1988 Toyota Tercel Deluxe Wagon 4wd review from North America
"My 1st born"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Where to Start.
1st Tercel 87 wagon.
Too many Constant Velocity joints (axles) to count.
Hand brake would never work right.
Suspension overhaul on its 13th birthday.
3 windshield.
14 cans of bondo.
Frame snapped at one point (welded)
Gas tank leak and repaired.
4wd linkage broke just before junking her.
2nd car, 88 model.
CV joints again.
Worn Driver seat.
Front suspension needs replacement.
Rust.
General comments?
Unbelievable Phenomenal vehicles.
I live in eastern Canada and together with my family we've gone through 4 of these bad-boys, 2 of them were mine, and I can honestly say I've put them through the worst.
They are great on gas, when the tanks aren't rusted at the filler neck.
Roomy, I've moved an entire Dorm room in one trip. and a 7' long couch fit snuggly in the back. and I currently have the cargo area filled with stereo equipment and still get the groceries with ease.
Easy to work on, basic mechanic tools need for minor repairs. Requires body work annually if you live in Canada or wherever salt is used.
4wd, is what gives these cars their personality. They are little jeeps stuck in a Japenese uni-body. Snow is no match for this car, throw some studded winters on and ground clearance becomes your only worry.
The only thing I dislike about this car is the lack of upgrades you can do to it. 62 BHP is not enough, although it does the trick to squeal tires from 1st to 2nd with the manual. The ground clearance could have been higher as well or liftable, and that annoying key/door buzzer can luckily be unplugged.
This car is the best thing Toyota has ever produced, In my humble opinion.
If only they could talk.
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| 1988 - Tercel DX Hatchback 1.5 liter Cheap but reliable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Liter Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 180000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 300000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Tercel |
| Date of Entry | 27th July, 2002 |