Andy Campbell’s 1985 Toyota Tercel is not your average ride. While it may seem unassuming at first glance, this vehicle holds a remarkable secret – it has traveled over 1.25 million kilometers, a distance equivalent to circling the Earth 31 times or journeying to the moon three times over.
Campbell acquired the Tercel in 1990 with 125,000 kilometers on the odometer for $2,500. Since then, it has been his faithful daily driver, racking up a minimum of 120 kilometers each day commuting between his home in Wyses Corner, N.S., and Halifax. Even in retirement, Campbell continues to use the Tercel for local errands and longer trips within Atlantic Canada.
Despite its age, Campbell’s Tercel remains in exceptional condition due to his meticulous maintenance routine. He has replaced or repaired nearly every component himself, boasting a collection of spare parts acquired over the years. Campbell’s dedication to regular upkeep, including oil changes, lubrication, and undercoating, has preserved the vehicle’s longevity.
Not content with just one Tercel, Campbell recently acquired an ’86 model as a backup, emphasizing his practical approach to vehicle ownership. While he acknowledges that Tercels are often dubbed “rust buckets,” he credits his diligent application of grease to prevent corrosion.
Campbell’s enduring love for his Tercel extends beyond mere transportation; it represents reliability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance to him. Despite receiving offers from admirers to purchase his prized vehicle, Campbell remains steadfast in his refusal, declaring that his Tercel is irreplaceable.
In the province of Nova Scotia, Campbell is not alone in his dedication to the Tercel. Fellow long-hauler Jim George also cherishes his ’85 Tercel, albeit with fewer kilometers. The camaraderie among Tercel enthusiasts underscores the enduring appeal and remarkable resilience of these vehicles.
Campbell’s Tercel is not just a mode of transportation; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of a dedicated owner and the reliability of a classic vehicle.