1993 Toyota Tercel DX review from North America

The Tercel had to have the air bag module replaced under warranty after the air bag light lit and would not go out.

After 111K miles, the driver's seat belt retractor is sluggish.

Otherwise, only routine maintenance over the life of the car: items such as brakes, tune-up, manual tranny oil replace, and timing belt replace (proactive, 61K).

The Tercel is a fabulously reliable car. It has very good fit and finish, much better than the 6 year newer American car I also have. After 111K miles, the car is still in very good condition both mechanically and comestically.

Mine is a 5 speed, 4 door DX model with most of the options, so it is comfortable -- a tiny Camry. The pearl silver paint holds up well, but the black interior, though a striking contrast to the silver, shows dust quickly.

Tercels are adequately powered, but not performance machines. The 1.5L 12 valve L4 is very efficient. Good 5 speed shifter.

The car is light, so it can be a handful in crosswinds. It has been a good snow car and an economical ride. It got 36-40 MPG no matter what I did to it (city/hwy/mix)from day 1.

At 111K, it will probably need struts and a clutch soon, but it's a good enough car to spend that money. I expect to get 200K miles out of it. I would definitely buy another small Toyota.