DX coupe owners: 1) 28 yrs, 2) refurbished car throughout, 3) preserved/upgrades
1992 Toyota Tercel DX
1992 Toyota Tercel Coupe (74,661 miles, automatic, 35mpg)
Note: links for more photos and a run video are found at the end of this narrative and also here:
Note: the eBay, Auto-check report errors are: 1) the last reported Auto-check mileage is incorrect at 105k. This was revised by Carfax correctly to 60,026 on same date after I provided proof of incorrect mileage entry by Auto Svc Group in Greensboro NC via submission of multiple service records (one month before and one month after the service date - see attached Carfax image. The 78 records of the entire service history and mileage(s) from new are included in the sale. 2) the original owner purchased her Tercel in 1992 (the year of manufacture), not 1997 as reported. 3) the 3rd owner (me) titled the car in FL, not NC.
o Original owner (28 years): Ms. Peggy Fine purchased her new car at Rice Toyota World in Greensboro NC on 09Mar1992. She had the car serviced locally at intervals more frequent than the factory recommended maintenance (68 service records included). The only repair other than maintenance service was replacement of the front axles at 50k miles. She had the car repainted in the original color (Super Red) in 2013. The car is shiny with no rust anywhere. Carfax report shows the last reported mileage was 60,026 on 12May2018.
o Second Owner (1.5 years): Robert P. purchased the Tercel from Ms. Fine’s estate in 2018. Although his ownership term was relatively short and the car only had 60k miles, he had the car mechanically refurbished to new specification as was his desire (10 records totaling $4,078 are included in the additional photo link).
§ Rebuilt automatic transaxle and torque converter
§ Air conditioning system converted to R134A
§ Timing belt, seals, water pump, coolant, brakes bled, thermostat replaced, valves adjusted and cam cover gasket replaced.
§ Suspension replaced: KYB struts, rear shocks
§ Wheel bearings replaced
§ Michelin Defender 185/70-14 tires on MC alloy rims replaced the factory 13†original steel wheels.
§ Kenwood voice activated (microphone is attached on instrument nacelle) radio and premium JBL speakers.
o Present Owner (2 years): a collector of vintage cars and motorcycles purchased the car in 04Apr2020 with 73,493 miles. The little car’s coupe styling, reputation, like new condition, the fact that the previous owner essentially refurbished the car, and that it first belonged to the proverbial librarian for so many years caught my interest. The Tercel is titled/registered in Florida and covered under a Collector Car Insurance policy. It is now 30 years old and eligible for an Antique License Plate.§ Sourced a new old stock Toyota Tercel Console for convenient arm rest and storage.
§ Replaced the center dome light cover (genuine Toyota part)
§ Replaced the left door check assembly (genuine Toyota part)
§ Luggage compartment trim with genuine part
§ A/C serviced in April 2022 due to loose low side valve connection (recharged with R134A refrigerant and compressor oil). The system is fully functional.
§ Mobil 1 extended service 10W-40 oil and Mobil 1 filter in 2021 (very few miles used since then).
§ Added “vent wings†to top of both doors for ventilation
§ Added door pockets to both doors (slim, functional pockets from Toyota HiLux Pickup).
§ Added front seat covers to front seats to preserve them in their like new condition. The rear seat has never been used by children or pets.
§ Added front and rear rubber floor mats to keep the original carpeting in like new condition.
§ The car is used infrequently so desiccant is kept inside with the windows closed.
§ Original Owner’s Manual in glovebox.
§ Drink holders fold out from lower dash console.
§ Replaced wet cell battery with maintenance-free Optima Red Top AGM battery.
o Impressions:
With the new suspension and fat tires the car handles much like a sports car. The engine has a nice, smooth note when revved, the transmission has good shift points for the engine’s power band and is easy to modulate with throttle inputs, the brakes are strong and well-modulated with a firm pedal, and the power steering precise and responsive (not over assisted at speed). All-in-all, a very Miata-like diving experience (I have the last year of the 1st series M Edition in FL and the last year of the 2nd series LS Edition here in NC). The Tercel handles better than my Triumph TR6 on the mountain roads and the mileage consistently averages over 30mpg.
The two door styling is appealing and looks more European (small BMW-like) than Japanese (Celica/Supra), especially from ¾ rear/side view. The grated lower grill is reminiscent of an Italian GT. Overall, the style is timeless and not dated – compact, functional and pleasing with rounded corners and a comfortable cabin. The model that replaced it has an ungainly, high trunk lid. It lost the clean, rounded lines of this 92'.
It would be fun to take this little car to Vintage Japanese Car Events, or as a reliable 2nd or 3rd car to be used as needed for many years.
o Faults:
Small dent on RR quarter panel, paint chip on front spoiler, paint crease on R bumper cover end (minor accident reported), dent on one rim (no tire air loss), curb rash on another rim, some paint overspray on one door edge (see 196 photos).More Photos, click here Run Video, click here
- Make: Toyota
- Model: Tercel
- SubModel: Coupe
- Type: Coupe
- Trim: DX
- Year: 1992
- Mileage: 74661
- VIN: JT2EL43B4N0191116
- Color: Original "Super Red" color respray
- Engine size: 1500, sohc, 12 valve
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Power options: Air Conditioning
- Fuel: 87 octane gasoline
- Transmission: Automatic
- Interior color: Gray
- Options: Premium Kenwood w voice activation
- Vehicle Title: Clean Want to buy? Contact seller!
