Good buy? 1984 Toyota Celica GTS Liftback

[DWhiteRA65!]

I'm new here. I'm 17 and bought a 1984 Toyota Celica GTS Liftback for $900 is that a good price? Runs and drives. Has a small rust spot behind the rear tire on driver's side. Or left side. Has a few small dents from sitting for 4 years in a not so good part of town. Also it has some sun fade (from the Oklahoma sun) on the paint and some of the interior. Only has 113,500 miles. I fell in love with the car at first sight. Asked questions, got to buy it and I love this little car! Fun to drive and gets some looks. Doesn't help it's straight piped with hollowed out catalytic converter haha. It is a stock 22re, w58, and no lsd car but still a blast to drive. I want to fix it up with my own taste. If others don't like it that's okay because it's mine and it's paid for. Thank y'all!

[Teranfirbt]

That's a good find! These cars are great to learn how to wrench on, solidly reliable and easy to work on. Welcome to the forum, I started with my old '83 when I was 16 and learned a ton.

The first thing I would do is pull the valve cover and check on the exhaust side timing chain guide, it's about the only weakness in the 22RE. When the timing chain stretches, it will overwhelm the tensioner and then break the plastic guide on the exhaust side. This will then let the chain rub against the front cover, right behind the water pump. Enough rubbing and it will dump coolant into the oil pan and ruin the engine.

[twotone_ra64]

Welcome!! +100 points for the twotone silver/blue paint, my car has the same paint!! That's an amazing price for the miles! I'm looking forward to seeing your progress with this car.

[DWhiteRA65!]

I truly love this little car lol, probably the best $900 I'll ever spend. Twotone_ra64 thank you! I like the silver/blue but it might change eventually, idk yet. You have a beautiful car btw. I will definitely keep y'all updated on my progress! Teranfirbt thank you! They are beautiful cars and are also fun. When I pulled the valve cover off the other day everything looked and felt tight still, I will definitely look into that plastic guide though. I don't want to take any chances

[sirdan]

excellent price!