1997 Toyota Tercel

1997 Toyota Tercel

The 1997 Toyota Tercel is a subcompact car that was available with two engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 1.5-liter inline-four with 90 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The optional engine was a 1.8-liter inline-four with 110 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque. This engine was only available with a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Tercel was praised for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power and poor handling.

Engine

1.5-liter Inline-Four

• Oil leaks from valve cover gasket: Oil leaks from around the valve cover gasket, causing a burning oil smell and loss of oil. Solution: Replace valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: Intake manifold gasket fails, causing vacuum leaks and engine performance issues. Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Timing belt failure: Timing belt fails, causing engine damage. Solution: Replace timing belt and water pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• Recalls:
  • 97V023000: Power window switch may fail, causing windows to not operate.
  • 97V039000: Passenger side airbag may not deploy properly.

1.8-liter Inline-Four

• No Issues Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch master cylinder failure: Clutch master cylinder fails, causing clutch to not engage. Solution: Replace clutch master cylinder. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Recalls:
  • 97V023000: Power window switch may fail, causing windows to not operate.

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission fluid leaks: Transmission fluid leaks from seals or gaskets, causing transmission problems. Solution: Repair or replace leaking seals or gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
• Shift solenoid failure: Shift solenoid fails, causing transmission to not shift properly. Solution: Replace shift solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Recalls:
  • 97V023000: Power window switch may fail, causing windows to not operate.

Suspension

• Front strut mounts worn: Front strut mounts wear out, causing excessive noise and vibration. Solution: Replace front strut mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Rear shock absorbers worn: Rear shock absorbers wear out, causing poor handling and ride quality. Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: Alternator fails, causing battery to not charge. Solution: Replace alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter failure: Starter fails, causing engine to not start. Solution: Replace starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Recalls:
  • 97V023000: Power window switch may fail, causing windows to not operate.
  • 97V039000: Passenger side airbag may not deploy properly.

Exterior

• Rust on rear wheel wells: Rear wheel wells rust out, causing body damage. Solution: Repair or replace rear wheel wells. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+

Interior

• Dashboard cracks: Dashboard cracks due to sun exposure. Solution: Replace dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Seat fabric tears: Seat fabric tears easily. Solution: Repair or replace seat fabric. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+

Summary

The 1997 Toyota Tercel is a reliable and fuel-efficient car, but it has several common issues that can be expensive to fix. The most serious issues include engine oil leaks, transmission fluid leaks, and rust on the rear wheel wells. Overall, the Tercel is a good choice for budget-minded consumers who are willing to accept some potential problems.