Topic: ENGINE PROBLEM

[babylov_17]

hi i need to buy a new engine for my toyota tercel. Its an automatic 4 door 1994. i need one cheap. this is the only car i have and im a student and need it for transportation. if anyone can help me find a good one for a low price i would appriciate it

[ericthejet]

Where do you live?  Budget concerns?  Why do you need a new/used engine?

[barrie1]

Welcome Babylov to the Forum. Not knowing which part of Canada you live in makes it a little harder to advise you. The wreckers will probably be your best place to start looking for a engine as it will be around only 1/2 the price of a new one. How bad is the old engine. Do you know if it can be repaired, could be cheaper yet possibly. Most wreckers can install engines as well at a cheaper price so let your fingers do the walking on finding what you need.  

[babylov_17]

I live in Pennsylvania, the thing is that my car when i stop at red light its starts to shake alot and it feels like its going to shut off on me. I really dont know anything about cars, im only 19 and really need to get my car fixed because its my only transportation to school and i dont really have a lot of money.

[ericthejet]

Have you had a tune up lately?  Plugs, wires and filters.  Auto or stick?  Idle need adjustment.  Perhaps you should get the opinion of a trusted mechanic who knows Toyotas.  The scrapyard would be a good choice.  Ask the local Toyota dealer who they use when they need to swap an engine as it may put you on to a good source for a replacement.  It's possible that you don't really need another engine.

[Smainville]

How much mileage on this car?  Does it burn oil?  

[jeeper]

with the ammount of info u provided and with my little knowlegde about car, i dont think u need a new engine...maybe some adjustments to this one?

[barrie1]

Sounds more like a little TLC is needed on this vehicle. Ask yourself these questions. 1. When was a tune-up done on this vehicle. 2.The air filters changed and gas line filter as well. 3.Has any Carb or injector cleaner been added to the Fuel ever. Unless you are trailing so much smoke that people can't follow you I don't think you need a new engine yet. The Toyota engine is a well built design which should still be good for years to come.

[Roadrunner]

Babylove, welcome to the forum.
As you have read up to this point, there is a lot of information needed to make sight-unseen recommendations.
Unless your decision to replace the engine is based on a professional decision, I wouldn't be in a rush to switch it out.
In my opinion anyway, the easiest method of telling whether an old engine is worth fixing or switching is a cylinder compression test.
The end result of that test can be a huge deciding factor and may save you a bundle of money.

While I am aware cost is almost Always a definite factor in this endeavor, installing a used engine is always a gamble.
Just be careful and don't rush the process and make sure you do your 'homework'.

[barrie1]

Roadr is correct as the 1st thing you need to do is find a good reliable honest mechanic who knows this model of car. Ask your friends and neighbours who they recommend and then let the garage chosen to have a look at the engine. Silly little things will make the car run rough and are generally fairly inexpensive to replace.

[babylov_17]

i would like to thank all of you for helping me figure out my problem. i will follow your advice and i will take it to a mechanic.thank you once again for all of your opinions.  
sincerely
Jeimy