Advice on buying a classic Toyota

Nate · August 7, 2024

Hi guys,

I want to buy a classic (is that the right term?) Toyota, AE100, or 110/111 , and I have a few general questions, I hope it's OK to ask here.

First off, as this is a 20-30 year old car, it's obviously going to need work/restoration - are parts generally available for these cars? I am assuming that parts for the 100/110 are somewhat available?

Also, is there a decent garage who can take the car when I buy it and do the basic mechanical work? I am not very concerned about cosmetics/appearance but want to get the important stuff such as engine, transmission, suspension carefully done. Ideally I'd like to do a basic restoration when I buy it..

Also, does anyone have an idea of the current actual price range to pay for these cars these days?

Any tips on where to get the car inspected before buying? I am guessing the agent may not inspect as it's a very old car? (Edit: searched and I found recommendations of companies that can inspect the car before purchase, thanks)

Thank you all.

Edited August 7, 2024 by Nate

Nate · February 5

On 1/25/2025 at 5:12 AM, Nate said:

Any place in Colombo?

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Following up, so I was able to get the crank pulley replaced as well as the belts and other stuff. I will write up about that

The main problems I have now are:

- engine idle up doesnt work properly, for AC, engaging a gear, the vehicle starts to rattle. I increased the idle a bit to compensate but something is wrong.

- there's a fuel smell when the car is running. I suspect this could be connected to the idle issue.

Is there any garage that can do a careful check or the ECU and sensors and clean or replace as needed, and also do a proper tuneup?

The two garages I went to, they gave it a try but don't seem to know what they are doing.

Does anyone have suggestions 🙏🏿😇

john cooper · February 10

On 2/5/2025 at 3:26 PM, Nate said:

Following up, so I was able to get the crank pulley replaced as well as the belts and other stuff. I will write up about that

The main problems I have now are:

- engine idle up doesnt work properly, for AC, engaging a gear, the vehicle starts to rattle. I increased the idle a bit to compensate but something is wrong.

- there's a fuel smell when the car is running. I suspect this could be connected to the idle issue.

Is there any garage that can do a careful check or the ECU and sensors and clean or replace as needed, and also do a proper tuneup?

The two garages I went to, they gave it a try but don't seem to know what they are doing.

Does anyone have suggestions 🙏🏿😇

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Try under this, a few have been listed

Nate · February 12

On 2/10/2025 at 11:21 PM, john cooper said:

Try under this, a few have been listed

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Thank you JC. I'm a little reluctant to follow recommendations as that thread is over a decade old.

A related example: when I got the car, my first trip was to my favourite garage for Toyotas - when I got there I found out that the owner had passed away. I let them do some of the work - the staff are OK with suspension work but not engine work alas.

Right now, I'm a bit stuck as there's a significant performance issue with overtaking and climbing hills - the engine seems to lug and the car vibrates but doesn't go*.. even in a lower gear. I am not certain if it's the auto gearbox or engine or both even, I suspect it's the engine.

I'm thinking about taking the car to that repair place created as a subsidiary of the agent - pit and something. Has anyone tried them?

Edit: car vibrates but doesn't speed up. It seems to struggle and i have to crawl up the hill.

Edited February 12 by Nate

iRage · February 13

On 2/5/2025 at 3:26 PM, Nate said:

- there's a fuel smell when the car is running. I suspect this could be connected to the idle issue.

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Just so you know fuel smell can also be because of the EVAC system going bad (particularly if the charcoal canister is bad). It is quite common in SL because Lankans have a habit of over filling the the fuel tank. So fuel just floods the EVAC lines (more than it should) and eventually the canister goes bad and doesn't remove the fuel odor. Sri Lanka bein Sri Lanka, it never gets fixed. Even if you want to fix it Toyota does not make the part for it anymore. So your only option is to find a used one. OR find a compatible unit from a newer car (easier said than done)

Not saying your EVAN system is pooched...just saying so you know it is a possibility.

Nate · February 13

On 2/13/2025 at 7:16 AM, iRage said:

Not saying your EVAN system is pooched...just saying so you know it is a possibility.

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Interesting! TIL

Nate · February 14

On 2/13/2025 at 7:16 AM, iRage said:

Not saying your EVAN system is pooched

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Following up, the smell is from the front of the car, engine,as we drive (quite strong if we roll down the windows).

I was reading some old threads which recommended a gent called Dhammika in Cotta Road borella, does anyone know if he is still around?

iRage · February 15

On 2/14/2025 at 5:31 PM, Nate said:

Following up, the smell is from the front of the car, engine,as we drive (quite strong if we roll down the windows).

I was reading some old threads which recommended a gent called Dhammika in Cotta Road borella, does anyone know if he is still around?

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you do realize that the charcoal canister is in the engine bay right ? The EVAC system has multiple parts that go all the way from the tank, to the fuel filling line to the engine
When the charcoal canister is gone bad you will get a fuel smell when the engine is running and even after the engine has been shut off (soon after shutting off the engine or when there is a sudden change in the weather due to temprature changes). When you open the fuel lid when the tank is empty, how bad is the pressure release ?

Check for fuel leaks. If there is no leak, and the engine is not running rich, your most likely culprit is going to be the EVAC system (most likely the charcoal canister).

Edited February 15 by iRage

Nate · March 4

On 2/15/2025 at 3:45 AM, iRage said:

you do realize that the charcoal canister is in the engine bay right ? The EVAC system has multiple parts that go all the way from the tank, to the fuel filling line to the engine
When the charcoal canister is gone bad you will get a fuel smell when the engine is running and even after the engine has been shut off (soon after shutting off the engine or when there is a sudden change in the weather due to temprature changes). When you open the fuel lid when the tank is empty, how bad is the pressure release ?

Check for fuel leaks. If there is no leak, and the engine is not running rich, your most likely culprit is going to be the EVAC system (most likely the charcoal canister).

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Makes sense thanks - there is a fuel smell when running and switched off. I have not emptied the tank yet to check pressure release, I will let you know when I try that.

iRage · March 4

On 3/4/2025 at 5:12 AM, Nate said:

Makes sense thanks - there is a fuel smell when running and switched off. I have not emptied the tank yet to check pressure release, I will let you know when I try that.

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If there is no leak, and the fuel smell is there even after the engine has stopped. It probably is the charcoal canister . Occasionally it will also get in to the cabin as the aircon/blower/heater takes in air from outside.

99% of the time mechanics do not identify the issue (this includes Toyota Japan who kept my old Corolla wagon for 4 days to diagnose it just to say they couldn't find anything wrong). It is something that only experience will suggest. The pressure release from the tank, etc...those are things that may or may not happen. Also, unless you know exactly what the pressure release sounds like when the car was in good shape you will never realise there is something wrong. So even if you do run the tank low and open the tank you might not notice anything abnormal.
Also...the part is no longer in production. So you won't be able to find the exact part but use one from a different Toyota.

Edited March 6 by iRage