Hello from New Zealand Options

[Quidam]

Hi all

Just introducing myself.

I recently purchased a 94 Celica GT4, 2 previous owners in NZ and imported from Japan. Bought it as a daily driver so that I can keep the K's down on my 2004 MX5 factory turbo (known as Mazdaspeed Miata in the U.S.). These MX5's are very rare, only 6000 made worldwide, and only 15 sold new in NZ -mine is one of them :-)

However, I've come to like the GT4 so much I've decided to share the K's evenly between both vehicles, and thus prolong its life.

It is in beautiful condition for age and milage of 178K's (pics available in my profile) and almost completely factory original. First owner in NZ was a Toyota employee and had 40% discount on everything he spent on it! Second owner had the car for 6 years and kept it well serviced and maintained -I've got a full history of receipts from both owners. Just before selling it the last owner had the clutch; cambelt and waterpump all done. Drives really well, runs smooth. Purely by chance, previous owner used a mechanic who is just down the street from where I live, so I guess I'll keep using him because he must know the car pretty well by now considering some of the work he has done, and I just can't fault the condition of this vehicle. He will probably be quite surprised to see the car coming back to him

I've put some 18inch mags on it, as the only thing I didn't like that much were the factory orignal tri-spokes -butt ugly IMHO. This has also made the ride a little more firm, which I like (still soft compared to the MX5). To me the car has a very neutral feel to the steering and balance, which I like alot.

Car has a few extra goodies on it, such as a factory electric sunroof; parking sensors; turbo timer; gps surveillance and a big bore exhaust -neighbours all know when I'm coming or going lol

Anyway, this looks like agreat forum, I've read a few of the posts and everyone seems to play together well

Speaking personally, I'm not a boy-racer (too old for that) I just figure if I have to drive, I may as well enjoy the experience

Peace
Bruce

This post has been edited by Quidam: Nov 27, 2009 - 7:00 PM

[delusionz]

Did that pre-purchase check cover turbocharger shaft play? If so I'm going to bang my head against the wall, I should have known I was getting a lemon.

My turbo crapped out a week after I got it, There wasn't enough oil getting to the turbo because there was too much crap build up, even though when I bought the car the oil was golden. Later down the track I met a mechanic who had worked on this car before, Said it had been neglected for 40,000kms and had been properly serviced only within the last 10,000kms of me buying it

[Quidam]

Ahh now this is interesting and a good cautionary tale. So to answer your question the pre-purchase check definately did not cover the turbo-charger condition (other than the fact that it was working). I should mention I also purchased a 2 year autosure warranty, which seems quite comprehensive, and definately covers the turbo.

You remind me that I need to get in touch with the mechanic who has worked on this car previously -who just happens to be down the road from where I live.

I would definately like to get his opinion on the car in general, and its service history (from his perspective) and perhaps any issues that he may be aware are still outstanding. Going to call him now!

I can say I've been through every receipt (ordered them by date) and the car does appear to have been well serviced with a lot of money spent on it whenever it needed it. In fact I almost felt guilty paying what I did for it given how much money its sucked up over the years -but I guess now its my turn