Ferdy

I decided to change to white because I like white The grey it was painted in was not the correct colour for a UK ST165 Did think about red, but not for very long.... Having spoken to one or two people it may not be the starter motor but a relay, but a new starter motor is only £87 and are still available. Thanks for all your comments, I appriciate the feedback.

I took the ST165 to 3 events last year, Rally Day at Castle Combe, Rockingham with the OC and Santa Pod for Japshow Finale. Other than that I did not really use her, she is sitting on the drive covered up and has been (other that taking the cover off and giving her a wax) since Jap Show Finale I know what you mean about the little issues and that it would be worth more with a MOT and the Starter Motor sorted but I'm at the point where really I think I just want to sell it to someone who will care for her. She has had loads of time, effort and money spent on her, I need to spend some money on the 205 again to keep that in tip top condition and just cannot justify running both Four's, especially when I don't really get the use out of them. If someone makes me a sensible offer and promises to look after her I will let her go to a new home.

Thinking about selling my ST165, I just don't think that I'm going to get to use it that much. Only done about 500 miles in the last 2 years and my ST205 has only done 2500 in the last year. Repainted White last year. The ST165 needs some work at the moment Brake Caliper sticking due to lack of use small leak from one of the PAS pipes Starter motor stuck and will not engage. Currently SORN and will need an MOT other than that its fine. Car was totally stripped to a bare shell, all rust cut out and replaced. Engine rebuilt, Brand new Coilovers, ST185 brakes etc etc. Some photos link to the rebuild photo album showing the strip down to the last nut and bolt and the rebuild. Over 500 photos https://picasaweb.google.com/113490676571630920474/1Project165?authuser=0&feat=directlink So what do you think its worth? Could be open to serious offers but please do check out the over 500 photos to appreciate how much work has gone into the car

Yes, just the one, £92 plus vat from TCB

Paint stripper that I used does not affect anything but the paint, it's just brushed on the painted metal area and is very thick and sticky, does not run at all. It's also not hazardous so just washed off. Callipers now repainted and brakes fine. If you do not want to draw attention to your small discs then dark grey metallic or black in my view.

use a paint stripper from B&Q, strips all the old paint off, just leave it on overnight, may have to give it 2 coats, wash off with a power washer, clean with brake cleaner and paint with a brush. easy job. as for colour, black, silver or gold

Far from it, you would not be laughed at at all, that's why I said we were a friendly bunch, out for a bit of fun, and like you, interested in what their cars are pushing out. Really, you should come along and join in the fun. And I am sure you would find it interesting, meet some great guys, learn a bit, find loads of helpful advice from fellow Celica owners, so come on, don't be shy, come and join us. And there are other cars besides the GT4's

As johnyboy said we are having a RR day at Surrey RR on the 19th May from 10.00am You are more than welcome to come along, £35 on the day, it's a bit of a GT4 day but but we are a friendly bunch and Charlie is great, very helpful. As my ST205is broken I will be coming in something else which will hopefully push out 450 - 500 bhp and make a nice sound.

As other GT4 owners have said, buy the best you can. No point in finding one for £2000 and then having to spend a shed load of money on it to try and make it into a nice one. This will not work and it will end in tears. And again as others have said they only really start getting expensive to maintain when you start modding them or faffing around with them. Maintenance no more expensive than other high performance, 4 wheel drive, turbocharged cars and as johnyboy said, they were over £30000 new back in 1994. If it's going to be a keeper then like us you will throw money at it to make it the best you can, and remember, only ever throw money at a car you are going to keep. Do your homework, do not fall into the trap of buying one and then not being able to afford to maintain it, which then leads to you selling it for a pittance. Personally, I have not enjoyed any car more than my GT4 and being in the motor trade for many years I get to use some quality cars. In fact I used to have GT4's brand new as my company car.

Thanks for the heads up about the photo John, much appreciated. and thanks for the comments guys, even the one about being in the way of the red faff.

page 80 must admit to being quite pleased!!