jim Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 I’ve been driving Supra’s daily for 12 years, have never once in all that time thought I’d rather be behind the wheel of anything else really. But...with prices the way they are now, I could sell the Supra and have almost enough for a ‘77 gen1 celica. I do about 50 miles a day round trip to work, and we just bought my son his first car (clio) so there’s back up should I need it. Am I dreaming?? [ATTACH=CONFIG]222655[/ATTACH] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_b Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 I think it's realistic, although not the cheapest option. Supras (especially NAs) are bullet-proof if they haven't been completely neglected. Non-service parts will wear out, and they can be expensive or even impossible to replace, so that's something to bear in mind. Main thing is fuel cost I suppose. Mine used to be a daily driver, but if I did a driving commute again I'd prefer to use a runabout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 They got tens of thousands of people to and from work in the seventies, no reason they cannot do the same today. but do get one with some suspension travel and one where the tyres are designed to fit the rims they are fitted to... A pal had one back in their day and clocked up a massive mileage before the rot got into it in a serious way. Finding a rot free one is more important than a mechanically sound one, they were simple cars mechanically and electrically, but fixing up a rot box? Serious commitment and dosh!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendo11 Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 I would have thought that 50 miles per day in a 1977 car will soon start to get expensive in maintenance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamc Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 As above, don't see why it couldn't do it.... but why not run a shitbox (aircon, fuel economy) for too and from work and buy the Celica for weekend and fun! Save the miles on the Celica for when its really worth it and most importantly FUN!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim Posted October 2, 2017 Author Share Posted October 2, 2017 Pic for illustration only CW, will steer clear of slammed with stretched tyres I’m well used to making sure I keep on top of servicing with the Supra and some of the ones I’ve seen for sale have had engine swaps (ca18det). I like the idea of a more up to date engine (ish) but would worry about the wiring side of things for one that’s had a swap. There’s a couple that look like they’re in good shape in terms of rust, but they’re imported from the US and are lhd. I suspect a rhd conversion would cost lots and lots tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooter Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 Indeed get a 'nice' Carina E or some such for £500 and search out a nice Celica at your leisure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 Apart from a handful of grease nipples on suspension components servicing the things is not really any different, and probably easier due to easier access, than servicing a modern car. Good God, people were doing hundreds of miles a day in 1950's cars, by the sixties they were getting longer and longer service intervals due to better technology of materials and lubricants. The only downside of the seventies was PCV regulations were too far ahead of lubricant technology so engine oil degradation was commonplace. With modern oils, or PCV removal, (preferably both....) this is now irrelevant. I would have no qualms running a decent 1970's car as a daily driver so long as it wasn't full of bog, and had had a mechanical once over renewing anything that was age related suspect, like alternator, starter, hoses, core plugs, radiator, wheel cylinders and dampers. I think my old man used to clock up 70K a year plus in Ford Anglias and then first gen Escorts / Opel Kadetts. I can't recall him not making it to the pub each night after work in them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 Pic for illustration only CW, will steer clear of slammed with stretched tyres I’m well used to making sure I keep on top of servicing with the Supra and some of the ones I’ve seen for sale have had engine swaps (ca18det). I like the idea of a more up to date engine (ish) but would worry about the wiring side of things for one that’s had a swap. There’s a couple that look like they’re in good shape in terms of rust, but they’re imported from the US and are lhd. I suspect a rhd conversion would cost lots and lots tho. Just leave it as a LHD. I run a classic Volvo as a daily and it is rust free, from Switzerland, LHD and has never ever let me down or needed any bits apart from oil and filters in the last two years. LHD is no big issue, plus side is you can get out at the kerbside, and can shout compliments / abuse at fit women / scrotes on the pavement without effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim Posted October 2, 2017 Author Share Posted October 2, 2017 Just leave it as a LHD. I run a classic Volvo as a daily and it is rust free, from Switzerland, LHD and has never ever let me down or needed any bits apart from oil and filters in the last two years. LHD is no big issue, plus side is you can get out at the kerbside, and can shout compliments / abuse at fit women / scrotes on the pavement without effort. the lhd is much much cheaper, I’m ‘of an age’ now where I think I’d be happy to sit in the inside lane and I’ve only 5 or 6 miles of B roads on my commute so overtaking (or less of it) wouldn’t be a big deal. wonder if it’s possible to fit a 2jz-ge in one...off for a google Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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