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]

I appreciate the responses. They definitely give me some better insight as to what direction to head.

As for your question nj, I have $4000 to spend at the moment. My goal was to get a car that can get me to and from work (40miles round trip in traffic, about 40 to 50mins each way). I was looking to do the cosmetic gt-four change first after saving up and acquiring the parts. Then save up for the engine swap.

I only asked about the mileage because I would need it to last at least a year in case I dont get to the engine swap before then. I also figured (I could be totally wrong) that if a car had 250,000 miles on it, and I put in an engine that had 60,000, the rest of the parts would still have that 250k on it.

I'm almost finished reading through your thread btw, it is quite inspiring! I would like to do work myself, but since this would be my work car I cant afford to mess it up, or leave it disassembled. Also I dont have/cant afford tools... Your car looks identical to my old one! Thanks for the input and suggestions, and hope to get more advise from ya along the way.