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Old 03-17-2018, 06:08 PM   #1
JoVic2013
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1997 Toyota Tercel - San Francisco Bay Area

This is my first time posting to this forum so please bear with me.
I have a 1997 Toyota Tercel that I have had since ... well, 1997. And up until recently, I have had no issues. Currently, it has approx 315,000 miles.
What I am running into now is .. well, age. I really value this car and am not ready to part with it. My mechanic, however, is saying I probably need to invest in a rebuilt engine, if not a brand new car. Not knowing much about the cost of rebuilt engines, I am not sure where to begin. The research I have done suggests they can cost as much as $1500 to $2500. I am somewhat on a tight budget and was hoping someone here on this forum might know of a place where the rebuilt engine is not as expensive. I have looked at several online sites, but the reviews are not so great.
Any suggestions or feedback anyone might have on this is much appreciated.
Thanks.
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Old 03-19-2018, 05:27 PM   #2
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Re: 1997 Toyota Tercel - San Francisco Bay Area

What problems or symptoms are you having which lead him to believe that you need a different engine?
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Old 03-21-2018, 08:52 PM   #3
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Re: 1997 Toyota Tercel - San Francisco Bay Area

Thank you for your response.
My engine light has been flashing off and on since the end of last year.
Upon submitting it for diagnostics, there are random misfires that mechanics are
unable to explain. Although they did find that my car seems to be burning oil, yet not leaking, if that makes sense. I seem to continue to have to put oil in my car on a weekly basis. Hence, both of my mechanics have come to the conclusion that
the age of the car, unexplained flashing of engine light, burning oil and other factors are indicative of a need to replace engine. That, or investment in a new vehicle.
Hope this info helps.
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Old 03-23-2018, 10:19 AM   #4
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Re: 1997 Toyota Tercel - San Francisco Bay Area

I would bring it to another mechanic whom you trust and get a second opinion. That is expensive if true. It doesn't sound like he has been trying very hard to diagnose your check engine light.
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Old 03-26-2018, 09:26 AM   #5
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Re: 1997 Toyota Tercel - San Francisco Bay Area

Another option is a low miles import engine from Japan. They usually have under 60k miles. You can find sellers on e-bay. You would need to swap all the external parts to make it pass smog, also ask seller if it is CA legal. One seller is foreign engines in WA state. They are called JDM engines
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