Used 1994 Toyota Tercel Consumer Reviews
The Little Car that Could!
I bought this as my first real car 5 years ago and have since put 50,000 miles on it. It doesn't have much power (having the manual lets you strangle every ounce out of it), but it gets you there in the end. Reliability has been almost perfect, the only thing I had to change was the starter motor. It burns about 1/3 quart of oil per tank, but I can live with that. My biggest complaint against the car is that it is not good for tall drivers, I'm 6'4", and on long trips it destroys my back. It has only been recently that I have been driving a lot, I got a new job where I drive 500 miles a week, so sadly the car had to go. But if you're just looking for a basic car that doesn't break, this is it.
Starter car
I'm 18 I got this car a little over a year ago its great. I have 235,000 miles on it and I take it on a 420 mile round trip (avg mpg 42) every other week. I live in the bay and force it to drive fast. It sounds a little rough when giving it gas but it has never given out and always starts. We own two of these because they are great cars. I have 3 other friends with this car and they all have over 270,000 miles. The car handles great I took a turn 20 mph turn at 55 learned all the weight is in the front.
Carol's Tercel
Bought used from a seller 4 years ago, I love the car, no problems at all. Very reliable
Cheap and Reliable....
For $2,500 there is not much better. I have the 5 speed (highly recommended). Good gas mileage, eats a little oil (normal for the Tercel) I have 230K on it (bought it last year with 178k) and it runs like a champ! I added lowering springs, 15" rims with low pro tires and a cold air intake and now it is almost quick. Slapped a $500 paint job on it, some tint and a sound system and I got new car looks and performance with no car note. I have only had to replace the water pump. I beat it up everyday and it wants more. Toyota sure knows what they are doing when they build cars. I bet it will run to 300K, stay tunned.
best for college students
How amazing it is seeing the fuel meter go slowly. I use this car to go to college and its amazing on how economical it is. Its a bit slow when full of people and cargo but when you are alone... let the good times roll. Is small to fit anywhere and it's reliable. Barely have mechanical problems with it.