1996 Toyota Tercel, anticipated maintanence??

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ByTor - 29 Sep 2006 16:40 GMT

I have a 1996 Tercel with 100,850 miles that I bought brand new and am
the original owner.

I'm just curious as to what at this point I can expect as far as I
suppose other than normal maintanence that might crop up on me.....

I have taken good care of this car, did all the suggested maintance at
the intervals required....Oil changes, tune-ups, timing belt changes,
etc. Recently though I have had some issues......Keep in mind I'm not
that mechanically inclined so my explanations might not be perfect. ;0)

1. Full replacement of the exhaust piping system & muffler, including
the freakin sensor that they broke trying to get it out.

The mechanic explained that from where the rotted seperation occured
(behind the muffler) & that it was the original factory install that
aftermarket exhaust system mount in 3 or 4 sections?? As opposed to 2 in
the original?? I seen the original pipe and it did look rather crazy to
try & repair the rotted section.....P'd me off because the muffler & cat
converter appeared to be in good shape.

2. Just had the rear struts replaced due to leaking & would not pass
inspection unless I replaced em........

I suppose these are the types of things I'm referring to ya
know......Maybe next could be a starter, power steeering pump, etc
etc........I guess overall I'm just trying to get an idea on other
things I should be concerned with as far as a 10yr old car........But I
have to admit, this car is in excellent condition & no rust anywhere and
it has been very good to me, but if anticipated expenses are going to
occur than I have to decide if it's worth keeping.....Transmission &
engine repairs are quite costly......My brother has a Corrola with 395K
miles on it and it's been an awesome investment for him......

Thanks for any advice............

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Mike Harris - 29 Sep 2006 17:10 GMT

> I have a 1996 Tercel with 100,850 miles that I bought brand new and am
> the original owner.
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>
> Thanks for any advice............

You're ahead of the game with regular maintenance. One maintenance item
that I don't believe is mentioned in the manual is changing brake fluid.
It's hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) and while there are rust
inhibitors in brake fluid they don't last forever. You can wait until your
next brake servicing to do this then put it on a two-year schedule just like
your transmission oil.

Two relatively big ticket items that you might expect are clutch (manual
transmission only) and CV joints, both in the neighborhood of $700-1000.

Further advice would depend on what you want out of the car.

It's quite possible that you'll be able to get another ten years and 100,000
miles without any major repairs - including the clutch and CV joints
mentioned above (I have a 95 Tacoma with 190K on the original clutch, but
this is unusual). If you're seeking simple, reliable transportation without
a lot of expense and don't care much about the cosmetic stuff that
deteriorates over the years, by all means keep the Tercel.

On the other hand, if the appearance and comfort of the car means something
to you, if having all of the switches, levers and doodads working as they
should makes you happy and the opposite drives you nuts, if you want to take
advantage of technological improvements that have occured in the last ten
years, if you would rather have the predictable expense of a car payment
instead of the unpredictable expense of repairs - then jettison the Tercel
and buy something new.

This really is a decision that you need to make for yourself - but you knew
that, of course. <G>
--
Mike Harris
Austin TX

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Ray O - 29 Sep 2006 17:18 GMT

> I have a 1996 Tercel with 100,850 miles that I bought brand new and am
> the original owner.
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> try & repair the rotted section.....P'd me off because the muffler & cat
> converter appeared to be in good shape.

Keep in mind that the original exhaust system lasted 10 years and
aftermarket exhausts generally do not last that long. If you have the
exhaust replaced at a Toyota dealer, you will have a lifetime parts and
labor guarantee on the exhaust and related parts that can be honored at any
Toyota dealer in the country.

> 2. Just had the rear struts replaced due to leaking & would not pass
> inspection unless I replaced em........

Keep in mind that the original struts lasted 10 years and aftermarket struts
generally do not last that long. If you have the struts replaced at a
Toyota dealer, you will have a lifetime parts and labor guarantee on the
exhaust and related parts that can be honored at any Toyota dealer in the
country.

> I suppose these are the types of things I'm referring to ya
> know......Maybe next could be a starter, power steeering pump, etc
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Thanks for any advice............

Unfortunately, exhausts, shock absorbers, and struts are the only
replacement parts sold and installed by Toyota dealers with a lifetime
guarantee. The starter, power steering pump, alternator, and water pump
are parts that will eventually wear. The first three are not that
expensive, certainly less than the cost of getting a new car. The next time
you have the timing belt replaced, you may want to think about replacing the
water pump as a preventative measure, since removal of the timing belt is
required to replace the water pump.

Regular preventative maintenance goes a long ways towards keeping a vehicle
in good running condition. Coolant changes every 2 or 3 years keeps
internal corrosion under control, as does brake fluid replacement every
80,000 or 100,000 miles. The engine should last at least another 100,000
miles as long as you keep up regular oil and filter changes.

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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Mike Harris - 29 Sep 2006 17:27 GMT

The next time

> you have the timing belt replaced, you may want to think about replacing
> the water pump as a preventative measure, since removal of the timing belt
> is required to replace the water pump.

I believe you mean that the other way around. <G>
--
Mike Harris
Austin TX

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Ray O - 29 Sep 2006 19:04 GMT

> The next time
>> you have the timing belt replaced, you may want to think about replacing
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Mike Harris
> Austin TX

Yes, I stand corrected!

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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Hachiroku - 30 Sep 2006 00:20 GMT

> I have a 1996 Tercel with 100,850 miles that I bought brand new and am
> the original owner.
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>
> Thanks for any advice............

Dude, I think this car's about to self-destruct.

I will take it off your hands for a mere $125 charge. Let me know, and
I'll come get it. Have a check or cash ready! ;)

Nah, you got another 100,000 miles EASY if you keep up the maintenence!
I had a '95 and was getting a COMBINED 44MPG with it. I feel like an a.s
for selling it, but then again, the Supra I bought with half the money has
a tendancy to make up for it!

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