I need some advice/help, New Celica Owner

[Apple]

Ok guys,

Here's the rundown, I have owned and fixed and operated subarus for the past 4 years lol it's all I know. Well I've been wanting to branch out and was thinking an MR2 but in the paper this week a 1989 Toyota Celica showed up for 500$, and Im just trying to do some background research on it and see some common problems, what the aftermarket is like and such. Any help would be appreciated

Also he called it an STX? I can't find anything anywhere about an STX Celica just an ST...any word?

Also one last thing, the problems he stated are as follows, it is overheating but the temp gauge doesn't work, so I was thinking thermoswitch, thermostat, and so on, and also the clear coat is fading. I haven't been to check the car yet but I will update this and take pictures when I do tomorrow. I just pray it's not the head gasket...

depending on what it is and for the price, plus I might be able to talk him down, do you guys think it is worth trying to fix up? I would be doing all the repairs myself, plus it "could" make a good project for my auto repair class hehe.

Thanks in Advance for any replies :)

-Joe

[Wonderz]

I picked up an 87 GT for $400, with the intentions of giving it a complete rebuild. So far I haven't been disappointed in the car. It burns no Oil, is decent on Gas, and other then some routine maintenance, the only Issue I have had, is the Idle speed.

After doing a quick check on the net it sounds like the STX is an ST engine but the car has some added bonuses like Cruise Control, Power windows, etc...

The ST uses a 4A-GE engine if I am not mistaken. This is the smallest of the 4th Gen Engines, but I am not too sure what can be done with this engine as I have chosen to familiarize myself with Toyota’s S series Engine.

What kind of money and modifications are you looking at for the car?

[Apple]

Welp my toyota savvy friend told me after listening to the car that it sounds like the oil pump is about to go and thus, probably throw a rod.

So I would first be looking at a new engine before anything else, and the exterior is in pretty piss poor shape. not to mention the owner was a body builder and didn't take care of the interior very well either, tires are nice though lol. it's a definate fixer upper. I'll see about getting some pics on here in a minute

Here's the pics I have of it atm

Osilith/Celica - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[kiasis]

Not an '89. That's a 5th gen Celica, not a 4th gen. At least 1990, or later. If you're serious about it, find a good mechanic w/ older Celica experience and pay $100 to have it gone over very thoroughly. It could be as simple as a new thermostat to cure the over heat, or the engine could be totally fried, the coolant system f'ed up, fans busted, radiator clogged, etc. You could be looking at a couple grand before you have something drivable. Better to waste $100 than $500, especially w/ the exterior and interior in rough shape.

You can also check w/ the guys on celicatech.com - I think that's the most knowlegible bunch of 5th genners around.

[jlspec]

Correction a ST uses a 4A-FE engine.

[Pineapple]

4th gen ST use 2.0L 3S-FE.
From the photo, its a 5th gen ST with 1.6L 4A-FE.

[kiasis]

Except the '86 ST/GT that used the 2S-FE