"georgechristensen" (georgechristensen)
07/06/2015 at 08:05 • Filed to: why, halp me pls, toyota, shitbox
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"georgechristensen" (georgechristensen)
07/06/2015 at 08:05 • Filed to: why, halp me pls, toyota, shitbox | 1
| 6 |
I don’t know why but I really want a Toyota Tercel to use as a daily shitbox. Problem is they never sold them here in Australia. Why do I even want one?
RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
> georgechristensen
07/06/2015 at 08:22 |
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Well, they are VERY reliable cars for one. And, when treated well, they don’t rust a great deal either, even in harsh conditions. There are lots of older Corollas around here in Nova Scotia, Canada where I’m from, but you often see the odd even older Tercel still cruising around like a champ! :)
Import one from Japan, they even had AWD hatchback models of it over there, and the costs wouldn’t be too high even, I wouldn’t think, as they aren’t sought after cars, so a decent-quality used one would probably fairly cheap at auction!
I always preferred the fifth-gen Tercels to the fourth-gen you linked above:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Te…
pip bip - choose Corrour
> georgechristensen
07/06/2015 at 08:24 |
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you’re like me!
weird! , i want a Lada Samara!
Steve in Manhattan
> georgechristensen
07/06/2015 at 08:50 |
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Echo? Yaris? Any other small Toyotas?
Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
> georgechristensen
07/06/2015 at 09:03 |
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I want one of these with an Evo or WRX drivetrain underneath.
jkm7680
> georgechristensen
07/06/2015 at 09:25 |
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My honest opinion: 90 hp shitboxes, but that’s just me.
NoneOfYourBiz
> georgechristensen
07/06/2015 at 09:37 |
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Avoid the 3E-E engine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_E_…
The ‘3E’ and ‘3E-E’ engines are considered slightly less reliable than other Toyota engines, although they are also among the easiest engines to service. The most common problems affecting these engines are premature valve stem seal (nitrile) failure, carbon buildup on the intake valves, and collapse of the oil control ring on the piston. Any of these conditions can lead to rough idling, stalling, and fouled spark plugs, and therefore need to be differentially diagnosed. The valve stem seals, at least, can be replaced with silicone or viton-based seals which last much longer.
Had one, can confirm: needed engine rebuild, including valve replacement. Get a Tercel with an earlier or later engine to avoid that.
Other tidbits:
If you’re tall, the Tercel will feel cramped and the seats will give you a sore back in a hurry. (at least the 4th gen; not sure about others)
Visibility is excellent. I liked that the dash didn’t get in your face like a lot of compact American cars and the older Hyundai Accent.
You can just fit a full size spare in the spare well and it’s worth it to avoid having to use a donut if you get a flat.
It’s fairly fuel efficient but larger, more modern cars are comparable. My 2006 Elantra hatchback gets about the same
highway
fuel economy as my old Tercel but the lightness of the Tercel means better city fuel econ.
They do drive like go carts... come to think of it, they sort of drive like Honda Fits: low to ground, accelerate and brake well, corner on a dime.
Parts are fairly cheap and it’s easy to wrench. I swapped an alternator in mine in about an hour, in winter, wearing big mitts. Lots of room to work in the engine bay.
You can get them with A/C, and it blows cold.
Have cruise control installed if you’re doing any highway driving; the car is so light it doesn’t maintain a constant speed very well. Cruise is a major work-load reducer in a car this light, as odd as that sounds. (same issue with Echo and Yaris) Larger cars (say, Elantra) often came standard with cruise control, yet their added interia make them less prone to speed fluctuations. Kind of paradoxical that the sub-compacts don’t come with cruise but need it most.
I’d like a wagon/hatch version of the Tercel if I could find one in good shape.