1987 Toyota Tercel 2 Door DX 1.5 from North America

Summary:

An extremely reliable money saver

Faults:

When I first bought this car it needed, some work. I had the brakes done, a new headlight installed, a new fuel pump, muffler work and some other minor bits and pieces. Recently however I had the heater fan and motor replaced which luckily I found for 12 dollars at a wrecker.

General Comments:

This car is my savior, it always starts rain or shine without doubt. It definitly isn't one of the fastest cars out there, and it doesn't look as good as it used to. However I can drive around for 2 days on 5 dollars worth of gas, and my insurance is peanuts. This makes it all worth it. I expect it to survived about 100000 more kms, then it will be time to surrender it, I definitly will be looking into buying another tercel after-wards though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th March, 2004

1987 Toyota Tercel 4WD Wagon DX 1.5lt petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Amazing economy, off road ability, load moving and reliability - the ultimate vehicle

Faults:

The front under body braces broke at about 150,000kms, causing chassis cracks near the base of the engine firewall. Easily fixed with some lengths of steel and a MIG welder.

The shock absorbers have failed repeatedly, probably due to the car being raced in club level rallies. The front struts are unusually short which means custom made inserts are the best replacement option.

Low quality o-rings are used on the distributor drive shaft and water pump bypass - these needed to be replaced at 100,000kms.

Other parts - steering rack, alternator bushes, 1 set of constant velocity joints.

General Comments:

Fantastic machine. Has never broken down. Capable of extreme 4wd feats. Raced in 2 club level rallies, finishing =4th/25 and =4th/44. Can carry amazing loads. Economical to run, 7lt/100km. All up running costs per kilometer are less than my mountain bike (it breaks often), and about a quarter that of my GSXR600.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2004

3rd Nov 2008, 22:13

Excellent condensed verdict! This is all I needed to know in a nutshell. I am looking at a well kept example with 110k on the clock, my budget can't afford a Landie or a Cruiser since most of it was spent on acquiring a mini plantation (tea - Sri Lanka). They say the slopes get quite slippery during the monsoons, hope the Tercel will manage it.

Anyway, thanks a millions, good job!

1987 Toyota Tercel wagon 4x4 1.5 3AC from North America

Summary:

The only other thing that would survive a nuclear explosion

Faults:

CV joints.

Rear wheel bearings.

Front passenger wheel bearing.

E-brake cable (broken when purchased)

Rust holes in body (fixed)

Needs new front fenders.

General Comments:

Great car for the money.

Bought for 2000 dollars.

Tons of room, comfy, reliable, cheap on gas, extra low gear is awesome.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st September, 2003

1987 Toyota Tercel 1.5 liter 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

An economical, reliable little scooter built with quality

Faults:

So far, there have been no problems with this car. The A/C has to be recharged though.

General Comments:

This is an economical car, with low miles and in very good condition for being 16 years old.

Toyota's quality holds up remarkably over time.

Interior is comfortable and functional, and the hatch can swallow up some large items.

However, the automatic is a bit slow, and reluctant to downshift when asked to. Also, it smokes slightly on start up, from the exhaust.

The car averages 31-32 mpg with mixed driving, some local, some highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th May, 2003

4th Apr 2006, 12:45

I own a 1987 Toyota Tercel (standard), and ever since I've had it never had anything big wrong with it. I did have to replace the exhaust pipe though, and I do notice that it is really good on gas.I really like little cars, and this car is perfect.

22nd Apr 2006, 17:40

I own a 1987 Tercel 3-door hatchback, at present with 172,000 miles (bought at 132,000 for $800). I have nothing, but good to say for this car. Replaced a drive line seal, and that's it for mechanical except for tuneups. Uses a quart of oil every 800-1000 miles. It is rock-solid reliable---I commute 5 days a week 100 miles round trip, and this thing is a tank! 35-38 mpg on the highway. I will drive it until it goes back to the oil and elements it came from, or the gubmint tells me I can't!

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