What to do about buying a Tercel

[DontFive]

OK here's the deal here folks.

Now I have my heart set on purchasing a 1987 Tercel wagon which I am going to be putting quite a bit of money into. I have one problem however - I have nowhere to work on it. I live in the Chicago area, and there ain't a whole lot of space round these parts, and seeing as there is like 9 inches of snow on the ground, working on it outside is kind of out of the question (plus there wouldn't really be anywhere safe to do work on it). AAAnnnnnddddd I was hoping to do a 4age swap on the poor thing plus much aftermarket stuff. I have been looking for cars in my area and have found a couple (not yet seen any or anything, the idea is kind of in it's embrionic stage of life here) but I am waiting on buying the car until I figure this stuff out. Sooooo I was wondering what you guys think I should do? or if you have any ideas. Also, if there are any mechanics that you know of in or around the Chicago area, if they would be interested in helping me on my Tercadventure. I am kinda stuck here, and i am really out of ideas on what to do. Thanks in advance for your help, this forum is simply outstanding!

-Paul

[jetswim]

I guess the best thing to do would be to wait for spring. If you can't wait just browse the gallery here and drool until you get yours.(like I did!) Or. Rent a garage for a while. Chicago might have a Do-It-Yourself garage where you rent a bay. Are these cars you're looking at have to be purchased now? Do you have to do the swap because the engine is pooched? If not drive it as-is until necessary work needs to be done.
All in all don't rush. Take your time and buy the car you feel the best about. Remember you are going to have to live with this car until it is no longer useful to you. I look at buying a car the same as getting a dog. You are looking for a new family member! Meditate on your decision. If I feel rushed about something I usually won't do it.
Good Road.

[Mosquito]

I'm in the same boat. It's tough to wrench curbside, and in some instances, illegal. The best way out is to "buddy up" with someone who has some wrenching space and trade favors--work on his vehicle one day, yours the next. Of course, if yours is not running at all, that will be tough.

Good luck.

[DontFive]

jetswim - as much as I don't want to wait, you are probably right. No, the car does not need to be purchased immediately, but I would loooove to get working on it soon. I am just worried that there aren't too many good 87 tercels left as they are all getting smushified I will wait on it until late spring when I am out of school cause then (if I decide to rent a garage or something) I will be able to work on it more in a day, and good stuff like that.

I have browsed these forums sooooo much without posting ( ) you wouldnt believe haha. My hopes are to get a relatively good conditioned 87 wagon and paint the beast black maybe. hopefully do the 4age swap, new exhaust and headers, put some nice lights on the front there, hopefully lift it maybe 2", throw some bigger A/T tires on there, put a roof rack on with mounts for bike forks. hmmmmm I have many ideas. I dont know if I can wait all the way till late spring! I dont know, I guess I wont do it immediately anyways. it'll be a 2006 project at least. Thanks for your kind replies!

-Paul

[takza]

They are pretty rare in the midwest and rusted usually. You have to be serious about looking for one and have some $$ saved in order to "pounce" when the time comes.

But look before you leap....?

There's a writeup on what to look for when you buy one. You'll probably have to settle on less than perfect....