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

[Selly_Kuhman]

So I called out the guy on the accident and the miles. You dont have to read this, but for anyone who was curious how it went....I was nice about it and simply said

me: how many miles were there on it again?
seller: like 130 around
me: okay, because I'm looking at the car report and it says 192k
seller: nooo, it definitely doesn't have that much. It's my friends car and I know it's around 130
me: also hows the condition of the exterior/interior? Is there anything wrong I should know about before coming
seller: noo, it's fresh, inside and out.
me: What happened with the accident the car was in?
seller: noooo, there's never been an accident, there's only been one owner.
me: The report also says your friend took a drive to colorado a few years ago and the car was hit on the right side, and was considered totaled.
seller: Maybe he went to colorado, idk anything about an accident though, the car is in perfect condition, you didn't get the pics I sent your phone?
me: nope
seller: ohh i sent them from my sisters phone. I sent a ton!
me: well maybe my phone didnt get them yet, try sending them to my email
seller: ok ok sending them now

Well I still received no pics from him through phone or email. After the convo I texted him a pic of the report showing all the stuff I was talking about. No response. I was supposed to stop by at 5pm today, and he didn't even txt or call asking if I was still coming. Think that settles that...


As for the black 97 gt manual with the green rims... I got an email from the woman saying "I'm sorry I changed numbers the car blew up last week my husband is in the process of putting a new motor in it I blew a rod"

Should I rule this one out as well? Not sure what blowing a rod is, but I dont see why someone would be putting a new motor in a car they are selling for $2000.