1998 Toyota Tercel CE review from North America
"I'm going to miss this car when I have to concede and get the dreaded mini-van"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing has gone wrong with this car yet! (knock on wood) The only money I have put into this car are expected costs. For example, I've had the front brake pads replaced at about 100,000kms and had the tires replaced shortly after that.
General comments?
I have no complaints about this car.
It has been an excellent economy car. It is cheap to run and cheap to maintain.
For a small car it's pretty roomy. I moved across the country with me and all my stuff in this car.
After 4 years it still looks like new inside and out (minus the odd scratch).
It runs smoothly and has guts for a small car. The only time it lags is on particularly steep terrain. Otherwise hills aren't a problem.
My only complaint with my experience with this car is having to deal with the dealership service center. They try and gouge me every time I go in there.
I always get a second opinion on their service reports and so far they were either wrong or exaggerated the problem. I have got any work done elsewhere for half the cost and sometimes find there is no need for work at all.
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![]() ![]() | Cheap, reliable transportation |
![]() ![]() | A reliable small car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 112000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 22nd September, 2002 |

