What is the mpg on a 1982 Toyota Tercel?
The typical highway mileage for a 1982 Toyota Tercel sits around 40–50 mpg, with city driving generally yielding about 30–40 mpg. Variations occur based on engine size, transmission, and how well the car is maintained.
During the early 1980s, automakers emphasized fuel efficiency in compact cars as a response to higher energy costs. The Tercel, introduced in the late 1970s and updated through the early 1980s, was designed to maximize economy with lightweight construction and small-displacement engines. EPA-era data and owner reports from that era provide a useful baseline for what buyers could expect in typical daily driving.
Estimated mpg by configuration
This list reflects common setups found in the US market for the 1982 Tercel and the mpg ranges typically associated with those configurations. Exact numbers vary with maintenance, tires, and driving style.
Common configurations
- Manual transmission (4- or 5-speed) with the era’s smaller engines: highway roughly 45–50 mpg; city around 35–40 mpg.
- Automatic transmission: highway roughly 40–45 mpg; city around 30–35 mpg.
Real-world results could differ based on a variety of factors, including road conditions and how well the vehicle was tuned. These figures offer a practical frame of reference for those studying vintage fuel economy.
Other factors that influence mpg on a vintage Tercel
Beyond basic configuration, several elements can push fuel economy higher or lower. The following factors are commonly cited by owners and restorers as having the biggest impact on a 1982 Tercel’s efficiency.
Key factors
- Engine condition and tune-up status (spark plugs, timing, vacuum leaks)
- Tire pressure and rolling resistance (tire type and inflation)
- Aerodynamics and weight (load, roof racks, aftermarket add-ons)
- Driving habits (gentle acceleration, steady cruising, avoiding excessive idling)
- Maintenance history (fuel system, air filter, emissions controls)
Maintaining proper tune, appropriate tire pressures, and mindful driving can help a Tercel approach the upper end of the listed ranges, while neglect or heavy loads can reduce efficiency.
Summary
The 1982 Toyota Tercel is remembered as a fuel-efficient compact from its era. In typical conditions, highway mpg is commonly cited in the 40s to near 50, with city mpg commonly in the 30s, and manual transmissions generally offering better mileage than automatics. Real-world results depend on configuration and upkeep, but the model remains a benchmark for early-80s efficiency in daily driving.
In short, if you own or are considering a 1982 Tercel, expect mpg in the low- to mid-40s on the highway for automatic versions and higher for manual versions, with city driving usually in the 30s to low 40s. With proper maintenance and careful driving, these classic subcompacts can still deliver respectable fuel economy for enthusiasts and collectors.
What is the fuel consumption of Toyota Tercel?
Average fuel consumption per 100 km 5.2 l. The fuel tank, l. 5.2 l.
How many miles per gallon does a Toyota Tercel get?
Fuel Economy
| City | 29 mpg |
|---|---|
| Highway | 36 mpg |
| Combined | 32 mpg |
What are common Tercel problems?
One common issue is the need to replace the oxygen sensor when servicing the EGR system, which can be a bit of a hassle but is manageable with regular maintenance. Overall, as long as you keep up with these kinds of repairs, the Tercel can still be a dependable ride.
What Toyota gets 100 MPG?
It's sized similarly to the Nissan Juke. But with Toyota's unmistakable. Design language giving it a distinct character on the road pop the hood.
