Faults:

Current mileage @ 189,500:

Alternator had been replaced.

Cooling fan had been replaced.

Starter had been replaced.

No oil leaks, but engine burns oil and has been bone dry many times before refilling!

AC not working (like that when I bought it in 2006).

Clutch wheel re-sanded at 158,000.

General Comments:

I bought this car from its original owner in 2006, and this is a 1983 Toyota Tercel Wagon SR5, and I love this car so much.

Car is fun to drive, super reliable, super cheap on gas, smooth suspension (feels like a luxury car), and lots of comments from others.

This car is not super fast, but it has good enough speed to not get any speeding tickets. This has greatly helped me in keeping the metal off the pedal!

I was thinking of getting a newer car, but had changed my mind because this is a great little car that I can't possibly get rid of it!

The repairs have been minor, and I will keep this little classic car. I just wish Toyota would make the Tercel Wagon SR5 again with its original body shape and style, I'd buy it brand new!

Quality product for such a low cost. Original owner paid $10,000 in 1983 brand new!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car in 25 yrs, just the usual maintenance.

General Comments:

Car has many desirable features e.g. over square engine, fully independent suspension, hatchback, real bumpers and light weight. You have to go to a new V6 Camry to get a square engine and fully independent suspension.

We are not into large vehicles. This car has room for 4 people is 158" long and 54" high weighing in at 1975 lbs. It has always gotten ~35 miles/gal on the road.

Our other car is a 1985 Tercel Wagon that has 280,000 miles and was bought 16 yrs ago. It has the same features and has been just as reliable as the DX 3 door.

Faults:

The front passenger wheel bearing needed fixing when I bought the car, but I've gotten by without fixing it.

The brakes went out a few months after I bought it.

Put in a new starter.

The clutch went out at just around 280K, not sure if it had been changed before.

General Comments:

This car was made for me! I live in the mountains most of the year and using the 4WD and studded tires I NEVER had put on my chains. This little car can get you out of anything. The extra low came in handy one night while going up a steep gravelly mountain back road. We weren't getting anywhere in 4wd 1st so I popped it into EL and we were off!

One of my favorite features of this car is the clinometer. Its the little devise on the dash that tells you the pitch and roll of the car. Always a good conversation piece.

The upholstery was another favorite. Original from 1983 and in great condition. The body of the car was bronze and the inside was a similar color plaid.

This car needs a new engine, but I can't wait to replace it or get another Tercel!