1987 Tercel four door hatchback
257,000kms
5 spd 4 cyl
$500
The good:
It’s a cheap beater for winter
1.6L is great on gas
FWD
Two new winter tires on the front
New starter
New battery
Newer brakes
Back seats fold down, so there is lots of room to haul stuff
Started first try even in -30
Great heat
Girls think it’s “cute”
Weight reduction (see the bad)
Free flow exhaust (see the bad)
The bad:
Weight reduction in the form of corrosion
Muffler rusted off, so its a bit loud
Has a few other random minor issues that all beaters are required to have
Hatch is blue, car is green
I bought this last year just days before winter hit as I really needed a beater. I filled it full of stuff numerous times when I was moving. It was great for that. This year I think I am going to spend a few grand to get something a little easier on the eyes as I need to use the car for work.
Car is located in NE Edmonton. PM or call me for more info - Dave @ 709-6746
so If this was going to be driven by a girl, and you didn’t want her to end up stranded on the side of the road, what would you replace/fix?
what is needed to make it reliable and safe?
how are the rear tires? make any noises, how are the axles, how is the clutch, how is the suspension?
I realize it’s a cheap beater, and it will have problems. just trying to get an idea of whats all wrong with it.
thanks
The only thing that I know of that will need replacing in the future is the right front axle. It just started clicking under hard turning. I’ve driven cars that have clicking axles for like 50,000km and only one has ever broke. But other than that I know of know probs.
Suspension seems good, its a pretty soft ride. Clutch is fine, no slippage. Rear tires have some tread but should probably be replaced in the future. They are narrow and only 13" so tires are dirt cheap.
