1994 Toyota Tercel DX 1.5
Summary:
Zippy, extremely reliable, low cost
Faults:
Usual maintenance, including brakes. Rear wheel bearings after driving through water.
General Comments:
My first car, and it couldn't have been a better purchase. It's totalled and I'm sad to see it go. Did not have to replace a single engine part in 12 years and 80k other than usual maintenance; didn't even replace spark plugs or wires, hoses. Only replaced fuel and air filters once, and it still ran great with smooth transmission shifts even at cold start and still got over 35mpg highway! Paint still shiny. Only experience with dealer was recall for rear defroster - excellent service.
A lot of zip off the line due to very low car weight, but slower acceleration to 60 and beyond. Very responsive steering, but rounding at high speed is a bit iffy, not to mention feeling the effects of crosswinds and drag of semis. Very loud wind noise on the highway, but more cabin room than you'd expect for a car this size.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th July, 2007
8th Jul 2007, 03:30
I mistakenly put 1/10 for running cost - should have been 10/10, more in line with my comments. Thanks.