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I supported Toymods
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 What would you do...?
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Thu, 23 May 2002 12:11
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OK first of all, apologies for the long post but - As the title suggests, I'm after some genuine input that will hopefully help me make a difficult decision.. A bloke that I work with has recently decided that he'd like to get a Rolla SX/GTi as his first car. Better yet, he's seen the condition that I try to keep mine in and would like to buy mine! In a way this suits me perfectly, as I would love to make a change to a different sort of car. I don't really see my rolla as the basis for a long term project, and can't see the sense in pouring a large amount of money into it when i'm already starting to feel the desire for a change.
Being the sort of person that always thinks these things carefully, herein enters my dilemma. At the moment, my car is basically costing me nothing. It can return excellent fuel economy, handles pretty well, is reasonably zippy, and is bloody comfortable.. If I was to sell it (fixing up a few little things beforehand of course) i would expect to get around $9,000 or so. My question is this: What would be a suitable replacement car if i was to sell:?:
Budgetwise, I'd be willing to spend say the 9 thousand (hopefully) that i get from the Corolla, plus maybe another 4 or 5 thousand if i was to go for a newer car. But there are a few criteria that it would have to meet.
- Substantially more powerful than my current car
- Reasonably comfortable. ie (I can live without power steering, but not air-con)
- RWD would be nice
- Toyota power of course!
So hit me with suggestions people! Insurance will probably play a factor in the equation, and if i was to stretch the budget to something like an MR2 Turbo, then chances are it would cost me too much in insurance each year to make it affordable. If I was to go old school (Celica for example) how much would it take to make it fast, reliable & comfortable? (but most of all, fast)
So.. What would you do?
[Updated on: Thu, 23 May 2002 12:11]
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Toymods Board Member
I supported Toymods
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Re: What would you do...?
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Thu, 23 May 2002 12:19
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Oooohhh, there's so many things you could do!
My main obstacle if I were in the same situation would be deciding whether I want a 'look at me' car (I sorta consider any 'sports' car to fall under this category), or a sleeper.
What would you prefer?
Maybe you should get 2 cars, one of each!  
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Location:
Melbourne, VIC
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Thu, 23 May 2002 12:20
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MA61 Supra maybe?
They look really nice I reckon, very comfortable, and well within budget. Dunno how quick they are stock though...
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I supported Toymods
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Re: What would you do...?
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Thu, 23 May 2002 12:31
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lol.. i've seriously considered the 2 cars option already Joel, but it would mean parking one of them on the street, and i don't really wanna do that! 
I would seriously consider an older Celica (T/RA23 or RA60) with a 1G.GTE conversion, but i dunno how much it would take to make it what i want. Also, i'm an impatient bastard and wouldn't wanna spend time car-less while i'm completing a conversion.. 
Dragunov - I'm not sure about the performance figures of the MA61 Supras either.. I'd be more inclined to spend a bit more and look at an MA70 if I was going to get a Supra.
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Toymods Board Member
I supported Toymods
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Re: What would you do...?
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Thu, 23 May 2002 12:36
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How much do Mk 3 Supras go for these days? That would prolly be my pick.
Or I'd get a Celica like mine, and stuff a Gen4 Beams 3S-GE with the 6 speed in it. I imagine a few grand on wheels, brakes & suspension would bring it over 10 g's, and then there's the comfrt issues to adress. Better seats, get some air-con hooked up, a nice (but not over the top) stereo.....
Only thing with something like an old celica, is aswell as doing up the car, you have to restore it aswell.
That's why going with something like a Mk3 supra would be a bit easier, you don't need to spend half your money on restoration.
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Location:
c'town, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Thu, 23 May 2002 12:50
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MA70 are going from $8000 to about $15,000
seen some JZA70's around the $15,000 to $18,000 mark
they come with all the mod cons and the 7M isnt that bad an engine...
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I supported Toymods
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Central Coast
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Re: What would you do...?
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Thu, 23 May 2002 13:57
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Yeah the MA70 would be my pick! I like em !
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Location:
Adelaide
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May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Thu, 23 May 2002 14:14
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Could also get a tin turbo Soarer for that price. Insurance is ab issue though
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I supported Toymods
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Re: What would you do...?
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Thu, 23 May 2002 14:23
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Yeah - Insurance is always going to be the deciding factor. I just dropped the Corolla from Comprehensive down to 3PP because i was sick of paying over 2 grand per year on insurance! if i was to go for something more expensive (and a higher theft target as well) i would definitely be wanting Comprehensive insurance and that would put me back where i have been for the last 2 years...
whereas something like a 1G Celica would have sleeper value (as previously mentioned) and if i had a good alarm/immobiliser i prolly wouldn't be as concerned about it.
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Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 01:31
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First things first:
Does it have to be a toyota & do you want it newish ?
I have a Lancer and a Celica. Lancers new Celicas old... (good compromise.. the Lancer is rice, so i cant park that anywhere without it being ripped off. Celica is stealth .. u can leave the doors open, & no one will even look at it !!
Do you mind an oldish car ?
I can tell you now, if you want a cumfy car, them old cars aint that cumfy... no a/c, no power steering... a real mans car.. haha
Where do you park it ?
hmm I cant park the Lancer anywhere where I cant keep my eyes on it
Fast, nice, insurance ?
Fast and nice cars will always cost more for insurance... with the older cars, i guess u can take that risk of just getting 3pp... as with a newer car, with a much higher MV, u wouldnt risk anything less than comprehensive
Lots of things to look at... 2 cars is a good move... but not worth maintaining... costs are just too much
[Updated on: Fri, 24 May 2002 01:32]
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I supported Toymods
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Perth
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 01:46
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Les, old cars aren't comfy???
You never ridden in my RA60 on a long trip. Power Steering, air/con, Supra seats, comfy they can be with a little work!
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Location:
Cabramatta, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 02:06
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MA70 will not be faster than the SX...
The 1G Celica would be in your price range, but you'll spend a great deal of time carless if you were to get someone else to do it.
What about an AW11 or S13?
How much would a 1JZ-GTE MA61 cost? 
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I supported Toymods
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 02:15
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Figure a couple of grand for a a decent bodied MA61, then Zorro said he spent $6k on the conversion, and he did most of the work himself...
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Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 03:13
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JCMF - I mean cumfy stock.. see what i mean... i could not compare then lancer with the celica... the cel seats are coming off.. smells like old musk... etc etc...
u know what i mean? Of course if u spend on fixin it up, it will be cumf  !!as opposed to any new car - which is pretty cumf stock ! 
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 03:15
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If insurance wasn't a hassle, the JZA70 are around $15,000. I think they were also quoting AE111 20v Levin for the same price. A starlet GT and an S13 would also be in that price range. You have to check, but I think the Gen3 widebody V6 Camry Vienta are fairly comparable with the SX in terms of straight line speed. The one to look for is the Touring, though you can easily fit shocks and springs to any widebody Camry Vienta.
Otherwise it would be an engine swap project. Not 100% what it cost Luke to do his 1JZ Cressida conversion. Justin Simpson might still be prepared to sell his TA22 3S-GTE project for $8000, which is a bargain really. I think it's in a limpable state at the moment and has photos of it somewhere. From what I saw of it, when complete would be very attractive.
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I supported Toymods
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 04:48
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Les, my Celica stock was as comfy as the Lancer I learnt to drive in. It came with power steering and air-con stock, and the Lancer seats are no better, the Celica ones when in good condition (like mine) were real comfy, just didn't hold well once the car got sideways...but your Lancer's wouldn't either
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Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 05:57
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who said the lancer can go sideways ?
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Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 05:58
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and how much did u pay for ur cel ?
i paid $1800 only dont 4get !!   
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Location:
Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 06:11
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V6 camry. Seriously, consider it. It would make an awesome sleeper project, and in the mean time you have the reasonable power from the 3l v6. All creature comforts, quiet, good economy, etc.
Maybe the hardest part would be finding a manual one if you were so inclined.
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I supported Toymods
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 06:12
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Thanks for all the input guys!
| Les wrote on Fri, 24 May 2002 11:31 AM |
First things first:
Does it have to be a toyota & do you want it newish ?
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Well, at this stage i would probably prefer Toyota, 'cos i can't really see many other options from other manufacturers.. In terms of new car/old car, the decision more comes down to performance and reliability than anything else.
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Do you mind an oldish car ?
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Like i said in the first post. Power steering is something I can live without, however A/C isn't..
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Where do you park it ?
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At the moment, i try not to leave my car in any high risk areas (mainly because of past experience). It's garaged overnight, and when i drive to work it's also locked up in an underground carpark at work. I refuse to leave it at trainstations. All that said though, I still have a life and will park in dodgy places time to time when i have to (eg. shopping centre and cinema car parks etc..). I probably wouldn't want too much of a LAM (Look At Me) car for this reason.
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Fast, nice, insurance ?
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There's no way I would risk 3PP only if I had a car like an MR2 Turbz or a Supra. TA23 etc on the other hand would be a different story as long as the car was pretty much visually stock.
End of the day, it will be a daily driven car, and I don't want to have to worry about it too much when I leave it somewhere.
| Posted by Nark |
MA70 will not be faster than the SX...
What about an AW11 or S13?
How much would a 1JZ-GTE MA61 cost?
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MA70 not faster than an SX? WTF??! I was referring to MA70 turbo, which I think would be MUCH faster than the SX!
AW11 - Have thought about it, but in terms of age/performance I wouldn't see it as a big enough improvement. S13 - Just don't really like 'em.. simple as that.
Likewise the MA61 Supra - I'm not a big fan. An RA60 I could deal with, but I don't like those big flairs, and i think the MA61s are a great deal heavier aren't they?
Besides.. What are you doing on the forums when you're on Holiday in the US Fool??!
Iggy - I like the Starlet Turbo, but they're a bit small i think and don't sem to handle that well.. vice versa - Camrys are too big for me! (and I would really prefer RWD..) A 3SGTE TA22 sounds tasty - Who & where is this Juston Simpson? (and how much work would be required to complete the car?)
Once again guys, Thanks for the input & keep it coming please!
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Location:
Newcastle
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 06:37
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mate,
A 1ggte celica is hard to beat and with that kind of budget you could set it up right.... start with one someone has put alot of effort into.. it'll cost you more but you'll save heaps.
The other way would be a JZA70 supra - matt got his for 15g with warrantee and lots of nice bits... goes hard too.
For me i'd go the celica with the supra a close second... but then i'm biased. i wouldn't go the ma70, they have the 1ggte, for not much more you will get a 1jzgte - well worth it!
Stew
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Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 06:54
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Paul,
Justen lives in Canberra and his main car is a ST185 GT4 with a ST205 engine with 330mm brembo front brakes.
I don't know right at this stage what the TA22 is in. I know at one stage it was drivable. I'll email Justen to see if he is still keen to part with it.
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Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 08:57
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Hey Paul,
Moving up in the automotive chain hey?
I would personally recommend the MA70 or JZA70 supra as the next step but that is totally biased. They are quick (although heavy), handle well and just seem to have a presence on the road.
Stew, i thought the MA70 turbo had the 7m-gte engine in it?
Anyway Paul, thats my opinion and good luck - both with selling the rolla and purchasing the new car.
Russ.
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Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 09:10
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92 liberty's are pretty nice for the 10K mark
were they 4WD then??
they have all the creature comforts.
Tim.
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Location:
Cabramatta, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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 Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 09:21
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| Lucid wrote on Fri, 24 May 2002 4:12 PM |
MA70 not faster than an SX? WTF??! I was referring to MA70 turbo, which I think would be MUCH faster than the SX!
AW11 - Have thought about it, but in terms of age/performance I wouldn't see it as a big enough improvement. S13 - Just don't really like 'em.. simple as that.
Likewise the MA61 Supra - I'm not a big fan. An RA60 I could deal with, but I don't like those big flairs, and i think the MA61s are a great deal heavier aren't they?
Besides.. What are you doing on the forums when you're on Holiday in the US Fool??!
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I think the MA70 turbo would be out of your price range... If you have $15k, spend $13k on the car 'coz you'll need the remaining for little things...
Ditto about the JZA70.
AW11 is mid engined......
You don't mind the RA60 but don't like the MA61?! What's wrong with you?!
I would, without a hint of bias, recommend a 1G-GTE RA60.... hehe
And, yeah, I'm on holiday, but I was suffering withdrawl symptoms.... Starting to shake etc......
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I supported Toymods
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 11:14
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| Nark wrote on Fri, 24 May 2002 7:21 PM |
I think the MA70 turbo would be out of your price range... If you have $15k, spend $13k on the car 'coz you'll need the remaining for little things...
Ditto about the JZA70.
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I think i've pretty much ruled out the M/JZA70 (although they would be awesome) but i just don't think i could deal with the insurance woes..
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AW11 is mid engined......
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Ah yes, but it's still a 4A.. nah seriously, i love those cars, but ditto the insurance dilemma (plus there's no back seat )
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I would, without a hint of bias, recommend a 1G-GTE RA60.... hehe
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hehheh.. you selling yours any time soon dude? 
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And, yeah, I'm on holiday, but I was suffering withdrawl symptoms.... Starting to shake etc......
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hahaha.. forum withdrawals.. reminds me of what work was like when we lost internet connectivity for a few hours once!  That was terrible!!
Iggy - I read your email to Justen on the mailing list - Thanks for asking dude.
Russ - Yeah, I don't know whether it's moving forward or backward (well, definitely forward in terms of performance ). Thanks mate, I'll let you know how it goes.
Toy77/Stew - Personally, I wouldn't mind looking at buying a Celica that someone has already done the 1G conversion on if the price was right & I knew the history of the car.. But how much do you reckon an existing owner would want to sell one for? Besides, no-one seems to be selling them at all! (I think that's just testament to the fact that they ROCK!! )
RA28 - I think the '92 Liberty's were AWD, but performance wise, i don't think they'd cut it over the 'Rolla (alot more torque yes, but they just don't rev the same way )
Again - To everybody, thanks for all the suggestions. I think i know which way my mind is leaning, just gotta make some important decisions & see if this guy really thinks my car is worth as much as i do!
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Toymods Board Member
I supported Toymods
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I supported Toymods
Toymods Club Secretary
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 11:40
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LOL... The force is STRONG in this one BigWorm..
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Location:
Newcastle
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 11:41
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just wondering if an older soarer would be in your price range? or maybe a GT 4 celica?
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I supported Toymods
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 11:49
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| Celica_RA40 wrote on Fri, 24 May 2002 9:41 PM |
just wondering if an older soarer would be in your price range? or maybe a GT 4 celica?
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The older Soarers (not sure of the model codes..) are extreemely rare. Bearing in mind i'm in Sydney, not QLD that is. I actually saw one on the road down here today, but it was the first time i've ever seen one around down here.
GT4 I also considered as an option, but I'm a little wary of them. In my mind they have so many things that can possibly go wrong with them, and that I wouldn't be able to fix easily.. 
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Toymods Board Member
I supported Toymods
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Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 12:37
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Plus they're pretty bloody heavy aren't they? Like 1600 or so Kgs?
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Location:
Cabramatta, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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 Re: What would you do...?
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Fri, 24 May 2002 19:46
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1G Celicas rock! The hardest choice would be which Celica to get... They get more luxury and more weight as they get newer, so you basically have to find the one with the best compromise.
Justen's car would be an amazing thing to buy and I'd be soooOOOo jealous if you got it. Not sure how much is left though. You can guarrantee the workmanship to be top class though.
GT-Fours are out of your price range aren't they? Or you'll be looking at the lower (dodgier) end. I think they're a bit too temperamental and hard to fix. Plus, they're heavy and they don't handle that well.
I wonder if Danny will read that... hehe
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
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Re: What would you do...?
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Sat, 25 May 2002 01:55
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Haha, I paid $1600 for my Celica Les...
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Club President
I supported Toymods
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Re: What would you do...?
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Sat, 25 May 2002 12:48
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Paul,
$9000 get a lot of Celica if you don't mind waiting for a ggod one. Well retored or done up Celica's don't come up for sale very often but with the exception of the ful show attempts they are generally inside the $9000 price tag when they do.
Alternatly look for a nice stock xA23. Leave the hubcaps and pinstripping on. Drop in a 1GGTE bank the $3 or $4k yoh have left and upset people in Late model Turbo cars when they are flogged by a stock looking celica !
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Location:
Shellharbour
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Sat, 25 May 2002 13:00
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get a cheap thrashed silvia, drop a IJZ in it.
=P
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Registered:
May 2002
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Re: What would you do...?
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Sat, 25 May 2002 14:10
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Rod - thats been done... many angry 200sx drivers out there heheheh
JCMF... u live in WA.. thats y u got it for $1,600 ! biatch ! 
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Club Member
Location:
sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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My kingdom for a horse (with a turbo :) )
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Sun, 26 May 2002 01:14
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hmmm after reading all the good input and looking at what you are after in terms of an upgrade I have a few suggestions.
If you want a luxury car that is fairly economical with lots of grunt, Id suggest something like an MX72-83 with a 1J upgrade, Cressidas are very cheap for what they are, comfortable to drive have very good handling for the size of the car and are easily upgradable. As an extra bonus they are RWD with an independant rear. But youd be blowing all your dough and maybe a bit more. Insurance would be fairly easy in stock form till you can afford to upgrade
Or you could put some of your dosh aside and buy a Celica or early Corolla for next to nothing, spend some money on nice seats and interior, throw in a 4AGE or 3SGE with lots of grunt (maybe add a hairdryer) and a fresh coat of paint for less than $6K. Leave the hairdryer off for insurance and itll work out fairly cheap
Next option would be something like a ST185 Celica which are very comfortable and are reasonably cheap now, save up to bolt on a hairdryer for the grunt but the sacrifice would be sticking with FWD and again using most of your money and maybe a bit more. Again Insurance in stock form should be within your means till you can afford the turbo and the step up in the insurance
Finally...stick with what you have, you sound fairly happy with it and its costing you nothing, make your workmate envy you every time he sees you pull in to work, save up for a few more years and buy what you really want, maybe a 1UZ Soarer or a late model Supra when you can afford the insurance or add a GZE or turbo to what you have allready.
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I supported Toymods
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Perth
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Re: What would you do...?
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Sun, 26 May 2002 10:14
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Oh bitch bitch Les, just because I got a better deal
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