1985 Toyota Tercel 4WD SR5 wagon - 6 spd 4 cyl - 4x4

Price: - Item location: Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
Description:

1985 Toyota Tercel SR5

I'm selling this gem because I needed something bigger to tow my boat around. I'd keep it but I don't have the space for it.
The bad:
- The front end needs some work. I have new cv axles to go with it, but it may need a few other odds and ends.
- The fuel gauge is a little wonky. When you fill the tank (about 10 gallons) it shows empty. When the tank gets down to a few gallons left, the gauge will start to go up and then it goes down and the fuel light comes on. This never fails.
- There is no odometer, so mileage is unknown. It wasn't an issue to me because it runs strong and these 3A motors run forever. There is a working trip meter, for what that's worth.
- The area around the oil drain plug is damaged. I have purchased a used oil pan and new gasket, but haven't had the time or felt the urgent need to replace it yet. I put a thick o-ring around the drain plug, and it only drips a drop every now and then.
- Surface rust spots, but no holes. Keep in mind, these cars are usually well past being rusted out by now.
- The return spring in the ignition switch is broken. When you start the car you have to turn the key back to the "On" position manually.
- One of the parking brake cables snapped. I took them all out and ordered new ones. I was going to install them when I did the rear brake shoes, but I had ordered the wrong ones. I ordered the correct ones and have not installed them.
The good:
- The car runs great and always starts, even on the coldest days.
- The 1bbl. carb has been replaced with a 2bbl. It comes with a rebuild kit and a water choke to replace the electronic one (it's far more efficient).
- Four wheel drive works great! With the flick of a lever the car is in and out of 4wd. It is true 4wd. This thing will crawl right over snow that comes up past the bumper.
- Despite being a narrow, small car, there is A LOT of room inside for passengers and cargo. I'm 6'1" 230lbs. and have tons of head and leg room and actually have the seat moved up, not all the way back. The back seats fold down and seriously, you'd be surprised at just how much stuff you can cram into this car. We have taken this car camping. 4 people, 2 dogs, a tent, 2 coolers, and all our other gear fit (it was a little crammed and I had to make a divider to go behind the back seat to keep it from spilling onto the children. The kids and dogs slept in the car while the wife and I stayed in the tent.).
- It's quite a nimble car. It doesn't ride like a wagon. And since it is so narrow it moves easily in and around traffic.
- It has an extra-low speed for pulling when you're in 4wd.
- The exterior is in great shape and the car has a trailer hitch.
- Aftermarket Bluetooth stereo. It's not booming, it really doesn't even sound great, but it's good enough.
- The four-cylinder engine is front facing. Replacing the timing belt (which I did right after I bought it) takes only a couple of hours. There's lots of room to work under the hood and this car is SIMPLE.
- The wheels have been upgraded from 13" to 14". The rims came from a 2002 Echo.
Look at the pictures. Ask me any questions you may have that are not answered above.
Car is sold as is.