1984 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD 4x4 Manual Stick SanDiego CA since new DRIVE IT HOME!

1984 Toyota Tercel Description

1984 Toyota Tercel SR5 4x4. 6 speed manual transmission (5 speed with extra gear in low in 4x4).

Overall Driving impression: This is a great ‘driver.’ Looks respectable and is classic Toyota reliable.

It hada small ‘clunk’ upon release of the clutch although it drove well and tracked straight. The tires (same as current) were worn evenly flat… so there were no frame or alignment issues. I took to my mechanic and had the front end and motor mounts inspected. They replaced both inner tie-rod ends (with Moog equipment) and did an alignment. Car is quiet and drives A-1.

Last week, filled the tank and took it out to the local mountains for a 100+ mile road test and to go find some hills to climb. It took challenging grades at 75 on the way up (and 95 on the way down), lways very straight and smooth. No shakes or issues. Windows and doors seal nicely. The entire afternoon… the AC was blowing at 58 degrees on a balmy (89 degrees) San Diego winter day. Impressed I was young Skywalker (in aYoda voice of course).

4x4 status: Goes in and out of 4x4 very easily with no noises or issues. Happily climbed some loose dirt/sand hills. Being originally purchased locally here at (Rose Toyota) in San Diego, t’s doubtful the 4x4 has seen much use since new.

Overall Mechanical: Brakes are strong, uns/drives/tracks straight. Runs like a swiss watch...No smoke, oes not leak. Tires are better than 50%, ame brand/tread, orn flat and even. Best I can tell, verything on the car works (AC, indshield wipers front/back, lower fan, ighter, nterior light, eadlights, igital clock, efroster). Only noted exception is the back-up lights which I’ll look at. All locks work, ncluding rear hatch, nd gas door key work well

Body/Paint: Cosmetically, ooks ok for its age (7 out of 10 maybe). Was repainted once with a quality basecoat/clearcoat years ago that is showing age as clear-coat is peeling. Has a bit of corrosion at the base of the windshield cowls (outer-see pics) and a few bubbles across the top of the windshield, ut otherwise is a very solid car. Only two other things of note are at the front of the drivers fender at the hood (small bump and some surface rust) and a few scales under the mudflap that has held the moisture) at base of fender well. Nothing to speak of inside door jambs, runk, tc. Other than noted… car could be fairly described as rust free. Please review pictures as I’ve made effort to show anything of interest.

Interior: The interior looks pretty good overall but has some expected wear for 30 years.The original seats and upholsteryare in pretty good shape. Seats are surprisingly supportive and comfortable, ven after a full day’s trip. There is a bit of wear in the padding under the driver’s side bolster that doesn't show in the pics from entering/exiting the car. Don’t notice it sitting in the seat as it's very comfortable.Interior will benefit from a good detail… most visible stains should come out easily. Worst is under front passenger floormat. The rear package tray and speaker covers show age from sun but can be easily renewed with some fabric, t’s all there though. Car has a detachable face Sony stereo that works fine, ront speakers are so-so, acks are installed but don’t seem to be hooked up.

CA Smog equipment, tc: Has all original and seemingly functional CA smog equipment if you are a CA resident. Took it to a local smog shop last week to get a look over but did not test it. The smog technician put in on the sniffer for free and I took a picture of the cars results at idle. The technician seemed to think it would pass a smog test. At this point, t was a moot point at the car is still registered till November 2016. If need be, t can be smogged for a new CA owner.

Conclusion: I bought this on a whim cause I always wanted a Tercel SR5. I’ve been fascinated with the Toyota 4x4 wagons since I was a kid. I thought it was an inexpensive addition to our ski cabin… but for the moment... my wife just sees another car in the driveway along with my other toys. Her new Lexus sits out in sun and weather while my three toys occupy the garage and carports… so I agree. I'm not crazy about it..but sometimes we all have to let one go.

Please ask questions. This is not a 40K muscle car… It’s a clean driver, 0+ year old Yota that’s been driven about 10K miles a year on san diego freeways. It has a ‘Salvage’ title from being unregistered for a few years (in 2006/2007). California loves to assess rediculous penalties, o it was cheaper to get a new ‘salvage’ title than paying rediculous CA registration penalties. There are no accidents or insurance claims in its history.

I didn't do much before taking these pictures, t is what it is. When I purchased it, was already torn to let it be destroyed by snow/salt. It would be great to see it be survive another thirty years. As it sits… it’s reliable, afe, nd ready to be driven home if you cared to 'Roadtrip' it home. Vehicle is for sale locally... so please... contact me if you'd like to make an offer before auction close.

(Sixx Won Niine)......Too Sixx Won....Sixx Fore Sevn Won