1990 Toyota Tercel SE review from North America
"Gutless wonder"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Exhaust... not rusted out, plugged due to carbon buildup (notorious on Tercels apparently...)
The rear hatch lock no longer works. I have to rely on the trunk release.
General comments?
Overall it goes from A to B with exceptional reliability.
Starts well when cold (-30!) if you understand it... otherwise, it floods easily.
Burns no virtually no oil.
Occasionally runs on, (due to carbon buildup) higher octane gas seems to cure this.
Limited seating, both front and rear (I'm 6'0" and am about as large a person who could drive this car).
As much as I despise its ugly appearance and gutless performance, the car just plain runs.
A new car would depreciate more being driven off the lot than I have spent acquiring and maintaining this car for a year. For $2000.00 purchase and $350 Cdn maintenance, I have had and continue to own a reliable vehicle.
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| 1989 - Tercel Standard Coupe 1.5L carbureted I-4 Get the stick |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 70000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 95000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Nissan Sentra |
| Date of Entry | 2nd November, 2000 |