Buying New Celica - What should I look for?, In hopes to convert to GT-Four eventually Options

[Selly_Kuhman]

I have had a Silv 96' Anniversary Ed. 5-Speed ST Celica for years and sadly lost it last year (RIP), before I was able to do the GT-Four conversion I was planning on. I didn't know 100% if I should do it based on how hard/expensive it would be for someone who doesn't mod/fix cars as a hobby. Although I thought I may ask some things before I look into getting another 6g Celica, since that has been my goal for years now which I never got around to doing.

I am good with my hands, and would love to take on this project, but I have nowhere to work on the car where I live. I have read tons of forum threads and posts, and feel a bit overwhelmed by how complicated this looks for an amateur like myself. Hopefully I'm getting myself worried for nothing...hopefully... I'd be happy if anyone can help me out with any one of these questions!


-Jay


What's the mileage I should be looking for on a new Celica?


What's the price range I should expect to look for? (I live in NY)


If I get an automatic, does that make me a pussy? (I know it does, but is there anyone who has a gt4 auto)


What year's / trim does the GT-Four conversion work with? eg. ST, GT, Convertible? (Is there a combo that it is easiest/cheaper for)


What are the parts needed to convert the hood, bumper and spoiler?


How much do the parts cost individually?


Where would I be able to acquire these parts?


Who would be able to do the conversion?


How much would labor cost around to install them?



Here's a few I found that are semi-close to me. Would be grateful if anyone knew of any others in my area for sale.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/ve...57640&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/ve...68893&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/ve...87383&Log=0

[richee3]

I'd skip that first one. Go with your gut feeling. The Carfax can sometimes miss accidents when the owners hide them, but it doesn't just make accidents up. The 192k mileage could have been a typo and they meant 129k, but salvaged title is salvaged title regardless of mileage. The second one claims to be a GT. The easiest exterior ways to tell are the 5 spoke rims, bigger exhaust tip, and rear disc brakes, but 1997 had a limited edition ST that had the GT brakes and wheels too. However, that car doesn't have the limited edition badges and the exhaust isn't stock so it's difficult to tell. It looks more like a GT than an ST though. The facelift bumper either had stock lights or plastic covers, and that car has neither so odds are the fogs were removed.

Read my previous response for the convertible GT4 conversion. There's a ton of information in the stickies. The engine bay is the same regardless of whether it's a convertible or not so the engine swap will be the same.