information on ae92 seca 4af

[hks_kansei]

ok, first of all hello to all the people here.

i am a newb, but have come over from www.ozmazdaclub.com to learn about toyotas.

i am thinking of buying an 89 Seca with the 4af carburetted engine, and would like some info about it.

i test drove it and the only problem i had was the suspension feels much softer than my mazda, and it has quite bad bodyroll, is this normal? or does it have buggered shocks.

and i'd also like to just get some opinions on how well these cars will last doing a lot of freeway driving.

[CAP]

Welcome

My dad has an AE92 sedan and yes, as standard the suspension is quite soft so it does pitch and roll, but it's quite easily fixed with a new set of springs.

In regards to the engine. The Auto's will cruise at about 2000rpm at 100km/h so they're quite relaxed on the highways, the manuals cruise at around 3000rpm at 100km/h, but all the same there's no reason why the engine wouldn't last. Highway driving is much better than stop start city driving.

But this model is getting a little old now so it wouldn't be easy to find one with low km's on the original engine, but as with all the 4A series engines, they're robust and do last if looked after correctly.

[hks_kansei]

But this model is getting a little old now so it wouldn't be easy to find one with low km's on the original engine, but as with all the 4A series engines, they're robust and do last if looked after correctly.

well the one i have found is on it's original engine.

and has done 120,000 kms, had 2 previous owners, both women.

plus it is in very good cond, no rust around the boot or anything.

i was very surprised with the amount of power it has for a 1.6 carby!.

it was chirping second off the lights!!

[CAP]

That's quite good.

Just make sure the service history is sound. I don't think you can have too many problems with these, someone correct me if I'm wrong but 2nd gear syncro may be a problem if the car's been abused.

Also it's not uncommon for these to leak a little oil at the rocker cover gasket - no problem, just a change of gasket which you can probably do yourself.

Edited March 2, 2006 by IZZ-FE

[hks_kansei]

little oil leak doesnt bother me.

my current mazda leaks oil everywhere and pisses brake fluid out of the master cyl.

[xoom]

2nd gear syncro may be a problem if the car's been abused.

Yep the good old 2nd gear cops a hammering in all corolla's ..... even worse now with the boys trying to stay in lift on the 1->2 ....

Back on top u shouldnt have many major problems with this car .... and there are parts everywhere if u do

Edited March 2, 2006 by xoom

[hks_kansei]

cool, so it sounds like a good reliable car that has a bit of power. (well, most will think it's got bugger all power, but when you come from a car with only 74hp at the fly, its got a lot :D )

i was going to modify it sometime in the future (that is, if i decide to buy it) but nothing too drastic. i was thinking of a set of whiteline control springs, new wheels, and maybe later on swaybars.

[Rolla Boy]

4AC's are pretty reliable...

Check the carby for signs of fuel leaks and also the regulars, cooling system, oil leaks, steering rack and so on...

[hks_kansei]

i just remembered something.

when i started it, there was a rattle in the engine bay, but not from inside the engine.

it sounded like the air cleaner was hitting the firewall as the engine idled?

but is it possible that it could have been a broken engine mount?

[Conquest]

when i started it, there was a rattle in the engine bay, but not from inside the engine.

it sounded like the air cleaner was hitting the firewall as the engine idled?

Hard to say without actually seeing/hearing it but I do recall hearing a similar sound when it idles sorta like a diesel. Your best bet is to get under the bonnet and take a look, it's possible the air cleaner hasn't been screwed down properly or in my case it was a large plastic hose that hadn't been clamped down.

A couple more suggestions. Take a close look around the tail lights & spare wheel well as they can have a tendancy to leak water if they haven't been sealed properly. Look for signs of water damage on the carpet & in the boot. Take a look around the windscreen as that's another place that tends to rust even if it isn't immediately obvious. You might also want to check under the door sills & the plastic under the engine bay to see if there are any major scratches since they have a tendancy to bottom out on the stock suspension.

Good luck with your purchase, i've bought 2 AE92 Secas, both around 120K and had no major problems with either of them.

Edited March 4, 2006 by Conquest