5th Nov 2008, 20:10
I drove my 1987 Tercel (five door) for 350,000 km. I did have to lean hard on the dealer to get the carburetor replaced early on. It was a recall change I think, but I just dealt with it between me, the dealer, and a tape recorder. :)
I had to let a charity haul it away at the above mileage and 20 years of age because of undercarriage rust. Not road safe.
The only other car I've ever owned was a Datsun 2-door 510. Similar story. It preceded the Tercel. Bought it new, learned to drive on it. No major repairs, diligent maintenance, 210,000 *miles*, replaced the alternator, fan belt and clutch, three sets of tires...and a whole lot of adventure for a young woman with her first car. My teenager also learned to drive on it.
Looking for as good a car again... Such a lot of lies and junk out there.
13th May 2009, 15:02
My daughter has a 1995 Toyota Tercel, Basic model. It has about 110K.
I was wondering is all 1995 models are faded like this one. It seems every tercel in and around that year I have seen is faded badly. Can anything be done about that in terms of the manufacture? Please send comment to.
Chweqa@aol.com.
11th Oct 2009, 14:01
Red 1995 Tercel I've owned 11 years -- zero maintenance and still running strong. Paint's faded pretty badly, California sun and all.
Got a question -- thinking about doing the timing belt, but kind of expensive, so maybe I do it when it breaks. But is this 5E-FE engine an interference engine? If so then I'd rather do it now rather than take the risk.
BTW Gates says it's non-interference, but AA1 says it is, so I'm getting mixed answers from what I've found. If anyone knows please post here -- THANKS!
20th Nov 2009, 02:54
That's a good question. I bought a 95 Tercel today for $300 bucks! It's got 225,000 miles and runs great! If it is interference, then my $300 dream could be abruptly ended at any moment. That sucks.
This is my 2nd 95. My first cost $700 and sold for $1800. These cars have the coldest A/C EVER! Heat is great too... even over 200k. AMAZING little cars! Freshly tuned, they will haul a@# and get near 40mpg! The National ads you see for "4 Tires for $99" are these tires.
Best value in a used car without a doubt. Easy and cheap to maintain, gas mileage to afford to drive anywhere.
Anybody know if a broken timing belt will bend valves (break the head) or is it free wheeling?
8th Oct 2008, 15:16
I have a red '95 Tercel too! It's the best car I've ever had. It just turned over 275,000! I was happy @ 200,000, but I started thinking "maybe I can get 250 out of it" but it just keeps going, it has a pretty big oil leak, "front seal" my mechanic said, over $800!! I keep putting oil in and praising God that this little car is so wonderful! 300k here we come! This car owes us nothing. We dragged it behind an RV for three months and took it all over the country without ANY problems, other than a blown tire. Amazing.