1993-1997 Geo Prizm/Toyota Corolla

[JMSinMD]

I am buying a 1993 Geo Prizm 1.8L I4 7A-FE, 5-speed with 130,000 miles for my sister for $350, I know I have to replace the radio (non existent), antenna, rear view mirror, one knob from the A/C and a good detail. I guess for $350 I'm still ahead of the game. I bought an oil filter to do a change but cannot find out how much oil (including filter) that I need, Autozone said 4.25 which seems a bit much for such a small engine. Please give me any and all details you can, including problem areas to watch out for, etc. Thanks. Jon. p.s. this year Prizm was built by Toyota so anything that applies to one should apply to the other right?

[darcsyde]

yea it's about a lil more than 4

[94_Rolla_Guy]

Watch that the engine isn't an oil burner most of the early 7afe's have issues typically they will go through about 1qt every 500-600 miles so be careful of that have someone rev it up fast to at least 4000rpm and hold it there for a few secs while your standing behind the tail pipe. if you see blue thats a sure sign...

the transmissions are reasonably good but can be suseptable to 5th gear pop out and bad 3rd gear syncro's on poorly maintained units, Also DO NOT use GL-5 fluid the trannys don't like GL-5 Go with a GL-4 Fluid like Redline MT-90

A oil change with filter is i think 3.8L And my personal advice is use a good quality oil, I like and my car seems to like Castrol GTX high mileage (green jug)

[ghost_ryder35]

350 is a great deal, good buy, like 94 was saying, check the oil regularly. as long as you watch it everything will be fine.

[wheredoesthisgo]

Change all the fluids friend (including flush the radiator). I got one with 90,000 mile on it for 500$ bucks and I think the thermostat got clogged. My girfliend ran it hot blew up the radiator and a head gasket. I am now trying to do the head myself. Its a real treat. If the water/antifreeze looks like crap change the thermostat.

[rice]

$4.25 for an oil filter is not bad, i use the k&n ($12). For the 7afe, I use all 4 quarts, it fills right up to the dip stick line.