1999 Toyota Tercel

Introduction: The 1999 Toyota Tercel is a subcompact sedan available with a 1.5-liter inline-four engine and a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. The Tercel is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency but has been criticized for its lack of power and uncomfortable interior.

Engine

• 1.5L Inline-Four (105 hp, 98 lb-ft torque)

  • Intake Valve Carbon Buildup:
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, rough idling, check engine light
    • Solution: Intake manifold cleaning or replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Exhaust Manifold Crack:
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine noise, exhaust leak, reduced power
    • Solution: Exhaust manifold replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Timing Belt Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Catastrophic engine damage
    • Solution: Timing belt replacement at recommended intervals
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic:

  • Valve Body Solenoid Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, delayed or harsh shifting
    • Solution: Valve body solenoid replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

• 5-Speed Manual:

  • Shifter Linkage Wear:
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, loose shifter
    • Solution: Shifter linkage repair or replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Clutch Master Cylinder Leak:
    • Description/Symptoms: Clutch pedal spongy, difficulty shifting
    • Solution: Clutch master cylinder replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Struts:

  • Strut Bearing Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or grinding noise from front suspension, reduced steering stability
    • Solution: Strut bearing replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

• Rear Shocks:

  • Bushing Wear:
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive bounce or vibration from rear of vehicle
    • Solution: Shock bushing replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator:

  • Diode Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, flickering lights
    • Solution: Alternator replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

• Starter:

  • Solenoid Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine not starting, clicking sound when starting
    • Solution: Starter replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350+

Exterior

• Door Handles:

  • Bushing Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Loose door handles
    • Solution: Door handle bushing replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard:

  • Cracking:
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard surface
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

• Seats:

  • Bolster Wear:
    • Description/Symptoms: Worn-out seat bolsters
    • Solution: Seat reupholstering or replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

• Headliner:

  • Sagging:
    • Description/Symptoms: Headliner material sagging away from roof
    • Solution: Headliner repair or replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary Overall, the 1999 Toyota Tercel is a reliable and fuel-efficient subcompact sedan. However, it has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but most are relatively inexpensive to fix.