Hi Scotty and Car forum folks: Awesome channel. Very Entertaining and informative. It is great to see the videos.
I am considering purchasing a 1985 Toyota Celica hatchback:
its a 22RE engine (Fuel Injected).
Body is in good shape but one side has a clear coat peeling.
Engine has 247,000 miles. There is a roll when driving.
This is a CA sale so they have passed the smog check.
The seller makes a big deal about the AC working and fixing the vacuum lines.
Clutch may need work and the engine may need it soon.
The biggest consideration is that I am not a mechanic
Emission parts for this car are hard to find.
Car has a hitch and has been used to tow jet skies and motorcycles long distances for the last 4 years.
I know it will be expensive to keep, these cars leak power steering fluid after 250,000 miles
What's your advice? I really like this car and don't mind fixing thing but engine rebuild and rack and pinion leaks are expensive.
if there are no parts available then maybe I should not buy.
Thanks for any advice you can give.
Stay well everyone!
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In most other states it would not be as much as a problem but in the Peoples' Republic of California getting that car through smog checks in the future is likely to be a challenge. I think in that state 1976 and older don't have to go through that? If you want a classic, look for something older. Due to the lack of salted winter roads out your way there should be quite a few to choose from. Maybe even some that will not quickly be in need of serious mechanical work.
Thanks Chuck! Unfortunately, you are correct! Yeah the future smog check is concerning. I wish there could be some exceptions, the latest bill which of course is stalled in the legislature would move the exemption to 83 or older so that doesn't help. Thanks again!
I live in California as well and you can barely get a 97 Corolla past smog. Good luck with an 85 with 250k miles.
If you like it don't pay much for it though.
Sage advice! Thanks. They want 3500 for it, its a bit high if it needs an engine rebuild.
Scotty got his for $300...
The CA law now is 1975 and older - no smog required.
Yeah, was hoping it would rise higher but no such luck and I don't think it will change soon. CA really hates the gas powered engine unfortunately. Thanks Doc.
Tell me about it, Berkeley is going to BAN new gasoline car sales by 2027.
I know, that city has great bakery but crazy laws!
Berkeley is known mainly for two things: Unix and LSD. Must be something in the water out there.