Should I Options

[Zoiks]

I currently own a 1989 Celica SX (GT) "white lightning" but im looking for something a bit newer. The one car i have my heart set on is the 6gc but there is a couple of things im concerned about.

First is room. In my current car, i find the roof is a tad too low, causing my hair to rub the roof and head to occasionally hit it when going over a bump.

Second is performance. Would a 6gc >= then my current car in performance, both power and handling.

third is models. Finding a celica coupe here in AUS is next to impossible and most people have SX model celicas. Im looking at the ZR model but could anyone outline what exactly the difference are. All i know at the moment is passenger airbag, abs, sideskirts and cruise control


cheers
zoiks

[CoSo]

Also, keep in mind that turbos carry heavier insurance premiums, especially for young drivers. Swapping in a 3SGE would cost a couple of grand, and considering that Celicas are already overpriced, it *probably* isn't worth it. You could probably find a decent Commonwhore or better yet an Imprezza WRX (like an MY99) for around $20k which would give more bang for your buck.

To me, the perfect 6th Gen Celica is the SS-III with the BEAMS 3S-GE engine. This comes in at about 200 HP, with regular 3S-GEs at 170 HP I believe. However, no SS version Celicas were imported into Australia, as far as I know. So you'll need to swap a 3SGE in from another car if you want a performance boost.

Even though the 5S-FE is horribly underpowered for a sports (or sporty?) coupe, at least it's reliable as hell. And it does city/urban stop-go driving at 10L/100km (or 6L/100km on highway).

To compare, my ride is a '96 ZR with 83000 km for $18 grand, from dealer.