1983 Toyota Tercel SR5 4x4 wagon 1.5 gasoline
Summary:
The most reliable, useful, car ever made
Faults:
Oil leaked from the camshaft bearing, crankshaft bearing, and valve cover gasket, which was all fixed at 223,000.
New oil leak from drain plug.
Loud noise from rear end, either the differential or the rear wheel bearings, I'll find out soon.
Cooling fan has been replaced/repaired twice.
Lots of floorboard rust.
Window came off track and is a pain to open.
General Comments:
This car is the most reliable car ever made. No matter what is wrong with it, it always starts the first try.
In its 19 years it has been towed once when the clutch cable snapped, which can happen to any car.
The engine does lack the power needed to get onto the highway easily, but it's never too much of a problem. It's strong enough to pull the car through sand snow and mud.
There is a lot of rust, but that's probably because the car has been used on the outer beaches of Cape Cod for 10 years, and has rarely gotten stuck, despite how often you can hear the bottom rubbing on the sand.
It has great cargo room, I once carried two 50 gallon tanks filled with seawater, no problem fitting them in, and no problem getting the car to go, even though the suspension had bottomed out from the weight.
The car survived being used to pull down a tree by it's previous owner.
Gas Mileage is great, usually averaging 27mpg, although sometimes i think it burns more oil than gas.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd August, 2002
29th Mar 2010, 20:00
I am currently driving a 1983 3 door hatchback Tercel I bought for $750 off a little old lady, a family friend. I have had the car 1.5 years. She had 62,000 original miles when I got her. She is my daily driver and very reliable.
The radiator and starter have been replaced, but I would not hesitate to take her on a long road trip. These last few weeks I have been putting 250 miles per day on her without a hitch.
Can anybody tell me more about the 3-AC engine? She does idle a little rough; maybe the carb needs work, it needs gas when you turn her over. Clogged exhaust?
Great car, really great. I can beat you around the parking lot, but will lose on the straight. She can do 65Mph, but does not like it much faster than that.
Little rust.
I plan on painting it, maintaining it and handing it over to my 11 year old when he comes of age. If you can find one, don't pass it up.