Newbie in need of some advice please

[tercelfan]

Hello everyone, I just joined the site yesterday and it seems like it's gonna help my search. I'm looking for a 4wd wagon. I found one that I'm going to look at on sat.

I was just wondering if there is anything I should be looking at (common problems) with this 1987 Tercel 4wd wagon 5 speed? I'm very new with these cars. I used to have an 84 4wd wagon years ago (before I new anything about cars). I'm not a mechanic but I do all of my own work. I'm not afraid of a little rust either since I work at a metal fab shop. Just thought I'd ask the experienced guys if there's something specific I should look for?

Thanks

[irowiki]

Start here:
https://tercel4wd.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7442

[Petros]

welcome to the forum,

where are you at? there are lots of things to consider when buying an old car, almost anything can be worn out or about to break. from suspention, to internal engine, clutch, brakes and so forth. Fortunately most of all of the issues that it might need can be fixed with readily available parts. Expect the transmission. Therefore, make sure it shifts smoothly and quietly into all gears, accelerate and decelerate hard in each gear after it is warmed up from driving up and down hills. If it pops out of any gear it means the main shaft bearings are worn and sloppy. "slow" syncros are okay, but bad "crunch" in any shift means worn syncromesh. Trans overhauls are costly, replacement parts are hard to find (and costly) and it is a major job to do, good replacement transmissions for the 4wd are becoming very scarce as well. So if you have a good trans, the car is not a total rust bucket, and the frame is straight, than anything else wrong with it can be fixed fairly inexpensively if you do the work yourself.

good luck.