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 never noticed the 96+ has a different spoiler with the 3 posts...Does that mean you would need to replace the whole hatchback door if you were to get a 96+ model for the GT-Four spoiler conversion? I am actually looking at a 95 right now which I may pick up. Still deciding between a few. VavAleph, what does OBD1 mean when you were referencing the 94? Also what is a cheap 5s...lol

But don't worry I am anti-park bench. Thankfully I am finished with University and don't have to deal with douchey kids who think its funny to key cars, inhale dust cleaner, and drive 2mph past the buildings holding down their clutch while tapping the gas pedal. Here's my final few I'm deciding between if anyone has input. I'm pretty sure I'll go with the 95 Black though.

95' Celica GT 5spd - 184k - $3000- Clean report
http://newhaven.craigslist.org/cto/4633678451.html

97' Celica GT 5spd - 192k - $2500- "Total Loss" in report. Car looks mint though
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4635952219.html

99' Celica GT Conv 5spd - 156k- $2600 - Rear window wont go down, backlite half off, electronic top broken
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/4631951721.html

94' Celica GT 5spd - 136k - $700 - "Vehicle Scrapped" in report - Needs windshield, Hood, Airbags- Guy restored everything else it looks like in the pics...although the car is black and the fenders and bumper are silver
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4646403711.html