Used 1995 Toyota Tercel Consumer Reviews
The day my best friend died
I bought a brand new Tercel after I got out of college. And last week after 13 years and 280k miles, she was driven into a cow by my husband. By accident. That car rocked! I swear, she would've gone another 150k. And who needed a hybrid? She got 35/40 with absolutely no pampering. No major mechanical issues. A few clutches (my fault, not hers) and normal maintenance. Totally noisy and not the coolest looking ride but I'll remember this car forever. We'll probably get like $20 from the insurance company but she was priceless.
Cheap fun drive
This car is akin to the Honda Civic. While not as sporty or as good looking as the Civic, this car is just as reliable but surprisingly better on gas. 35 mpg or almost 400 miles on for 10 gal is a pleasure. Easy to work on. I would have no difficulty suggesting that someone buy this car.
Just Go!
I bought this Tercel with 122000 miles on it. Now at 131000. My other vehicle blew a head gasket and I needed a car like right now. Was going to use it for the holidays travel to the midwest then fix the other and sell the Tercel. Not on your life!! I love this car! I was getting 42.5 mpg averaging 75 to 90 mph. I had to pull my foot out of it a lot or speed on. Around home here on secondary roads it will get up to 45.2 mpg averaging 50 to 60 mph but with the air cond. on!. All ive had done was a spark plug change, oil services and a water pump change. I now drive the Tercel all summer and my other 4x4 in winter and garage the Tercel. I love it!
Best car I ever owned
This car handles like a second skin. Bought it with 30K miles in 2006 from a little old lady who only drove it on Sunday. It looks and drives like brand new. My mechanic replaced the (age-cracked original) tires and (original) battery and (original) filters and (original) timing/fan belts and flushed the cooling system, then told me it will last me the rest of my life with proper maintenance since I rarely drive. It has much better pick-up than my 1988(?) 2.3 liter economy Mustang hatchback had, and much better mileage too with less road noise and best of all nothing is broken on this, not even the heater core that leaked 3 times on the Mustang before I just left the thing in a junkyard.
Best Car Ever
After having the 1996 version of this car, when I sold my 2000 Hyundai Sonata, I had to find another Tercel. This car is in need of minor repairs (wheel hub/bearings, CV 1/2 shaft, valve cover gasket), but that's to be expected. I'm sure it could use a tune up. It's still getting 33 mpg; I drive mostly highway. This car needs a name...