Advice looking for a Car to Buy, Help me spend my money Options

[Althius]

I did a lot of research, and I really like the 6gen. Reliable, sporty, fairly easy to play with.... I want a car that isn't going to need lots of engine work (which I can't do), and is a 5spd. I don't mind if it needs work, it just can't be too intense. Of course I'd love a GT, but I probably won't race it or anything, so its not a major concern.

I've got $5,000 to do everything that needs to be done (car, repairs, tax, title, license).

If you were me, what would you be looking for? How much 'car' can I get for the money I've got? Does anyone know of anything that might be good?

Thanks in advance...

[Coomer]

With $5,000, I'd buy a Celica ST with a dead engine, swap in a AE101 4A-GE with 4A-GZE pistons, use Megasquirt to control the engine, and turbocharge the motor with some sort of a T28 or T3. Or if the car was a GT, I'd swap in a ST185 3S-GTE and run Megasquirt on that if possible.

With the remaining money(if any), I'd invest that into some suspension/brake upgrades.

That said, that's not what a beginner would want to do most likely. For you, I'd look for a cheap sixth generation Celica GT or ST with less than 120,000 miles probably in good condition. I'd check the oil and compression and look for any signs of problems. And definitely get a 5-speed...even if you don't know how to drive a stick get a 5-speed.