Toyota Tercel vs. Honda Civic

"Cathy F." <clfrclfr DeleteThis @adelphiadotdashdot.net> wrote
> "Elle" <honda.lioness DeleteThis @spamnocox.net> wrote
>> Original and only owner of a 91 Civic here. I am looking
>> for either a beater Civic or beater Tercel for a friend
>> trying to save on gas.
>>
>> Any comments on the maintenance requirements for, say, a
>> 91 Tercel? How is it to change the timing belt? Any known
>> "Achille's Heels" for the Tercel?
>
> Just wondering if looking for a beater Civic, then why a
> Tercel instead of (the corresponding) Corolla?

For at least the years around 1990, the Tercel has a
slightly smaller engine displacement than the Corolla, which
translates to greater fuel economy. www.fueleconomy.gov
confirms.

Rough impression (too lazy to confirm for a lot of years):

Civics run 1.5L and 1.6L.
Tercels are mostly or all 1.5L.
Corollas, 1.6L.

Thanks for the input, Hachiroku.
 >> Stay informed about: Toyota Tercel vs. Honda Civic 

On Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:16:48 -0700, Elle wrote:

> Original and only owner of a 91 Civic here. I am looking for either a
> beater Civic or beater Tercel for a friend trying to save on gas.
>
> Any comments on the maintenance requirements for, say, a 91 Tercel? How
> is it to change the timing belt? Any known "Achille's Heels" for the
> Tercel?

Yeah...dead cylinders/valves/rings. These cars (Tercel) have a congenital
defect in, IIRC the rings. If you buy one, buy it cheap, esp if it's
burning oil.

They will run for a long time with this condition, but depending on
emissions regulations where you live it may not pass emissions testing.
If you have a good mechanic that doesn't have a boat to pay for you might
get the job done inexpensively.

Hondas are all interference engines, and the belt needs to be replaced on
a regular basis; for that vintage I believe 60,000 miles, but try to find
an owner's manual online for the actual recommendation.
 >> Stay informed about: Toyota Tercel vs. Honda Civic 

On Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:17:28 -0700, Elle wrote:

> Rough impression (too lazy to confirm for a lot of years):
>
> Civics run 1.5L and 1.6L.
> Tercels are mostly or all 1.5L.
> Corollas, 1.6L.
>
> Thanks for the input, Hachiroku.


Civics also had a 1.3 IIRC, but I don't remember what years.

And, you're quite welcome.
 >> Stay informed about: Toyota Tercel vs. Honda Civic