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

[VavAlephVav]

Awesome search tool...I ended up getting like 3 hours of sleep before I had to go to work in the morn thanks to it. I'm still having bad luck finding a 97-99 GT manual in decent condition. I've started looking at some nice MR2's and Tuscanis. Pls dont flame.lol

oh yeah this is gonna be my DD, later ill get an MR2 for a toy.
depending on how easily you can do the work or have somebody else do you might even be better off taking a cheap one and slapping a cheap 5s in it for now. I bought mine for $2000 and by the time ive rebuilt all the brakes, replaced the Ecu, the motor, struts and tires, over the period of a year I'll barely have $4500 in it.
and it will be a dependable DD for several years.
I just can't justify spending money on the body and paint yet. I still have to park it down by the University for 2 more years and if some kid Bashed my **** after I had it all painted and polished I'd be in a bunch of trouble because of what I'd do to him :S