BensMr2
Also, I've heard that their is 3 different engines. Does the Bathurst edition run the 3S-GE/BEAMS motor? I'm sorry for all the noob questions. I'm loving the advice from the wise ones hah

The Beams engine was only available in 98/99 JDM models. Australia had several revisions of 3SGE.

Best to check the engine, check the rear crossmember and front suspension as is often easiest to tell what year it is..... lots of guys mod the rear lights and wing to update the car and advertise their 1989 model as a 1999 (some even have a mod plate indicating 1999).... I wouldn’t worry what year as long as job good mechanical condition

Along with everything listed as to why this is unlikely a late model, can’t see a passangers airbag.

Do you have a local trusted mechanic that can look over the car and give their honest opinion. Might cost you $100.00 but could save you some headaches in the long run. However, the cars are 20 years old now so it wont be perfect, so as long as your happy to do maintenance/upkeep they are fun cars to own and drive.  

Post 94 rear cross member (lower) has longer crontrol arms.

I really want to get into the maintenance side, and spend weekends pulling it apart. I'm driving a Lancer 2008 daily so it's pretty bland really and never needs any maintenance besides oil changes every now and then. The mechanics can definitely have a look at it and I'll book one in now so it can get a check over. I actually think I have some photos of the engine on my phone. It looks a little grotty, but I live in a fairly dusty area so it's somewhat expected.

Lol - too many comments -
One more telling sign is simple checks like location of the oil filter - under the manifold and it’s before 1994. Or if it’s under the car on the sump it’s a later model after 1994.

Many more but I am going to stop now

The engines a 93/94 onwards :)

Check the vin on toyodiy...

Or not ! and just believe the import plate that says built in Nov 1993 and registration saying nov 1993 ... as when looking at the Toyota records the actual build on the chassis number is early 1990 :( lol