REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum


Welcome to the REVscene Automotive Forum forums.

Registration is Free!You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today! The banners on the left side and below do not show for registered users!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.


Go Back   REVscene Automotive Forum > Automotive Chat > Vancouver Auto Chat

Vancouver Auto Chat 2016 VAC Community Head Moderator: Raid3n

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 12-26-2012, 05:39 PM   #1
I am Hook'd on RS
 
bobbytomorow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: East Vancouver
Posts: 51
Thanked 33 Times in 10 Posts
Purchasing advice

My car was recently written off and I am looking for a new (used) car.

My short list is:
-e36 (3 series)
-e46 (3 series)
-e39 (5 series)
-Celica GT-S (7th gen)
-Prelude (4th & 5th Gens)
-Volvo turbo (I like several)
-Benz C class
-Audi A4
-RSX
-MR2 (second gen)

Tomorrow I have scheduled a viewing for a private sale of a Celica GT-S, I am typically confident but this one has me wondering a little because of its high mileage and it is owned by a chick (not many chicks maintain their cars well).

Just wanted some input on this Celica, what to look for are the motors good with high K etc... heres the details:

2000 Toyota Celica GTS
Black, sunroof, 6 speed, 231,000km.
New water pump, new serpintine belt, new battery, tune up, always ran synthetic oil
All regular maintenance done, lady driven, runs great, aircared

$4700



Advertisement
bobbytomorow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2012, 05:47 PM   #2
Head Moderator
 
Lomac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1982
Location: Great White Nor
Posts: 22,661
Thanked 6,462 Times in 2,081 Posts
E36. Last of the fun, compact-sized 3-series!

230k isn't a lot for a car that's basically 13 years old, to be honest. Probably a bit more than average, but it's still a hell of a lot less than I put on a car every year.

Here's the question for you, though: What do you plan on doing with the car? You've got a mixture of purpose built sport cars, sporty coupes (based off of sedan platforms) and sedans. Do you plan on modifying them? Do you plan on having a family at some point soon? Are you capable of working on your own cars? Etc., etc.
Lomac is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-26-2012, 05:47 PM   #3
Everyone wants a piece of R S...
 
beproud's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: vancouver
Posts: 375
Thanked 53 Times in 26 Posts
Overall Toyota are pretty reliable. I would look at regular maintenance, gaming belt replacement, clutch replacement, brakes and tires.
beproud is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-26-2012, 06:10 PM   #4
I am Hook'd on RS
 
bobbytomorow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: East Vancouver
Posts: 51
Thanked 33 Times in 10 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lomac View Post
Here's the question for you, though: What do you plan on doing with the car? You've got a mixture of purpose built sport cars, sporty coupes (based off of sedan platforms) and sedans. Do you plan on modifying them? Do you plan on having a family at some point soon? Are you capable of working on your own cars? Etc., etc.
I certainly want something with a sporting pedigree. I only drive in the city and very rarely ever drive on the highway or go on long trips. I would like it to last at least a couple of years. I do most repairs myself, I can do suspension, steering, maintenance, little electrical, brakes/pads/rotors etc...I may lightly modify whatever I get, I like stock looking cars with a low stance, so springs/coilover upgrade quite possible as well as rims. No plans for family, single and live alone in a condo

Quote:
Originally Posted by beproud View Post
Overall Toyota are pretty reliable. I would look at regular maintenance, gaming belt replacement, clutch replacement, brakes and tires.
Thanks for the tips...What do you guys do to test clutch/tranny, just basically see if it stays in grear r anything specific?
bobbytomorow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2012, 06:14 PM   #5
Pull Out Towing. Women rescued for free.
 
SumAznGuy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Hongcouver
Posts: 8,449
Thanked 2,414 Times in 1,283 Posts
Something is wrong with the front bumper of the Celica in the pic you posted.
__________________
Originally posted by Iceman_19 you should have tried to touch his penis. that really throws them off.
Originally posted by The7even SumAznGuy > Billboa
Originally posted by 1990TSI SumAznGuy> Internet > tinytrix
Quote:
Originally Posted by tofu1413 View Post
and icing on the cake, lady driving a newer chrysler 200 infront of me... jumped out of her car, dropped her pants, did an immediate squat and did probably the longest public relief ever...... steam and all.

(11-0-0) Buy/Sell rating
Christine
Shitvic
Pull Out Towing
SumAznGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-26-2012, 06:19 PM   #6
OMGWTFBBQ is a common word I say everyday
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: BC
Posts: 5,239
Thanked 4,905 Times in 1,655 Posts
Budget of ~5k? Hmm. Perhaps pick up something like:

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pm...434592380.html
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...408496260.html
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bn...418999308.html
dared3vil0 is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-26-2012, 06:24 PM   #7
"Entertainment" mod.
 
CorneringArtist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Surrey, BC
Posts: 5,109
Thanked 3,427 Times in 1,048 Posts
Toyotas of that era are timing chain, so I guess you could listen for noise from worn chain tensioners. Other than that, those engines can take a licking provided it hasn't been beaten to hell and neglected in that 230k.
__________________
Borokusowagen.
CorneringArtist is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-26-2012, 06:28 PM   #8
Head Moderator
 
Lomac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1982
Location: Great White Nor
Posts: 22,661
Thanked 6,462 Times in 2,081 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by SumAznGuy View Post
Something is wrong with the front bumper of the Celica in the pic you posted.
I noticed that as well. It's got an overbite!

Seriously, though, it looks like the bottom half of the "lip" is missing from the bumper.
Lomac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2012, 06:32 PM   #9
Banned By Establishment
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 64
Thanked 82 Times in 24 Posts
Something wrong with the front bumper?

I would pay attention to the car's paint condition, (swirls, scratches, rusts, etc) Not a huge deal, more of a personal or aesthetic thing. Good luck!
AYAutocare is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-26-2012, 06:51 PM   #10
Pull Out Towing. Women rescued for free.
 
SumAznGuy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Hongcouver
Posts: 8,449
Thanked 2,414 Times in 1,283 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by AYAutocare View Post
Something wrong with the front bumper?

I would pay attention to the car's paint condition, (swirls, scratches, rusts, etc) Not a huge deal, more of a personal or aesthetic thing. Good luck!
For me, that front bumper is a warning sign to look the car over carefully before deciding to purchase it. If the bumper is messed up, what else can be wrong with the car.



I'm not too familiar with this car, but usually there is a rad support and a radiator behind the front bumper. How did the bumper lose the lower section and was anything else damaged in the process.

It's not hard to spend $1K on a macco paint job to make the car look shiny so your criteria may land you a crapmobile.
__________________
Originally posted by Iceman_19 you should have tried to touch his penis. that really throws them off.
Originally posted by The7even SumAznGuy > Billboa
Originally posted by 1990TSI SumAznGuy> Internet > tinytrix
Quote:
Originally Posted by tofu1413 View Post
and icing on the cake, lady driving a newer chrysler 200 infront of me... jumped out of her car, dropped her pants, did an immediate squat and did probably the longest public relief ever...... steam and all.

(11-0-0) Buy/Sell rating
Christine
Shitvic
Pull Out Towing
SumAznGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2012, 06:58 PM   #11
I am Hook'd on RS
 
bobbytomorow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: East Vancouver
Posts: 51
Thanked 33 Times in 10 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by SumAznGuy View Post
Something is wrong with the front bumper of the Celica in the pic you posted.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lomac View Post
I noticed that as well. It's got an overbite!

Seriously, though, it looks like the bottom half of the "lip" is missing from the bumper.
I saw that too but I think it is just the angle, I googled some images and was able to reproduce it:



Quote:
Originally Posted by dared3vil0 View Post
Budget of ~5k? Hmm. Perhaps pick up something like:

2002 SUBARU IMPREZA TS
2002 Subaru Impreza WRX
2002 SUBARU IMPREZA AWD 2.5RS
Yep 5K give or take...I've never liked Subaru, do not like their aesthetics, they look too busy and bulbous to me but thats personal preference.

Quote:
Originally Posted by CorneringArtist View Post
Toyotas of that era are timing chain, so I guess you could listen for noise from worn chain tensioners. Other than that, those engines can take a licking provided it hasn't been beaten to hell and neglected in that 230k.
Thanks, I was thinking of timing chain too!


Quote:
Originally Posted by AYAutocare View Post
I would pay attention to the car's paint condition, (swirls, scratches, rusts, etc) Not a huge deal, more of a personal or aesthetic thing. Good luck!
Roger that, cheers
bobbytomorow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2012, 06:59 PM   #12
OMGWTFBBQ is a common word I say everyday
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: BC
Posts: 5,239
Thanked 4,905 Times in 1,655 Posts
Now that i look at it... That front bumper looks photoshopped. Anyone else see the blurry lines were it should of been?
dared3vil0 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2012, 07:09 PM   #13
Pull Out Towing. Women rescued for free.
 
SumAznGuy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Hongcouver
Posts: 8,449
Thanked 2,414 Times in 1,283 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbytomorow View Post
I saw that too but I think it is just the angle, I googled some images and was able to reproduce it:

Quote:
Originally Posted by dared3vil0 View Post
Now that i look at it... That front bumper looks photoshopped. Anyone else see the blurry lines were it should of been?
That pic is not the same as the one you posted, It's not the angle of the photo. The bumper is missing the lower section.

Dared3vil0 might be right, but why would someone PS out a section of the bumper?

The car is 13 years old and under $5K. It would be nice if the paint was show quality glassy wet, but if it is stock paint, then it won't be.
Don't let light scratches/swirls sway you to buy or not buy a car. That is just cosmetics. The owner can easily have gotten a $1K macco paint job to make the car all shiny or had someone wax it.
Rust is a given but again, if the price is right, some people will buy the car.
__________________
Originally posted by Iceman_19 you should have tried to touch his penis. that really throws them off.
Originally posted by The7even SumAznGuy > Billboa
Originally posted by 1990TSI SumAznGuy> Internet > tinytrix
Quote:
Originally Posted by tofu1413 View Post
and icing on the cake, lady driving a newer chrysler 200 infront of me... jumped out of her car, dropped her pants, did an immediate squat and did probably the longest public relief ever...... steam and all.

(11-0-0) Buy/Sell rating
Christine
Shitvic
Pull Out Towing
SumAznGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-26-2012, 08:24 PM   #14
Even when im right, revscene.net is still right!
 
Mr.C's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Richmond
Posts: 1,355
Thanked 1,776 Times in 444 Posts
Budget of 5k? Don't buy Audi/BMW/Mercedes. From that list, I'd get a prelude or a Celica, but not that Celica you posted.
__________________
Have an E38? Check out E38Registry.org!

http://www.e38registry.org/
Mr.C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2012, 08:24 PM   #15
Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
 
vantrip's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 337
Thanked 224 Times in 84 Posts
Avoid higher mileage cars, imo if it has 200,000kms or more it can make for a future headache because of the unknown history, that's not to say higher kms cars are bad. I personally drive a cars with 347k kms but I've also owned it for 7 years.

As far as actual car goes I once had a E39 525i and current daily is w203 C240 4M.
I'd personally recommend the BMW. It was a bigger car than my C-class and got much better fuel mileage. I was really impressed with the Handling, Reliability and overall daily livability of this car. You can pack all your gear into the car, seat a family comfortably and still have a excellent drivers car. If you have a highway commute then I suggest the bigger engine like the 530i 3.0L or 540i 4.0L V8. The smaller engines are great for power and fuel efficiency.
vantrip is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-26-2012, 11:12 PM   #16
I am Hook'd on RS
 
bobbytomorow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: East Vancouver
Posts: 51
Thanked 33 Times in 10 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.C View Post
Budget of 5k? Don't buy Audi/BMW/Mercedes. From that list, I'd get a prelude or a Celica, but not that Celica you posted.
My last car was a BMW that I paid 4.5k for a few years ago and it was the best all round car I've ever owned in terms of reliability, fun, power, looks, easy to work on, options etc...

I think I was lucky finding one that was gently used though, but that 328is never let me down once, never failed to start and never broke down.

Also you suggest Celica's but not the specific one that I posted, what is the reason, the kilometres?

Quote:
Originally Posted by vantrip View Post
Avoid higher mileage cars, imo if it has 200,000kms or more it can make for a future headache because of the unknown history, that's not to say higher kms cars are bad. I personally drive a cars with 347k kms but I've also owned it for 7 years.

As far as actual car goes I once had a E39 525i and current daily is w203 C240 4M.
I'd personally recommend the BMW. It was a bigger car than my C-class and got much better fuel mileage. I was really impressed with the Handling, Reliability and overall daily livability of this car. You can pack all your gear into the car, seat a family comfortably and still have a excellent drivers car. If you have a highway commute then I suggest the bigger engine like the 530i 3.0L or 540i 4.0L V8. The smaller engines are great for power and fuel efficiency.
I looked at a 540i last night and love e39's however in my price range they are typically high KM's or beat on...hopefully I get lucky and some old man dies and his son sells his e39 under-priced on cl :P
bobbytomorow is offline   Reply With Quote
This post FAILED by:
Old 12-26-2012, 11:29 PM   #17
OMGWTFBBQ is a common word I say everyday
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: BC
Posts: 5,239
Thanked 4,905 Times in 1,655 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbytomorow View Post
...hopefully I get lucky and some old man dies...
dared3vil0 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2012, 11:58 PM   #18
Rs has made me the man i am today!
 
EvoFire's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 3,271
Thanked 2,120 Times in 991 Posts
The front bumper is missing the lower fascia, it might be nothing like scraping a parking curb, or it might be more serious such as flying over a curb and destroying the everything underneath in the process.

The 2ZZ in the GT-S generally are not too bad. A few minor things like lift bolts wearing out causing you to not hit "lift" after 6000rpms. Early iterations, like this one has a 9000rpm fuelcut which sometimes caused bent valves. The fuelcut was later revised to 8800 with redline at 8600, or something like that.
EvoFire is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-27-2012, 10:28 PM   #19
I am Hook'd on RS
 
bobbytomorow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: East Vancouver
Posts: 51
Thanked 33 Times in 10 Posts
I got lucky and came across a single owner, widow it was her husbands, e39 with 150K on the clock and completely immaculate with full service records. Body is straight with zero rust and zero dings and the leather is mint with zero cracking and zero rips...however a couple of the gadgets are wonky (cup holders need replace/fix, ashtray stuck open) Purchased locally in Vancouver and zero accidents. She had it checked out by BMW before sale and it needs a couple of sensors and filters, thats about it.

Its got pretty lame rims and stereo though so time to lower/tint/rims/bluetooth/nav.

1997 BMW 540i
4.4-liter DOHC V8 @282HP & 320ft·lbf torque

bobbytomorow is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-27-2012, 10:43 PM   #20
Willing to sell body for a few minutes on RS
 
westopher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: North vancouver
Posts: 12,030
Thanked 31,020 Times in 7,110 Posts
Are you just looking at it or did you pick it up? Good choice to stick with a bmw if you did. I think coming from a 328is, that celica would have bored you pretty quickly.
westopher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-27-2012, 11:41 PM   #21
I am Hook'd on RS
 
bobbytomorow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: East Vancouver
Posts: 51
Thanked 33 Times in 10 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by westopher View Post
Are you just looking at it or did you pick it up? Good choice to stick with a bmw if you did. I think coming from a 328is, that celica would have bored you pretty quickly.
Yes, I picked it up earlier today...and you are right I test drove the GT-S and it felt like a tin can. BMW's are tanks.
bobbytomorow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-28-2012, 08:13 AM   #22
Old School RS
 
lowside67's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Port Moody
Posts: 4,552
Thanked 3,932 Times in 1,198 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbytomorow View Post
I got lucky and came across a single owner, widow it was her husbands, e39 with 150K on the clock and completely immaculate with full service records. Body is straight with zero rust and zero dings and the leather is mint with zero cracking and zero rips...however a couple of the gadgets are wonky (cup holders need replace/fix, ashtray stuck open) Purchased locally in Vancouver and zero accidents. She had it checked out by BMW before sale and it needs a couple of sensors and filters, thats about it.

Its got pretty lame rims and stereo though so time to lower/tint/rims/bluetooth/nav.

1997 BMW 540i
4.4-liter DOHC V8 @282HP & 320ft·lbf torque

Nice car, they are great value. Hope you checked for leaky valve covers and typical BMW cooling system issues as both are chronic weak links in the otherwise fairly bulletproof drivetrain.

Mark
__________________
I'm old now - boring street cars and sweet race cars.
lowside67 is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-28-2012, 12:04 PM   #23
RS.net, helping ugly ppl have sex since 2001
 
sonick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Revscene
Posts: 9,252
Thanked 7,151 Times in 2,395 Posts
Also at 150k be sure to budget for Inspection II and a bunch of other maintenance items coming up soon.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by skyxx View Post
Sonick is a genius. I won't go into detail what's so great about his post. But it's damn good!
2010 Toyota Rav4 Limited V6 - Wifey's Daily Driver
2009 BMW 128i - Daily Driver
2007 Toyota Rav4 Sport V6 - Sold
1999 Mazda Miata - Sold
2003 Mazda Protege5 - Sold
1987 BMW 325is - Sold
1990 Mazda Miata - Sold

100% Buy and Sell Feedback
sonick is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Old 12-28-2012, 11:34 PM   #24
I don't get it
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 432
Thanked 783 Times in 136 Posts
RSX would be my choice from the list. Low maintenance, reliable and styling is still ok.
dvst8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2012, 06:30 AM   #25
racing & tech mod.
 
Rich Sandor's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 4,034
Thanked 507 Times in 188 Posts
Congrats! Welcome to the club. I love my e39. Well, I've pretty much given it to my g/f to drive since we have a baby on the way and her old car was a 2 door merc. Anyways, they are indeed tanks. Just bought a complete set of rotors and pads and going to do them myself sometime next week.

If you want some different wheels, I have a set of style 66's that I may be willing to part with. See here: http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/5/E39

FYI - The e39's have a bigger centrebore on the hub than all other BMWs. That means only wheels with the larger e39 centrebore will fit on e39s. So be careful when wheel shopping.. you don't want to buy some e36 wheels only to find they won't clear the hub!!

Cheers,
Rich

Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbytomorow View Post
I got lucky and came across a single owner, widow it was her husbands, e39 with 150K on the clock and completely immaculate with full service records. Body is straight with zero rust and zero dings and the leather is mint with zero cracking and zero rips...however a couple of the gadgets are wonky (cup holders need replace/fix, ashtray stuck open) Purchased locally in Vancouver and zero accidents. She had it checked out by BMW before sale and it needs a couple of sensors and filters, thats about it.

Its got pretty lame rims and stereo though so time to lower/tint/rims/bluetooth/nav.

1997 BMW 540i
4.4-liter DOHC V8 @282HP & 320ft·lbf torque

Rich Sandor is offline   Reply With Quote
This post thanked by:
Reply

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:29 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
SEO by vBSEO ©2011, Crawlability, Inc.
Revscene.net cannot be held accountable for the actions of its members nor does the opinions of the members represent that of Revscene.net