Deal or no Deal? 1987 SR5 AE86

[slnky30]

First off, Hi guys so I'm new to this forum and actually pretty much new to this whole Toyota thing too. I've always wanted an MR2 as soon as I saw one style is just unlike anything else. But never really fell in love with anyother toyotas until about a year ago I found out about the AE86. Whole different kind of look to it but I love the simplicity to it. I've only ever seen like pristine ones for sale though, waay out of my price range. Till I was looking on Craigslist today and found this dude.











Now of course I've got some questions. That's why I've come to you guys on this forum, you seem to know your stuff. Much more than I do.

First. Is the SR5 a worthy version of the AE86
I mean, the numbers the engine is putting out are sorta meh. Ok really meh. Is that enough to get the sporty feel from this car, is it still enjoyable? As far as squeezing preformance out of it, is it possible? Or would it be easier to swap for another engine all together, I swear I've seen some with VTEC under the hood. It's got a softer suspension than the GTS I know, but it's over 25 years old anyway, it could use an update. It also seems to need disc brakes in the back instead of the drum.

Condition
As seen from the pics Its got some pretty bad rust spots IMO. But I HATE rust on a car (nobody likes it I guess). Is this amount still salvageable? The engine bay looks clean, no actuall mods done to it, cosmetic issues.

Coupe vs Hatch
It seems the hatch is the preferred model. I myself like the style more. But I've been thinking about the coupe with a rear spoiler and different front lip and it'd look nice. But what about feel? does either or preform better due to its less/more weight?

Price
The seller wants $1500 U.S dollars for it. Non negotiating. This is right about what I wanted to spend for a car. But is it worth it? Thats the real question. He's gave it new carb, head gaskets and water pump. Unfortunately the seller lives over 2 hours from me, so I haven't been able to check the car out yet. It's in running driving condition though.

Bottom line
Sorry to unload all my questions on you guys, but I'd really like to buy this car but don't know if I should .Give your honest opinions please. Is it a fair deal? Considering everything. My plan would be to get it up to snuff , not a copy or clone but pure performance wise of a JDM model. Give it some more zip, seems like it would need it. want it happy again, it looks old and tired LOL. Where I live these don't come around too often, should I jump on this or no? Just some opinions please I'd appreciate it.

[aceforever]

Hey there! Welcome to the forums! It's always great to see new people

Anything is salvageable if you have the money. I'm gonna be completely honest here, and sorry if I sound rude. But, those are hardcore rust spots. The only way to really fix it is taking the trim pieces off and cut away the metal and weld on new metal. There will probably be rust spots you can't see. Some might be underneath interior pieces, or underneath sound deadening. With a car that is already visibly hardcore rusted like that. I swear it's going to be a ton of work if you want it to keep it around and make it look nice.

Sounds like you want to start modifying the heck out of your AE86, great! Make sure you have the money for a shop to do it or time/skill to do this. It takes a lot of work and custom fabrication to do a totally different engine swap and even a 4AC/SR5 to 4AGE/GTS is somewhat complex as it is. And that's with parts that you can just bolt on. AE86 SR-5 to GT-S Swap - DIY by assassin10000

Coupe's body is more ridged and Hatch is a little heavier. Overall it's not that big of a difference. If you want to hold on to the car for the long term, you should probably wait until the right one comes up When I was buying my 86, I held my ground until a hatch popped up.

The price is okay for a beater. It might be cool as a drift car, but there are other cars out there for $1500 that are RWD. If you want to turn this car into something nice, it's going to take a TON of money and time. Depending on what you want to do with it, you may want to pass this up.

[Clouds]

If you have the money, time, and a second, more reliable car, go ahead. If you are missing one of those, I'd pass. Just bide your time and you might find one again.

In any case, good luck with it.

[slnky30]

Yeah, thanks for the advice. Would be my only car at the moment, so it'd get beat on even more and I think I may have gotten a little excited over the first one within my reach. going to wait for the right comes along, maybe a couple weeks maybe a year. Ah well, gotta keep hope afloat!