1995 Toyota Tercel

Introduction:

The 1995 Toyota Tercel is a subcompact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It was available with either a 1.5-liter inline-four engine or a 1.8-liter inline-four engine, paired with either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission. While the Tercel is generally considered a reliable vehicle, it has some common issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

• 1.5-Liter Inline-Four Engine
  • Leaking Oil Pan Gasket:
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the bottom of the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the oil pan gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Clogged EGR Valve:
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, rough idling, and increased emissions.
    • Solution: Clean or replace the EGR valve.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
• 1.8-Liter Inline-Four Engine
  • Head Gasket Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the engine, overheating, and decreased engine performance.
    • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leak, reduced engine power, and increased emissions.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Slipping Gears:
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear while driving.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Leaking Fluid:
    • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leaking from the transmission.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• 5-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Difficulty Shifting Gears:
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty or grinding when shifting gears.
    • Solution: Replace worn or damaged shift components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Leaking Fluid:
    • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leaking from the transmission.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300

Suspension

• Front Suspension:
  • Strut Wear:
    • Description/Symptoms: Noise, vibration, and poor handling.
    • Solution: Replace the worn struts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Rear Suspension:
  • Shock Absorber Wear:
    • Description/Symptoms: Bumpy ride, poor handling, and diminished braking performance.
    • Solution: Replace the worn shock absorbers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Leaf Spring Sag:
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sits lower than the front.
    • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600

Electrical

• Battery Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains quickly, difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle loses power while driving, warning lights illuminate on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
• Ignition Coil Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, loss of power, and difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition coil.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors lock or unlock intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Power Window Regulator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows open or close slowly or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• HVAC Blower Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: No air flow from the heating or air conditioning system.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Summary:

The 1995 Toyota Tercel is a generally reliable vehicle, but it has some common issues that owners should be aware of. These issues can vary in severity and cost to fix, but many of them are relatively inexpensive to address. Overall, the Tercel is a good choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient and reliable subcompact car.