1986 Toyota Tercel 4WD Wagon review from North America
"A great college car... and maybe even post-grad"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Well, let's see... It needed a new engine.
The transmission got overhauled.
The exhaust was patched and a new muffler was put on it.
It has new brakes and fairly new tires.
The battery has been replaced a couple times, but that was mostly due too bad batteries, not power drainage.
General comments?
The capacity of storage in this little wagon is incredible. I've moved many times because of college, and I've been amazed by just how much can fit in the back with the seats flipped down.
The headroom is a plus too. All of my tall friends are surprised when they still have a gap overhead.
The backseat isn't exactly comfortable, but being the driver, I don't worry too much about it.
Off-road it can hold its own. Snow and rain are easy obstacles, but since the car is still low to the ground any depth over 2 feet is a challenge.
Gas mileage is part of what keeps the costs down. I get anywhere from 25 to 30 mpg even when I'm toting extra cargo in the back.
I know a lot of people with my model have had a rust problem, but even before the new paint job, my car was cancer free... (knock on wood).
No, it doesn't accelerate so fast and at 80 mph or more the whole dash starts shaking (especially if the A/C is on), but I love my car anyway. I thought about getting a Baja or Golf when I crunched the front of my baby, but I just can't give him up.
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| It won't be love at first sight, but you will fall in love |
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| 1986 - Tercel 4WD 1.5L 4 Cylinder An outstanding piece of automotive technology |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 90000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 160000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 11th March, 2003 |