Selling old Faithful - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Ice|Burn · 01-06-2008, 03:17 PM

So the time has come to sell my Celica. It saddens me to do so but between not having the time or the money to fix it up I want to get rid of it. How much interest is out there in a 1984 coupe that is in really good shape on the outside and fair shape on the inside? Kelly Blue Book (website) doesn't list anything back further then '88. So it's hard to get an ideal starting point for an asking price. I'll list of the high lights...

226,000 miles (original engine and tranny)
Engine runs good, but is showing it's age
Never been in an accident
Interior has a few missing pieces (cruise control button is broken, drivers side in door map holder is missing)
New speakers and CD/MP3 stereo with wireless remote

Any idea's on what I should start the asking price at? I was thinking of throwing it up on Craigslist to see what interest I could get.

I'm in central California in case you guys are wondering. And thanks for any input.

Rick89GTS · 01-06-2008, 05:28 PM

Sight unseen , for an '84 with 226,000 miles, I'd say anywhere from $750 to $1000(?) tops.

Ice|Burn · 01-06-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick89GTS

Sight unseen , for an '84 with 226,000 miles, I'd say anywhere from $750 to $1000(?) tops.

Ideally I'd like to get $1000 for it. I know that's a little high and even unrealistic. I'd be happy with 800 to 900 dollars. I'll take some pics tomorrow if it's not raining and put them up.

Ice|Burn · 01-07-2008, 10:02 PM

The pictures that I promised...

stepho · 01-08-2008, 06:41 AM

Being a GT-S makes it worth a little bit more.
Better seats, better instruments, wider wheels and IRS.

But coupes normally go for less than a liftback.

Don't forget to watch craigslist first, and then post yours for a similar price.
As in all old cars, rust free with nice paint and smooth running mechanicals determine the final price.

- Stepho

Ice|Burn · 01-08-2008, 08:14 AM

The funny thing is that one of two things is going on.

Either 84 wasn't a popular year to buy, or everyone has already killed their 84's and they are all rusting in a junk yard.

The only thing that concerns me is the high mileage. I admit that the car is going to need some fairly heavy duty work in the very near future. It's not worth it to me to fix it up right now so I just want to sell it. I'm thinking I might try and turn it into the California Air Board for their $1000 dollar buy back program...

Rick89GTS · 01-08-2008, 06:27 PM

Hey, that's in very good shape!
If you can get $1000 for it from buy-back, that's an excellent last-resort option for you.

Ice|Burn · 01-08-2008, 07:12 PM

Well it breaks my heart to have to sell it. I've driven her for seven going on eight years. I really want to spend some time fixing her up. But there are enough problems with her that I'm a little leery of going down that road. It doesn't have to be smoged until July so I've got some time to decide. The extra money would be great for accessories for the new truck I'm getting though...

TubRog5 · 01-08-2008, 07:15 PM

Looks to be in pretty good shape. Set your starting price at $1500 obo. What needs fixing?

Ice|Burn · 01-09-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TubRog5

Looks to be in pretty good shape. Set your starting price at $1500 obo. What needs fixing?

What needs fixing?

Well the power steering pump is leaking fluid like it's a sieve. I have to add fluid to it at least once a month. The funny thing is that it doesn't leave puddles, but the alternator is just covered in PS fluid.
The rack and pinion needs replacing.
The engine needs a tear down and re-build (valve cover is seeping a little oil off the way around.) There is a lovely smell of oil mixed with a little bit of gasoline is noticed for the first 5 to 8 mins after the car is started each and every time, I have no idea what that's about...
The Valves need new seals (white puff of smoke once in a while at start up.)
There's an electrical gremlin that I haven't been able to pin down for over two years. I pulled off a kick panel on the drivers side under the dash and it seems to have gone away for now...
I think the suspension needs a good going over. There is tons of body roll right now.
Oh and if I crank the steering wheel too far while moving there is a very lovely crunch/clank/screech sound. I know it's most likely related to the rack and pinion but I'm not 100%.

All in all it's not major. The car just needs some money sunk into it. I REALLY want to tune it up and get some more HP our of it. But it's my daily driver and I can't be without a car.