Celica Forums Thread Like Summary - Talk me out? 2000 GT-S 6spd

Hello everyone. So I'm about to make a mistake or right decision, not sure yet what is what.

There is an ok looking Celica (not mint, but not horrible either) for sale not that far from me, asking 2500 CAD, so about 1800 USD.

Issues seem to be usual - weak parking brake, and grinding while downshifting to some gears.
Now I'm... wondering. Should I go for it, or I'm just opening endless pit where time and money going to disappear? Is this grinding noise (synchros, probably) really a dealbreaker? I figured new tranny would cost about $1000, replacement probably another 500?

I would look for a GTS, more like a true sports car with the quick high rev 2ZZ engine, stiffer suspension, a lot of fun to go fast on twisty winding roads, and have no oil sludge, oil burning problems of the 1ZZ engine.