1987 Toyota Tercel station wagon - 4wd - $1300 (Bothell, WA)

[GLet71]

A big score for someone:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/3022878107.html

[North of 64]

already under offer

[dlb]

ewwww, burgundy!

funny story, i almost didn't buy my terc when i first saw it because it was just so hideous--the burgundy exterior and weird brown seat/door trim patterns really bothered me. i still hate the burgundy but have come to love all the ridiculous tercel interiors. they all look like something from leave it to beaver.

[GLet71]

ewwww, burgundy!

they all look like something from leave it to beaver.

Except in technicolor~

[jp1985]

I am driving up tomorrow morning 6 hour drive from Corvallis Oregon to take a look at this one. Not a big fan of the burgundy though lol. I may also look at the white one in capitol hill since they are pretty close together. wish me luck!

JP

[North of 64]

take your camera with you and post additional info on this one please jp. I am behind you in the lineup and this is the year and model i most want even if it is burgundy. Very interested to hear back on the history of this vehicle. thanks

[jp1985]

i ended up not going to look at hers and called her to let her know i passed. I went to look at a 85 sr5 with 200k and a new engine and transmission but the wife vetoed me lol. did they ever have chest belts in any years of the tercels this one only had lap belts and thats one reason she vetoed me bc our sons booster seat cannot use lap belts. also did they ever use power options like windows/locks?

Did you end up getting this one or did you pass?

[ARCHINSTL]

None in North America used rear shoulder belts for the duration of the run. They did in Australia and NZ and possibly Europe. The attachments are present, however.
Power windows or door locks were never offered - at least in North America. I seem to have a memory (HA!) that someone posted that they were in other markets, though.
Tom M.

[Petros]

retro-fitting rear lab belts should not be a big deal, and much better than getting a newer more costly car, just get some from a newer car from the wrecking yard and install them in the mounts on the inside of the C pillar (under the plastic trim).

I seem to remember pictures of an '88 model year with power windows and door locks. likely you could get corolla power windows to work, but why bother, both the power windows and power locks have been a real problem to keep working as the car gets older. I have found that out from personal experience, and would rather keep everything manual operated for simplicity and lower maintenance. Keep the locks and window regulators well lubed with silicon spray, and it will last forever.

[dlb]

both the power windows and power locks have been a real problem to keep working as the car gets older. I have found that out from personal experience, and would rather keep everything manual operated for simplicity and lower maintenance. Keep the locks and window regulators well lubed with silicon spray, and it will last forever.

agreed. i've had cars with power windows and locks and they're a nice little feature but ultimately a bigger pain in the long run since they're far more prone to problems. manual windows and locks are also easy to fix since they are stupidly simple.

[Petros]

My wife likes the convenience of power windows and locks, it does seem nice for a while. But I am the one that gets to maintain them, and though usually reliable, when most cars get past the 200k miles, they tend to need a lot of these kind of reparis. Our Mazada MPV 4x4 has 300k miles, and i did replace the drivers door window switch, and have to lubricate the lock solenoids regularly to keep them working. They have been pretty good, so far, but it is only a matter of time. The Ford van we had was constant replacement of parts like that, it had about 200k miles, finally sold it since we were not using it much.

When it comes to car I have to maintain, KISS-keep it simple, stupid. Less trouble, and less work to keep nice and working the way it is supposed to. I am at the point I do not want to buy anything with more than 4 cylinders, and only with a manual transmission, and I can do without the power windows and locks. I do not mind the OBD-1 computers for EFI (so there will be some of those in our future), but the OBD-2 are too complicated, lots of costly and sensitive sensors, etc. no thanks.

[SynthDesign]

Adding to the rant, power windows also add a bit of weight, figure 80 to 120lbs on the car.

Also, the Maroon is the ugliest color of the car paint option. I'd even take pink or mint as a choice before it.

Also if anyone is hitting the Seattle Area to look at rigs, feel free to hit me up if you need a hand.

[dlb]

i'd definitely take pink over the burgundy. that would at least be fierce. i'd even take a salmon-esque pink over the burgundy. it would at least look ironic.

i had no idea power windows added so much weight. is that due to the motors mounted in each door to raise and lower each window?

[Mattel]

I really like the burgundy colour, looks neat.

I like having the mod-cons on my all-trac the power windows are good to vent the car on hot days etc.

But the best Tercel accessory is definitely the power sunroof and I reckon that would be an extra 10-15kgs?

[North of 64]

Hey, did anyone here go see this vehicle? I guess it is my turn to have a look from far away and would appreciate any input from members who viewed but obviously did not buy this car.

thanks

e