Faults:

Routine maintenance.

That's about it aside from a replaced side-view mirror which was damaged in a minor accident.

Nothing else went wrong with the car.

General Comments:

This car was great. The engine was powerful enough to give this car quick acceleration while at the same time giving amazing gas mileage. The tires are a little thin and the tires skid easily as a result. The transmission is good and provides smooth shifts. Again, it doesn't have a lot of power, but its quick.

Faults:

The radiator fan burned out at some 135,000 mi. Cost at a dealership $360.

Replacement of the ball bearings and brake assemblies at some 145,000 mi. Cost $780.

On late 2001, about 156,000 mi., the MAP (mass airflow pressure) and oxygen sensors conked out, and the car revved unpredictably. Cost >$900.

The inboard computer blew a circuit simultaneously and was repaired (not exchanged or discarded). (Cost included in sensor job.)

The front struts have been replaced once. Cost $365.

Lost 5th gear - worn synchronizer - on Sept. 2002 (185,000 mi.) but the other 4 speeds work well!

All other jobs have been maintenance, bodywork on 2 small fender benders, or wear and tear.

General Comments:

This is a fine handling, quite agile car especially for narrow roads and has good pickup in hills and corners. With good tires it is easily under driver's control. Just adequate brakes, though.

Somewhat short on interior room and the trunk is not very large.

Tends to be noisy, but doesn't worry you with strange sounds.

The overall reliability has been phenomenally good. In fact it still has its original clutch. The alternator has never discharged, and there have been no fluid leaks until about 4,000 mi. ago with oil, and then that may be a botched-up lube job (badly fastened filter).

Faults:

A leaking engine seal that was repaired under warranty.

General Comments:

Just a great way to get from point A to point B cheaply and inexpensively. The front seats are comfortable for two adults when there are no adult rear seat passengers.

I have four studded snow treads on this car and it will go anywhere. It's very sure footed in the winter. My daughter drives it and will take it to college. I plan on it serving her until she has a job and can by her own Toyota!

Faults:

Seat covers look very worn out. Dust got inside the speedometer lens.

General Comments:

This is the best little car ever. It runs, it takes very little gas to run it, and more importantly makes the owner very happy just for being so reliable.

F.Y.I. I own the 2 door manual speed model of Tercel. And man, I am telling you I have a blast with this car. It blew my 1999 Mazda Protege and my girlfriend's 1996 Honda Civic.

Faults:

It has had no problems at all, just maintenance routine.

Front struts have to be replaced at 50,000 km due to an enormous pothole I fell into.

Sometimes the engine stalls, mostly on morning and when engine hasn't warmed up utterly.

The front door handles have to be replaced on both sides (they broke up so easily..)

General Comments:

It's a very reliable car, very economical and a really good choice for the ones who have a tight budget and don't want to be messing around with mechanics and all that stuff. Sometimes it lacks of power, specially when you have to overtake another car; and for example when you run fast, then brake hard and afterwards you accelerate, the loss of initial power is significant. The engine is very willing (impressive power for a little 1.3 gasoline) but the 3-speed automatic transmission simply drops all possibilities to enjoy a bit of real driving excitement. The Tercel is the best option for the ones who want reliable and economic transportation with a moderate sacrifice in the comfort side; Toyota reliability is simply bullet-proof.