is this too good to be true?!

Prolly the cheapest way to get on stage in that class. hell the cage is worth what they're asking.

its done then. if i can drive it home(to save myself from the 300 dollar ferry fee to tow a vehicle across) i will buy it!

Just to add to your dilemma, dirtfish or car or... 323GTX can break your balls. As JVL mentioned, the LCA's are no longer available. The wheelbearings are OK for skateboards, but suck ass for a car. Ask the seller if they've done the VR4 big brake upgrade, cuz if they haven't, you NEED to budget 5-600 to get that swap done. The bearing, hub and LCA issue can be fixed, by frankensteing the car to accept the next generation hardware, but it won't be cheap. I feel like I'm talking outta both sides of my mouth, first saying "yeah great deal go get it" to "watch out" but really I think I'm just trying to make sure yer open-eyed on this. My first rallycar was a gtx. It was a dysfunctional relationship, but I took more outta that car than it took outta me and I still miss it. Gad it was fun to drive. Just know that if you buy this car, you will be taking an advanced course in automotive maintenence and improvisation. BUT the GOOD news is, I can honestly say that the sellers of this car are good folk and won't screw you. If they say it's well sorted, then it is. But it's still a gtx, sort of an Alfa Romeo of rally.
So help me if I didn't already have a goddam mazdog rallycar I'd buy it....I certainly woulda been dollars ahead compared to my current moneypit. I seem to have a weakness for obsolete oddball lightweight somewhat unreliable hardware.

That car will eat you alive and drain every last penny from your wallet. Build a Volvo and be happier...