Anybody want a plaid lawn ornament?

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
08/05/2017 at 20:42 • Filed to: Tercel

I didn’t replace the alternator nor the starter. My assumption will just be that it is dead. It broke down on I-5 and now won’t start.

Also needs massive suspension work (cvs, ball joints, shocks, and so on).

Cosmetic bits and interior are worth more than it is as a whole in this state. It doesn’t start, run, or drive.

“Why don’t you just part it out yourself?” Well it’s street parked and doesn’t move. I would have preferred to keep the front seats and keep them as computer chairs if someone else is just to chop it up, but I’d rather just wash my hands of it to help expedite the process.

Non-running vehicles are a sore spot in this household. My wife’s seen enough of it and now so have I.

It’s been parked in the same spot for seven days. Technically, a neighbor can call it in and get my ass ticketed or possibly impounded if this persists. I paid $165 just to get it towed home off the freeway, I’m still paying insurance on it, it’s time to cut my losses.

Transmission and clutch are goodly. 4WD works, EL gear works. Again: Assumption is that the engine is dead.

I have been very upfront with oppo about this car, if you couldn’t tell from the billions of posts and videos I’ve made about it. Ask me anything.

Owning a new beater every 7 months is and was not sustainable. I either get tired of them (Celica), or they’re shit (all my Tercels). I’ve finally reached a point in my life where my spare time is invaluable, I’m financially comfortable, and I’m finally able to allow myself to treat myself to things I’ve earned.

That’s why I took a 180 from my usual procedure and bought a Sportcross with a fistful of cash. Is it costing me a fortune? By my standards, sure. Is it saving me time, stress, and it is safer, faster, and makes me grin like a moron every time I drive it, think about it, look at it when I walk away? Fuck yeah. It the Lexus ever going to spray gas under the hood, break down on I-5, or shake violently like a bad chicken bake recipe? Will I ever wonder, “How is it going to run today?” I doubt it.

So I’m taking a shot in the dark and seeing if any opponaut has any morbid curiosity, before I try CL (ugh), or junk it (UGHH).

My only regret is that I never did do that zero to 60 time.

If anyone is interested, let me know. I will not take personally, or be offended by, an offer, and I expect you to feel the same if I were to decline yours.

Thanks!

Drzoidbergoppo@gmail.com

DISCUSSION (46)

gmctavish needs more space > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 20:45

It’s up to TheHondaBro to save the lunchbox now

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > gmctavish needs more space
08/05/2017 at 20:47

He said he doesn’t want it non-running.

LastFirstMI is my name > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 20:48

You can still do the 0-60. Find a nice hill, the engine probably wouldn’t influence the results much.

And once it crashes at the bottom, insurance gives you a check for $372 to replace it. Win.

E90M3 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 20:50

I’d take it; then again, I’m literally 3000 miles away and don’t need 3 cars.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 20:51

Sell it as-is for dirt cheap.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
08/05/2017 at 20:52

That’s exactly what I’m doing!

TheHondaBro > gmctavish needs more space
08/05/2017 at 20:53

If the engine lost compression, then the only hope would be to get a whole new engine/transmission in it, since the stock tranny can’t handle much more power than what it’s got. That would mean getting rid of the 4WD system since the transfer box is built into the transmission.

If the starter is toast, then that wouldn’t be too bad. BUT it can only be a bad omen of more powertrain failures to come.

I’ll take it... for very cheap. And only if I get to take a look at it from underneath and confirm that the starter drive is detached from the engine, which is what it sounds like. Not gonna tackle the project if the valves and/or seals need to be replaced.

TheHondaBro > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 20:54

How much?

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 20:56

Some high school kid who just got his or her license will buy it since old Toyotas are “reliable”.

MM54 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 20:57

Man, if you weren’t on the other side of the country I’d already be on my way

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > TheHondaBro
08/05/2017 at 20:57

Make an offer, soooooooooooon

gmctavish needs more space > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 20:58

Well, balls

gmctavish needs more space > TheHondaBro
08/05/2017 at 21:00

Couldn’t you replace the engine and not the transmission, and keep the 4WD? But yeah it seems more like to me that the engine isn’t turning, I don’t see how it could completely lose compression. Even the head gasket blowing wouldn’t do that.

TheHondaBro > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:02

$100, but only if it’s the starter. It definitely sounds like the starter isn’t cranking the engine. Resident shitbox mechanic aperson thinks so too. Ain’t no way the engine will have lost compression in five days.

If you like, I can come over one of these days and we can have a look underneath. GIVE ME YOUR HOME ADDRESS.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:04

I’d buy it but I’m literally as far away from it as the United States will allow. Plus you saw what I just bought, I need a beater that runs.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > TheHondaBro
08/05/2017 at 21:05

I decline.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
08/05/2017 at 21:06

I like you too much to let you consider driving this in a meaningful capacity. It was a project before it stopped running. Now it’s like a SUUUUPER project.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > gmctavish needs more space
08/05/2017 at 21:08

Transmission is fine, it can handle a 4A swap as well.

someassemblyrequired > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:09

I gotta admit I always thought these were neat cars, but I wouldn’t want to have to daily one now. The main thing I remember about my buddy’s 87 Corolla was how painfully slow the thing was. I can imagine this being much much worse.

aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe > TheHondaBro
08/05/2017 at 21:09

Kinja'd!!!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > E90M3
08/05/2017 at 21:09

You’d be the cool kid on the block with immobile blue plaid

CB > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:09

That sucks, but it was ultimately bound to happen. Glad that you’re happy with your new ride.

Furthermore, SOMEONE BUY IT BEFORE JAKE DOES. HE’S GOT ENOUGH ON HIS PLATE ALREADY.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:09

I daily drove an allroad for four years. If I pushed the Tercel everywhere I needed to go it would still be less trouble than that.

Somebody needs to LS swap the Tercel, there, I said it.

TheHondaBro > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:10

I’d go higher but having a super non-running car is an inconvenience for me since my garage is kinda small and I can’t even street-park it on my side because of dumb HOA rules. You do you, my decapodian friend.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > someassemblyrequired
08/05/2017 at 21:11

It’s like watching paint dry.

TheHondaBro > aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe
08/05/2017 at 21:11

Kinja'd!!!

E90M3 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:11

One of my friends offered me a running 1999 VW Cabrio and I said no, so unfortunately no lunchbox for me.

TheHondaBro > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
08/05/2017 at 21:12

A rusty 30-year-old Toyota hatchback would snap in half under that kind of power.

Maxima Speed > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:13

I would buy it but I don’t have the time to come and get it because I’m on the other side of the country. Please Oppo don’t let this treasure die?

Dogsatemypants > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:33

Watcher wanting for it? I can probably dolly it to mukilteo

Dogsatemypants > TheHondaBro
08/05/2017 at 21:34

I thought it was Decapodtamian.

Berang > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:36

This is the one with the longitudinal engine right?

Are CV axles still available for these? I had them replaced on my old ‘82 about six years ago and the total cost of having a shop do the work was about $400 (and this when I lived in Seattle) but I don’t know if you can still get the parts, or find a shop who’d want to touch it.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Berang
08/05/2017 at 21:37

Parts are available, but yeah no one wants to work on this thing for a reasonable price

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Dogsatemypants
08/05/2017 at 21:39

Offer away

Drzoidbergoppo@gmail.com

someassemblyrequired > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:39

On a cold day with high humidity

Berang > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 21:40

I honestly can’t remember who worked on mine. I just remember it was a tiny shop in the northern part of town near a library. That said, with some jack stands and a hub puller, it is a DIY job assuming one has the time. Ball joints and struts not so much.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 22:06

I really want it. But I can’t go running off to the other side of the country to pick up a non running car.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 22:07

Offer sent. Wouldn’t it be fitting...

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > TheHondaBro
08/05/2017 at 22:10

4AGE swap

slipperysallylikespenguins > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 22:15

I’ll take it off your hands for 10% over scrap value if it comes down to that. But hopefully someone will give you a decent price for it.

Full disclosure: While I have always been a huge fan of the Tercel 4wds, I would be buying yours as a fix and flip situation.

shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 22:50

I’m sorry the deal went down this way. I wish I could save it, if only for the plaid. The plaid made me happy. Alas, you are too far away from me.

Spridget > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 22:54

If you have to give it away, I might take it, but shipping could be prohibitive.

Steve in Manhattan > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2017 at 23:26

I recall C&D reporting the 0-60 time on a 4 speed 240D as “one afternoon,” and I’m guessing the Tercel is right about there. And while we all enjoy your writings about the car, it’s not fair to torture you for our pleasure.

I can’t imagine having to do what you do - deal with a bunch of cars - because our automotive lives are ruled by Turo and Hertz. I sure miss wrenching on my own cars, but you make your choices. And here there is no lawn to mow, no roof to fix, and no sidewalk that we need to shovel (it’s magically shoveled by elves).

And the Lexus has lots of airbags, and those might just save your life.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/06/2017 at 08:13

distributor gear failure perhaps?

random001 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/06/2017 at 13:09

I really love that thing, in a stupid way.

mazda616 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/06/2017 at 13:39

Sad that it died but at least you have the SportCross to console you.