Any toyota is a good car...
When buying an old car, just budget around $1000 - $2000 more so you are not left with a car needing some TLC.
Cheap buying prices are appealing, but something needing repairs can become dangerous and unreliable.

I daily an mx73 cressida, every car I have owned since my very 1st at 17 have been made before 1986, the 1st 2 were before 1972!!
A mini and dato 1600.

I personally think old cars are awesome. It makes you learn the basics of mechanics and electrics, you can do DIY repairs and learn a lot. It's the reason I know what I know today.

Cars pre 86ish have character, I'm a big fan just like most guys lurking these forums.

SO, just do your research, choose a car and search for its common faults and where rust is likely to form.

Mx32's are not a common sight in AU, but for any toyota, parts are easily had and had not expensive.

Buy what you want, love it, hate it for 5 mins when it breaks, then spend 5 days fixing her up.
Maintain it and it will love you back.

Manual conversion depends on availability of conversion parts, auto - manual are all the same, gearbox, tail shaft, pedal box, hydro clutch conversion and a few other small things..

Toyota... Un breakable ... Mostly