84 Tercel4WD with very low miles

[Tercel4WDwannabe]

Today I came across 1984 Tercel AWD with less than 40K miles on it. What kind of problems could I have here? The owner said it sat outside for about 5 years, but even so, the mileage still seems quite low. He said there is some rust, but not much, and the interior is mint. I doesn't sound like during 5 years it was sitting that the car was driven or maintained. I asked whether there was cracking on the belts and hoses and he said he'd look into it and get back to me. That may be an indication of what type of attention he has paid to it. I also asked him if he's driven it since listing it and he said no. I told him before I come down I would appreciate if he would get it out on the highway and he said he would, but that it isn't insured. He said he's putting a new fuel pump on it tomorrow. Any other questions I should ask? Should I just let this thing go as "too good to be true?" I'd rather not drive 5 hours only to find out that it's not going to be worth my time.

Also, I have an 1987 Tercel2WD that could be used for parts if need be. How interchangable they?

Thanks for lending your expertise!

[Petros]

Welcome to the list!

Sounds like a great buy no matter the condition. I highly recommend towing it home. When a car sits the seals can dry out and if you run the trans and diff dry, or just low, you are in for an expensive repair. Also, moisture collects in oil pan, trans and diff, and driving it without changing the fluids can cause rust and contaminated water to circulate through the expensive parts of the mechanicals. I would change the oil, filters, trans oil, and fan belt at the least, and expect when you get home to have to replace some seals, and eventually the brake master cyl. You must protect that transmission, they are durable but you can not buy replacement parts, so you have to keep quality clean gear lube in it. I would replace the fuel lines too if they have external cracks. And you might consider putting a can of fuel system cleaner in the fuel tank for the drive home.

I have bought and driven these cars when they had sat for 5 or more years, without issues (in fact fewer than I would have thought). I once bought a Tercel4wd that was sitting out side under a tree for 5 years without running for $100 (it had 300k miles showing on the odo) in another state. I changed the timing belt, the front seals, the fan belt, the oil and filter, coolant, and topped up the trans with oil, and the fuel lines (they were dry and cracked),. Than put air in the tires and I drove it 4000 miles to get home. So there may be no issues at all. But typically the brakes can give you trouble, the oil seals, the belts. Oddly the hoses are usually not the issue.

The 2wd version of this car is interchangeable with the engine and body parts, perhaps some of the front suspension. Everything from the trans back on the drive train and suspension is not the same.

Good luck.

[ARCHINSTL]

Less than 40K miles? On an '84? Was that a typo? Why was it parked?
Buy it! Even if 140K miles.
What Petros said - and pay SPECIAL attention to filling the trans - it's a bit different from the 2WD. There are lots of threads on this.
Welcome to the Club - many clever and helpful folks here!
Tom M.

[Toys4US]

I would check the brake, clutch, and gas pedal of the car. Generally, if it hasn't been driven too much it shouldn't be worn. Good luck.