question....

[Killa DB]

hey everyone i am new to this forum my name is phil...... my question is.... about a 1990 celica all-trac (dunno what gen that is) but i am wondering what to look for when purchasing one.... i called about one that is for sale its got 215,000 on body but only 56,000 on replaced motor and turbo, serviced by toyota, has new gas lines, brake lines, brakes.. reapolstured leather new clutch.... for only 6,000...... i am going to look at it in a couple of days so i figured i would ask you guys what to look for on the body, motor.... etc.... thanks

[Pineapple]

^The one on autotrader.
Its a 5th gen. It maybe a rust bucket if all gas and brake lines are changed.

[19Celi87]

True dat on the rust. For a 90 in great to ex. condition, offer 4900 settlle at 5400. Remember they are not making these things any more. So if you can go long slow repair and have a near-by u-pull that is reasonable consider it could turn out to be an investment. Then again. . .

[sbettencourt]

look out for trans and diff noises. also check to see if it's e-tested

[alltracman78]

Look for rust on the underside, especially in the drivers side rear wheel well.
Listen for a clunk in the rear on acceleration.
Check the intake hose on the bottom right where it meets the turbo.
Look for pwr steering fluid leak [if the pump has 56k miles, it's probably the high pressure line]
listen for any kind of a whine or gravelly noise when driving [wheel bearings]
make sure all lights come on when you go to start the car
see if cruise control still works
let it run for a bit and look for smoke from the tailpipe
if you can pull the intake pipe off, check for shaft play in the turbo. A small amount is ok
check condition of vaccum/hose lines
check for cracks in the top and bottom of the rad

Be aware that even if the engine was changed out, there are other maintenance items that need to be done, and can be a pain.
Fuel filter
wheel bearings [The Alltrac is a bit heavier than the reg Celicas, so it puts a bit more strain on the wheel bearings] Beware of the rear suspension arm bolts on the axle carrier. They tend to rust up REALLY bad. Especially the bottom one.
rear differential mount
plastic rad tanks crack

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to pm or email [preferred] me.