1988 Corolla FX - $700 OBO / FL

NMNA

This just popped up locally and looks fairly solid. Could the shifting issue be entirely linkage related? This looks like a great commuter.

Seller said: Selling a 1988 toyota corolla fx base model. Excellent candidate for a gts swap or just a fun and different little gas saver. Has a/c that blows cool, but could use a charge, has power steering. Tons of new parts already installed, interior is in excellent shape and the car runs great and rides great. Only issue with the car is the transmission wont go into 5th gear and only goes into reverse sometimes. But it drives beautifully for 1st through 4th and still cruises an easy 55-60mph down the highway. Exhaust has been cut off under the car so its a bit loud. Has a nice pioneer head unit and aftermarket speakers, and BRAND NEW konig wheels and tires! The radio, rims, and tires alone are worth the asking price! $700 OBO

Always liked this body style!

These cars have the infamous 5th gear pop-out when they get to 250k miles or so. It is unusual not to go into reverse though. The rubber linkage bushings on top of the transmission are most likely shot. Not sure if this is an easy fix without looking. Brass shifter bushings are available:

Brass Shifter Bushings

Hmmmmmm.... from memory... the earlier C50 transmission had some issues, but by 1988 it should have a C52 which typically doesn't have the same issues (5th gear)....

Being the base model, it is powered by the SOHC 4AC.... not impossible to swap the 4AGE, but it is easier to begin with a GTS

In reply to oldeskewltoy:

That is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Thank you!

oldeskewltoy wrote: Hmmmmmm.... from memory... the earlier C50 transmission had some issues, but by 1988 it should have a C52 which typically doesn't have the same issues (5th gear).... Being the base model, it is powered by the SOHC 4AC.... not impossible to swap the 4AGE, but it is easier to begin with a GTS

These were made a NUMMI in California. Most '88's were base models as they tried to burn through available parts. Unlikely it a C52. They were not improved during the production run.

Also 4age conversion requires a different fuel tank or fuel cell for FI. Those fuel tanks are really hard to find.

trucke wrote: Also 4age conversion requires a different fuel tank or fuel cell for FI. Those fuel tanks are really hard to find.

I've got one for sale myself... but mine is 3000 miles from Florida......

OST's 87 FX16 with worked 4AGE