Yeah id rather not get a 1st gen celica doesnt look too safe . Id probably just cruise on a falcon in the mean time or buy some 1000$ car, maybe a stick so i can learn it since im only AUTO, i like the semi-auto gearbox thus why i want the r34, not much a fan of manuals but i guess i barely driven them.
And the r34 25gt doesnt seem too bad, hopefully that guy is still selling the seriesII one looks pretty nice.
But i guess you're right about driving a shitpile for a while, it gets you used to the road and gets you better knowledge of maintaining and repairing the fcker since a 1000$ car will need that, but hopefully wont require purchase of parts. And what accidents have you had during your first drivings ?