Best car I have ever owned, PERIOD!
An alternator at 68k, otherwise.. No Problems..EVER!! NO warranty repairs at the dealer in 5/50K! I do ALL my own maintenance, have all records since day one! Oil/filter every 1.5k (only 3 quarts!).Tune-up once-a-year.
Rock solid, easy to maintain, a wonderful car for the money.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd October, 2007
ALL MIGHTY GOD OF COMPACT 90's CARS
Nothing, sounds like a sewing machine though. Runs like a little dream even at 306,000 mi. I thought I could blow it up, but nope! Japan sure does make the best cars, haven't replaced anything, just gets its nice Valvoline or Castrol oil changes (non-synthetic) and Fram oil filter... never had a problem with it, always starts, even at -30degC... better then the 2005 neon I totalled... this little car even goes for some light rally driving and it holds up with zero problems... likely going to get a Yaris if this thing ever breaks... but I don't see that happening - it will outlast me... lol, anyway best car I've ever seen in terms of super low costs and insurance.
BUY One even for a winter beater you just can't beat them (oh PS no rust on this 97 literally none, but you have to have any car oil sprayed every year for that)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th April, 2007
I bought 2 Toyotas. One was fav, the next is having a series of serious problems prematurely
My transmission bombed on me at 46,000 miles.
Other more major problems have occurred with this Toyota.
(listed in detail on repair sheet; had to reopen an insurance claim for one problem)
I had a Toyota Tercel in 1995 with over 100,000 miles with no major problems, EVER, got stolen so I had to get new one in 1997. So of course I went back to Toyota. I loved it.
This one was totalled in an accident in 1997, and instead of giving me another car as I had wanted, they rebuilt the damages and ever since, it has had major problems as if I had a used car with 46,000. I'm very distressed.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 2nd June, 2006
A dream car for someone on a budget
Regular oil changes performed. Only the timing belt has needed to be replaced, at $65.
I love my Toyota Tercel. It is by far the best car I've owned. I live in Ohio and I've driven it to NC twice, MI twice, TN five times, PA twice, KY several times, VA Beach twice and in almost every conceivable point of Ohio. Acceleration is sluggish when the car is full, but it's designed to be a commuter car; not a muscle car. Turning radius is super, and I've had not a single problem with it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st September, 2005
Reliability for an incredibly low cost
Nothing major.
This car is an excellent value. The lack of performance, looks and overall fun is over-ruled by its incredible cost savings in reliability, fuel, insurance, and basic upkeep. The Tercel is great for one or two person occupancy and a great student car. It is excellent for everyday commutes, it is light and maneuverable which makes it easy to park and get around traffic. The one thing to really watch out with the Tercel when buying used or a new owner is the brakes. The brakes seem to be a real down point on the car and is more often to go on the Tercel than most regular cars in its class. Watch out for the calipers as they tend to seize. Other than that it is a great little car and would highly recommend buying one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd December, 2004
21st Sep 2008, 20:57
Right on! My 96 Tercy with 144K is purring along. I do my own oil changes and use only premium non-synthetic oil and FRAM Extra Guard filters. Best gas for this car is Chevron Regular and also an occasional shot of Marvel Mystery Oil in the tank really keeps the fuel system clean and boosts mileage. Anything more complicated, like regular major tune-ups, is done by the dealer because I know they'll do it right the first time and use only genuine Toyota parts. These little cars rule: perfect weight-to-power ratio, great mileage, the tires are an affordable size (michelins from Sears), etc. I don't even miss power windows but I do wish it had intermittent wipers!Has anyone had issues with the oxygen sensor giving a false positive 'Check Engine' light? I had to replace mine about 120k mark and it wasn't a cheap fix.