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I have definitely walked away from this one. Hopefully, I'll find something nice out there.

[Jaybo]

No worries man! I'd just hate to see someone have their dreams crushed by getting a lemon! lol
Patience or really knowing what your doing is the key to buying the right vehicle my friend.
It's definitely a good idea to stick to a newer 6gc as possible...