Time to say goodbye? (Toyota Tercel 1998)

[morglum82]

Hi all,

I just moved from Ottawa to Gatineau, and it seems my trusted little Tercel won't make it because of the safety test. It's a bit absurd because it was in Quebec 18 months ago before moving from Gatineau.

Here's the situation:
350 000 km
Standard
A/C is broken
Just had to spend 400$ on a new starter in boston because it broke down on me there. Maybe I should have compression started it until I got here, but too bad.

I know I can't pass the 90$ safety inspection because of a chipped windshield (275$+tx at Apple, any suggestions?) . But I also know there's the following coming up sooner or later:
*Front brake pads and rotors
*Driver side axle boot (torn)
*Alternator and power steering straps are cracked
* 3 out of 4 bearings have play in them.
* oil pan is leaking.


That seems like a lot of repairs on an old car, but it's been so reliable,averaging about 400$ of repairs a year for the past 3 or 4 years that I can'T get myselfto part with it. Then again, since it's been so reliable it also means everything is old in it...


What would you do?

I can only drive it in Queec without having it fixed until July 1st.

I don't want to spend a lot on a car, but I don't want to buy someone else's "cancer".

I would consider buying a 3 or 4 years old car, but corollas and civics are so overpriced it's not even funny. However, I am living proof that these car keep on going and going :o)

[notanexpert]

Sounds like a perfectly fine car that just needs some regular maintenance.
If it were me, I'd keep it manitained and drove it until the rust got the better of it.

[mwong168]

I don't want to spend a lot on a car, but I don't want to buy someone else's "cancer".

I would consider buying a 3 or 4 years old car, but corollas and civics are so overpriced it's not even funny. However, I am living proof that these car keep on going and going :o)

I know there is always the fear of buying a problem car and unless you plan on driving that car till it literally rusts to pieces you are going to have to bite the bullet one day. Unless you plan on buying brand new next time but new cars can have their share of problems too but luckily there is warranty.

I would keep your eyes open on craigslist or kijiji in the next few months because you might find a hidden gem needs very little $ to fix. I just did a quick search on trader.ca and a Tercel equivalent to your mileage is only worth about $1000 or less and it sounds like you need to spend about that much in repairs. How is the car body wise?

Here is what a good buddy of mine found on kijiji recently for $660 :)

http://www.vwot.org/community/modules/Gallery/albums/album151/windsor_jetta.jpg

It needed the following:
- brakes all around... disks, pads, drums and shoes... rear wheel bearings too of course..
- replace suspension + ball joints + strut bearings
- replace windshield
- change oil + tranny fluid

it the end it came under about 1100 or so on the road after emission and safety tests...

http://www.vwot.org/community/modules/Gallery/albums/album151/jetter_05.jpg

http://www.vwot.org/community/modules/Gallery/albums/album151/jetter_01.jpg

Extremely clean interior!

http://www.vwot.org/community/modules/Gallery/albums/album151/jetter_02.jpg

I was very surprised at the condition of the bottom of the car for being a 12 year old canadian driven car.

[mwong168]

If you wanna let me know your budget and what you are looking for I can keep an eye out and get you a good deal on a trade in since my father in-law owns a used car dealership.

Sometimes the car is a bit older or not as easy to sell on his lot he ends up just giving it to a wholesaler for cheap or if it was really old but low kms he gives it to a scraper for $300-400.

[zivan56]

Wow, you guys have really good used car prices there. A 91 Ford Escort goes for around $1k...a late 80's barely working/completely rusted WV Golf would probably be around $700...

[ES_Revenge]

Anytime is a good time to say goodbye to a Tercel. While I'm unsure why you said hello to it in the first place, definitely, definitely say goodbye.

[TenzoR]

If all you need is a point A to B car spend some money on it. It's only a 1998 Tercel. Maintain it properly and it'll last another 300,000 boring/no drama km easily.

[morglum82]

I know there is always the fear of buying a problem car and unless you plan on driving that car till it literally rusts to pieces you are going to have to bite the bullet one day. Unless you plan on buying brand new next time but new cars can have their share of problems too but luckily there is warranty.

I would keep your eyes open on craigslist or kijiji in the next few months because you might find a hidden gem needs very little $ to fix. I just did a quick search on trader.ca and a Tercel equivalent to your mileage is only worth about $1000 or less and it sounds like you need to spend about that much in repairs. How is the car body wise?

Here is what a good buddy of mine found on kijiji recently for $660 :)

It needed the following:
- brakes all around... disks, pads, drums and shoes... rear wheel bearings too of course..
- replace suspension + ball joints + strut bearings
- replace windshield
- change oil + tranny fluid

it the end it came under about 1100 or so on the road after emission and safety tests...




If you wanna let me know your budget and what you are looking for I can keep an eye out and get you a good deal on a trade in since my father in-law owns a used car dealership.

Sometimes the car is a bit older or not as easy to sell on his lot he ends up just giving it to a wholesaler for cheap or if it was really old but low kms he gives it to a scraper for $300-400.



I'd buy a tercel equivalent with my milage for 1000$ anytime. :)

I was wondering how exactly you managed to get brakes + suspension + windshield for less than 500$ (1100$ - 660$ = 440$).

The suspension by itself should be more than that.

Thanks for the offer, but I doubt I'll buy another car. I'm always on the lookout for a job out of the country, so I don't want to invest in something that loses value while it's parked. I think I'll just borrow my brother's beater that he just replaced (a 1997 corolla with 330 XXX km on it). It's in worse shape than my car, but it doesnt require a safety :)

[morglum82]

If all you need is a point A to B car spend some money on it. It's only a 1998 Tercel. Maintain it properly and it'll last another 300,000 boring/no drama km easily.

Thing is that I'm looking to spend 1000$ just to pass the inspection. And I'll still have a 1998 tercel.

Guess I'll go with the "borrow a beater" plan :)

[morglum82]

Anytime is a good time to say goodbye to a Tercel. While I'm unsure why you said hello to it in the first place, definitely, definitely say goodbye.

I have to say I honestly dont understand why you say that.

[mwong168]

I was wondering how exactly you managed to get brakes + suspension + windshield for less than 500$ (1100$ - 660$ = 440$).

I think my friend meant $1100 to do all that work not including the purchase price of the car. Let me know if you change your mind because last weekend someone bought another car and just left their old civic with my father in-law with the keys in it :razz: He just sold it yesterday morning for $200 as is.

[bigzbling]

Also keep in mind that you'll have to do some clutch work at one point. 350k, i would be very surprised if your clutch never has had any problems. Clutch repairs are around 600-1000$.

[urameatball]

that jetta body looks MINT!

As for the tercel, just look on kijiji for something under $1000 safetied to pop-up.

[morglum82]

Also keep in mind that you'll have to do some clutch work at one point. 350k, i would be very surprised if your clutch never has had any problems. Clutch repairs are around 600-1000$.

That's another reason why I'm reluctent to do any work on it. I never changed anything in the engine or the transmission.
This is bound to hurt at some point.

Guess I'll hit kijiji.. I've got 90 days to get a new car, no rush.
thanks guys