Used 1998 Toyota Tercel Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Tercel, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tercel since its last redesign.
The rarest model
Jay, 01/20/2022
1997 Toyota Tercel CE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
So my girlfriends first car was a 97' Sedan with the 4-speed automatic transmission, I will come back to this and it will make sense. It was her first car her dad bought her from a used car dealership for $4200. Interior was terrible, really just stained all over other than that in good shape. The exterior was pristine as was it mechanically but it had 215,000 miles and those ultra cheap skinny tires that looked like the front tire on a motorcycle rounded and all. For the next 2 years she drove it putting another 23,000 on it and ultimately went from hating it to loving how much fun it was to drive (after I put 4 regular tires on it for her). I drove it every chance I could they arent fast but its like driving an enlarged go cart around and if you were going uphill and had the A/C on you could turn it off and both feel and hear the car go faster. After that 2 years I bought her a new car and she gave me the Tercel I kept it as my 2nd vehicle for another 2 years and then gave it to my friends brother who had just got his liscense and needed a car. At that point its had 260,000 miles and he got it up to 285,000-288,000 before totaling it about a year and a half later. In that time other than regular maintenance the only thing that had to be replaced was a CV axle and seatbelt connecter. Guys driving Tercels always would stop and ask where we found a 4 door 5th generation because apparently this was the most sought after one and tell us if we ever wanted to sell it they would gladly buy it. Some even made offers on the spot well over what the car was worth (around $1500 at the time). The reliability on these things is legendary and if you can find a 1997 Toyota Tercel CE 4-door Sedan buy it for the $500-$1000 the person wants drive it around and just wait until you see anyone else driving a Tercel then simply drive past them or park near them and Im sure you will be able to sell it to one of them for at least double what you paid.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Flawless
Flawless, 05/04/2009
1997 Toyota Tercel Limited Edition 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used in 2008, and it has been outstanding. It was driven from Florida to San Antonio, where I bought it and then driven back to FT. Benning, GA. I travel a lot and have already put 24,000 miles on it. Besides having excellent gas mileage it is very durable and dependable. I hit a deer doing 45 mph and still drove the car home without any damage to the engine. I only had to replace the hood and driver's side headlight. I have no doubt that this car would make a long trip at any given time. Toyotas have always been good products.
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See all 0 listingsI'm a believer
govinda, 02/24/2003
1997 Toyota Tercel CE 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've driven this car for four years, put 60,000 miles on it...it's as good as gold. My only complaint is that the A/C could be colder. Had no repairs, just basic maintenance.
Toyota For Life
emily joones, 08/13/2010
1997 Toyota Tercel CE 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've have driven all the American vehicle more than once but, I never dreamed that a Toyota would change my mind about driving. I have driven my '97" tercel for 2 yrs. W/o any major problems. I accumulated close to 300,000 miles. Love the dependability especially when your grandchildren are expecting to attend their sporting events. You have my vote for value.
Its not a bad first car to buy
TJ2002, 07/09/2003
1997 Toyota Tercel Limited Edition 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I thinkt hat if a car can last through a highschoolers driving performance, thenit must be a good car. The only problems I have had with this car is that it can be a bit noisy when it idles. Otherwise, it drives quite well/comfortably (for what it is) and especially for the price. I woudl suggest a car like this for any new driver!