1987 Toyota Tercel 4WD Wagon DX review from Australia and New Zealand
"Amazing economy, off road ability, load moving and reliability - the ultimate vehicle"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The front under body braces broke at about 150,000kms, causing chassis cracks near the base of the engine firewall. Easily fixed with some lengths of steel and a MIG welder.
The shock absorbers have failed repeatedly, probably due to the car being raced in club level rallies. The front struts are unusually short which means custom made inserts are the best replacement option.
Low quality o-rings are used on the distributor drive shaft and water pump bypass - these needed to be replaced at 100,000kms.
Other parts - steering rack, alternator bushes, 1 set of constant velocity joints.
General comments?
Fantastic machine. Has never broken down. Capable of extreme 4wd feats. Raced in 2 club level rallies, finishing =4th/25 and =4th/44. Can carry amazing loads. Economical to run, 7lt/100km. All up running costs per kilometer are less than my mountain bike (it breaks often), and about a quarter that of my GSXR600.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1989 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5lt petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 35000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 287000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Corolla |
| Date of Entry | 9th January, 2004 |