No question the Toyota Celica has plenty of fans, and for good reason. But how should we view third-generation cars – as collectibles, or commuters? This low-mileage 1983 Toyota Celica GT notchback is being sold along with its stablemates – all Toyotas – so the owner can move out of state. It’s advertised here on craigslist for $7500. The car has a clean Washington title, but the owner lives in Kansas part time. It’s unclear where the car is located, but what is clear is the owner’s preference to meet in his town or home to pass paperwork and receive payment. Thanks to Mark H for the tip!

The Celica was Toyota’s response to intense consumer interest in sporty cars both at home and abroad. In 1970, the company launched a new platform to carry both its Carina sedan and a compact, aimed at driver enjoyment. Trim and engine options evolved rapidly, so that by 1983, the Celica came equipped with a fuel-injected, 2.4-liter four-cylinder offering over 100 hp. There’s a catch, however: this first-year engine utilized a single row timing chain and the guides were plastic, courting early failure. The seller mentions that when cold, the car exhibits a rattle “coming from the mid underneath to back section of the car”. It’s notoriously difficult to tell exactly where a noise is coming from, and this is an interference engine, so I’d want to err on the cautious side given that the odo is reading 75k miles. Maybe spring for a PPI before writing a check. Aside from that, this car has an automatic with overdrive – a slight knock on the value since a five-speed was also available. Maintenance includes new hoses, thermostat, radiator, water pump, and belts.

No complaints about the interior, with its supportive cloth buckets and sensible instrument panel. This example doesn’t have air conditioning, but it is equipped with power mirrors and cruise control. The driver’s footwell and pedals are clean as a whistle with barely any wear apparent. The door panels are near perfect. The gauges, lights and all electrical items are said to work perfectly. A jack – still in its plastic sleeve! – resides in the trunk.

Changes to the Celica in the 1980s included these foul rubber bumpers, revised rear lamps, and more angular body lines. Other than one small ding, a couple tiny rust spots, a long scratch below the driver’s side door handle – inflicted by an angry girlfriend – and a few paint chips, the cosmetics are decent. None of its faults are too distressing, but if I were to add a Celica to my garage, I’d want a first-gen example. What do you think?