1991 Toyota Tercel Base 1.5 (?) L from North America

Summary:

Fast and reliable car

Faults:

The vinyl seats are not in great shape.

I have a oil leak coming from the valve covers or the oil pan gasket; not major, just like 3 drops of oil on the driveway.

Other than that, everything that has gone wrong is expected wear and tear on a car that has been driven.

General Comments:

She is a fast little car. It has nothing extra done to the motor, but I did change the air intake system, and that does help a lot, considering I live in Colorado, and driving in the mountains really does hurt any car.

The Tercel is not a real performance car, but it is possible to change 3 things, and have it be comparable or even out perform a Honda Civic with a larger engine.

It is a good car, and if you are looking for a car that is reliable and can be customized to be a competitive race car, this is the one for you. But you have to get the base model if you want any room to play with the motor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd November, 2003

8th Jun 2010, 16:36

Fast!!!??? Have you ever been in or driven any other kind of car? These are good cars, but fast, no. I guess compared to a bicycle maybe.

1991 Toyota Tercel from North America

Summary:

For simple, dependable, economical fun while running errands, it's hard to beat

Faults:

When I first bought it from a neighbor the valve cover gaskets leaked oil enough to require that I fix it right away.

I have had problems with the door handles. One would think that such a reliable auto would have better than very breakable plastic parts inside the door that are mechanically used to lock and open the door.

The paint on the original rims has become spoiled and come off in places, making the wheels look shoddy.

General Comments:

Don't get the 4 speed manual if you drive out of town on the highway often. It gets pretty wound up at 60 mph.

I love the reliability of the drive train and the economy. Mine still has a good gray paint job going for it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th September, 2003

5th Apr 2004, 07:49

It seems that people know absolutely nothing. Having a 4 speed as compared to the 5 speed does not allow for higher rev driving, in fact it does the opposite. When going from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd etc. there is more of a gap in a 4 speed than in a 5 speed. This means that the rpms will drop more in a 4 speed than in a 5 speed for every gear change. As far as final drive gear, a 5 will let you drop it down lower than the 4 speed, but if you like the higher revs you can leave it in 4th.

1991 Toyota Tercel DX from North America

Summary:

A sweet deal of a car

Faults:

When I got the car, the oil pan/transmission gasket was leaking, and needed replaced. (77,000 miles).

The fluids needed flushed.

General Comments:

This car is nice to drive, especially for those with not a lot of driving experience.

It gets very good gas mileage, about 35 miles to the gallon.

It takes a while to get it up to a high speed when going down a freeway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st September, 2003

1991 Toyota Tercel LE 4 Cylinder from North America

Summary:

A Great Car

Faults:

Lots of repairs to the car were made over the years: new AC, muffler, exhaust pipe, gaskets, stereo system, brakes, etc. The interior is pretty crappy, but looks fine with seat covers.

General Comments:

The overall car is a hell of a bargain... Good gas mileage, withstands accidents well, keeps on going.

I had this car for 8 years and it was in 2 accidents, a tornado, and it keeps on going. It's had its share of problems, but overall, it's a very reliable car. It's a shame Toyota stopped making it because these cars don't die.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th May, 2003

1991 Toyota Tercel from North America

Summary:

Just won't die!

Faults:

Windshield Wiper Motor at 180,000 KM, and has to put in a new Radiator at 200,000.

General Comments:

This has been the most reliable car I have ever owned.

I keep waiting for it to die so I can get a new Toyota, but so far no luck!!!

Not very quick and tends to burn oil, but not bad considering the amount of mileage on it.

Seats can be somewhat uncomfortable on long trips, but they are functional just like the car.

I highly recommend getting one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th April, 2003