A Potential Gt-Four Owner Looking For Some Advice.

[AppleJesus]

Good evening everyone.

I'm intently looking into buying a 1994 Celica GT-Four and I was just looking for some advisement before I went through with the purchase.

I was wondering if you fine enthusiasts could give me a little insight into what I may be investing a good chunk of change into. In the sense of what kind of problems do they usually have, what kind of parts are commonly replaced and what would be a good price point to start at for a un-modified one. Last but not least, if needed, where would be a good place to get parts for a GT-Four?

Thanks for the help.

[Leeky]

Check for smoke on a cold start up and under full acceleration. There shouldnt be any, so if there is walk away.

Engine should sound and idle smooth. A light ticking from the top of the engine is acceptable. But if it sounds more like a knock or you can feel it when sitting in the car then walk away as its potentially got an expensive problem.

Check for oil and coolant mixing by looking under the rad and oil cap for a mayonnaise like substance. If there is loads it could have a head gasket failure. If its been sat for a while and there is a tiny little bit then its probably nothing to worry about.

The coolant should be right to the top on the rad and the charge cooler. If it isnt then there may be a leak somewhere.

Check that the engine warning light comes on and goes off as you start the engine. Also check the oil on the dip stick before starting it up. It should be on full. If it isnt it may be using oil.

Check for oil seepage around the cam cover. This would suggest the gasket needs removing and if its using oil its probably leaking through the gasket into the spark plug holes of cylinders 2 and 3.

On full power the turbo should whistle but not hum or growl. If it does its on its last legs. A little humming/growling when cold is acceptable.

Get up to 70mph somewhere and brake hard. It should lock up pretty easy if its a non-abs car and should still grab hard at the brakes on an abs car. Make sure the car doesnt pull to one side while doing this. If it does there may be a caliper than needs rebuiding.

Also do a gentle brake from 70mph and check that you cannot feel any judder from the pedal. If you can the discs may be warped.

Make sure all the gears go in without any crunching. 3rd gear sychoros tend to wear out and grind.

Listen for any knocking sounds at the front or back. There are lots of things that cause knocks but the one to listen out for is worn superstrut on the front. This costs £500 per side in parts alone, so budget £1500 to get a garage to supply and fit new superstrut lower arms/banana bars/figure8 joints.

I'd recommend Parts from your local Toyota main dealer. They are surprisingly reasonable. If you are a paid Toyota Owners Club member Toyota should give you a 10% discount.

[dawesy]

also make sure the clutch is ok as it is an engine out job to do, parts arnt too expensive about £130 for a genuine clutch kit but obviously a fair whack in labour.

clunk at the rear when taking up drive is a worn diff mount £90 for the part and not too hard to fit yourself.

as its a 94 one i take it it is and ST-205? (round head lights as opposed to pop ups) if so headgaskets very rarely go. check that it doesnt overheat on boost, this can be a sign of a cracked block. also make sure the idle is smooth and not off beat in sound. ask the owner what boost it has been running, 1.1bar is the max you want to go on a stock engine and make sure that it has had regular services