If it's like most other cars, you'll have to pull the dash shell out to access the HVAC box. But knowing Toyota, there might be some easier way, but I know nothing about it as I think that heater cores are not a common failure on these cars.
Found a short video in removing a heater core on a 94 Prizm and it's a pain in the ass. I would say $500 is not too bad, unless you're a brain surgeon with video equipment to record the disassembly and reassembly. The video contained no details other than it was a complicated job.
My brother had one replaced on a 96 T-bird by the best radiator shop in the area. It failed in just over aa year and the shop owner died, so he was screwed.
If you go the replacement route, my advice is to use OEM, since you know how long that one lasted.
Ive got my 1.8 running. Found my heater core to be defective. I am replacing it, and the radiator. My issue being, I cant get the darn heater core out. Ive removed the dash and all metal brackets. Ive also removed every bolt I can find holding in the heater box. Ive been looking all over the...