[Big_Mikey]

Hello everyone!

i have owned my 1996 Toyota Tercel since it came off the boat! Originally purchased at Frontier Toyota (Santa Clarita, CA) and I have enjoyed this car from day one. This is my 4th Toyota (my favorite was my 81 Carolla 5 speed which I really loved.)

My Tercel is in EXCELLENT condition, almost showroom. Last year I replaced timing belt (2nd time),water pump, all belts and hoses. Radiator still looks fine as does transmission and drive train. Engine has 179K. I tinker around with the car but don't really consider myself a mechanic altough everyone tells me I am beter than they are at fixing the car.

The car does a lot of trips between LA (SFV) and Las Vegas as I maintain residences in both cities and gets 33-34 MPG. A/C still works dandy in hot months and I just replaced the sound system.


I still use 155SR13 tires. Will a bigger size actually make the care ride better? Oil changes are at 4000 or 3-4 months and use regular oil-I have not used the synthethic yet. Always use 87 octaine except in Baja where I always use higher grade PEMEX.

Car engine light went on this weekand and I was told it was catalytic converter. Seems a major change was made in 1996 with cc when engine also went to fuel injection instead of carb. How much should replacement cost?

Anyway, I love my Toyota and LOVE TOYOTAS!

Big Mikey