Faults:
Engine leaking/consuming oil (since I got it).
Rust developed in the engine compartment causing water leaks and engine overheating.
Transmission completely went at 110000 (left me stranded o the side of the road).
Steering became too heavy.
Brake discs and drums very rusty.
Carburettor needs to be rebuilt.
Interior trim falling apart.
A/C blowing hot air.
A few electrical faults, bulbs, lousy radio reception..etc..
General Comments:
This car has been totally unreliable, things keep blowing away at such a (relatively) low mileage.
Fuel consumption is way too high for such a small car (or a small plane for that mater), thanks to the dated fragile carburettor instead of a fuel-injected engine.
The interior is very basic and the dashboard is made up of annoyingly cheap plastic with a few rattles, gauges are crappy (with no rpm).
Body seems to dent easily enough and is really light, coupled with the lack of safety features (no ABS, no airbags), the good deal of wheel spin and the noticeably bad handling in the wet makes for a very unsafe ride..
On the plus side, the car is peppy and the auto transmission is smooth enough (although it's a 3-speed with no overdrive). The paint job is not bad either.
This car can be summed up as a basic A-B transportation (city driving only) that completely ignores safety and comfort/features. I think it is really not up to standards and that every effort has been made to cut the cost of this car.
8th May 2008, 19:07
The '96 Tercel is throttle body fuel injected. It did not have a carburetor.