possibly buying a 1995 tercel

[Damage82]

someone is selling a 95 tercel, 2 dr, auto, black. it burns oil, but so does my 93. this one is a little different, mine does it right at start-up for a few seconds. this car does it after a few minutes? anyone else have this issue? also is there something else I should check, I'm not too worried or fussy over this car, he only wants $600 for it

[NickR]

His is probably burning oil because the piston rings are bad (a compression test could probably confirm that), which is a bigger problem than the much more common problem of bad oil seals on the valves, which is probably what your car has. Maybe though, just maybe, his is burning oil because he has never replaced the PCV valve, which would be a beautiful thing to discover, if you pay $600 for it, and can fix the problem for $6!

[Damage82]

well, that would be great!, i'm hoping that it is nothing serious, and i can get at least a year out of it

[Damage82]

also noticed the check engine light was on, gonna take it somewhere to have it looked at and find out if the thing will end up dieing on me in a month or so.

[NickR]

You can diagnose the check engine light yourself, in a few minutes with a paper clip, if you read this link: http://www.troublecodes.net/Toyota/

[Damage82]

thanks, I'll give it a try. I'm more than likely junking my 93 tercel. what parts should I keep off it for the 95? i know engine and body wise they are pretty much different.

[Damage82]

I want to take as many parts off my 93 as possible if i can't sell it. but i'm assuming with the different engines that not alot is compatiable.