1981 Toyota Tercel Corolla Tercel review from North America
"A bargain!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Timing belt broke.
Replaced the clutch, and CV half axles.
Headline fabric detached.
Seats came apart, replaced with '83 Celica seats.
Needs a ball joint replaced.
Fan motor keeps seizing.
General comments?
Fairly peppy car for only 60 hp. Engine is small. CV joints seem to have a problem with sharp turns under hard acceleration.
Does not outperform other cars in straight line acceleration. The size is good, easy to park, easy to drive.
Car is twenty years old, though, and has been on the road longer than I have. I paid $800 for it (more than Blue Book!) and installed a CD player with good speakers. Car lived in Texas and still has almost no rust after 3 winters and no garage.
Car has room for my mountain bike, and kids if I put the seats in the upright position. It has been very dependable, and it's getting old enough that it is starting to look 'classic' rather than 'tired'.
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  | I'd own it again if I could.. tough little car |
| A great aging economy car! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 3AC Manual |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 4/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 162000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 190000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Mustang |
| Date of Entry | 30th May, 2001 |