1992 Camry 3VZ-FE rebuild!

[Petros]

that is a transvers set up, it would not just add weight, but would be quite an operation of cutting and welding to get it to fit between the frame of the Tercel. Major surgery indeed. Might be easier to get the AWD Matrix more suitable for off road, raised suspension, more ground clearance, suitable tires and wheels, etc. It will be hard to get the rear visibility improved, and save some weight off of it so it was the same as Tercel4wd.

[rer233]

Only problem with the awd matrix is they were only made for a few years, and none of 'em were manual trans. (Believe me , I've checked!)

[lannvouivre]

Only problem with the awd matrix is they were only made for a few years, and none of 'em were manual trans. (Believe me , I've checked!)

They never made a manual for the AWD 'trix. There's also the AWD Vibe with the same drivetrain. The auto is fairly tough, but incredibly boring and the computer is really stupid at shifting.

Trust me, I have the FWD version.

[rer233]

Yeah- if I ever run out of tercel wagons (doubtful) I'll seriously consider a m/t matrix. Don't really need the AWD, and as for the vibe, I imagine body parts are a real problem to find. Rear visibility is nowhere as good as the terc 'tho.

[dlb]

Rear visibility is nowhere as good as the terc 'tho.

i totally agree, and find this is a common problem with most new cars. in an effort to look sportier or maybe be 'safer,' windows are getting smaller while doors and trunks are getting taller. i personally think it would be safer to be able to see where you're driving to prevent the accident from happening in the first place though.

i like the early subaru foresters for this reason. nice big windows. they actually look like an updated t4 to me. too bad they have grown like every other car. now they're huge and have tiny windows, like everything else.

[Petros]

I hate those near useless small rear windows on most new cars, too small and too high. all of the newer cars have them, they all suck. it is so bad a camera maker has requested making back up cameras required on all new cars, congress obliged and here they come. No thanks, good visibility is useful in all driving conditions, not just when you back up. mandated solutions rather than a proper fix.

[lannvouivre]

That's the cost of raising the waistline of cars for safety. Even my Vibe has problems. I backed into a tiny convertible in the dark once because it was lower than the bottom of my rear window; luckily, all I did was damage the license plate. I did know the car was there, but forgot about it when I checked my mirror.

[Notmikeb]

One thing I've noticed with new cars is not only the rear window is higher but the doors are taller as well. Great for safety but makes it uncomfortable for "left arm out the open window" driving (which is hands down the greatest way to drive a car in my opinion)