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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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New(used) car advice needed
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Mon, 20 May 2002 01:46
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I'm transferring this post from the old forums, and I will quote the replies I got as well in case anyone else is interested.
Me
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My RA60 was killed by another car, so I am looking for a new car. I want something small and nimble, RWD, plus all the usuals (manual, no rust, a bit of go, not too hungry on the juice, reliable parts etc..) and also not covered with heaps of anti-pollution bullshit like my RA60 was.
The obvious choice seems to be one of the 70's celica's, but there aren't many around for sale, and they're normally covered in rust. What else is there to look for, if I can't find a good celica? I need a car quick for uni. Also keep in mind that I don't have much cash, I'm expecting around $4000 from my insurance payout.
Thanks for any help
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justinharwoodran
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Finding a nice early model Celica is pretty much impossible these days. I wish I bought a spares car back in 1994 when I bought my TA22 and restored it. There was heaps in the Trading post back then.
I just bought a really nice daily driver for $1800. It’s a 1979 Datson 280ZX (yes the famous "Z" car) it’s in great condition and everything on the car works perfectly. It has a fuel injected L28 six cylinder engine, 5 speed, four wheel disc brakes, air con, power steering and its all standard. It even has power windows and mirrors and heaps of other little extras which make it perfect for daily driving. The heater and air con work better than a lot of new cars I’ve been in. I only had to replace the springs and shocks and get the engine serviced. It’s a real ripper and there’s not many on the roads, especially in Sydney. I only wish my TA22 had half the features this baby has. Keep looking for a good car. Don’t buy shit and be patient and if you don’t know anything about cars take along someone who does. Good luck!
Justin
The Celica is almost finished, maybe that GTR Turbo donk would fit in the big long Z engine bay?
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Kangz
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Buy mine!
1976 TA23 Celica, no rust, yellow/orange in colour, good paint, very original, still have log books etc from previous owner, has 11 months rego, currently has a 13T-U in it which was rebuilt a year ago. Runs very well. Gearbox very smooth. The whole car is in very good nick, no rattles etc.
17" Advanti Racing Vallens with Falken 502 rubber, rubber is 95%
On TA23 struts: R32 GTR V spec Brembo brakes with GTR Brembo dics. Billet aluminium adapter plate. 1 set of Bendix Ultimae pads and 1 set of Tokico Race pads. Stainless steel brake lines.
1 Hilux G series Diff with Celica brackets, will bolt in to a Celica. Clutch LSD.
Suspension: 1 set of Koni Adjustables all round, short shocks for lowered springs. 1 set of lowered (1.5") King Springs. 1 Adjustable Panhard rod. 1 front swaybar with superpro bushes. 1 adjustable rear swaybar with poly bushes. Full set of Superpro Poly Bushes. KMAC adjustable strut tops. All the suspension is still in the packets and yet to be opened.
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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Wed, 22 May 2002 10:33
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I have also considered an 84/85 supra (is that the MA61?).
What are these cars like? I've heard they're a fair bit heavier than the celica and don't handle so well. Also heard that they're quite dangerous. Also, what's the engine like? Much power? Reliable? Fuel economyy etc...
thanks again for any help
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Wed, 22 May 2002 12:19
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The 5ME is a slug...but then its heaps better than a 21R-C.
I dont get what you mean by dangerous? They also have a bit of a floaty effect to the handling, but apparently, Norbie reckons they can be really nice once you learn to drive them properly.
Basically they are like an RA60 inside, with extra things like wicked seats and stuff. They have IRS, 4-wheel discs...they are a fair bit heavier than RA6X...bout 100-150kg depending on the specs and what not.
Basically a really cool car. But once again, the tailgate will be a case of "on a quiet night you can hear it rusting" 
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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Wed, 22 May 2002 12:27
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i'm not too sure about the dangerous part either. I read somewhere that they were. Maybe they said that a lot of people were killed in them. So i don't know if that's due to bad driving by the sort of people who bought them, or if they have a spikey airbag that pops out of the steering wheel when you crash.
As long as they dont chew through too much juice (i drive 100km per day) and aren't too sluggish i'd be happy (anyhting should seem fast after my RA60). But the main thing is i need something reliable. I don't want to be spending heaps of money fixing it, and i live in the sticks, so I rely on my car).
Floaty handling shouldn't bother me too much. I'm currently driving a VT commo wagon (not mine), which has a really floaty feel to it.
Are there any sites that give reviews on the car, apart from the basic specs?
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Wed, 22 May 2002 12:36
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The main sites are down and the people who manage them are lazy SOB's. I told the dude from celicasupra.com that all the articles were missing and he replied saying he was going to sort it out....about 3 months ago 
Basicallly, the car shouldn't return worse consumption at all than the 21R-C could manage, probably better if most of ur driving is highway.
They have a decent amount of urge, not breathtaking, but certainly better than Celica.
The handling would probably be an asset on long drives, as they absorb a lot more bumps than a Celica could dream of.
Reliability...remember which forum you are on. The Supra if properly maintained should prove to be reliable, just as any well-looked after Toyota I've known.
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Club President
I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Wed, 22 May 2002 14:01
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Chris,
I wouldn't call an MA61 economical but hey they are still a pretty cool car ! The 5ME is no performance beast either but as long as the head gasket stays were it is supposed to you should be fine.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Wed, 22 May 2002 15:34
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Dude, it may not be economical...but it should be able to at least match the bloody 21R-C!
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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Wed, 22 May 2002 22:56
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haha, well I managed to afford to keep to 21R-C running, so this should be good then. So i just have to hope for some good luck with the head gasket I guess.
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...but as long as the head gasket stays were it is supposed to you should be fine
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Is it likely not to?
Anyways, I need a RWD, and i'm not going for a falcodore, so the supra is looking like a good choice.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Thu, 23 May 2002 00:45
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The head gasket should be fine, just dont go pumping boost through it an expect the gasket to last
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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Thu, 23 May 2002 01:48
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Good, thanks for all your help, now I just need to find one. All the MA61's from last weeks trading post don't seem to be in this weeks, damn.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Thu, 23 May 2002 02:51
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Hahaha
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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Fri, 24 May 2002 07:43
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I test drove an MA61 today, and I was very impressed. When I revvvved the engine of my RA60, i allways had the feeling that it wasn't doing the car any good, but in the supra, i barely noticed it. In fact, i could be at 5000rpm without even realising it. Also, from what I've read, I expected it to be much bigger and heavier feeling than my RA60, but I was pleasantly surprised in that area too. The only problem with the one I drove today was that it was quite rusty (behind drivers door, boot etc..) It was $4000. Is it possible to get one for that price in good working order without much rust? After driving the one today, i reallly want one.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Fri, 24 May 2002 08:00
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Yeah, you should be able to get one in ok condition for a lot less than that.
I know someone who went and looked at one, unlicenced that someone wanted 2000 for. He just kept going back to the guy and eventually got it for 900. It wasn't running, the guy had said the injectors were stuffed.
He took it home, found out the wire from the fuel pump was disconnected, the car fired and after a little while, started running well.
He took it over the pits realy easy first time. One 5-speed 5ME Supra for about $1000 all up.
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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Fri, 24 May 2002 10:16
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$900 bucks, that's amazing. Maybe I should go round the streets and find some supra's and disconnect some hoses. Then all i have to do is sit back and wait for them to appear in the trading post.
Well the one i saw today needs to get some rust removed, then a respray. I don't know how much that will cost, but I will do some research, and see if I can deduct some of that from the asking price. I really want a supra. There's a perfect black one at Car City in Ringwood, resprayed black, I couldn't find any evidence of rust, the interior was perfect, and it had all certificates of perfect working order. There were two problems with it though : Auto, and a $10,999 price tag.
So, anyone (Frank) know what some rust removal and respray would cost? The rust is the usual xA6x boot, behind the doors etc.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Fri, 24 May 2002 12:30
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No idea dude, mines beyond repair in the tailgate, so I just used it to practice my bog skills. Doesn't leak as much now
You'd have to go see someone..
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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Sat, 25 May 2002 01:34
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Oh well, thanks for your help Frank (and others). I'd better start making some phone calls.
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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Mon, 27 May 2002 02:15
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Frank, you mentioned in another post that you used to drive a Starion. What are they like? Are they too much maintanence?
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Mon, 27 May 2002 11:00
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Dont even think about it....they are an alright car, but after my experience and my mates with them I hate them...
Stick with Toyota reliability
BTW Starions use central point injection...kind of like a big electronic carby...just thought i'd mention it
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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Mon, 27 May 2002 11:54
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Dont even think about it....they are an alright car, but after my experience and my mates with them I hate them...
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please explain?
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Tue, 28 May 2002 10:19
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Ummm, lets get over the nitty gritty.
-The electrics are dodgy. 9/10 dont have properly working ammeters and boost gauges.
-Someone came around to look at mine, we had to turn the lights on because it was night. Flick the switch, one headlight doesn't move, the other one starts going up and down...
-Mates fan switch just died, no reason
-Central point injection means they have two 800cc injectors which coupled with primitive fuel injection doesn't produce the best results
-They are cramped inside...very...cramped.
-They steering is S**THOUSE!!!!! Imagine the deadness of recirculating ball, couple that with primitive variable assist power steering. Throw in one power oversteer moment with me driving...try correcting a car with no steering feel that is constantly adjusting its assistance on you!
Ummm....can think of a few more but I wouldn't touch one again with my money.
Still, twas a fun car some times...like the first time I hit boost in the wet, and because they are really quiet inside, I didn't notice the wheels were spinning.
Or the time it wound up to 200kph when I was running late. Was only pulling 5000rpm but as I had a later model engine with smaller (TC05) turbo it was running out of puff.
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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Wed, 29 May 2002 12:12
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Haha, too late, I bought one.
The only thing that worries me from your list is the variable assist power steering.. What does that do?
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Thu, 30 May 2002 00:16
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Did you just say you bought a Starion? Did I just hear you correctly?
Ok, the variable assist poweer steering is just that, it varies due to road speed in theory, but, also, then the suspension gets loaded up it does it too. You will notice, because usually there is a lot of slack in the wheel, any it will all go away! Then come back! Then go away!
Nah, but seriously, you'd get used to it. If ya want any info, go visit http://www.starion.cjb.net and they should be able to help you.
Another reason I dont like them is I dont fit in them! I cant get comfortable in the drivers seat because it JUST doesn't do back far enough
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Location:
Ballarat
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Thu, 30 May 2002 01:46
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It's ok for me, I'm not that tall. The car seems like it's fun to drive. I haven't picked it up yet, but I did test drive a few. It seems like it may take a bit of gettting used to when sliding around. My RA60's steering was dead too, but at least I knew what it was doing. It handled better than my RA60 did, and it's much more comfortable. And this is the earlier model i've got (JA) with the bigger (TC06?) turbo, so more lag, more grunt.
Thanks for all your help Frank, you've been like my personal library
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Thu, 30 May 2002 02:17
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Yeah, thats cool mate, always happy to help. The IRS on the Starion makes it ride nicely, and it handles road variations much nicer.
The steering is weird, but once you get used to it, it becomes a lot better to use. I used to love getting back in my RA60 though, I love the steering.
I think there is something wrong with my RA60...everyone whinges about how they dont handle nicely, or how the steering isn't nice, of how they roll around, but mine just handles real nice, easy to control...awesome with new tyres!
Anyways dude, have fun!
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I Supported Toymods
Location:
melbourne.vic.au
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: New(used) car advice needed
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Tue, 24 December 2002 07:42
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| Chris_RA60 wrote on Fri, 24 May 2002 20:16 |
I really want a supra. There's a perfect black one at Car City in Ringwood, resprayed black, I couldn't find any evidence of rust, the interior was perfect, and it had all certificates of perfect working order. There were two problems with it though : Auto, and a $10,999 price tag.
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Sorry I know the thread is old but couldn't notice it...
When you went to Car City, is that the one with blue interior and in Midnight Blue and has some weather damage to the rear window spoiler? If so... It's the one I bought on the 4th of June 2002 
It went great but did the Head Gasket 2 weeks ago and waiting for the mechanic to re-open 
Though I paid that price 
Cheers.
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