1991 Toyota Tercel DX from North America - Comments

I have had this car for almost two years now and it has a bad valve, which it had since I bought the car. But to have a burnt valve and only be running on 3 cylinders, it has been the toughest car I ever owned. This problem arose possibly because the previous owner hadn't taken such great care of it. That being said, it will have to suffice a bit longer until I find something else. There are times, especially on cold starts, where the car has a slow time shifting, but once it is warm I would put it against any car I have previously owned; just can't beat a Toyota. Currently, the problem has worsened: with the car burning a little more oil and fuel economy worsening but still driving fine.

The seats also aren't in such great condition due to increased wear over the years, but that's expected. Also, don't expect this thing to be a family car it is mainly a "gas-mizer".

The only thing I wish the car had was five gears, because even though it has a bad cylinder, it screams for a fifth gear if it's been taken care of!

The paint on these cars is also remarkable, especially since it is about 13 years old.

Tread wear is great!

Acceleration is better with a manual, but it doesn't really like going too much over 70mph.

I use this car for commuting around campus and it has well earned its keep.

For as easy and cheap as it is to maintain these cars, I wish I had three more just to replace this one! They take a beating and then some...

Your title reminds me of that old question, if they invented a medicine that would allow you to live to be 150, would you take it? Would you really want to live to be that old?

Would you really want to drive a Tercel for 300,000 miles?

To the above: 21st Jan 2005, 07:40

The answer to "Would you really want to drive a Tercel for 300,000 miles?" is...

Yes. I would like to see my Tercel reach 400,000. I currently have 386,000 on my 91 tercel. Doesn't everyone want a reliable car? I do and I own one.