I am in the market for a good econobox. My 82 Volvo is not worth fixing/repairing at this point and I think 10k miles for a $500 car was a good run. I'm ready to retire the 'Vo

My friend/neighbor is selling his 1995 Tercel DX. 5 speed, 120k, good condition. he wants about $1300 for the car... They are notoriously reliable, and I think I could get at least 5 years and another 100k out of it before it has any major problems. It drove well during my 2 hour test drive... 35-40mpg is nice.

Anyone have experience with these cars? It seems like a no-brainer to me, but I trust the Car Talk hivemind to know more about problems than myself.

Posted by Louie I am in the market for a good econobox. My 82 Volvo is not worth fixing/repairing at this point and I think 10k miles for a $500 car was a good run. I'm ready to retire the 'Vo My friend/neighbor is selling his 1995 Tercel DX. 5 speed, 120k, good condition. he wants about $1300 for the car... They are notoriously reliable, and I think I could get at least 5 years and another 100k out of it before it has any major problems. It drove well during my 2 hour test drive... 35-40mpg is nice. Anyone have experience with these cars? It seems like a no-brainer to me, but I trust the Car Talk hivemind to know more about problems than myself.

you NEED to PM Bandi... he's owned several and races one of them.

I've owned about 20 of them- fantastic car if it isn't rotting out.

Just look for rust in the rocker area, around the brake and fuel lines, and make sure it's not much burning oil.

Other than that, it'll last years.

The '95 has the more desirable 16 valve engine, too.

Posted by bandi I've owned about 20 of them- fantastic car if it isn't rotting out.

There is no rust. Bad reviews are rare from what I've seen, usually they complain about "noisiness" but it's much quieter than my Volvo.


How hard would it be to rig up cruise control?

Pretty easy using one of the universal kits. You might even be able to use a factory system from a Toyota Paseo of the same year- same car, basically.

A Paseo parts car of the same vintage is a fun thing to have- sporty seats, sway bar, bigger front brakes, fancy interior door panels and it's all a direct fit.

Posted by bandi Pretty easy using one of the universal kits. You might even be able to use a factory system from a Toyota Paseo of the same year- same car, basically. A Paseo parts car of the same vintage is a fun thing to have- sporty seats, sway bar, bigger front brakes, fancy interior door panels and it's all a direct fit.

Awesome.

He let me borrow the car again today, so I took it on another long test drive. I really can't find a fault other than minor wear, small bumper damage, and the missing radio faceplate. How much would you pay?

Also, a "used car inspection" by one of the (good) local mechanics runs about $150. Should I even consider getting an inspection? The car runs like a top.

Posted by Louie Awesome. He let me borrow the car again today, so I took it on another long test drive. I really can't find a fault other than minor wear, small bumper damage, and the missing radio faceplate. How much would you pay? Also, a "used car inspection" by one of the (good) local mechanics runs about $150. Should I even consider getting an inspection? The car runs like a top. http://i.imgur.com/XIN7M.jpg http://i.imgur.com/yZAuR.jpg http://i.imgur.com/bbs2N.jpg

Looks like an $800-$1000 car. It's really hard to say about the inspection, I mean, it could save you $800-$1000 if there's something seriously wrong, but it's a Tercel, so there probably isn't. I was thinking too, check the exhaust for noise, the flanges get a bit rotten after time (but it doesn't look like a rusty car at all)