GTS purchase advice - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

SoGosu · 06-07-2011, 12:31 PM

My good friend is looking for a cheap car on craigslist and she keeps asking me my opinion on horribly riced out civic hatchbacks. I recommended she checked out a local 89 GTS instead that looks like it's in pretty good condition and completely stock. The ad says that the engine was rebuilt 70k miles ago and he just replaced the whole exhaust system including the cats (it looks like he replaced it with OEM style exhaust). I remember reading on here that bigport 4age's burn a lot of oil and it can cause the cats to fail. Do you think this would be a reason not to look into buying this car or is that common and not a concern?

Also, are there other specific things to look for when buying a used corolla?

Thanks

eage8 · 06-07-2011, 02:49 PM

the small ports tend to be the ones that burn oil afiak. those are 90-91. the big ports are fine, not that that's a reason not to buy one. my 2001 impreza burns oil... and everyone loves them :P

cats fail on 20 year old cars... that's just how it is. They don't last forever.

***REN69*** · 06-08-2011, 09:12 PM

I'd take it... I'd rather have the 89 GTS than a 90-91.

89yotarollagts · 06-21-2011, 05:53 PM

go over the car like any other car.. jack up the front and wiggle the tire, your looking for play in the wheel bearings/balljoints/tie rod ends.. make sure its solid ! check axle boots for cracks/rips.. ask what kinda repair history the car has had.. check the body over not just outside but under the car for rust.. any concerns in these areas its good points to hassle his asking price.. but also keep in mind its a 20 year old car that is used! almost every car is going to need a little work!

~Dan

BandoTRD · 06-22-2011, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REN69

I'd take it... I'd rather have the 89 GTS than a 90-91.

True fact. Mine's '88 bigport and if I describe its history ive had with it since day one you wont believe how reliable they are. Example..ive taken water inside the engine on a flash flood one time. Total crappy mess inside, changed the oil next day..working like new. Still you should check everything mostly on suspension, pumps and tune wise since are areas where you most check before buying.