1993 Toyota Tercel Base review from North America

The master clutch cylinder developed a recessed burr on the inside wall deteriorating the rubber gasket on the plunger. I rebuilt the cylinder with an available $20 kit, however, at the time I had not noticed the burr. Hence, after a few weeks the burr deteriorated the rebuild gasket. It's difficult to polish out a recessed burr, so I replaced the entire cylinder for $60. I also rebuilt the slave cylinder with a $10 rebuild kit just for a little insurance. It was fine and I could have left it alone.

I acquired this car free because it had a front end collision and someone wanted it out of their garage. Also, a bozo had taken out some frustration on it with a sledgehammer, busting out the windows and denting the roof and trunk.

The design of the car is genius. There are 2 crumple blocks on the front of the frame that absorb all impact. The frame never got damaged. I acquired all the replacement parts on Ebay and local salvage yards. I straightened the radiator support with hand tools, replaced the radiator and ac condenser all easily by hand. I knocked out the dents, filled the low spots, and replaced the hood, trunk, passenger fender, and all the glass easily without fancy tools. The windshield was a piece of cake!

At a local PPG paint supplier, I got the exact original color and painted the body panels. The car looks and drives like new. This car was totaled and I turned it into new for under $650 including the paint. The engine is bulletproof and perky. The car handles great. Make sure you get wide tires. I have R13 185/65 BF Goodrich's.