Toyota Van Fan Newly Hooked on Tercel 4WD's

[vantexan]

Hi Everyone,
I guess while researching Toyotas it was inevitable I'd end up here. I used to own an '87 Toyota cargo van. Got into Toy motorhomes which led to buying a '77 Chinook and driving it from Montana to Texas last January. It had serious issues so got rid of it quickly. Started looking for something economical that I could take camping. I recalled seeing what looked like a hightop Toyota station wagon last year and thinking it was really cool. After a bit of surfing on the 'net I found this forum. There truly is a forum for anything worth talking about!
I'm totally sold on the Toyota Van. They're known to do 400,000+ miles. Since the SR5 has a different engine, how reliable do you find them? And is there any substantial difference between an '83 and an '87? Was there a model year that stood out as more desirable than others? I don't have the URL in front of me but if you Google Weis Craft Trailers they have a model called the Roughneck that I'd like to match up with an economical vehicle as possible that is offroad capable.
Is it best to stick with the original engine, or is a conversion to another engine worth the cost? Thanks for any info!

[takza]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/deserteggs/

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/offroadpup/

Probably the weak spot with the T4WD might be the trans...but we're talking above 200K miles...depending on how they've been driven. And rust. I had one in wyoming and it could handle about anything within reason...main issues...ground clearance...need to know how to drive but trans went out. If you are pulling a trailer...it could be done...but you'd need patience. The 22RE engine has more power.

On one or more of those groups is a guy with pics of a small trailer he pulls with either a diesel VW or I think a Honda...gets very good mpg.

[vantexan]

Thanks! Got to reading the FAQ's, etc last night and found some info. I'm talking to someone about purchasing their SR5 and want to have some idea what to expect. I'm 46, and at 52 I want to spend a few years on a Baja beach. There's a pop-top conversion for Honda Elements available now, but I don't want to spend that kind of money. The little trailer camper I mentioned weighs 450 lbs. I could go the rooftop tent route, but I'd prefer the trailer. Any idea what the interior dimensions are of the cargo area from rear hatch to back of front seats? Thanks for those links!

[Neu]

You can fit a LOT of stuff in the rear of tercel. Camping stuff would work just fine.

You could most definitely pull a 450 lb trailer. People have managed to entire cars, but heavy stuff needs a trailer with trailer brakes. I think you'd be fine with 450 lbs.


Fully loaded though with a trailer, don't expect too much power or pep.

[vantexan]

You can fit a LOT of stuff in the rear of tercel. Camping stuff would work just fine.

You could most definitely pull a 450 lb trailer. People have managed to entire cars, but heavy stuff needs a trailer with trailer brakes. I think you'd be fine with 450 lbs.


Fully loaded though with a trailer, don't expect too much power or pep.

Thanks, that's great to hear! Didn't know what 1.5lts could do. As long as I can get the trailer to a campsite, as soon as I unhook I'll have a vehicle that'll let me explore without spending too much(hopefully!).

[Neu]

The tercel can definitely explore without using too much fuel.

It gets pretty decent mileage in 4wd as long as you try to stay below 3500 rpms. I can wheel for a long time and it's barely moved.

When it snowed I went about 40 miles in 1-2ft of snow and it only used MAYBE a quarter of a tank, and that was constant 3000+ rpms in 2nd gear maybe.

[takza]

I got 19 mpg crossing a mountain on back trails...33-34 on the highway. 600 lbs total load.

[Neu]

yeh once up to speed if you can keep the speed going you'd be fine, just getting up to the speed would be terrible on mileage.