1984 Toyota Tercel sr5 3a from North America

Summary:

Ya can't kill a 'Yota!

Faults:

Radiator blew at 170000 miles

Rear bearing went bad at 172000 miles

Exhaust and muffler rusted through at 165000 miles

Front brake pads replaced at 170000 miles

Radiator sensor went bad at 173000 miles

Alternator went bad at 173000 miles

Lots of rust and rust holes.

General Comments:

This car is the best car I've ever owned. Even though it doesn't look pretty now with all the rust and dents, she just keeps going. I bought this car for 300 and have put about 350 worth of work into it. I drove this car from Michigan to NJ to SC back to Michigan and back down to SC within a one month period and not a thing went wrong on the trip. I even have a saying at this point I use jokingly among friends. It goes "no matter what I try, the thing won't die!!" Which is so true about this car. Planning to put a new body on it hopefully soon so the outside will be as great as this car's spirit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st March, 2007

31st Mar 2007, 18:47

I've seen Toyota's get killed many times. Glad you are having good luck with yours though.

3rd Apr 2007, 13:54

<<Rather you then me, I would feel very low rent driving such a bare bones scruffy old beater.>.

Why would you feel low rent driving one the best cars ever made? My family's 1980 Tercel had one problem in the seven years we owned it and the car went through hell. Tercels are amazing cars and those who drive them are truly fortunate since they won't be visiting the mechanic every month as one would with the American crap.

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1984 Toyota Tercel 3 c from North America

Summary:

This car is FANTASTIC, I will be loyal forever!!!

Faults:

Water pump at 600,000 miles.

Fan belt at 670,000 miles.

Front passenger door will not open 735,000 miles.

(front passenger window still opens for access.)

Head-gasket at 753,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car will not die! I just opened the motor up to change the head-gasket and literally used a spoon to scoop out the mayonaise like oil and coolant mixture and took the head to be redone.

The shop said it was fine and so it is going back in after 2000 miles with no head-gasket!

I love this car and it seems to love going on forever!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2007

11th Nov 2007, 00:41

The mileage is amazing. However, I am not surprised. The Toyota Tercel is the most reliable car EVER built. Period. No frills, no expensive gadgets to break, just a small completely flawless Toyota engine that practically never quits. I sold one years ago, and as far as vehicles go, that was the worst mistake I've made yet. 2 or 300,000 miles on a Tercel is nothing. Every time I see an older one that looks decent, I try to buy it off of whoever is driving it. Not once yet have I met a person who'd even consider selling it to me. Most Tercel owners seem to be almost offended when I ask to buy them. I don't blame them. I'm just looking for some fool who doesn't know what he has; which is the PERFECT car.

1984 Toyota Tercel 2WD SR5 5 Spd Hatchbacl 3AC from North America

Summary:

The finest car ever made!!! period!!!

Faults:

Exhaust leak developed at 220000 miles and had it repaired. replaced radiator at 200000, my fault for not running antifreeze regularly. Nothing more than tune ups and oil changes.

General Comments:

The original owner installed a special drain plug to facilitate quick and easy oil change. So the oil was changed at 2000 to 2500 miles for over twenty years and it paid off. This is the most reliable car I have EVER owned, I have owned many so called good cars, every VW bug from 1949 to 1975, early and later models dodge darts. Those were both good cars. But the Toyota Tercel is so far beyond them in design and reliability there is no comparison. Yes I know the VW was based on 1930 technology's and the dodge dart was based on 1940 technology's. The tercel does not even leak when I go into the car wash, the hatchback is almost like owning a small pickup truck, I love the seats they are very comfortable, although the car does ride like a small economy car. Electrical system, Emissions system is incredible, It has always passed the smog test. Great turning radius, incredible gas mileage. I am looking for a replacement. But I doubt if I will be able to find one that anyone would sell for any price. Toyota OH what a feeling THIS is the best car Toyota ever built. better by far than the land curser. Any of them. PERIOD.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th November, 2005

6th Nov 2005, 13:40

I could not agree more!

My family bought a 1980 Tercel new when it first came out. They also bought a 1980 Buick Skylark the same year. The Skylark literally had so much replaced by the time they sold it it was like a new car - absolute junk.

The Tercel had ONE fault (slipped out of fifth gear) in the seven years we owned it. This car went through horrific western New York winters and was driven everywhere - and came back and asked for more!

Plus, it was fun to drive!