1991 Toyota Tercel DX review from North America

Motor was bad when I got the car in 2005. No power, and would hardly run.

Efficiently designed transportation appliance with potential to be an enjoyable drive. It had a worn-out junkyard motor in it when I got it. I have no idea what a person has to do to ruin two Toyota motors in less than 150,000 miles, but the car was straight, the interior clean, and a well-equipped 4-door with A/C, power steering, and an automatic transmission. A sticker on the drivers door told that it had begun it's life as a Budget Rent-a-Car. I got the car for free in 2004, and it sat in the weeds until the end of 2005 when I got one of those used Japanese take-out motors for $975.00. I did all the labor on the engine swap myself, and have since replace all 4 struts, all 4 tires, added a front sway bar from a 1992 Toyota Paseo (bolts right in) and a front strut tower brace. The car drives out great. And while being slightly underpowered for my taste, it is a reasonable trade-off for the 32-34 mpg city and 35-38 highway gas mileage. Using the A/C accounts for the lower mpg numbers. After all the work it is everything I expect a Toyota to be. Although an entry-level model in 1991, and a bit dated in 2006, it is an economical, practical (with 4doors), dependable transportation appliance. With the suspension and chassis upgrades I have given it, the Tercel also has a bit of a fun factor to driving it. If you can find one that has been well-maintained, or are willing to put a little work into fixing one up, they remain an excellent value in the current market. Parts availability is still excellent, both from the dealer and the after-market. My Tercel has every indication of providing me with many more trouble-free and enjoyable miles. I can highly recommend the Toyota Tercel to anyone who asks.