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I'm not a fan of FWD. But, as I needed a cheap, solid car...it was pretty much the only way to go. That being said, Id rather have a Toyota as opposed a Honda, VW, half a Subaru, or a chunky older Nissan model (of course there are more choices but allow me to reiterate cheap and running). Plus, it's a 2.0 with EFI. That will do more for me in the long run than VTEC when it comes to ECU alterations and the effect they carry on the power curve through all gears at all RPMs.

When I went to check it out I didn't expect much out of the thing at all. As long as it shifted, steered, braked, accelerated, and idled relatively smooth I was down to buy it for only 1000 bucks seeing as only one cosmetic part (Front Valence Panel/Lip) needed to be replaced. The only things I do not like about the car is the steering wheel adjustment screw is stripped and it has auto slider seat belts up front...and those belts have got to gooo...at some point

The first time I drove it I thought it was an SOHC motor because of how quiet it was in the cabin. When I was accelerating down this onramp and I was about to shift into fourth but I decided to push third instead. With no tach I hit ~65mph before the engine even sounded like it was in its optimal hp range. I accelerated further to ~72mph before it sounded like it was near redline; though I did NOT push it to the limiter. At that point I knew it had to be dual overhead.

So, I decided to further research the engine. I discovered I was right about it being DOHC. I also found out that the engine was so quiet because it runs on a single cam gear. Which would not be ideal if I intended upon pushing this thing past 200hp. But, for 1000 bucks Im just stoked to have a perfectly functional car that happens to run a DOHC engine.

Ill leave this breathtaking imagery here for now (lol) and post pictures as I go go go.













Here is the initial set of upgrades I plan on performing (in order) aside from Lucas in my tank, STP in my oil, and a complete tune up:

-New rotors; vented (buy full set, only install on front)

-New battery

-All engine gaskets...FWD bay will make this more difficult than it already is

-Replace engine mounts and clean underside of engine bay while Im at it

-Install strut bar once all that shit is over with

-Aftermarket Tach

-Splice blinkers and corner lamps so both turn on for constant use, blink for signal, and lower ones look like fog lights until it makes sense for me to get a real set of those xD

-New bearings, joints, and other minor suspension components (hold off on install)

-New front bumper lip (Black)

-AE86 mud flaps all around

-Second set of disc brake components

-New brake lines and master cylinder (hold off on install)

Anddd the finishing touch / pocket killer for Phase One of tuning...

-A full set of street performance, adjustable suspension components

Objectives of Phase One:

** Runs clean as possible **

** Balanced handling via performance suspension with complete rear end conversion **

** Looks as clean as it runs **

...and pretty much anything made after 1995 would have been a much better choice. Did you want a CHEAP car or a FREE car?

Edit: Holy shit, you actually paid money for this piece of crap?

This post has been edited by Banken on Aug 4 2014, 02:03 AM

Im in the market for a good car. Can you find me a >95 for <1000 bucks? Im in the vegas area, so AC is a bit of a must. Thanks.

This post has been edited by sideways on Aug 4 2014, 01:00 PM

I would suggest spending more than $1,000 if you want something reliable with working AC. Especially if you intend to modify (!!!) it like he does.

If you absolutely can't afford to spend a reasonable amount on a car, I would suggest going to a car auction...

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