Need Advice fast - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

94Celica19 · 02-07-2011, 12:01 AM

I will be looking into buying a 1994 celica 5spd, I believe the lower model car whichever that one is.. It has around 130000 miles on it, and the only thing the guy says is wrong is it needs a new water pump. It is 1am now and I'm going to go look at it at 930, so if anyone can send me a link or just tell me on here what exactly I should be looking for I would appreciate it.. Normally I would search but its late and I dont have a computer only my phone.. So please don't bash me for being a noob on here... I know search is my friend but not when you have to wait 30 seconds for loading... Thanks in advance

RobMilkshakes · 02-07-2011, 07:28 AM

I would ask if its ever over heated, and check both the oil and coolant for contamination in case it overheated badly. Also, run the engine, make sure it doesn't run poorly/rough. Replacing the water pump is a pretty sizable job, so be prepared for that. if it is the ST model, dont be alarmed if you find a little oil in the spark plug tubes, this is a pretty common problem and is solved with a new valve cover gasket and grommets. Random, but could turn some people away.

94Celica19 · 02-07-2011, 08:07 AM

Thanks Alot, are there any other things you can think of, like certain noises.. Never bought a used car before so a lil nervous.. Use to warranties so this is tough for me

RobMilkshakes · 02-07-2011, 01:38 PM

Sorry that I didn't see this earlier. I would look for any grinds when downshifting the transmission, any knocks going over bumps(which can be a small or a larger issue), asking if the struts have been replaced, checking to see if the heat works, taking a look underneath for rust, checking for the CEL. Also, a lot of little things can tell you how a car has been treated, are the belts in good shape? how are the tires? has it ever been in an accident? just general things to look for on any car.

94Celica19 · 02-07-2011, 01:51 PM

Car is great in my eyes, had the water pump issue and it is the 1.8.. Its at my mechanics now getting fixed, drove good for the issue it had, was real smooth on the road, interior is in excellent condition for being so old... I just hope this water pump issue is the only problem.. Thanks for the advice, nothing was leaking, shifted perfect and clutch felt nice.. Maybe I did get lucky

RobMilkshakes · 02-07-2011, 02:19 PM

Well I'm glad things went well for you