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]

Thanks for the clarification. I been looking at so many pics I'm now seeing things. Anyways I got the 95' black GT...I was psyched... Had the mechanic check it out in the same town I got it in. He said there's some rust on the bottom and I just needed to change the rotors and the pads, which is one of the few things I can do on my own. So I got the car for 800 less than asking price, 2200 in total. I had an odd feeling after I saw he was talking to the repair shops owner saying how he just did construction on his friends basement.

I had it checked out today at my local mechanic and he said the car's a "flood car" and there's bad rust all over. He said the car was even floating at one point most likely. My stomach dropped when I heard that. He said things are rusted together so bad I wouldn't even be able to change the brakes myself since he's going to need to torch the calipers and other parts just to take them off. He said just by looking at it I'm going to need new break lines, calipers, rotors, pads, and he found a oil leak coming from the timing belt seal. He's in the process of finding out how much more I will need and the cost.

So there goes my extra $$ I had that I was going to put into the conversion most likely. Is this even savable/worth attempting the conversion on eventually? Or am I just getting the parts needed for the car to prolong its death?

This post has been edited by Selly_Kuhman: Sep 6, 2014 - 1:20 PM