1988 Toyota Tercel DX Hatchback from North America - Comments

Exhaust system needed replacing.

Clutch went out.

Burns oil.

Has carbon build-up problem (I'm told this is typical of this engine).

Hates to start when it's cold.

I use this car as a second car to haul kids and groceries in. For that purpose, my little "toy" is efficient, if not comfortable. I warn anyone not to buy a Tercel if you plan on using a baby car-seat in it, because the back seat is too small for a parent to climb back there to strap the baby in.

It doesn't like to start up on cold mornings, but once it starts, the engine is peppy and runs fine. I have had few problems with break-downs. The car is reliable, and with it's low gas-milage, it's cheap to keep on the road.

If you are considering buying this model, I would suggest you take it to a mechanic and have the carbon checked on the engine. My mechanic has told me that this is a typical problem with these cars, and it is very expensive to have the carbon cleaned out. I was told that it was terminal to the car, and that I would be better off to trade it in. Well, that was 2 years ago, and the car still runs, no better and no worse that it did when the problem was diagnosed. I would love to hear from others experiencing this same problem.

Hello,

I'm glad to see someone has a similar car to mine and gets to experience the same phenomenon. My car though burns oil and leaks oil. The engine is dirty. I too also get exhausts into the car. My suspension is going (make a smooth ride, but I don't think it's good when the bottom hits) and well it's just very slow to start up, especially on a cold winter day. (Kind of feels like me when I got a get up to go to classes). Anyway I just though I'd look around as I sell mine on eBay @ http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2413186596.

Essentially I got a TOYOTA MODEL: TDX (TWO DOOR COUPE) YEAR: 1988 APROX MILLEAGE: 220000 Km VIN #: JT2EL32D2J0211628 Color: Red AUTOMATIC TRANSMISION VEHICLE: (Good for parts or needs repairs to be road worthy) All 4 tires are practically new with hub caps. All 4 breaks, drums and pads changed in 08/2001. Motor burns a little oil (when starting engine) and more during winter. Entire rear exhaust changed in 2002 and still under warranty from Midas Muffler. Front exhaust should be changed (estimated at 333.50 $CDA from Midas Muffler). Yup the front muffler is going. Battery must be changed estimated at 75$. Fair Body: Small rust spots need patching, but a body job and paint job in 2000 makes it look great. Broken driver side mirror. The crack in bottom left corner of windshield passed last safety check in 2001 and has remained the same size. Heater might need fixing, but pasted last safety check. Stereo system with cassette player. Power steering and power brakes. Clock in dash. 4 cyl. 1.5L engine gives excellent fuel consumption for trips.