1986 Toyota Tercel Reviews

Just recently purchased this car for a daily driver, and mainly for a winter-time daily back and forth to work. Purchased the car for $775.00, and so far, changed the oil, topped off the fluids, replaced the wiper blades front and rear, and gonna have to drop the gas tank. Located a leak this week, and seems it only leaks badly when I fill it all the way up. A new tank is about $200, bucks and the car needs a radio/CD player badly.

Will need brakes soon due to the chirpers seem to be yelling for replacement.

Other than the usual high mileage problems, and the fact the car is beat up inside and out, I'm hoping to eventually get this puppy whipped into daily driving condition.

The first tank gave me 29 mpg, so I'm happy with that. After reading all the other comments, I'm hoping this car can keep on trucking for as many miles as I can get out of it.

This car is beat up to the point that the inside headliner is gone, one wheel and tire is an odd-ball, and the seats are basically worn out.

It's not under powered as far as I'm concerned with just 62 BHP, and the ride could be better.

I've got a big squeak when I first start the engine, which I think is the cooling fan starting to go. After the fan clutch catches up, the noise stops.

The hatch is beat up badly, and leaks when it rains.

Starter went at 164000 miles.

Couple of marker lights.

Windows off track.

Previous owner didn't take care of it.

I take this car everywhere, and it's never let me down yet.

Good on gas.

Comfortable to drive.

Easy to fix.

Parts are reasonably cheap.

85000kms- All four brake pads were replaced and brake system was gone through.

130000kms- CV boots and front wheel hubs were replaced.

177000kms- Clutch was replaced.

At around 210000kms some rust developed around all four fenders and the bottom portion of both the back doors.

230000kms- The transmission would not shift into and out of second gear and first gear was feeling pretty worn, thus it was replaced (expensive!)

240000kms- The engine occasionally quits while driving at highway speeds.

This car has been in the family since day one and we still have not gotten rid of it because it is such a great car for going on trips in the bush, where similar vehicles wouldn't get far.

This car has taken so much abuse over the last 20 years and has just recently started to show signs of it.

The driving characteristics are like many other Toyotas, its not a rocket, it doesn't handle like your kid's Celica, but it gets there.

The engine in this car might as well be a 22R from the old Toyota pickups because it is still running well and efficiently despite everything we've thrown at it, and its got great torque.

The 4WD and the extra low gear are a real life saver, something you don't find on station wagons these days.

Bottom line, this is a great family car because it is reliable, versatile and can go places that many vehicles can't.

Clutch, Rear Sprayers (which I fixed myself), Piston Ring (1st Cylinder and haven't fixed and still running fine for 10,000), Regular things like tires, belts, oil, etc...

It is a great high schooler car. It was my parents, but now it is kind of mine. It does pretty well off-road, I have taken it on a number of 4x4 trails and am always amazed at where it takes me. I have even jumped it a good 2-3 feet high and 15-20 distance with no noticeable problems!