Auto Parts: automatic transmission selector lever, shift lock, neutral position

Question
I've got a tercel 97 with about 230 thousand km. I'm having trouble with the automatic transmission selector lever. The shifting is really hard and 4 times out of 5 I have to use the shift lock override button to start the engine. That means depressing the button and shifting into the neutral position and then starting the engine. Apart from difficult shifting and the somewhat strange way to start the car, everything else is fine. Would you be able to help me out on this? Thanks!

Answer
    I would guess that either the cable has stretched beyond its' tolerances, or the shifter mechanism is simply worn out.  Replacing the cable isn't terribly difficult, but you have to get at the shifter to do it.  So, you could have a good long look at the shifter to see if something else is wrong; and then decide if you want to spring for the shifter (which is probably going to have to be ordered from the dealer and not cheap).  Me, I would continue to operate it the way that you are now, with one caveat:  it is possible that, at some point, the shifter will not lock the car in Park, and there will be nothing to keep it from rolling away.  So, if you are not in the habit of using the parking brake EVERY time you park the car, I would strongly suggest that you endeavour to acquire that habit, and quickly.  And, when the faulty part (or parts) do fail, then you can fix them.  Of course, I'm a firm believer in not spending a dime on an old, inexpensive (notice I didn't say cheap) car when there is no compelling reason to do so.