hmm where to start,
Well I would look for either a good solid 1996 or the facelift version from 1997 to 1999, these are harder to come by and can be considerably more then the 1996.
Differences are crystal fog lights, front bumper revisions, clear more modern rear lights, recaro seats and slight differences in trim, dash etc.
Price for a good standard Glanza can vary, but anything between 3.5-4.0k will get you a 1996. Anything from 4.5-5.5k will get you a good 1997 onwards.
Usually no problems with rust as they are all imports, I've had mine a couple of years and other then a stone chip creating a chip that's rusted a little on the roof, there is no rust to speak of, not bad for a 13 year old car
What to look for, well if you play it safe and buy a standard one then pretty much the norm for buying any car, if it's modified straight from jap land, then check over the engine bay and electrics, the japs aren't always great with their wiring, this isn't necessarily a sign of poor ownership, but you can see if things have been played about with.
If you get one from straight from Japan or through a import garage, sometimes fresh imports can have hidden goodies, check behind the glove box for an aftermarket ecu, if they say it has one, this is a must check.
Double din stereo slot, I know you like your audio
In terms of the standard performance 133bhp as standard 6.8 0-60, simple high / low boost switch will eliminate low boost in first and second and it's a whole different car completely. They are limited to a 110 mph, but this can be removed if you wanted to. They have a 35 litre tank and I can usually get around 250-275 miles from a full tank. As an everyday car they are fine, servicing isn't expensive, parts can easily be sourced through toyota or see Toy Tuning for servicing kits.
They are pretty well equipped like all jap imports have air con, climate control, electric windows, electric folding mirrors etc,
Standard suspension is pretty crap for it's performance, but knowing you this will be overhauled anyway and there is lots of options of pretty good prices. I've got mine on koni adjustables, whiteline -40mm springs, whiteline arb's, anti lift castor kit, panhard rod and the handling is much improved.
For upgrades the list is endless, a HDI front mounted intercooler at £300 will give you an instant 25ish bhp increase and take from the standard 133bhp to around 155-160.
Turbo you can go hybrid for around £600 or TD04 for around 2k.
The 4efte is well capable of 200bhp on standard internals with upgrades to the turbo, manifold, intercooler, actuator, boost increased to 1.0bar and filter. This can be done using a hybrid for under 1.5k for parts plus fitting.
There are lots of rare JDM items that come up on ebay all the time if your interested in getting the optional extra's. Lots of styling options, with front and rear lips and full bodykits.
http://www.toytuning.com/ - this site will give you lots to go at
Toy tuning will also import you a glanza and will look for one that matches your requirements.
http://www.toyotagtturbo.com/forums/index.php - you've probably already been on there.
This looks stunning imho.
If I think of anything else I'll let you know.
