1998 Toyota Tercel Review

Tercel is good and slow

Written by: lhuser on 06/04/2009

Vehicle

1998 Toyota Tercel 2 Dr CE Sedan

Review

Bought the car in '08. Never let me down, all is working, but the seatbelt sensor, and I had to put new brakes on. Never failed to start, and doesn't look like it will. Cheap to fix. Only problem is in the interior. Since it's a small car (I have the 4Dr...not the 2), it's limited in space, and the cup holders are horrible for a Tim Horton's XL coffee. No arm rest.

Favorite Features

Always reliable, good looking design, and very tough car.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel gauge stinks. From the half tank, you need 20 bucks to fill it up, and from empty to half, you need 10. Interior is not as comfy as my Camaro.

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Used 1998 Tercel

Written by: Ray on 08/04/2006

Vehicle

1998 Toyota Tercel 2 Dr CE Sedan

Review

My girlfriend and I were shopping for a car and almost leased a new Mazda 3 sport GS. We opted instead for a 1998 Tercel CE metallic black on gray w/ AC. The car came with Blizzak snow tires on 13" rims (1998s came with 14"). The car is in amazing condition, especially inside. The cloth seats show no wear at all after 7 years! I replaced the snow tires with 13" Goodyear Allegras and the ride, handling and road noise all improved. The A/C blows cold (just a bit weak during the 36-37c heat wave). I have owned $55k BMW 3 series among other things and I am VERY impressed with this car. There are no squeaks and rattles!

Favorite Features

Excellent ride, good A/C, good mileage, excellent build quality.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the clunky shift linkage and improve the A/C strength slightly for very hot climates.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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affordable ride

Written by: jdb on 10/15/2005

Vehicle

1998 Toyota Tercel 2 Dr CE Sedan

Review

Bought new in Feb., 1998. NEVER been in the shop for needed repairs other than when I hit a deer. New hood & new grill but no engine damage when I hit the deer. I currently have near 126,000 miles. I use mobil 1 oil & hope to get many more miles out of it.

Favorite Features

good gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

Road noise audible when tires wear down.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Bring back the Tercel

Written by: northerner1965 on 09/23/2005

Vehicle

1998 Toyota Tercel 2 Dr CE Sedan

Review

I love this car! 50 can mpg. 400,000 kms in 8 years. Changed oil every 5000kms and tune up and tires every 100,000. Thats it! Haven't even replaced a light bulb yet! Why would they stop making a car like this? Hell I even pull a tent trailer in the summer! It's bullet proof!

Favorite Features

Simple, economical, reliable and performs well in all conditions.

Suggested Improvements

It really can't be improved. It's oddities make it what it is.

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Wave of the future

Written by: 98Tercel on 04/08/2004

Vehicle

1998 Toyota Tercel 2 Dr CE Sedan

Review

This car is awesome. It get around 40mpg, rarely has a problem, and handles great. The design resembles that of BMW or Honda, but without the possiblity of confusing it with another car due to it's unique look. With gas prices hitting $2 a gallon, this car is great for both everyday commuting and long road trips. It's light weight makes up for any lack in horsepower, giving it the great mileage and quick acceleration.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage, good acceleration, A/C, ease of parking.

Suggested Improvements

Toyota: stop making the Echo and bring back the Tercel. It's a much nicer looking vehicle. Then offer a hybrid option that gets 70mpg.

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