So I drove the '88 Celica GT today

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
01/09/2016 at 21:48 • Filed to: car buying

Yes, the automatic one I posted last week. I decided to give it a chance, as some of you suggested.

The owner was really cool and was forthright about the vehicle. The car wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was as good as it looked, which is to say, incredible for its age. The body was nearly flawless and the interior was serviceable. And I’m a sucker for those ‘80s graphics on the sides, as you all know.

The drive was also relaxing. The interior was splendid, with the driver’s seat cradling me like the warm embrace of an innocent cuddling with a friend that turns PG-13 soonafter. All the buttons worked, the gauges worked, (almost) everything worked!

The automatic transmission really wasn’t that bad at all. It pulled just fine, with all of perhaps 124hp. The steering was tight, the suspension was good, very smooth ride...

What I’m saying is that this felt like a better version of my first car: an automatic ‘92 Integra.

And that’s why I didn’t buy it.

It’s a great car for the price, but the fact that it compared more closely to a car that I admittedly did not enjoy, was just too concerning. I’m ready to drive something better than what I’ve ever had, not to just wind up back where I started. It’s a car that I felt like I would not feel compelled to keep. I’m not going down that road again. I’m looking for a forever car. I could have bought this Celica for peanuts and driven it for another decade — and likely regret it everyday when I see an SC400 pass me on the interstate.

I will say this: that Celica, in its condition... had it been equipped with a manual, this post might be about how I bought a Celica. Of course the seller would have boosted up his price to between 3 and 5k, so maybe not.

This auto Celica and my former auto Integra are so alike: great to look at, great to sit in, but not engaging to drive.

It was good to finally drive one, though. And now I know if I ever need a car in a pinch that I can tolerate but also easily afford, I’d definitely look these up again. And I would love to drive one with a manual if I get a chance.

DISCUSSION (31)

Eberle-Hills-Cop > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 21:54

My first car was one of those, 89 with a 5 speed. I kind of miss it and am always on the lookout for a nice one on craigslist. Kind of want a hatch though.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 22:09

Those graphics are great. Makes me wonder how people will restore factory graphics like those in the future? Aren’t they essentially stickers?

Spridget > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 22:10

Let me pose a question to you: are you sure your truck is your forever car? I see loads more posts about manual Allroads, SC400s, and Tercel wagons. What I’m trying to say is that if you have to sell your truck to get a car you love more, do it.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Noah - Now with more boost.
01/09/2016 at 22:13

Yeah, they are just stickers for these Toyotas. The ones on mine are still in great shape.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 22:16

This is under $5k US, and is a 5 speed and rust free.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 22:17

Yeah they age surprisingly well! There is this ancient tacoma I always see parked on the street near my friend’s place; the clear coat is gone but the graphics are still there.

Wacko > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 22:24

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/i-have-no-idea…

So clean,

So manual

Such phone!

Under_Score > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 22:31

Long ago, my mom had a 1988 Celica as well. I believe it was a base model, but it was a dark red color. She loved that car, but it was traded in before I was born. Automatic, of course.

Birddog > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 22:39

Kudos for giving it a shot.

Justin > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 22:39

You passed on a GT. If you ever look for one of these ever again they will all be STs. An STX if you’re lucky.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Spridget
01/09/2016 at 22:51

I’m keeping the truck FOREVER as it’s supposed to be: a truck. I use it to get sand, bark, furniture, etc. It’s not meant to be a daily and I want to keep it forever and reduce the wear I’m putting on it going out and running errands and rotting in traffic.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Birddog
01/09/2016 at 22:58

Great car. Whoever buys it will be getting their money’s worth.

Chariotoflove > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 23:28

Glad you tried it out, but I'll admit that I only found it compelling because the one I drive is in convertible form.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Chariotoflove
01/09/2016 at 23:32

I was shopping for a Celica convertible last year, even found an obscenely rare GT-S on CL, but it was crazy expensive, like 7k OBO.

Chariotoflove > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 23:38

Wow. My mom’s has so many years of hard use on it, I’m not sure I’d ask $7o, never mind $7k. But, on a bright summer day, it’s priceless. :)

Round headlight enthusiast > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/09/2016 at 23:58

Hah, I’ve got an auto Integra. Man, that car is slow as balls, but I think it’s plenty engaging to drive. It’s so light on its feet. A manual would undoubtedly be better, but it’s so hard to find a non-rusty, unmodified one that I’m probably going to swap mine at some point.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Round headlight enthusiast
01/10/2016 at 00:05

I didn’t want to give my life story, but don’t misunderstand my analysis of MY Integra for AN integra: mine had 275,000 miles, the AC didn’t work, the windows worked whenever, and when it rained, the car would beep loudly and without pattern or reason.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Round headlight enthusiast
01/10/2016 at 00:07

EDIT: I know see that I did say “an auto integra is like...”

My post should read “My second-hand ran down high mileage 4th-gear-losing auto Integra is like...” so I apologize u_u

Round headlight enthusiast > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/10/2016 at 00:18

No need to apologize man, I know they’re not the absolute best handling cars ever, especially if clapped out. I just couldn’t believe you’d think nice ones weren’t at least decent handling cars. Also my windows are dying too. It’s a Honda thing.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Round headlight enthusiast
01/10/2016 at 00:21

Remember you’re talking to a guy whose favorite car was a Tercel

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/10/2016 at 05:23

My dad’s still kicking himself for a purchase made 15 years ago under that same guise of “it’s a lot like what I’ve already had”. When it came time to trade in the manual-equipped E34 he looked at a similarly-equipped E39 but dismissed it as being too familiar. Instead he purchased a W210 E320 that was disintegrating before it even left the dealer’s lot.