Looking to buy a used Celica - advice needed

[Nlkko]

Hey guys,

Newbie here. I'm on the market for a used car with a budget of around 10k (CAD). I've been doing research for a few months now

I'm not a big fan of Honda after reading about a gazzillions of problem they have on carcomplaints.com.

The Corollas up here look too boring. Like 1 or 2 S model for sale in the entire city-- and they're rebuilts. Only CE model are for sale.

The Camrys are just too pricey. So I'm determined to get a Celica-- big fan of the look, it's my daily drive to college, so I could careless about the HP. I'm not into racing, just like to have a nice ride (no rice). I'm getting ones with auto trans if that matters.

I'm basically looking at three celicas on craiglist:

1. http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/ctd/1911487350.html
I'm digging this one. Black is my fav color. But ODO is a little high--141k

2. http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/ctd/1911332805.html
I dislike the gigantic muffler. So...

3. http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/1911094815.html
This one looks great. Probably a rebuilt. The CEL is on?

Questions:
1. Which one would you pick if you have to pick one?
2. I know it's not normal for the CEL to be on. But could it be turned on purposely-- to show that the light is not broken, etc..?

Appreciate inputs.

:)

[lamboceliGTS]

I would simply look for one that was never modded, and has lower miles.

Could be hard to find, but the market now is where you can find a cheap GTS.

If you get a GT 00-01 look for oil consumption problems.

If you look at GTS 00-01 look out for grining gears, and bad synchros as well as bad lift bolts. Make sure there is a hp increase after about 6.3K.

NEVER buy a modded car, you are just asking for trouble.

[GSBoek]

Out of those 3 I would probably go for the 3rd one. It's newer (better chance of not having an engine plagued buy oil consumption), has less km, is cheaper. I am a bit wary of the 2nd grade gas used but that shouldn't be too bad.

I don't think it is rebuilt honestly but who knows. As for the CEL, depending on how soon the pic was taken after turning the switch to ON it may be on or not.

[theguy216]

I'm with GSBoek. The 3rd is a 2003 so the engine will not have the oil consumption problems that the other two most likely have. It also appears not to have been modded. Also the picture does not mean the car has a CEL. The key is just in the ON position.

[lamboceliGTS]

Whenever they talk about it being rebuilt I would watch out.

[hulkster]

none of the above

[Carbonized_GT]

Hondas have gazillions of problems? ****, then I would actually be busy at work...

[Nlkko]

Hey all,

Thanks for all the advices. I'm test driving the 3rd one within the week. If everything goes well, I'll be taking her home!!! Soo exciteddd!!! Can't wait!!

She's not a rebuilt. A 2nd owner car (bought in 08 from dealer). 1 claim for 1500 in 04 and 1 claim for 80 (?) in 09. Nothing over 2k.

I'm looking to get her inspected but I'm new in town (Vancouver, CA) and don't know any mechanics. A friend suggested Comptech guys (on West 5th). I'm also looking at BCAA auto inspection (155 for the whole thing). Anybody local knows these guys any good?

About the Honda thing. The only model I like is the Accord 03(+) and they have tranny problems (I've read about it on carcomplaints.com). That's why I chickened out. Not really a car guru so I wouldn't know otherwise. No offense at all.

[GSBoek]

All cars have problems. Hondas are considered to be on the more reliable side.

[Nlkko]

Found a lien after doing a Carproof (Canadian version of Carfax). Should I walk? Is it too much trouble?

EDITED: This is the owner's reply when I asked. Sounds fair enough, but I'm quite clueless. Hope some1 with experience can give some inputs:

"I called the bank b4 putting the ad, it can be sold legally even with the lien.. BUT the lien is on there because im financing the car through the bank, this is the reason am selling it. If u find that u want to get the car we will go to the bank so you can see that i will pay off the car and that they can assure you that the lien will be removed. A letter will be provided as well as a proof of this, but the letter will be processed i believe takes a few days. But that is why we will go to the bank the same day u will purchase it so u can be there personally and to prove that the lien will be taken off the car.

Yeaps, i understand ur concern :p and thanks for letting me explain. But yea thats what i want to do. everything will be taken care of the day of the purchase. when we go to the bank the representative can actually tell u that the lien is all gone. Ull be there to see that i pay the lien off :) i think its just fair that u be there as the car will go to u :) .. Honestly, the cash ull pay for the car is what ill
use to pay the financing off with. lol thats the only reason am selling cuz am a student and can not handle the payments anymore
sadly."

[GSBoek]

It happens sometimes, you don't have to walk necessarily, but I'd try to have a word with the bank beforehand. If it's too much of a hassle then shop around and see if there's anything easier.