Looking for a Caldina GTT

[BZG Wagon]

I'm fairly keen on getting a Caldina GTT for the mix of Performance and Reliability. Can anyone tell me:
* What to look out for when buying?
* What I should expect to pay for something nice between 85kms - 110kms?
* Any experiences they have had with them (good or bad)?
* What are the different models or factory options to look out for?

I've been umming and arring about buying a new car for the past 4ish months. I have narrowed it down between a:
* Legacy GTB (Serious Reliability Issues)
* WRX (Reliability Issues, a bit too common)
* WRX STi (No luck finding a straight one within the budget)
* Legnum VR4 (Reliabilty & Petrol Issues)
* Caldina GTT (Poor looking interiors)
And it looks like the GTT is the Winner.

I have a 1996 Corolla BZ-Touring (anyone keen for a swap) which has been an awesome car and as you might be able to tell im in no great hurry for a new car, other than the Corolla's kays are starting to get up there (174kms now) and after 2 1/2 years faithful service its time for a change. Finding it difficult to find a car in the same or better condition than my corolla - I cant believe how most people treat their cars //Rant Over.

[BZG Wagon]

Oh - and car dealers:
* Buy Right
* GMC
* Ted Tracy (I personally wont go near)
* Kiwi Cars
* Others?

What are peoples experiences?

Any recommendations?

Personally I find Albany Toyota excellent, but they're prices and stock probably isnt in line with what I am looking at.

[bubz]

I believe every information that you are after is available in Toyspeed Forums.From looks to indepth technical specs.Thanks to Toyspeed members.

For dealers I'd say whoever meets your expectations as GTT's are available from normal dealers as well(I mean not only performance vehicle yards)

Search is my Best Mate when I'm online.

GTT Caldina is just an awesome car

[snwtoy]

They're up to 10 years old now, so getting on a bit for a turbo car. Definitely get a pre-purchase check. You need to take the i/c off to check the compression, so while it's off check for turbo shaft play.

The other thing is the manifold between head and turbo is prone to warping - listen carefully for exhaust leaks from the engine bay. I believe the manifold was redesigned for 2000 and upward models so this isn't an issue for newer ones (lots of info on toyspeed if you search about this issue)

Obviously around 100k mark you should be looking for one with a cambelt that has been done, otherwise factor in about $500 for it.

Aside from that, just the usual tidyness, unusual engine noises etc.

Most of them are auto/tiptronic. Manuals are rarer and command a slightly higher price. I'm fairly certain they come in normal auto, as well as auto+tiptronic, so you can't assume it's tippy if the ad only says auto.
The tiptronic is arguably as quick as the manual (and some will argue quicker hehe).

There's plenty around, so you should be able to pick and chose the trim level.
On the exterior, a standard full kit includes front nudge bar, side skirts, front and rear end caps, and twin rear spoilers. Possibly headlight and tail light covers too, although these may or may not be factory fittings?
There are various slightly rarer kits too, including slightly different front and rear bumper designs.

2000 model upward have facelift front/rear bumpers, HID lights, clear tail lights.

Interiror wise, the seats are very good, nice and supportive. There is a rear cargo blind which doubles as a strut brace. Do NOT get one without the rear cargo blind!!!
There should be a double din stereo fitted factory, a cassette player and indash 6-cd stacker. The 6cd stacker is probably past it's use by date at 10 years old, so don't put faith in it lasting if it's still installed/working.
At the top of the dash in the centre there are 3 options:
Full flip out GPS screen
Small recessed green-screen gps
Smallish glove box

The GPS units are in japanese, and practically useless in NZ, however the green screen one (possibly the flip out one too) features a funky trip computer which is useable. There is no converter available to change them to english.

Hows that for a sat morning essay?

[AJz]

I've been umming and arring about buying a new car for the past 4ish months. I have narrowed it down between a:
* Legacy GTB (Serious Reliability Issues)
* WRX (Reliability Issues, a bit too common)
* WRX STi (No luck finding a straight one within the budget)
* Legnum VR4 (Reliabilty & Petrol Issues)
* Caldina GTT (Poor looking interiors)
And it looks like the GTT is the Winner.

You are looking at a very similar lineup to what i was 6 months back.

Never got to drive a legnum, still want to. They sound very mint from the outside when given death. Altho the GTT would be far more reliable. I ended up with the GTT.

SNWTOY pretty much covered everything in terms of what to look out for. There are plenty around for sale atm so more than likely you will find one that you like the look of. You will also find quite a few have already had wheels put on them, exhausts of mufflers fitted etc. Make sure the clutch has plenty of bite is my main suggestion. you dont wanna have to fork out yourself for that, its not pretty. Im not to fond of those AA inspections myself but thats just me. Note you will find they have a Inverter in them, careful cos it is only 100V for jap.

[Mr Revhead]

iv never seen a plain auto one.....

[snwtoy]

iv never seen a plain auto one.....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... &key=99139

[Mr Revhead]

been a little while since iv sat in one, but that looks tiptronic to me

[snwtoy]

Actually it does too, maybe it's only the non turbo's I've seen in plain auto.

[S T E A L T H]

Just make sure you test-drive a good example of each car before making a solid decision. The caldina with the tiptronic isnt really all that quick, especially off the line. And yes the interior, for a late 90's/2000's car is pretty bad.
I was also choosing from the same lot and ended up with a legnum vr4, almost a year later im glad i did, i wouldnt trade it for a caldina even if someone offered me 5 grand on top

another option u may wish to consider is the 99 model Nissan Avenir GT4, hard to beat the SR20 for realiability , not many around either, workmate has one, goes damn well

[Heapho]

I just got my 98 Caldina GT-T manual from japan last Thursday, I had a 96 WRX before that so they drive really different Caldina has more top-end power than the WRX But I'm still modifying it to suit ! But it drives really nice and has a bit of get up and go how much you wana spend on one ?

[BZG Wagon]

Thanks guys (esp. snwtoy - I've printed out your post). Much appreciated.

I did lots of searches, but with no issues GTT issues coming up in other posts (other than the manifold thing) I thought I better double check. I certainly didn't come across that info about the strut brace / rear blind.

I've driven all the cars mentioned, and I know at least one person with each of the car listed. Although I would say I prefer a WRX; I don't want to stress out about it breaking. Again with a Legnum; they're really bad on fuel (even compared to a GTT or Legacy) and the AYC's have been known to cause a few issues. Legacy's look nice, drive alright but im yet to meet someone who hasn't had one go wrong.

Feels like im sacrificing a little bit going to the Caldina (heavier, not quite as good handling as some of the others, and definitely the worst interiors) but at the end of the day I want a car I can jump in, start and go with no worries. Still a nice looker exterior wise; I loooove the subtle / aggressive look.

Thanks again, I've lined up a few to test over the weekend. I might just hang back for a few weeks and try and figure how much they are going for. Unfortunately most don't have mags, alarms, replaced cambelts or towbars so im looking at an extra few grand on top of what I buy.

BTW: Im looking for a manual.

[BZG Wagon]

I just got my 98 Caldina GT-T manual from japan last Thursday, I had a 96 WRX before that so they drive really different Caldina has more top-end power than the WRX But I'm still modifying it to suit ! But it drives really nice and has a bit of get up and go how much you wana spend on one ?

How much was it to import one? If you don't mint me asking? Is it much hassle?

Still haven't quite worked out how much to spend for a nice/mint one. I think im going to aim between $10k - $12k firm, just cause of the extras i'm going to have to fork out for on the top.

A mate of mine got one with 110kms 2 years ago for $13k, and the asking prices don't seem to be much less these days. But whether or not they are selling for those prices, I don't know.

[snwtoy]

Tradme is pretty good when you need to find a price level. I would say 10 - 12k is about right. I paid 17k 3.5 years ago (very mint example).

Don't feel like you're missing out by choosing the GTT, it was the second fastest wagon on the market for a number of years (audi rs6).
The handling is a bit boat like, but a set of springs sorts that out quick smart.

[Chickenman]

workmate has one, goes damn well

Bout as well as a 20v

What is up with the trim in GTT's? plasticy, cheap and shitty for the most part, was there a bling trim level that I haven't seen or are they all just about popping apart?

[Heapho]

Nah it wasn't any hassle as my Old man owns a car yard cheers

[snwtoy]

What is up with the trim in GTT's? plasticy, cheap and shitty for the most part, was there a bling trim level that I haven't seen or are they all just about popping apart?

It's not THAT bad! Mine's not falling apart at all. I think the only thing that looks tacky is the light brownish colour. Apart from that the dark grey looks leathery and nice, the centre console has a nice almost cf finish to it. Each to their own I spose, but it's no worse than the woodgrain in the legnum (unless wood floats your boat), and there are certainly a lot worse trims to be found in the toyota range.

[BZG Wagon]

What is up with the trim in GTT's? plasticy, cheap and shitty for the most part, was there a bling trim level that I haven't seen or are they all just about popping apart?

There are two trim options available, but only one per series of car:
1) 1997 to 1999 Models (Grey / Beige dash with Blue / Grey seats).
2) 2000 to 2002 Models (Black / Dark Beige dash with Grey / Black seats).

Not many people know this, but the cars were only produced in productions runs in either 1997 or 2000. So if you buy a 1999, it really a 1997 that sat on a dock or yard for two years.

[Mr Revhead]

yeah they not that bad inside, depends what your used to i guess.

as for chossing a vr4 over a gtt..... well ones a mitsi

caldinas are pretty reliable, and for a full size wagon pretty quick.
think about it, 4wd, auto (if applicable) full size wagon, thats a lot of weight!

[Bling]

What is up with the trim in GTT's? plasticy, cheap and shitty for the most part, was there a bling trim level that I haven't seen or are they all just about popping apart?

yeah they not that bad inside, depends what your used to i guess.

Toby the lucky SOB gets to drive around in a car with hot pink interior, I can understand why anything else would appear inferior