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.
Just wondering if looking for a beater Civic, then why a Tercel instead of (the corresponding) Corolla?
Cathy
"Cathy F." wrote
For at least the years around 1990, the Tercel has a slightly smaller engine displacement than the Corolla, which translates to greater fuel economy.
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.
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