Heroic Hatch: 1987 Toyota Tercel

This next feature is a vintage 2nd-generation Toyota Tercel — proof that reliability and excitement don’t always overlap on a Venn diagram. This beige box is a time capsule from an era when Toyota’s design philosophy seemed to be “make it square and make it run forever.” It’s powered by a 1.5-liter four that heroically churns out 78 horsepower, funneled through a four-speed manual that feels like shifting a stick in a jar of peanut butter. The seller’s done a lot of wrenching — new carb, starter, fuel system, the works — so it’s not just surviving, it’s thriving. Sure, the horn’s silent, the lights have trust issues, and it smokes on startup like a pack-a-day Corolla, but this Tercel is honest, scrappy, and ready to outlive us all. Find this 1987 Toyota Tercel offered for $2900 near Minneapolis, MN via craigslist.

From the seller:

1987 Toyota Tercel
VIN: JT2EL31G9H0066836

show VIN data
condition: good
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: fwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 159,300
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: hatchback
This barn find originally came from Idaho and was previously licensed in Oregon and Washington. It has never been driven in Minnesota during the winter. The tercel was not running when I purchased it. The car needed a starter and fuel system work. It also required extensive cleaning of the original interior and exterior. This little car runs quite well and is really fun to drive. I have a lot of extra original/spare parts that will go with the car. The car currently has around 159,300 miles on it. It will go up slightly as I drive it occasionally.

The Tercel was the first front wheel drive model that Toyota made. It was the Japanese version of the classic econobox. The 1980s represented the golden era of small, stylish, fuel-efficient cars that were fun to drive and models that everyone could afford to buy. This third generation hatchback body style was produced only in the model years 1987-1989.

Features:
Runs and drives well
Clean title
A four-speed manual transmission with the on the floor gear shift
A 12 valve 1.5 liter (3E) engine that produced 78HP
Original paint

Recent upgrades:
The original Venturi-variable carburetor was replaced with a Weber Redline Racing Carburetor model 32/36 DGEV – K751
The starter replaced with a Bosch Premium rebuilt starter
A new fuel tank installed
A new Toyota mechanical fuel pump installed
New Denso spark plugs installed
PCV valve replaced
Fuel filters replaced
Four new tires mounted and balanced
Manual transmission gear oil replaced
New spark plug wires installed
Distributor cap replaced
Distributor rotor replaced

Items that still need to be addressed:
The horn does not function
The high beam lights do not stay on
The front bottom spoiler has a dent on passenger side
The engine smokes at start-up
There is an oil leak that appears to be coming from the timing belt cover
The exhaust rattles, it sounds like there’s a loose heat shield or loose connector
A small area of apparent repaired rust near bottom passenger corner of hatch glass
A small hole (less than size of dime) in passenger rear fender
The original stereo doesn’t turn on
The rear bumper cover has a cracked area in the plastic
The climate control knob stuck on heat
The window cranks are stiff and need to be lubricated

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