Thinking about another corolla diesel does 21 mpg

[somerandomguy1]

Mechanic says labor for installation of new rings is $115.

Alignment such as wheel alignment?

 

[CDX825]

I wouldn't change the rings unless compression is below spec.

 

[somerandomguy1]

A compresdion check would inform about compression

 

[JHZR2]

My father would get low 40s on his 89 Corolla DX manual trans manual. Something is way wrong if the car is getting 21.

 

[somerandomguy1]

Was your fathers 89 corolla a diesel? Low 40s mpg for a corolla 89 diesel manual sound just about right.

 

[somerandomguy1]

Mechanic says that the toyota corolla 1990 is better than modern 200 and up hyundai and kias. Probably would like for me to buy corolla diesel so he can repair it, he he.

 

[mk378]

In the USA a gallon of diesel has been consistently (for the last 20 years or so) more expensive than a gallon of gas, so the idea of a diesel economy car is a non-starter.

1990 is an antique car. Difficult to find parts, difficult to find mechanics with knowledge of them who haven't retired.

 

[mk378]

Mechanic says labor for installation of new rings is $115.

That's kind of crazy low, since it requires taking head off and the oil pan off, basically taking the engine all apart. Most people take the engine out of the car and totally rebuild it rather than attempt a "ring slap."

I'm not sure why you're considering buying another car knowing that it has more problems than your present car does.

 

[somerandomguy1]

In nicaragua a gallon of diesel is like 30 cents of a dollar lower than a gallon of gasoline.

Well in the usa there is a chevrolet cruze turbodiesel- which would be nice- that isnt sold officialy by chevrolet here.

I alluded earlier in the thread a more fuel efficient vehicle would be nice to have since the other vehicles in the house are double cab pickups and suvs

 

[somerandomguy1]

Taiwanese everpower piston sleeves are around $ 90.
I have seen whole diesel 1c toyota engines advertised for around $ 450. So maybe it is more economical to replace whole engine than to change piston rings. Mechanic said he doesnt have diesel engine compression meter only gasolin engine compression meter.

Most mechanics use chinese engine parts for engine rebuilds except the piston rings which they always it appears buy original toyota.

 

[Kuato]

Good afternoon,

I am thinking about getting another 1990 corolla diesel since the one i drive averages about 35mpg most of the time and parts are fairly available and not that expensive.

Pros of the one i seen
original lhd not converted rhd to lhd like mine
A/c works apparently ven though we tested it at night whichnis not so good a test as in day.

Cons:
Owner says it gets21 mpg.
has an oil leak from valve cover
Engine temp felt hot when hand is placed close to it. More than the one i drive.

I would like to get it as another economical daily driver as other vehicles that are driven are way too thirsty ie izuzu dmax double cab pickup 2.5 diesel.

Seller is asking 2100$ i will see if i can post pics

Thanks

Nope. It gets horrible mileage compared to yours, so something odd is going on. Plus it has suspected bad air conditioning and runs hot. Time to move on.

 

[somerandomguy1]

actually the air conditioning is cold at night. owner said he fixed it correctly.

well the engine temp guage in instrument cluster is right in the middle at correct operating temperature. what i meant with hot was my hand over the engine sensed a bit more heat that my other corolla diesel.

here are some pics: