Late 80s Celicas....

In high school my best friend had an 89 ST. This thing was a beast, got great mpgs, was pretty fast, and never had any problems. Recently I've been looking for one just to have because I always liked this car, they aren't the prettiest cars in the world (represent a door stop on wheels) but they are pretty damn cool.

Anyone have any input on these? I think it'd be a great DD as long as the A/C was working. I'm just having trouble finding one, and if not then I'll got for the mid-90s style which is also badass.

I think you're talking about the (FWD) T160 series. Personally I'd rather an even more baddass early 80s model, such as an RA60 or an MA61 Supra.

Sorry, that wasn't much help at all

I've often considered the late-80s Celicas were "forgotten" enthusiast cars. They always ranked well in comparison tests, they're Toyota-reliable, not too portly and cheap. Just watch out for rust. I confess I do not know much about these, but I do think they're worth a second look.

The GT-S versions had the 3SGE, which is a stout engine that likes to rev. The 1990+ version went to the 5SFE, which would have worked great as a tractor engine.

If your thinking about Supras at all get a 3rd gen. I see like 3 in every junkyard in Florida. (2 yesterday with untouched turbo motors!!)

No such luck with my 80's Corolla in junkyards... but there are actually some 80's Celicas

Dirtybird, if you're interested I have a Challenge-priced '90 Celica GT-S for sale. It does have the somewhat uninspiring 5S-FE but it also has all the handling upgrades that were fitted to the later cars. Actually it's one of the best handling front drivers I've ever had. Really clean and sharp looking too. Not sure where you are but the car is with my folks in London, Ontario. Shoot me a PM and I'll send you more details.

J

Thanks for the offer jay! If I lived up in Buffalo with the rest of my family I'd prolly do that, but I'm down here in Florida!

I just really loved this car! My buddies parents had it sitting in the garage for years and when we were like 14 we took this car out and basically "learned" ourselves how to drive stick. So they have somewhat of a soft spot in my heart.

Plus like I said they had some decent power, handle well, and pretty reliable.

We bought a 1983 MA61 P-type for $200. Ran it at Roebling today - other then a few hoses letting go it ran great - body roll is IMPRESSIVE though

Tyler H wrote: The GT-S versions had the 3SGE, which is a stout engine that likes to rev. The 1990+ version went to the 5SFE, which would have worked great as a tractor engine.

Yeah, that first gen 3sge is fun.... but not much aftermarket, and not too quick.

The 5sfe is a tractor motor, but when used correctly, it will move decently enough to be entertaining. And with fairly mild modifications (I/h/e, webcams regrind) they'll move ok.

But yeah.... i would love an ST162 GTS....