1991 Toyota Tercel DX review from North America
"You can't find a better cheap car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Head was replaced at 200,000 km due to a few sticky valves.
Replaced converter and flex pipe, but still have problems with exhaust system.
Rocker panels rusted out.
General comments?
This car has been nothing, but excellent. I bought this car from a friend almost two years ago, and it had 364,000km on it and I have put on another 20,000. I had to do some body work to basically re-construct the rocker panels. I also had to sure-up the frame channels on the front end. The car is getting to the point where it runs a little hot (a needle's width above half heat) and it burns a bit more oil when it's hot. I think the clutch is the original, but it shows; it tends to slip or shudder when it is wet out.
This car has done very well for it's age and the amount of kilometers on it. At 385,000 km and 15 years of age the little engine still sings and everything in this car works.
Recommended reviews
| Stay away from Tercel's of this era. If you see one, cover your nose and immediately call Greenpeace |
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| 1990 - Tercel DX (2-door sedan) 1.5L Solid, economical car -- good, but not great |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1991 |
| Year of manufacture | 1991 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5L 16v Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 364000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 385000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Tercel |
| Date of Entry | 5th June, 2006 |