1993 Toyota Tercel DX review from North America
"A fuel efficient lemon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
O rings went bad at 120,000.
Threw a rod soon after o rings went out :)
Interior seems to be made of the cheapest vinyl available.
Timing belt died at 150,000 miles (after a total rebuild of the engine at 120,000 miles)
General comments?
This car suffers first from massive amounts of oil loss, even after 2, yes 2 total engine rebuilds.
The engine is seriously underpowered, over revs even at normal highway speeds.
The road noise is unbearable.
There are only 2 redeeming qualities, 1. the seats are very comfortable, can recline 180 degrees (usefull when the car dies on you on the freeway, and you have to wait for a tow truck)
2. the fuel economy is amazing, could drive 500 miles on a tank and a half.
Recommended reviews
| Reliable, economical, and well constructed |
|
| This car is great for a first car or anyone wanting a small, economic vehicle |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1993 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 117000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 154000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 23rd April, 2002 |