"Cool" car guys aren't supposed to admit that they like basic economy cars from yesteryear, but I'm not cool, so I guess I'll just go out and admit that I do a double take when a clean Toyota Tercel rolls by and I'm a sucker for the hatchback version that hasn't been hacked up by some Pimp My Ride wannabe. Find this 1988 Toyota Tercel offered for $3300 in San Jose, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!
What could be better than driving a high mile version of a classic Japanese coupe with a manual gearbox and some sweet 80s style? Yeah...getting that same car with low miles and in mint condition for peanuts. Find this 1989 Toyota Tercel offered for $5700 in South San Francisco, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.
This next car comes from tipper Matt C who writes: I don't know how or why somebody managed to keep a 1982 Toyota Tercel in such good condition; most Japanese cars from that era would at least be showing some interior wear beyond the steering wheel, or faded or dinged paint. Plus, this one is an SR5 with a manual transmission, and period-correct rocker panel graphics. Find this 1982 Toyota Tercel Corolla offered for $2900 in Marietta, GA via craigslist.
This next car comes from DT regular Safety Fast who writes: Behold the 1984 Toyota Tercel 'Malaise Edition' in beautiful, vibrant beige. This car was not included in the "Oh what a feeling!" advertising campaign of the time because the feeling it gave owners was sadness. With long-term ownership, this feeling eventually morphed into serious doubt and deep depression. No radio was fitted in this car because Toyota did not offer one with the necessary wattage to effectively drown out a driver's pained wails and loud sobs. The low miles on this example are likely due to the owner's shame and fear of being seen driving it on public roads. However, with $3,500 and a Prozac prescription, the next owner can enjoy a very well-preserved example of Reagan-era hopelessness. See a better way to give up? Find this 1984 Toyota Tercel Hatchback offered for $3,500 in SF Bay Area, CA via craigslist.
How often do you run into classic 80s Japanese cars with all-wheel-drive that aren't total wrecks or complete piles of rust? Not very often...well...actually we try and post those all the time around here, but I'm still regularly surprised. Find this 1983 Toyota Tercel 4wd offered for $3,200 near Boise, ID via craigslist. Tip from Fuel Truck.
Photos of cars being used for their intended purpose greatly strengthens the persuasive argument come selling time, even if slightly abusive. Would you rather buy a Chevelle that you knew wasn't too tired to do a burnout via photographic evidence? How about a Tercel throwing snow over its trapezoidal silhouette? Hell yes, please, on both counts. Find this 1984 Toyota Tercel 4WD for sale in Concord, NC for $1,800 via craigslist.
Find this 1984 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD here on eBay offered for $3,977 buy-it-now or make-offer located in San Diego, CA.
The 4th generation Toyota Tercel was a budget economy car with a reputation for being plasticy, slow, and not very fun...but at the same time they are reliable and able to absorb constant abuse. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a beater, but what if you could find one where somebody turned up the heat? Like this 1992 Toyota Tercel 4AGE Swap offered for $800 in Westchester, NY via craigslist. Tip from Cory.
Only Toyota would have the nerve to offer three different subcompact cars at the same time in the early 1980s, the E70 Corolla, 1st gen Starlet, and 1st gen Tercel. The Tercel was the first of the Toyota lineup to go front-wheel-drive, but it was also the lightest and cheapest. Find this 1981 Toyota Tercel offered for "make an offer" in Duluth, MN via craigslist.
The S20 generation Toyota Tercel wagon is like an ugly duckling that wasn't a swan when it grew up, but a turkey vulture. No matter how you try and spin it, this is one car that fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. But, this giant burrito shaped (and colored) wagon might just be ugly enough to be cool. Find this 1984 Toyota Tercel Wagon offered for $3,350 in Santa Barbara, CA via craigslist.
