Looking at an SR5 to buy

[AnInnocentBystander]

Hey guys, I've been to this site a few times in the past but I've finally signed up. OK so here's my story: my co-worker is an older man who owns a Corolla SR5 (year is still unknown, sadly, one of these days I'm gonna get the VIN and check everything all out). I asked him about it, and he is oblivious to what an 'AE86' even is. He told me he would sell the car for 300 dollars. The mileage is currently 270xxx on the stock 4A-C engine. Honestly, I'm not really into the AE86 for the main reason everyone else is (Initial D for some people), I just like the older corolla's and their light weight rear drive layout, so please don't bash on it being an SR5, since higher power, rear disc brakes and an LSD don't really matter to me. And now for the real reason why I posted this: is 300 dollars a good deal for a car with that many miles and the SR5 package? I plan on doing a decent tune-up, new suspension, fix the rust, and new tires. My car knowledge isn't the best, so I need an honest opinion, how much would it cost to get it running well?

Thanks in advance

[4agetercel]

whats the body like on it?, 300 is a good deal for any car that runs a drives really, so yes, the fact that it has that mileage really doesnt mean anything, the old 4AC is bulletproof pretty much... as for the LSD and high power not mattering, why does it matter that its lightweight and RWD layout then? wouldnt any car do in that case?

[AnInnocentBystander]

To be honest, my first car was a 'rolla, but I destroyed it in a snow storm not to long ago . So in a way, this is kind of a replacement, and I love the feel of a RWD car, with one that gets decent fuel econ (lightweight).

Condition of the body, well, it has slight rust on the doors and the rust that is common on the rear hatch right before it meets the lights. The underside looked good (for it's age). I still need to do a walk-around and check out everything on the car, but when I took a quick peek didn't see any rust or anything that could cause an issue.

[4agetercel]

I see, yeah my rollas an SR5 as well but i a swapping it, they are a chaep on gas car, if the body isnt in bad then by all means go for it, 300 is cheap fo these cars even if it is an SR5, would you be able to get pics at all of it?

[k2bob]

I just bought this 84 corolla sr5 4ac engine compression is 126-127-129-127 . engine oil dissapearing fast, just sitting in the drive, no pools . I lose about an eighth of a quart per day, auto trans oil level appears normal level, no smoke, oil pressure seems to drop off quickly???? doesn't seem to be getting into the coolant, I am new to corollas and ???????? no idea, it sounds impossible? I smell no oil burning in engine compartment , exhaust is very clean? help

[4agetercel]

if its not leaking and its not in the coolant then it has to be burning it, its the only other thing that consumes oil.

[piso]

yea, 300 is a steal for an ae86. i paid 800 for mine and i got the coupe. check the carb and make sure you put some work in that when you do the tuneup. also, are you planning on doing a sport suspension or just replacing with stock? the rear springs and struts are really easy to replace (especially if your struts are blown). the fronts are a little harder but are still easy enough.

[k2bob]

Is there any way that oil is going thru the rear seal to the tranny I looked in the tranny and the fluid is clear, I did not expect that.

[4agetercel]

Originally Posted by k2bob

Is there any way that oil is going thru the rear seal to the tranny I looked in the tranny and the fluid is clear, I did not expect that.

oil can leak through the rear seal but it wont leak INTO your transmission, it would leak inbetween the engine and tranny and leak on the ground

[AnInnocentBystander]

I'm most likely going to keep it stock, and thanks for the advice on the carb, I'll give it a little extra attention. I did a walk around today and checked everything out, no rust on the undercarriage (thank god), engine is extremely dirty and needs a good scrubbin', car also needs a wash and wax.. the oil looks as if it hasn't been changed for about 7,500 miles, so that will be near the top of my list of things to do.

For the oil, should I put in a heavier weight or should I keep it the regular weight? (10W-30), or should I not worry about blow by? (I've yet to start the engine, I really need to do that to make sure it's not burning off any oil)

Also, I'm assuming I should use a high mileage conventional, or would it be to late for me to switch over to full synthetic?

Thanks again

[4agetercel]

My Tercel runs nice and quiet with 15W 40, 412000klm and truckin'