Thinking of getting a used celica

[NooB1FieD]

I keep looking at celicas (to replace my car, as I sold it and need a beater for my job). My friend has one (86 gt, good mpg, 191k strong). They are CHEAP compared to the reliability, comfort, mediocore power with them all. I need a car to take a lot of milage, and have little problems (dont we all). My dad is a mechanic, so I could care less about everything except a new motor/trans. I usually do most of the work myself.

So, I was thinking of 87-89 celica, I want some power (the DOHC version) but I cant find specs on these cars. Ive looked for 3 days, turning up pretty much usless crap, besides motor swaps for the se. What should I expect/look for. I can get a black 87 celica soft top (kinda sounds good, but what about the weight? more or less?)

Thanks for your help if you can point me to some information.
Up to 160k I am interested in.

*update - I bought this (link below) thanks for the help guys.
http://www.radardetector.net/87-celi...%29-14767t.php

[kbuck1984]

Here's almost everything you need to know. It's on the '89 Celica.
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Sp...lica&trimid=-1

[SmaartAasSaabr]

87-89 Celica? Okay...

The BIG BIG BIG BIG issue with Toyotas of such vintage is RUST. They rust, and then the rust rusts...

if you were actually paying money for one (eg over $500) you would definately have to go over every inch of the bodywork (particularly the floor and the undercarriage) for rust.

Also make sure the motor doesn't burn oil badly.

I highly doubt that you are going to get a car "that is reliable for a lot of milage" that is about as old as you are You want something where the engine and transmission will last, well there are thousands of different cars you could get that with. But face it - sensors, wiring, clutch, brakes, CV axles, suspension parts, exhaust, power steering rack are all going to be things you will become rapidly familiar with.

I think the standard "performance" model came out with around 120 horses.

[MerkXRTurbo]

My dad had an '83 Celica that he put 380K on, and he only junked it because it blew a HG... it was still going other than that. :shock: Celicas are great cars, but like stated above they do have rust issues.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Get an older early 80's rear wheel drive Celica and put a Mopar V8 like a 360 in there

http://www.allpar.com/mopar/celica-318.html

[MerkXRTurbo]

Get an older early 80's rear wheel drive Celica and put a Mopar V8 like a 360 in there

http://www.allpar.com/mopar/celica-318.html

Now that is kick ass!!! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

[raresvx]

AllTrac Turbo dont get anything less I always wanted one. Alltracs are rare dont get you hopes of finding a good one.

[NooB1FieD]

Thanks for the replies guys

I dont care if its got rust, as long as I cant push through it, and grab a detector, lol (and not too bad). Its going to be a peice of crap, I can easily change/replace anything, besides motor and transmission, because those things would cost more than the car. I just want it to start everytime and get semi-good milage and rack the miles on the motor. I want 100k out of a 160k motor. I think its VERY possible because all of these toyotas seem to go 300k or more pretty easily. Eating oil? not bad, I check/maintain things very well, so a quart a month wouldnt be too bad. I just want somthing that I can drive everywere and work in/with. thats all. only mods would be a cat-back exhaust and an intake.

[ReadyRadar]

Have oil analysis done before you buy it if you can...

[NooB1FieD]

Have oil analysis done before you buy it if you can...

havent heard of that. will mention it to my dad