Faults:

The front seats have worn badly, the vinyl is cracked and torn. Some cheap seat covers solved that problem.

I replaced the timing belt at 165,000 km and the gas tank at 172,000km.

The front fenders rusted out (too much salt in our eastern Canadian climate).

General Comments:

My car is an automatic and underpowered is an understatement, however, this little car is the most dependable automobile I have ever driven. Cold and/or wet temperatures don't seem to bother it at all, it will start first time every time.

The 4WD option works quite well, snow and ice are no problem and the car works even better in the mud than it does in the snow.

The car was poorly maintained (it had the original timing belt when I purchased it) but wasn't abused. Since I've owned it all I've done (other than a gas tank) is regular maintenance.

Fuel mileage is good (25mpg city / 27mpg highway) however the engine works too hard at 100kph to get great highway mileage.

I've always been a fan of large North American cars, but this little thing has won my heart.

Faults:

Transmission broke down in the middle of Lions Gate bridge! Got a second-hand one for $700.

The Carburetor has failed and it could not pass the air care! spent $250 for a second hand carburetor.

Exhaust pipe was broken due to rust! bought a new for $250 (CaD)

The wiring has got problem... I am not going to fix that.

General Comments:

It is very a very old car yet extremly strong and roomy when you want to move lots of stuff around.

If you want to buy one, shop around and find some thing clean.

Yes you have to fix it every once in a while, but it is not very costly to do so.

Faults:

All of the below were done at 140,000 miles:

Head gasket.

Exhaust valves and guides.

Timing belt.

Water pump and thermostat.

Radiator.

Accessory belts and hoses.

Alternator.

Battery.

Starter motor.

Spark plugs, cap, rotor and wires.

Tires (Cooper Trendsetter SE 185/75R13)

General Comments:

I traded my old roommate from college a can of Dr. Pepper for this car, as it had been sitting in my driveway for a number of weeks waiting for a new battery!

My old roommate and I plan on rally racing the car, hence the $1,000 worth of parts we threw at it. The car is in remarkably good shape, considering it's hardly seen regular maintenance in it's 17 years here on earth.

It's more comfortable than it looks, with plenty of head room and decent seats. The 4WD system is amazing for a small econobox, it's hard to lose control even on dirt when in 4WD mode. Of course, with 62 HP, it's hard to even break the wheels loose in the rain!

Faults:

CV axle broke, breaking trans-axle in the process.

Burns a small amount of oil.

General Comments:

Although this car is a bit underpowered, I've really learned to love this car. It handles highways speeds well.

I love the multi-adjustable driver's seat, and haven't heard any complaints from my passengers.

Some body rust around the wheel wells.

Faults:

Replaced rear struts (still had originals when I got the car).

Replaced starter.

Worn driver's seat replaced with one from junkyard.

Front window regulators/ window channels failed (common) making the windows difficult to roll down. Replaced with junkyard parts at a cost of $15.

General Comments:

As roomy as a small SUV inside.

Gas mileage is very good even by today's standards, at 35 mpg highway.

Seats are very supportive and comfortable for traveling.

Other than the worn driver's seat, interior components are very durable.

Parts are cheap and easily obtained.

Tires can be bought for about $20 each.

I just can't say enough good things about the 1983-88 Tercel wagons. This is my fourth, and whenever I need a cheap, reliable car, this is what I look for. In the early 90's I was selling vintage guitars and amps on the road, travelling about 60k miles per year, and this was my vehicle of choice. with it's huge cargo capacity, and dead-solid reliability, my Tercel never failed to get me there with all my merchandise intact.