Car-shopping update: finalists

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
03/03/2016 at 23:00 • Filed to: car soon!

I have narrowed down my car search to a few candidates. Due to financial whatever, I decided to allocate excess funds elsewhere, effectively halving (or perhaps more) my car budget. Which is just fine, considering that I like older cars anyway.

Thus I am shelving the idea of an early Taco, loaded T100, and a BJ73. They’re quite pricey, and I don’t need two trucks. At least not until my second property. Besides, if the unmentionable were to happen to my beloved SR5, I already have a replacement candidate in mind.

The requirements were simple: good condition (not a project!), must have a backseat, working A/C, and has to make my head turn every time I see one on the road. There is one stipulation my wife has requested: I have to love it and plan on keeping it for a long time (2+ years, let’s say). This is probably due to that one time I owned five cars, and the three times I owned a vehicle for less than 18 months.

Finalists, in no meaningful order:

1. 86-89 Celica GT-S, liftback or coupe, manual

2. 84-85 Celica GT-S, liftback only, manual

3. SC400

4. 280C(e)

5. 6-series/635csi

I can think of a few dark horses that I would] consider if the stars aligned, but for now these are the picks. What you may notice is the obvious coupe/liftback factor.

The good news is that I feel really strongly about all five, so it’s not a matter of 1 vs 3, or 2 vs 5, per se. It’s a matter of finding the best specimen out there (and at the best value). All of these vehicles can be found in good condition between 3- and 6-thousand. They are frustrating to find sometimes, but they exist.

In a perfect world, I would own more land, make more money, and buy all five. But in the meantime, one will do.

DISCUSSION (15)

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/03/2016 at 23:08

Have you looked around SoCal for any of these? For much less than the amount of the PNW “running car tax”, you could travel to LA and pick up a minty-clean car from a bigger pool. You’d probably save quite a bit of money that would more than pay for the travel.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
03/03/2016 at 23:10

See, you already jumped ahead. I have loose plans for a vacation to California this spring — one where we drive down with one car and come back with two. I am looking at LA craigslist every night and I cannot BELIEVE what they have lying around, and at reasonable prices!

PorkchoPlissken > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/03/2016 at 23:22

Either Celica, FWD or RWD. Sincerely, unreasonable Celica fan

JR1 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/03/2016 at 23:23

SC400! Those things are great looking and likely to be incredibly reliable

gmctavish needs more space > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/03/2016 at 23:27

Hnngg cannot recommend the 6 Series enough. The car I regret selling second most.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > gmctavish needs more space
03/03/2016 at 23:30

What’s the most-most then?

PorkchoPlissken > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/03/2016 at 23:32

Really though, great little cars, and plenty of fun to drive. You’d probably have better luck reliability wise with the later generation.

gmctavish needs more space > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/03/2016 at 23:36

The $500 Frankenstein E28. 1983 533i with M5 rear control arms, 3.73 LSD, spax springs, konis, and an M30B35 out of an E34, with a 5 speed. Fastest car I’ve ever had, tons of fun. I’d definitely buy it back.

Kinja'd!!!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > PorkchoPlissken
03/03/2016 at 23:41

Conversely, the 84/85 does have the famously-reliable 22RE. But it also has an interior similar to my former Tercel.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/03/2016 at 23:49

Like, how is this even a choice when you list the 635csi? Because that car is more amazing than any car has any right to be. And that’s why I want one!

PorkchoPlissken > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/03/2016 at 23:50

Great motor, often beat to shit cars. If you find one in good shape, throw dollars at it faster than you would twin strippers.

smobgirl > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/03/2016 at 23:51

Was just talking to a guy tonight who races an ‘86 Celica (if I'm remembering right...I learned that a few beers ago). I think it's a sign.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/04/2016 at 00:31

Funny enough I was staring at this 85 Celica convertible with a 22-RE on CL a few hours ago. My wife told me it was ugly. I haven’t said a word to her since.

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/cto/5450510971…

I have come to the conclusion that I will eventually have an old Toyota in my life. Something that I wanted back in high school that is cheap now. I’ve been mainly looking at Celicas but also keep finding myself strangely drawn to a 98-99 RAV4 convertible.

And none of this helps you in any way so I say get an SC400. I used to own a Lexus from that era and have a couple friends that have SC’s right now and they are fantastic cars. The interiors still feel surprisingly modern (especially compared to the rest of your list) and they ride great. They are pretty high tech for a 20 yr old car, but not bad to work on. Plus a 1UZ is bulletproof anyway. Just make sure the silly dance that the electric tilt steering wheel does when you open the door doesn't end up driving you nuts. Also the Lexus credit card key for your wallet from that era is awesome. I didn't trade it in with the car and still have it around somewhere.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/04/2016 at 01:49

It is incredible, isn’t it? I don’t know why anyone up here buys a used car that isn’t at the very bottom of the depreciation curve (which is still more than the cars are worth).

I bought a car in 2007 in SoCal for $2k that I sold here in 2015 for $3k with 60k more miles on the clock... That’s how distorted the used market is here.

feather-throttle-not-hair > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/04/2016 at 01:54

:( this makes me miss my old all trac.

I think the fwd versions were kinda underpowered though. Maybe just go for the old third gen with the 22re and rwd. My roommate owned a couple of 22re powered 4runners. Super reliable engine.