A Happy Mobile: 1982 Toyota Corolla Tercel
I knew someone (well, still know her, truth be told) who an almost identical car and it was remarkable for being unremarkable aside from the happy yellow paint. The car was totally gutless, but reliable and got its passengers to/from destinations without fuss, fits, or air conditioning. Today’s example is technically the smaller Tercel subcompact which means it has a front-longitudinal front-wheel-drive setup, but with sub 75 horsepower, it really doesn’t matter which wheel (if any) is driven. DT featured this car in 2001 when it was offered for $3500 in LA area. Find this 1982 Toyota Corolla Tercel offered for $4000 in San Fernando Valley, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!
From the seller:
1982 Toyota Tercel
VIN: JT2AL21E5C3327569
condition: excellent
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: fwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 189403
paint color: yellow
size: compact
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: sedan
1982 Toyota Tercel
Clean Title
5 Speed Manual Transmission
Runs Goods
New rear Tires
New Rear Shock
New Fuel Pump
Great Condition!
Everything works, please be aware that although this car could be use a commuter for the last two years has been a collectible vehicle and used occasionally as a commuter vehicle.
See a better way to drive yellow with blue plates? tips@dailyturismo.com
Cockroaches. That’s all I can think about when I see one of these Tercels. Not only because they’re tough to kill but because about 40 years ago, my family rented a beige version of this same car in Hawaii and it had cockroaches in it. We quickly learned to keep the interior dome light on at night to try to scare away the little bastards. It’s still one of my strongest memories of the trip.