The transmission was replaced at or about 120,000.
Carburetor just recently replaced.
Air conditioner rebuilt immediately upon purchase.
Radio shorted out after 6 months.
Speedometer broke after 1 month, but who cares.
Though lacking power steering, this car handles well and gets me in and out of tight situations with ease thanks to its diminutive size. It's great when there's only one tiny parking spot remaining in the parking garage.
It is pleasantly roomy on the inside, thanks to the front wheel drive. The vinyl seats, carpet and headliner are all as good as new and show no worse for wear.
I love the liftback; it holds a ton of stuff, and I've moved enough times to take advantage of it.
This car has the cutest back end I've ever seen on a car. It's rounded off, not the square, chopped-off version seen on later liftback models. It has a decidedly European feel to it, and it definitely grabs peoples' attention. I call her Matilda.
Unfortunately, this is not the speediest of cars, but she keeps me honest. At this stage of her life, I wouldn't take her on any long road trips.
I keep pouring money into her, because I can't stand the thought of selling her sending her to the junk yard.
I Too have a 1980 Tercel, although mine is a sedan, not a liftback. Mine cars name is "Pearl". She has 138,000 ORIGINAL miles on her, and she looks as good as new. Paint is perfect. She needs a carb now, but other than that she is my baby. Unlike you, I would rather trust Pearl on any distance trip from coast to coast or to the corner store. She is my "Heartbeat" and all who know me knows about Pearl.
Thank you.
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