Faults:

Replaced CV joints at about 70,000 miles.

Replaced water pump at about 75,000...while on a trip from Florida to North Carolina (the only time this car really stranded me).

Replaced bearings in rear axle at about 100,000.

Replaced timing belt and water pump again at 150,000.

A/C needs to be recharged.

General Comments:

Owned a long list of Hondas before buying this and was looking for an AWD Civic wagon, but found this (which had better Consumer Report reviews) instead.

NOTHING special about this car, but I absolutely cannot complain about the service it has given me.

Years in flat Florida, then a 3 year stint in the N.C. mountains (playing rally driver on the dirt and in the snow), and now back to Florida.

Cheap to run. Drive and park anywhere.

Too practical to sell..unfortunately.

Faults:

Torn CV boots>which lead to CV joint failure.

Engine blew due to oil draining for unknown reason.

New engine had stumbling idle due too bad carburetor.

Transmission wouldn't go into reverse a couple times.

Dash was faded.

Paint was peeling on hood.

Failed emmissions test once.

Exhaust was rusted out.

Needed a new catalytic converter.

General Comments:

This car with the 3 speed automatic transmission so it is very slow, but I beat many people in races up to the speed limit. It could hit 75 km/h in first gear, engine screaming.

It handled like it was on bed springs and was too heavy.

The tercel was very good on gas.

Tercels are extremely easy to drive.

Faults:

Water pump.

Break hoses and right/front caliper.

CV joints are going.

Exhaust (manifold back) needed to be replaced.

Carburetor needed rebuild.

Shocks going out.

Gas tank leak.

Driver's door sticks.

General Comments:

Bought this car for $600 US, I expected many of the repairs before I bought it.

The previous owner, no doubt his winter beater, seriously abused it.

I abused it because I couldn't resist testing out the 4WD every chance I got; this is probably the reason for the CV's and shocks.

Its been a good car, although it has had more problems than other 80's Toyota's I've had, it is the first Toyota I've had with enough head room for me (6'3")

Toyota has, as usual, been able to make this car relatively quick for having such a tiny engine (62hp.) It handles pretty good, except the extended rear end and the addition of the rear axle makes it more sluggish around corners than other Tercel's, but it still gets up to 95MPH without a problem.

The engine, being longitudinally mounted, is very easy to work on, and all the parts are super cheap.

Faults:

I have had to replace the constant velocity joint boots on a regular basis. I live in Northern Canada where winter temperatures drop into the mid minus 40s and stay there for weeks at a time. I can understand how things get brittle at these temperatures. I will be looking into purchasing leather boots instead of original equipment manufacturer plastic.

The head gasket went at about 50,000 kilometers. I have also replaced the McPherson struts, brake shoes, pads, repacked wheel bearings, etcetera.

General Comments:

This vehicle is very dependable. It starts in the coldest weather. I have driven on highways during snowstorms and it just keeps on going. I recall one time when an owner of a front-wheel-drive vehicle pulled over and waited for the snowplow to do the road. I drove on. No fear with this car.

I intend on passing this car down to my teenage daughter. I'd like to purchase perhaps a Toyota van or a crew cab Tundra.

Faults:

The clutch had to be replaced.

The radiator cracked, and had to be replaced. The A/C failed with previous owner within 2 years of purchase. The trunk door's hydraulics have failed. The acceleration is slow, and the gas pedal sticks. The emergency brake slips out of place.

General Comments:

Fuel efficiency is OK for short distances. With gas prices currently at $1.629 in my town, it takes $12.00+ to fill up every week. I drive less than 90 miles a week. This car is great for a student, like myself. Poor for families.