1987 Toyota Tercel from North America - Comments

So far, there have been no problems with this car. The A/C has to be recharged though.

This is an economical car, with low miles and in very good condition for being 16 years old.

Toyota's quality holds up remarkably over time.

Interior is comfortable and functional, and the hatch can swallow up some large items.

However, the automatic is a bit slow, and reluctant to downshift when asked to. Also, it smokes slightly on start up, from the exhaust.

The car averages 31-32 mpg with mixed driving, some local, some highway.

I own a 1987 Toyota Tercel (standard), and ever since I've had it never had anything big wrong with it. I did have to replace the exhaust pipe though, and I do notice that it is really good on gas.I really like little cars, and this car is perfect.

I own a 1987 Tercel 3-door hatchback, at present with 172,000 miles (bought at 132,000 for $800). I have nothing, but good to say for this car. Replaced a drive line seal, and that's it for mechanical except for tuneups. Uses a quart of oil every 800-1000 miles. It is rock-solid reliable---I commute 5 days a week 100 miles round trip, and this thing is a tank! 35-38 mpg on the highway. I will drive it until it goes back to the oil and elements it came from, or the gubmint tells me I can't!

I currently own a 1987 Tercel 2-door hatchback. I love this car. It gets me anywhere from 35 mpg at worst to 45 at best. The only problem I have had was a broken fan belt and overheating (in Las Vegas weather, I'm not surprised). I bought the car at 283000 miles and it now has 290000 miles on it, and still running great.

Just picked up my own 1987 Toyota Tercel a few hours ago, it's got around 186K miles on it, and this thing is a beast.

Shoot, with gas prices at $3.85 a gallon, twenty bucks will still give her a half tank, which I know will last me a good three weeks.

I love the clutch, it's soft and easy, and very responsive.

This was the best $600 I have ever spent.

I own a 1987 Toyota Tercel 3 door hatchback... This car is amazing, I love everything about this car, the motor is reliable and strong, and the transmission is great. 10/10!

Oct 21 2009.

This is the deal you always hear about but never get...well, I just got it... I just purchased a 1987 Tercel DX hatchback with 87,000 original miles from an 80 year old lady who bought it NEW!!! I paid $600 US for it, it only needs a front CV boot! She kept up the tuneups religiously and barely drove it. I feel like I've gone through a time warp every time I get in it... runs great though. So, did I do good? :)

To comment 1:10.

Yes and no. It may run well now, but because it has most likely sat unmoving for most of its life, things will beecome aged and weathered. Don't be surprised if you have to start replacing bushings and other rubber components. Just because a car was barely driven, doesn't make it any better. In fact, sometimes it's worse because it hasn't been run enough. Cars perform better with regular use.