Comments: 1-15, 16-21
Granted, I received the car from my brother to get back and forth to school. Perhaps if I had got it new I wouldn't have had so many problems.
As soon as I got the car, about 100,000 miles, fuel pump went out. Left me stranded constantly. About $200 to get replaced.
Could not get the car through inspection in requirement for my tags, despite regular maintenance.
Needed ignition switch replaced about 110,000 miles. About $70.
Needed a new clutch about 115,000. About $300.
Needed starter immediately after that. Also had to get head gaskets replaced.
Another $350.
When I turn, it makes a clucking noise. Assume its the steering column.
This car would be okay, if it wasn't for the constant failure of different parts which is extremely frustrating. I am now in my first year of college and have given up on this car. Engine leaks oil - have to put in engine oil every time I get gas. But I can fill up on $22. I hate this car now, Toyota has burned me and I would never purchase a car with over 100,000 miles.
What on earth do you expect from an 11 year old car with 100,000 miles on it? Hardly Toyota's fault.
I would expect more from a Toyota. I honestly feel these cars are overrated - 100,000 on a Toyota shouldn't cost me over $2000. I guess I see your point, it's just upsetting every time you get into a car you have to worry about a part failing. Can Toyota's really be all that great?
Could you please tell everyone what car with 100,000 miles on the clock would not have similar problems? My parents owned one of the first Tercels (1980 model) and in seven years of ownership it had one, yes one, problem. But I'm sure the new owner the car had to replace similar parts once s/he got it past 100K.
It is common knowledge that buying a car is a tradeoff. You pay more for a newer car and have fewer problems (assuming a reliable model) or pay less for used and pay more in repairs.
Yes, but most Toyota owners brag as if all Toyotas will last over 200,000 with little or no problems, when in fact such a feat is rarely accomplished on anything, but the old B-body GMs in the 70s.
You ever think your brother might have abused it a bit too much?
Then when all the parts that wear out at sometime or another go, you complain. What do you want?
The reason toyotas are so uber great is cause if you take care of them and don't drive like a maniac, then your car will last 200000 or 300000 with no real troubles.
I have a 1993 Toyota Tercel and the only problems I have with it is a puff of white smoke when I start it and it eats up oil. These seem to be consistent problems, hey no car is perfect. But as a high school student myself it is clear to see that your car has been abused in the typical ways. Take care of your car and it will take care of you. Out of all of my friends cars, mine is the only reliable one that we know can get us through long road trips. The Tercel really is a great car.
You have unrealistic expectations about your Toyota,
No longer in production. Hmmmm, I heard the Tercel has evolved to a Lexus IS 200.
My 91 Tercel has 348 000 KMS bought it for $550.00 CND invested $1400.00 in two years. Gas is cheap, parts are cheap, insurance is cheap. It cost me less in two years than some people pay in 2 months for their cars. All cars eventually breakdown, expect it, be ready for it.
I have a 1993 Tercel and paid $250. I have had it for a month. and like the previous poster I also get a puff of white smoke when starting up. I also have a 1996 Chevy K2500 that now sits in the driveway cause it gets 10 miles per gallon, compared to 22 with my tercel. I'll keep you posted if the trans falls out, starter stops starting or the tires fall off.
Oh yeah, speaking of tires what other car can you buy 4 tires for $160.
Agreed. I have a 1993 Tercel--came out in september of 1992...I bought it November of 05...put new tires on it and new brakes and spark plugs... it has 92k miles on it... minimal problems--cheap to fill up with gas... anytime you have a car with over 100k miles on it you'll have issues.
Folks - you ask which car with 100.000 on the clock doesn't have the same problems? I can answer - my old Mercedes w124.
It has 'just' 253.000 on the clock. Leaves many Toyotas behind when I travel through German highways (with no speed limit). No transmission problems. No oil leakages. I can touch
every place in the engine dep. with a white cloth and it will remain white. Thank God of course that the w124 was made. But they stopped making it. That's why such 8-10 year life bugs like Toyotas Sequoya flourish (cheap means nasty in some circles). Perhaps well said about most Far Eastern boxes on wheels.
30th Sep 2005, 06:21 said:
What on earth do you expect from an 11 year old car with 100,000 miles on it? Hardly Toyota's fault.
I say:
I would happily wager you wouldn't make that type of excuse... rather, statement for any domestic vehicle. And if you would, there are at least 5 other people out there who would not. When this happens to a domestic vehicle of 100,000 miles, it's a shoddy product. When it happens to be an import or a Toyota, then someone remembers to mention how unfair it is to judge a vehicle that is 11 years old and has 100,000 miles.
Bias? You betcha.
My daughter has this car. We bought it for her last year after her Explorer died. It was cheaper to buy the Tercel than to fix the Ford. It's got 175k miles on it and runs awesome! We have put new tires on it and it needed some axel thing (hey, I'm not the mechanic) and we've replaced one headlight. Other than that, it's a great little car. Hers gets about 28mpg that we've tracked and it's very reliable.
"What on earth do you expect from an 11 year old car with 100,000 miles on it? Hardly Toyota's fault."
Not fair! Peruse the other reviews on this site, and you will see Toyota drones proclaiming that 30-year-old Toyotas are buzzing all over, running perfectly with 500,000 miles. Which way is it? Are they perfect forever, or do they need maintenance like other cars? What a come-down to admit that a Toyota might need some maintenance!