How many miles can a 1983 Toyota Celica ST typically get before the engine is done?

The length of service depends on how it was treated. Did it have regular oil changes? Adult driven? Urban or rural? --- Have it checked out by a mechanic. Have a compression test done to check the health of the rings and valve guides. --- Check with your insurance agent for the classification.

I have an 85 celica and insurance is cheap. Its got a 22r motor which are known to last a long time but the timing chain HAS to be done every 80,000-120,000. It makes a chattering sound towards the front when it starts getting loose. These motors are noisy in general but the timing chain noise is pretty noticeable compared to the normal. What i would do is take the valve cover off and check the timing chain for looseness or see if the driver side chain guide is still there or broken from being slapped. Other than that its the basics about buying a 30 year old car with over 200,000. Check everything unless its just dirt cheap.

My 1983 Celica ST coupe made it to 246,000 miles back in 1995. I rebuilt both upper and lower engine and then got another 190,000 miles by 2013. At that point I just rebuilt the upper engine. Compression checked perfect per second rebuild. I now have another 7,000 miles on the second rebuild with original block and original head, original etc. That is a total so far of 443,000 miles. Prior to each rebuild the point of failure is the timing chain. If the timing chain wear stretches enough, the loose chain slaps a hole through the timing cover in an area that allows coolant into the oil. As per my ST, the manual transmission is still good. Rear axle still good per replacement wheel bearings. Front strut cartridges have been replaced. (I redid the interior per the second rebuild for good measure.)

In OK it's considered a sport car and ark I no I have one

I took mine off the road with about 325k on the clock, and that was after driving it cross country (and back!) in the late 90s.